United Kingdom
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Explorer returns to Southampton after 40-day refurb
Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas has docked in Southampton after a 40-day, bow-to-stern full ‘revitalisation’.
The ship has 81 new ‘virtual balcony’ staterooms with ‘real-time’ views of the ocean and destinations but with no actual balconies.
There are also 24 new panoramic ocean view staterooms with floor to ceiling wraparound panoramic windows.
Explorer has been fitted with a FlowRider 40ft surf simulator and a 220 square foot outdoor cinema screen showing first-run movies, big sporting events and giant video game challenges.
RCI has also invested in an art gallery throughout the ship displaying original works.
New restaurants and bars include Giovanni’s Table traditional trattoria, Chops Grill steak house, Izumi Japanese cuisine, R Bar and The Tavern sports bar , The Card Room (tables for cards and complimentary board games), The Diamond Club, NextCruise and Star Lounge.
"We’re on a mission to change holidaymakers’ expectations and just as Anthem of the Seas set sail this week on her maiden voyage, a newly refurbished Explorer of the Seas arrived in Southampton today," said Stuart Leven, managing director UK & Ireland for Royal Caribbean International.
"We are constantly working to bring the innovation of our newest ships to existing ships across the fleet, ensuring that every ship is our best ship."
Sailing for her first European season from Southampton, Explorer of the Seas will sail a range of itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canaries.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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