Explorer of the Seas

The main pool deck has two good-sized pools, extra-large hot tubs, a bandstand for deck parties and a massive screen for first-run movies and big games. A tiered area with day beds is reserved for suite guests, and there are pool bars on both levels. The running track loops around above it all. Forward, the adults-only Solarium (16 and up) adds a large pool with bench seating, two big shaded jacuzzis and padded loungers.

A recent dry dock added The Perfect Storm, twin racer waterslides called Typhoon and Cyclone, where the inline skating track used to be. They're complimentary, and so is the FlowRider surf simulator, which offers stand-up surfing and body boarding, with sessions split by skill level. Nearby are the sports court for basketball, dodgeball and three-on-three tournaments, the rock climbing wall refreshed in the same dry dock, and a newly renovated mini golf course that stays open late.

Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean's award-winning, drop-off kids program, open even on port days. Ages 3 to 5 get a play area with a little slide, 6 to 8 year olds get arts, crafts and science, and 9 to 12 year olds get a big open room for games, dance parties and movie nights. Late-night stays cost extra. Teens have their own club with a dance floor and lounges, plus an outdoor deck with ping pong. The arcade is an extra cost.

Izumi is Danny's happy place on any Royal Caribbean ship. On Explorer there's no hibachi, which Danny sees as a plus: the sushi bar is much bigger, so guests can watch the chefs at work. The menu covers rolls, sashimi and sushi, plus a teriyaki chicken bowl and chicken karaage. Large rolls are made for sharing as a family, and tables seat two to eight. It's a specialty restaurant and is included in the unlimited dining package.

Chops Grille, Royal Caribbean's original specialty restaurant, is the most popular on board and the largest, with booths, window tables and a big wine collection. It's a classic steakhouse menu with colossal shrimp cocktail, filet, New York strip and bone-in ribeye. Giovanni's Table serves classic Italian in the former upper level of a two-story nightclub. Johnny Rockets, the second one ever at sea, serves burgers, malts and onion rings. All three cost extra.

The Royal Promenade runs down the middle of the ship across Decks 5, 6 and 7, like a city street. It debuted on the Voyager Class, and Danny thinks it was perfected on Explorer. Along it are the R Bar, guest services, duty-free shops, the Crown & Kettle pub with live music, and a bridge used for parades and the 70s party. Café Promenade serves complimentary pastries, sandwiches and pizza, with Starbucks coffee and Ben & Jerry's at extra cost.

Studio B is a full ice rink found on the Voyager, Freedom and Oasis Class ships. Professional skaters put on a production show several times each cruise, guests can skate for free with complimentary skates, and a floor can cover the ice for parties and award shows. The two-level main theater stages two production shows plus jugglers, magicians, musicians and late-night comedy, all included. The Star Lounge hosts karaoke, live music, bingo and trivia.

Casino Royale fills the middle of Deck 4 with table games, slots and multiplayer machines, including a hand-dealt Texas Hold'em table, and it has smoking and non-smoking sections. Up top, the Viking Crown is home to Dizzy's, a nightclub with a DJ booth and dance floor, and the Crow's Nest bar. The Schooner Bar has a piano sing-along every night, the Tavern is a sports bar lined with TVs, and Diamond members have their own Diamond Club.