Melbourne, get ready to say g’day to the largest cruise ship ever to be based in Australian waters. Royal Caribbean International’s 3,800-passenger Explorer of the Seas arrives in Melbourne on Thursday 19th November, for the very first time as she undertakes her maiden season down under.
Australia’s newest megaliner arrives fresh from a USD$80 million dollar revitalisation that took place in April this year. Standing tall with an impressive 15 decks, she is packed with a host of signature Royal Caribbean features, just like twin sister Voyager of the Seas.
“We are thrilled to welcome Australia’s biggest cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas, to her new home. We live for big ships, and the huge variety of experiences that our megaliners offer our guests,” said commercial director for Royal Caribbean International, Adam Armstrong.
“The Royal Caribbean difference is our commitment to offering Australians the very best in cruising product, right from their doorstep. Explorer of the Seas is testament to this commitment – she offers incredible onboard features you wouldn’t expect to find on a cruise ship, like the FlowRider surf machine, ice skating rink, sports court, rock climbing wall, plus an indoor street lined with cafés, bars and shops. Not to mention world-class dining and exceptional service to boot.”
At 138,194 tons, 311 metres long and 38 metres wide, Explorer of the Seas takes the crown of Australia’s largest cruise ship from twin sister ship Voyager of the Seas. At full capacity the megaliner can carry almost 5,200 passengers and crew.
“Explorer of the Seas is our fourth Royal Caribbean cruise ship to sail locally for the 2015/16 summer season and she boosts our capacity by 45 per cent. During her five month season Explorer of the Seas is expected to inject almost $44 million into the Australian economy including over $600,000 into VIC in passenger spend alone in one day,” continued Adam.
Thanks to her multi-million make over in April this year, Explorer of the Seas is virtually a brand new ship and offers the same signature features found onboard twin sister Voyager of the Seas. Guests can now test their surfing skills on the new FlowRider surf simulator; watch a film come to life in the 3-D Movie theatre or on the poolside movie screen; and experience three new delectable dining options.
New specialty dining restaurants include fresh sushi at Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and family-style Italian trattoria Giovanni’s Table. Two new bars have also been added – the sophisticated and retro-chic R Bar and the upscale sports bar, The Tavern.
All staterooms and suites have been updated with new furnishings, carpets and technology as well as two new stateroom categories – new “Virtual Balcony” cabins that offer a door-sized screen which projects real time views of the ship’s actual surroundings, as you would see from a balcony; plus new Panoramic staterooms with floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows.
The latest technology can also be found onboard, including ship-wide WiFi, Digital Wayfinders to help guests find their way around the ship and what’s happening onboard, plus each stateroom is now fitted with flat panel televisions.
Explorer of the Seas still offers popular guest favourites such as the iconic ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, basketball and sports court and the Royal Promenade – an interior boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship flanked by restaurants, bars, lounges and boutiques, and the place where evening dance parties are held.
Explorer of the Seas departed Fremantle Friday 13 November for a 16-night Australia & New Zealand sailing. When the ship arrives in her new home of Sydney on 28 November, guests will take part in a historic rendezvous with sister ship Voyager of the Seas in the middle of Sydney Harbour: the first time that two Royal Caribbean vessels have met in Sydney.
For further information or to follow Explorer of the Seas’ maiden Australian voyage, visit www.exploreroftheseas.com.au.
To make a booking visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.
SOURCE: Royal Caribbean