Dining on Board Explorer of the Seas

“Explorer of the Seas” from Royal Caribbean, offers some fantastic dining options. The formal dining room here is spread out over three levels. It also offers one of the most affordable dining options across all cruise ships. It looks stunning too. There is the grand staircase, the gold-leaf columns, the ceiling dome through which the sun’s rays bursts through. The golden velvet curtains add to the charms as well. You can sit in any level you want – they are all decorated to the theme of a legendary explorer – Da Gama, Christopher Columbus and Magellan. You will find mosaics on the walls that depict their legendary journeys.

Dining Room

Royal Caribbean is not a gourmet dining cruise, but the food you will find here is still extremely well prepared. There are plenty of healthy options for you to choose from, such as the grilled sea bass dipped in ginger lemon sauce, and there are vegetarian preparations as well like the veggie chili. You will also find Indian veggie dishes in the menu. There is also the black angus top sirloin, chicken breast, Atlantic cod and more.

You are sure to love the salad bar. The chef, will custom make your salad according to your preferences. You may choose from all types of cheese, meats and vegetables. Of course, a lot of attention is given to keep everything fresh. You may go for the Brasserie30 option as well, where you can select from two menu options. It is a quickie before you head off to the pool or some other activity on board the Explorer of the Seas.

Schooner Bar

The Windjammer Café is the buffet restaurant here that serves lunch and breakfast. You will want to check out the egg station here during the breakfast. The Windjammer serves excellent baked items too. The Euro-Italian Portofino restaurant that sits 88 people is an intimate affair. Both the cuisine and the service are quite exceptional here. Go through the Italian delicacies, the pastas and the Caprese salad here. But remember, you must book early, as this is a reservation preferred restaurant. However, on the first night of the cruise, you might still find a few seats if you walk-in. It tends to get busier later. The peak hours are usually between 7 and 8:30 in the evening. If you don’t book early, you might have to dine later or earlier. Portofino will charge you a $20 surcharge.

Here’s something you should never miss. Check out Johnny Rocket, which has been decorated to the theme of the 1950’s. Most people on board prefer to have their lunch here. You will love the onion rings and the burgers they serve. There is a song-and-dance performance as well.

Windjammer Cafe

Explorer of the Seas offers 24-hour room service as well. So, you can order from a variety of sandwiches or snacks from your suite or cabin. There is no room service charge between 5 in the morning to midnight. But, you are expected to pay the tip. For late night orders, you have to pay a fee of $3.95.

You do not have to miss out on the big game, just because you are cruising. Just head to the Weekend Warrior Sports Bar. Get a beer and watch all the action at the sports bar.

You will certainly appreciate a nautical themed décor when you are on the sea. Explorer of the Seas offers the Schooner Bar. This is a signature bar, and a great favorite among the guests. There’s piano singing every evening too.