The Explorer of the Seas is a luxury cruise liner launched by Royal Caribbean International.
It was built by Kvaerner at the Turku New Shipyard in Finland. The ship completed its maiden voyage in October 2000. The vessel has a passenger capacity of 4,290 and a crew capacity of 1,185, with a total number of 5,475 people on board. The cruising speed of the ship is 23.7k.
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The Explorer of the Seas is equipped with state-of-the-art ocean and atmospheric science laboratories. The laboratories aid the National Hurricane Center by providing meteorological data.
Explorer of the Seas features
Explorer of the Seas has a total length of 311.1m (1,020ft), a max beam of 157.5ft, a breadth of 38.6m (126ft) at waterline level (47.4m/155ft at the bridge wings) and a height from the keel to the funnel top of 72.3m (237ft). The cruise liner has a gross tonnage of 138,000t.
The main passenger cabins are on the second and third decks. The vast majority of the outside staterooms are fitted with a veranda. The stateroom size varies from 15m² to 45m² (plus balcony). The royal suite is 107m². Of the 1,557 staterooms, 1,077 (69%) have an outside view and 757 (49%) have balconies. Every stateroom has a mini-bar and a 19in TV.
The ship’s hospital is on Deck 1, with all necessary facilities for operations, X-ray, laboratory testing etc. It also has a garbage-handling equipment, obviating damping and discharging to sea. The systems includes a 1,600kW incinerator, a food waste system, a recycling and storage system for glass, metal, ash and paper, including a new automatic ash transport and packing process.
Business facilities are also located on Deck 6, with a service centre complete with PCs and internet connections. Above is the library, featuring a panoramic view overlooking the royal promenade and the online internet lounge. Above this is the concierge lounge and the largest guest staterooms, the wheelhouse, and the officer’s quarters.
Entertainment venues
The cruise liner features a four-deck high, 120m-long horizontal ‘royal promenade’ which is overlooked by 9% (138) of staterooms. Forward of the royal promenade is the connoisseur club and a secondary lounge seating 370, with a stage and dancing floor. The main passenger entrance and aquarium lobby bar are on Deck 4. To the fore of the aquarium bar is a casino with 300 slot machines, ten blackjack tables and the schooner bar. Opposite is the upper level of the chamber, which is a nightclub.
The palace theatre seats 1,350 guests, while nearby is studio B, a 900-seat show arena including retractable ice-skating. Behind the studio B is an art and photo gallery and broadcasting room.
On Deck 2 there is a multimedia screening room / cinema seating 60 persons, behind which is a large conference centre that has dedicated facilities, seating up to 400 guests.
Deck 11 contains two separated pool areas, four jacuzzis and one cooling pool, Deck 12 incorporates the children’s area and adventure beach, and Deck 13 is a sports deck. Deck 14 has a rock-climbing wall and bars while Deck 15 has a wedding chapel.
Propulsion of Explorer of the Seas
The main engines consist of six Wärtsilä 12V46C units, giving a total power of 75,600kW. These provide the power to three 14MW Azipod electric propulsion units. The two units on the sides are fully azimuthing, whereas the one at the centreline is a fixed unit. It incorporates an electric AC motor, located inside the propeller pod, which directly drives a fixed-pitch propeller. There are also four 3MW tunnel thrusters in the bow. The total propulsion power is 42,000kW.
The dynamic positioning system ensures no anchoring needed in sensitive coral areas.
The machinery is divided into two independent moieties for maximum availability. This layout includes a dual main machinery plant, fuel tanks, electric machinery, auxiliary systems, ventilation, piping, cabling and control and automation system.
There is a divided redundant main electric distribution and monitoring between the wheelhouse and control room, and between the two separated high-voltage switchboards. Also divided redundant are: a separate telephone, public addressing, and control and alarm systems.
Renovation of Explorer of the Seas
The Explorer of the Seas is expected to undergo a major refurbishment in 2020. The ship’s renovation will add a reimagined resort-style pool with Santorini’s cliffs from the top deck. The Perfect Storm℠ along with Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠ slides will offer three stories high water rides.
Other adventure activities will include surf sessions on the FlowRider® and glow-in-the-dark laser tag games.
A resort-style pool deck to be introduced will include two pools and three hot tubs.
The ship will also feature a Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen featuring authentic Tuscan cuisine. A Izumi Hibachi & Sushi will offer far east flavours, while Johnny Rockets will offer classic American finger foods and milkshakes.
The Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade at the ship will provide screens for watching sports along with options to play at the arcade.
