I love going on vacations and will always say cruising is the best vacation for families. Whether this is your first time cruising or your fifth cruise, you may be wondering about a particular ship because of the itinerary or price point. Is Explorer of the Seas worth it with kids?
That brings up an important question: Is Explorer of the Seas good for kids?
I recently sailed on Explorer of the Seas on a 9-night Caribbean Holiday Cruise in 2025, where we spent New Year’s Eve in Aruba, and I’m sharing my honest experience and why I think it’s a solid family-friendly option.
Why Choose an Older Ship When There Are So Many New Ones?
Not all ships, even within the same cruise line, offer the same amenities, regardless of whether they are new or old. When traveling with children, knowing what to expect is essential.
Explorer of the Seas is an older Voyager-class ship, but it underwent a refurbishment in 2020, adding new amenities. While it may not be the newest or shiniest ship, it still has plenty to offer, especially for families who:
- Are traveling on a budget
- Prefer a smaller ship
- Want a variety of kid-friendly activities without feeling overwhelmed
Family Friendly Activities on Board
We’ve cruised with several lines, including Celebrity, which is great for relaxation but tends to be more adult-focused. While my daughter enjoyed the experience, she missed having more activities designed specifically for kids.
That’s where Explorer of the Seas stood out. The ship offers plenty of opportunities for family bonding, with a wide range of activities that parents and kids can enjoy together. Many of the most popular attractions are located on Deck 13, but there are fun options throughout the ship.
1. FlowRider
The FlowRider is a surf simulator where guests can boogie board or surf. I first tried the FlowRider on Oasis of the Seas during my honeymoon and never imagined I would do it again 10 years later at age 42, but it was just as fun. My husband enjoyed it too and went on it a couple of times.
Requirements:
- Height: 52” for boogie boarding, 58” for stand-up surfing
- Minimum age: 6 years
All participants must watch a safety video and sign a waiver. Once completed, you receive a wristband.
Tip: Complete the safety video and waiver on embarkation day to avoid long lines later.
2. Rock Climbing Wall
This was a family must-do. My daughter couldn’t try the FlowRider due to height requirements, but she loved the climbing wall.
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 6 years
- Dry clothes and socks required
The wall rises about 40 feet above the deck. I won’t lie, it was a little scary, but still fun!
3. Mini Golf
Explorer of the Seas has a small but fun mini golf course that’s perfect for families. Kids and parents can enjoy friendly competition while taking in the ocean breeze, making it a great way to relax, bond, and create lasting memories.
4. Arcade
The arcade was one of my daughter’s favorite spots. We pre-purchased an arcade package and used all the credits. It’s definitely worth it, as paying per game adds up quickly.
5. Ice Skating Rink
Ice skating was a must-do for us. My daughter had never skated before and did great! Skate helpers are available for kids who need extra support. She used it once and then was ready to skate on her own.
What to know:
- Wear long pants and socks
- Bring a sweater, it’s cold
- Guests are limited to skating once to allow everyone a turn
6. Perfect Storm Water Slides
The Perfect Storm includes two enclosed water slides: Cyclone and Typhoon. They extend beyond the ship, which was a little scary for me, but my daughter loved them.
Tip: Ride on embarkation day when lines are shortest.
7. Pools and Jacuzzis
There are both family-friendly pools and adult only pools. In the main pool area, you can find 4 jacuzzi. There is also a jacuzzi in the Fitness area but there is a limit age requirement.
Additional Family Activities
Beyond the main attractions, Explorer of the Seas offers several casual activities that are perfect for family bonding. These options are easy to enjoy between shows, meals, or sea days.
- Ping Pong
- Cornhole games
- Basketball court
Royal Caribbean also has a Kids Club titled Adventure Oceans Kids Club. The kid’s club is divided as follows:
Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5): Creative play
Explorers (ages 6 to 8): Science activities and games
Voyagers (ages 9 to 11): Sports and scavenger hunts
Navigators (ages 12 to 17): Teen-focused activities
The Kids Club is open until 10:00 PM, with a paid Late Night Party Zone option available.
Morning session: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Afternoon session: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Evening session: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Late Night Party Zone: 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Entertainment
Explorer of the Seas features a variety of entertainment options suitable for all ages. From live shows to interactive events, there’s always something happening throughout the day and evening.
- Ice skating show: Spirits of the Season
- Comedy and magic shows
- Casino
- Movies and disco parties
- Karaoke and trivia
- Dance lessons
- Father-daughter dance and activities
- Love & Marriage show
- Bingo (additional fee)
More Onboard Amenities
In addition to activities and entertainment, the ship offers a range of onboard amenities designed to enhance the overall cruise experience for both kids and adults.
- Gym & fitness classes (yoga, ab classes, health seminars)
- Spa services (massage, facials, hair styling)
- Classes (wine tasting, sushi making, jewelry making, napkin artistry, cookie crafting)
- Art gallery and auctions
- Shops (clothing, toys, jewelry, accessories)
- Professional photography services
- Library with books and board games
- Computer station
- NextCruise desk with booking discounts
Dining Options
Explorer of the Seas offers several family-friendly dining options with flexibility for all ages. The Sapphire Main Dining Room is a great option for families who want to dress up and enjoy a sit-down meal together.
For more casual dining, free spots like Café Promenade are perfect for snacks and quick bites, while the Windjammer buffet offers a wide variety of choices, making it easy for families and picky eaters to find something they enjoy. There is also all-you-can-eat ice cream located on the 13th floor.
For an additional cost, guests can enjoy specialty restaurants such as the steakhouse Chops Grille, the Italian Giovanni’s Table, and Asian Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, as well as casual dining at Johnny Rockets.
Things That Could Be Improved
While we enjoyed the cruise and would recommend it, there were a few drawbacks:
Dining and Food
- Pizza is only available at Café Promenade on Deck 5, which often leads to long lines.
- The Windjammer buffet could use more variety, especially for guests with dietary restrictions. For example, there were very few options that were both dairy-free and gluten-free, so I often had to rely on white rice and grilled chicken.
Family and Kids
- There is no designated play area for babies or toddlers.
Stateroom and Billing
- Stateroom hallways (at least on Deck 7) had an unpleasant smell.
- Only the primary account holder can view onboard charges for everyone in the stateroom.
Health and Safety
- Cruise travel insurance purchased through Royal Caribbean does not cover onboard medical visits or medications.
- The medical center closes at 7:00 PM, and fees are higher after hours.
Final Verdict: Is Explorer of the Seas Good for Kids?
Yes! Explorer of the Seas is a good option for families with school-aged children, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable cruise that still offers plenty of fun, activities, and entertainment.
It may not be the newest ship, but it delivers a well-rounded family cruise experience without the overwhelming size or cost of newer vessels.
Best wishes,
Melissa
