Explorer of the Seas back in UK after massive refurb!

Royal Caribbeans Explorer of the Seas returned to Southampton last week after her refurbishment which saw 86 cabins added increasing her capacity to 3288 from 3114.

The refurb took 40 days to complete and included 81 of the inside cabins having ‘Virtual Balconies’ installed – the same as those on the new Quantum Class ships.

Royal Caribbean are currently undertaking a $300 million fleet-wide refurbishment programme which also saw Navigator of the Seas receive the same revitalisation last February.

Explorer of the Seas will be sailing from Southampton throughout the summer and as well as her extra cabins and virtual balconies, now boasts 24 new ‘panoramic ocean view’ staterooms located in a new part of the ship.

She’s also had a spruce up in her restaurants.  Chops Grille has replaced Portofino and the port side of the Viking Crown Lounge is now home to a Japanese sushi restaurant.  The Windjammer also has new tabletops.

A Flowrider surf simulator has been added as well as a cinema screen above the pool and the top level of the nightclub has been converted into Giovanni’s table.

All of this sounds fantastic and with the brilliant offers RCI have running for cruises this year, it’s best to make the most of them before she heads off for Alaska next year!

What are your thoughts on these added benefits?  Have you got a cruise booked on Explorer or thinking of booking?