The New York Optimist
December 2008
Royal Caribbean International
“Explorer of the Seas”
Ellie Robyns
It is human nature to want to travel, to “explore.”

On Royal Caribbean’s “Explorer of the Seas” cruise ship, you can do just that! You will
leave from Cape Liberty, in Bayonne, NJ and have a choice of sailing north to the
breathtaking Canadian/New England region, south to beautiful Bermuda or discover the
warmth of the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

The Explorer of the Seas can accommodate over 3000 guests and offers enhanced
staterooms, expanded spa -style and vegetarian dining options, and extraordinary
recreational activities.

Did you know you can ice skate, rock climb and golf on this huge moving vessel? I
know it sounds difficult but you will be “riding the wave” in no time. You can indulge in
one of the many unique spa services or work out in the Explorer’s expanded and
modern fitness center.

Will you be onboard for a work related conference?  
Explorer of the Seas offers large meeting spaces and a reception area which can
accommodate up to 400 people. Their high-tech presentation rooms include
teleconferencing equipment, color touch screens and much more.

When you want to take a break from your day long conference, you can stroll the Royal
Promenade which practically extends from the front to the aft (back) of the ship.
The Royal Promenade, gives you a main street feel with shops cafes and lounges, and a
5 deck high ceiling that really is spectacular!

The ship’s information deck is also located on the Promenade level, where all guest
relation needs are addressed.

In keeping with the “explorer” theme, this “Voyager class” ship offers a unique and state
of the art atmospheric and oceanographic science lab. It is part of the University of
Miami Ocean lab and gives guests a sense of 3d, Being on the ocean and studying it
simultaneously is a unique educational experience. Adventure Ocean youth onboard
facilities offer similar experiences, just for kids and teens.

The Casino Royale  offers slot machines, poker and other card tournaments for adults.
Even as a observer, it was exciting to watch!

The nightlife was filled with “Cirque d soleil” style acts, colorful comedians and live
cabaret music.

Since there is always time for pampering yourself, a visit the Explorer’s Ship Shape Spa
will bring with it a completely therapeutic experience. The Spa specializes in the use of
natural and aromatherapy based products. The rose body scrub and steam is a must
have after a long day of sailing, or sightseeing on land. The staff is very knowledgeable
and accommodating.

Speaking of land tours and sightseeing, Bermuda is always the place to be. Royal
Caribbean sails there from May to November and the weather is temperate, topping out
about 80 at its high and in the 60s later in the season.

With so much to do in beautiful Bermuda, you can almost “miss the ship.” The Explorer
docks   for a day and a half at Kings Wharf, Bermuda. There you will find local shops,
rum cake tastings and Dolphin Quest. One of only three locations in the country,
Dolphin Quest Bermuda offers visitors the chance to visit with and/or swim with the
dolphins who are born and raised in the protected dockyard marina.

You can board another ferry to visit the main city of Hamilton, shop in Old Bermuda or
“explore” the pristine Spittal Pond Nature Preserve which borders both a beach and the
Atlantic Ocean!

There are always a wide variety of guests on board, from singles to families. Jdate had
over 150 people on this sailing and they offered numerous activites for both day and
evening. For casual or business purposes, you will find it all onboard the Explorer of the
Seas!

Visit:
www.royalcaribbean.com
www.bermuda.com
www.cruisecritic.com
www.jdate.com