Below is from "Cruise Reviews" To visit their website click on their name.
"You can never
be too rich or too thin," the old saying goes. But Royal Caribbean International
seems to be unabashedly modifying it to: "You can never be too big, or have
too many amenities!" The line's new, 142,000-ton Explorer of the Seas is the
second of a series reigning as the world's largest cruise ships (Voyager of
the Seas debuted in 1999; Adventurer of the Seas is expected in 2001), and
like her older sister, she proclaims that big is beautiful, action-packed
and exciting. Explorer's philosophy, in a nutshell, is the more amenities,
the merrier.
Unprecedented facilities include the first Atmospheric and Oceanographic Laboratories
on a cruise ship. This working science research lab, set up in affiliation
with the University of Miami Rosensteil School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, analyzes water chemistry,
studies air pollution and measures UV and solar radiation, among other projects.
Fun, interactive demonstrations that guests can enjoy include a touchable
iceberg and an infrared imaging system that shows heat areas in the body.
Passengers can also tour the laboratories, observe scientists at work, take
in seminars given by the scientists and feature movies, and participate in
science-based activities conducted by the cruise staff.
While
science is fun on Explorer, art is really big too on this behemoth that sports
a warmer decor with richer colors than on Voyager. Our favorites in Explorer's
impressive $11 million art collection were the works by famous Hollywood stars
including Tony Curtis, Peter Falk and Anthony Quinn.
Becoming an explorer on Explorer is easy: though huuuuge, the ship is well
laid-out and signage is excellent. The Royal Promenade is the main thoroughfare
packed with shops, dining and entertainment, stretching for more than the
length of a football field, with 10-deck and 11-deck atria on either end.
Guests can spend hours enjoying the street fair ambiance of the Royal Promenade
with its jugglers, comics and other 
entertainers;
shopping for souvenirs; enjoying a drink in its British-style pub, or a snack
at its cafe, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Among the other amenities
and choices in this colossal, option-rich vessel are the following:
Dining options - The dramatic, three-level formal dining room, like the one
on Voyager, is arguably the most stunning on a moderately priced vessel. Its
fluted, gold-leaf columns, ceiling dome with gold and silver rays and stars,
grand staircase, and gold velvet drapes are a sight to behold. Each level
is themed to a great explorer: Columbus, Da Gama and Magellan, with maps depicting
their journeys. Other dining options include a 24-hour Johnny Rockets, 1950s-style
no-fee diner (there is a charge of $3.60 for the milkshakes); the casual Windjammer
Cafe and Island Grill with buffet-style breakfasts and lunches (and buffet-and-table-service
dinner in the Windjammer); and Portofino, a romantic, 88-seat, reservations-only,
EuroItalian restaurant (fee is $15).
Recreational facilities - There is recreation galore. Those who wish to practice
their figure eights, can do so at Studio B with its 40 by 60 ft. no-fee ice
skating rink, where shows are also presented. Studio B, is also a varied entertainment
venue and features "Thring," an exhibit showcasing Eugene Thring's technology
that transforms abstract ideas into solid reality. An Outdoor Sports Deck
offers a no-fee rock climbing wall (200 ft. over the sea) designed for beginner
and advanced climbers. Other attractions for sports buffs include a mini-golf
course, driving range and golf simulators; full-length sports court for basketball,
paddleball or volleyball; and an inline skating track. There's a jogging track
and the main pool area has a bar, whirlpools, and bandstand.
Fitness areas - The spa complex, among the largest at sea, has guests crying
"Ole!" when they enter the 10,000 sq. ft. Spanish-themed Solarium (complete
with mosaics, fountains, greenery, bronzes of bullfighters and a bull). It
is a big, beautiful space with retractable glass dome, pool, two whirlpools
and cafe. The adjacent 15,000-sq. ft. Steiner-operated ShipShape Spa has 14
treatment rooms, sauna and steam, relaxation area, state-of-the-art gym and
aerobics area.
Entertainment
venues - Four decks high, with 1,350 seats, The Palace features excellent
sight lines and the latest in sound and lighting along with an opulent, opera-house
ambiance for Broadway-style revues. There is an array of lounges and bars
to suit every mood, including the hallmark Viking Crown Lounge, 14 decks above
the sea. Others include the Chamber, a nightclub inspired by a Gothic castle,
for late-night disco; the Aquarium Bar (complete with tanks filled with tropical
fish) for cocktails and conversation; and the nautical-inspired Schooner Bar
for piano music. The Weekend Warrior is a new feature in this class of vessel,
a sports bar with satellite dish, multiple televisions, pool table and arcade.
Explorer of the Seas departs every Saturday from Miami on seven-night Eastern
Caribbean cruises calling at Labadee, San Juan and St. Thomas through March
31-but with all that there is to do on board, the days at sea may steal the
show! Fares begin at $1,949.
Picture to Right is the
Explorer of the Seas Atrium