Cruising is my favorite vacation option, but I’m still blown away when Royal Caribbean announces a $110 million amplification to a cruise ship. Wow! Then, my brain thinks…I wonder if they’ll raise prices? But, while costs have crept up over the years (like all things) so have the available options. The new, revamped and Royal Amplified Explorer of the Seas is sure to impress in May 2020, and I’m excited to check it out!
UPDATE: DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ROYAL CARIBBEAN HAS PLACED THIS ROYAL AMPLIFICATION ON HOLD. However, please read ahead and get excited for the future changes and PIN for future cruise planning!
It’s been a few years since I sailed on the Explorer of the Seas. It was the summer of 2016, and we were sailing to Alaska. Alaska is such an amazing and unique cruise experience. If you haven’t added it to your cruise wish list – do it! I am a complete beach bum, but I loved it!
Next summer, we will be sailing around Italy and Greece for nine nights on the newly revamped Explorer of the Seas, and we are so excited about all of the new features! Not only will we be on an “amplified” ship, but it will be our first trip to Europe.
Don’t worry! I’ll take you along on during that planning process. For now, here’s a quick re-cap of the new offerings coming to the Amplified Explorer of the Seas in May 2020.
Amplified Explorer of the Seas – Adventure Ocean
I’m a little sad that our kids have aged out of Adventure Ocean because the updates look really exciting. Part of which includes a new outdoor lounge area just for teens. Inside, they will also have a lounge area where they can play the lates games and watch movies and “hang out” with new friends.
Those kids 6-12 years of age will be able to choose their own adventure (activity) within their area while the little ones, babies and 3-5 will have specially designed programs and spaces for their age group.
Speaking of Adventure
Not specific to Adventure Ocean attendees but a new option for the young and young at heart is the glow in the dark laser tag. I’m sure our son will want to add that to the schedule!
New Food options on the Amplified Explorer of the Seas
Giovanni’s Table has had a long run with Royal Caribbean but will be reimagined as Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. This new space will welcome guests to a more casual setting. The menu will include made to order hand-tossed pizza, charcuterie delights and more within a family “Sunday Supper” atmosphere. Giovanni’s will also offer a wide selection of wines and limoncellos from many of Italy’s well-known regions. Yum!
I’m sure that my husband, Brian, will be VERY excited with the addition of Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade. They had him at the “games play across 52 tvs”. We may be very busy cruising through the Greek Isles but I’m betting he will find time to watch a ball game and eat some hot wings.
Johnny Rockets is moving poolside with Johnny Rockets Express, offering express service and offering the Johnny Rockets classics at al a carte pricing. There’s even a mention of “spiked milkshakes.” Interesting….
Our daughter’s favorite, Starbucks, will also be making added to the revamped ship.
I’m excited about the updated offerings but I was hopeful that they would add a new “included” dining option such as El Loco Fresh on Navigator or something similar to Park Cafe from the Oasis Class. I think the reimagined Giovanni’s is a great addition but it appears that all of the revised dining options carry a surcharge.
Need help packing for your cruise check out these posts – Packing Carry-on Only for a Cruise and Pack for a Warm Weather Cruise.
Amplified Explorer of the Seas pool deck
I am really excited about the revitalized pool area. I’m pretty easy to please so updated seated; the addition of hammocks and in-pool loungers sounds lovely to me! Royal Caribbean is referring to is as “resort-style look and all-day island vibes” – sign me up!
The pool area will also have the Lime & Coconut the 3 level poolside bar which will feature “vacation-mode” cocktails and live music throughout the day and evening.
If you’re not the type to lounge in a chair and soak up the vitamin D, you can head to The Perfect Storm. This duo of waterslides, the typhoon, and the cyclone allow cruisers to race down the side by side three-story water slide. So, before you head down the slide after a few of those “vacation” cocktails, remember you have to walk back up the three stories to do it all again!
Explorer of the Seas is the fourth ship in the Voyager Class to be transformed as part of the cruise line’s Royal Amplified fleet modernization effort. The Royal Amplified Explorer of the Seas will set sail from Rome (Civitavecchia) on May 7, 2020. She will sail seven and 9-night sailings to the best of Italy and the Greek Isles. Following her adventure in Europe, Explorer will return to Miami to once again begin her Caribbean sailings. My current favorite ship, Allure of the Seas, will also be “Amplified” in 2020 as well so check back for those details.
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Happy Travels!
Jillian
