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Days after the brand new Anthem of the Seas was named in Southampton, we saw a new Royal Caribbean ship grace the shore of Southampton – Explorer of the Seas sailing in on the 23^rd April after a 40 day dry dock refurbishment.

Explorer of the Seas is now getting on at 15 years old, strange when you think the Oriana is only 5 years older but a completely different contrast in ship design. Royal Caribbean have made the decision to add 86 new cabins increasing the guest capacity from 3,114 to 3,288. I don’t know why when a cruise goes in to dry dock the cruise lines all add more cabins, why can’t it be about making the ship the best it can be without finding more ways to fill their pockets. However a nice addition is that 81 of the inside cabins will now have the virtual balconies which has gone down a storm with the newer bigger ships. This is a floor to ceiling TV screen displaying a live image of the view from outside the ship.

The Refit is part of a huge revitalization programme which will see Royal Caribbean splash out $300 million feet wide, Navigator of the Seas which will be based in Southampton next year has recently received her refit and the changes are going down well.

Part of the ships superstructure has been changed on deck 12 to allow for 24 new Panoramic Ocean view on the front of deck 12, this is where the running track used to be, it is quite a remote area of the ship for staterooms to be placed but the views will be stunning from one of the highest areas of the ship.

The main dining room, has received a rather small change and that being the replacement of the chairs, they have been replaces with a stylish black and white theme.

One level is now reserved for MyTime dining only but there is still no word if the Dynamic Dining which is on the Oasis and Quantum class will follow over. It hasn’t been the best received so that is all up in the air for the time being.

The Windjammer Marketplace which is the main buffet on board has received new table tops and the signature Steakhouse ‘Chops Grille has replaced the Portofino restaurant on Deck 11. You will also now find Izumi which is the Japanese Sushi restaurant up on the port side of the Viking Crown Lounge.

Royal Caribbean I feel made have made a mistake with the younger market here by removing part of the Chamber Nightclub on Deck 4 and placing a 62 cover restaurant here called Giovanni’s Table.

The Champagne Bar on Deck 5 will now be call R Bar and the Aquarium Bar down on deck 4 is now call the Tavern which the idea of it being the Sports Bar.

On the pool decks not much has changed, thus have add a 220 Square foot cinema screen above the midship pool area in keeping with the larger ships. The biggest change for Explorer of the Seas however is the addition of the Flowrider Surf simulator. The tables and sunbeds have also been replaced.