Explorer of the Seas – now Australia’s largest based ship

Royal Caribbean International’s newest and largest Australian based ship, Explorer of the Seas has emerged from a multimillion revitalisation six months ahead of her maiden Australian season.  After one of the largest revitalisation Royal Caribbean International has ever undertaken the ship now features virtually identical amenities and upgrades as twin sister ship Voyager of the Seas.  

Explorer of the Seas is slightly larger than sister ship Voyager of the Seas, so will claim her title of Australia’s largest based ship when she arrives in November 2015. Her 43 day makeover added a host of innovative cruising features similar to those found on Royal Caribbean’s newest Quantum and Oasis class ships, such as a FlowRider surf simulator, new stateroom categories including industry first Virtual Balcony staterooms with real time sights of the sea in interior staterooms and new Panoramic staterooms with floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows.

The ship has also been fitted with three new specialty dining restaurants – fresh sushi at Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria – as well as two new bars – the sophisticated and chic R Bar and a new sports bar, The Tavern, as well as a new Diamond Club for Crown & Anchor Loyalty members. The ship has been updated with the latest technology features, including ship-wide WiFi, Digital Wayfinders to help guests navigate around the ship, flat panel televisions in every stateroom and a new “print on demand” in the onboard Focus Photo Gallery.

“Royal Caribbean International has always – and continues to – bring the largest, newest and most feature packed ships to Australia. We are thrilled to have a second, newly revitalised Voyager Class ship sailing locally this year with incredible features and amenities that you will only find on a Royal Caribbean cruise,” said Sean Treacy, commercial director, Royal Caribbean Asia Pacific.

“We are committed to giving our Australian guests the very best when they sail with us. That’s why we have invested over US$300 million over the last few years revitalising our entire Australian fleet to ensure our guests have the newest and most imaginative ships on their doorstep.”

Explorer of the Seas also had a complete refresh of all her public rooms and staterooms, with carpets, furnishings, drapes and more replaced to offer a virtually new ship.

The Voyager class of ships offer unique experiences for those seeking imaginative cruise holidays and the ship will retain popular guest favourites such as the iconic ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a full-size basketball and sports court, and the Royal Promenade – an interior boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques where spectacular parades and evening dance parties are held.

The upcoming 2015/16 season will see Royal Caribbean International’s local capacity increase by almost 50 percent with four ships based in the region for the first time. Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will join Explorer of the Seas in Sydney offering a range of Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Asia sailings on 55 itineraries. While Legend of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean International’s very first ship to be based in Brisbane, offering an array of 17 attractive itineraries during her maiden season.

Royal Caribbean International also recently announced that Australia will welcome the first ever brand new cruise ship when it deploys Ovation of the Seas to Sydney for the peak summer season from December 2016. Currently under construction in Germany, the Quantum Class megaliner will not only claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home – carrying almost 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew – but also the most technologically advanced.  Ovation of the Seas redefines cruising in Australia, offering a host of incredible features and technologies, from an iFly sky diving experience, 18 distinct and different dining options – including Jamie Oliver’s first at sea – a robotic bar, high speed internet, bumper cars and the North Star – a glass viewing capsule which transports guests more than 91 metres above the ship for breathtaking 360 degree views.

Bookings for Ovation of the Seas’ maiden Australian season open mid-way through 2015, but guests are encouraged to register their interest at www.royalcaribbean.com.au/Ovation to be the first to receive information on her sailings down under when details are announced.

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Alison Carmichael-Rulten

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