Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas offers sailings that span the globe and we have a few lesser-known tidbits about Explorer of the Seas that you may want to know about prior to getting onboard.
Hot tub in the spa
Walking around Explorer of the Seas' pool deck, you will find some great pool options including the ever popular hot tub. Did you know there is a bonus hot tub in the Vitality Fitness Center that you can use anytime?
Located at the entrance of the Fitness Center is a rather large hot tub that is available for use by all guests. Not only is this hot tub larger than the ones on the pool deck, but it also is great if the weather outdoors is not exactly pool weather.
Complimentary sauna and steam rooms
Speaking of the Fitness Center, Explorer of the Seas also offers complimentary steam room and sauna room access.
Right across from the aforementioned hot tub is the Fitness Center changing rooms, which also have access to the steam and sauna rooms. Feel free to use either venue during your cruise, as there is no additional cost to them on Explorer of the Seas.
Restrooms with a view
In places like Alaska, where the view outdoors never ceases to amaze, you may want a great view outdoors all the time. On Explorer of the Seas, the men's and women's restroom on deck 11 aft offer not only the necessary facilities, but also a fantastic view outside.
A floor-to-ceiling window greets guests in the public restroom outside the Windjammer.
Peek-A-Boo bridge
One of the best features of Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class ships has to be is the Peek-A-Boo bridge feature, where guests can peer into the bridge of Explorer of the Seas almost any time.
The observation window allows guests to look down onto the bridge and observe what the officers are up to in their daily navigational duties.
To reach the Peek-A-Boo bridge, head up to deck 11 and walk past the sliding doors that go forward of the Solarium and do not seem to lead anywhere.
From there, keep walking forward until you reach the front of the deck and you will see an area that provides a view of the bridge.
Find the ship's Godmother
It is not difficult to locate, but there is a small plaque notating Explorer of the Seas' Godmother, Three-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
Every Royal Caribbean cruise ship has a ceremonial Godmother, who is selected to christen a new cruise ship when it launches. Joyner-Kersee, who became the first woman to score 7,000 points in the 1986 heptathlon, was the second Olympian to christen a Royal Caribbean ship, following figure skater Katarina Witt.
You can find a plaque dedicated to Ms. Joyner-Kersee on Deck 4 near the aft elevator bank.
Couch in Windjammer
If you are looking for arguably the most comfortable spot to enjoy the many bounties found in the Windjammer, try one of the tables that offers couch seating.
Towards the back of the Windjammer in the aft seating area, you will find a few tables that offer a couch on either side of the table. Don't dawdle, because these seats go quickly.
Main dining room design
While dining in the main dining room, be sure to check out the amazing art and design of the main dining room of Explorer of the Seas.
The stunning three-level formal dining room on Explorer of the Seas is linked by a grand staircase, dramatic fluted, gold-leaf columns, golden velvet curtains, and a domed ceiling with a gold sky burst rays. The Sapphire Dining Room features a gilded sunburst of gold and silver leaf that bathes the three-story dining room in a luxurious glow.
A series of intricate mosaics adorn the walls (covering an area of 663 sq. ft.) of the dining rooms. The murals, rendered in stone and glass mosaic, depict the constellations in the night skies present at the time of their global discoveries.
Helipad
Whether you are looking for the perfect spot for sail away, or just a great place to enjoy the view, Explorer of the Seas' helipad is the perfect location.
Located on the bow, guests can walk to the helicopter pad and enjoy the unobstructed views that you can only get from the helicopter pad.
From the helicopter pad, guests can enjoy a near 360-degree view of what is surrounding Explorer of the Seas.
To access the helicopter pad, go outside on deck 5 and then walk forward, climb up a set of stairs and continue walking forward until you reach the helicopter pad.
Did we miss any Explorer of the Seas secrets? Share them in our comments!
