Picking the Best Cabins on the Explorer of the Seas

A deck-by-deck analysis of the Explorer of the Sea's best and worst cabins.

Looking for the best cabins on the Explorer of the Seas? Want to find the cabin with a little larger balcony than most? And what about staying away from undesirable cabins on the Explorer of the Seas? How do you avoid the worst cabins on the Explorer of the Seas?

Help us improve this guide! Have you stayed in a great cabin on the Explorer of the Seas that we missed? Let us know! Is there better advice that we can give--we would love to hear from you. Use the form at the bottom of the page to let us know your thoughts. Your input will help other travelers.

Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas Best & Worst Staterooms: Summary

Best Cabins on the Explorer of the Seas are staterooms and suites on Decks 7, 8,  9,and 12.

Cabins to be wary of on the Explorer of the Seas are staterooms and suites on Decks 2, 3, 6, and 10.

Deck-by-Deck Breakdown of the Best and Worst Cabins on the Explorer of the Seas

Deck 2

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Some cabins on this deck with potential problems.

While many of the cabins on Deck 2 of the Explorer of the Seas have staterooms above them, please keep in mind that the engine rooms and propellers are beneath this deck. Light sleepers should also avoid reserving staterooms in the aft section because it's beneath the main dining room.

• Port side cabins 2546-2590 and starboard cabins 2248-2290 are across the hall from elevators, the conference room, Studio B, and the ice rink on Deck 2 of the Explorer of the Seas. There will be more traffic in those areas during daytime and early evening hours, however, once the ice rink closes for the night, there should not be a concern over excessive noise.
• Aft in Explorer of the Seas cabins 2632-2658 port side and 2332-2358, there could be propeller vibration on Deck 2. These staterooms are also under the main dining room, so noise when this venue is open and when staff are cleaning could also be an issue.

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 2 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 3

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning ***
Many cabins on this deck with potential problems.

Of the decks with cabins, Deck 3 has the least. This is no doubt due to the fact that Deck 3 is right beneath several major public areas on the Explorer of the Seas, such as the bars, the casino, and the lounge. While most cabins are reasonably situated as much as possible, there could still be noise after hours in many of the accommodations on this deck.

• Forward cabins 3540 and 3240 are next to public bathrooms on Deck 3 of the Explorer of the Seas.
• On Deck 3 of the Explorer of the Seas, cabins 3600-3618 are close enough to sustain a bit of noise from the RCTV and public bathrooms. This is not considered a major problem as these public areas and facilities are not populated during after hours sleeping time.
• Because interior staterooms on Deck 3 are under very busy public venues, we do not recommend any of these for light sleepers.
• We are not suggesting this deck be avoided at all costs, but some of the worst cabins aboard the Explorer of the Seas are on Deck 3 because of the after hours noise from the bars, casino, and lounge areas directly above. If you are light sleeper, you may prefer to find a cabin elsewhere on the ship, bring earplugs, or invest in a wave machine (a sound device available at a specialty retailer like Brookstone -- produces pleasant sounds that can wipe out the unpleasant sounds). 

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 3 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 6 -- Upper Deck

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning:
Some cabins on this deck may have potential problems.

Along this entire deck, you should be aware that a main drag of the Explorer of the Seas runs beneath your cabin. However, with the exception of the main lounge more forward on Deck 5, and the top tier of the main dining room aft, there should not be much in the way of noise issues in most of the cabins because late night entertainment for the most part is two decks below. Also, please note that all exterior staterooms starboard and port side on Deck 6 have solid balcony fronts that are 36 inches high.

• With each offering 265 sq. ft., forward located Family Ocean View Staterooms 6500 and 6200 are perfect for family cruising. Family accommodations tend to book quickly, so we do recommend that you make your reservations for these at your earliest possible convenience. Please note that 6500 and 6200 are above the Star Lounge area, so there could be noise issues in these cabins late into the evening.
• Interior Staterooms 6509- 6535, 6109- 6137, and 6209- 6237 are all located above the Star Lounge. While most noise issues occur in cabins that are below -not above- such busy public venues, we do not recommend these cabins for light sleepers.
• Balcony staterooms 6514- 6540 port side and 6214- 6240 starboard are above the Star Lounge area, so noise could be an issue in these cabins.
• 6540, 6542, 6240, and 6242 are above public bathrooms just aft of the Star Lounge.
• 6546 and 6548 port side and 6246 and 6248 port side are across the hall from the elevators. Noise could thus be an issue in these cabins when the elevators are in peak use.
• Better situated staterooms on Deck 6 of the Explorer of the Seas are 6576- 6598 port side, 6275- 6311 starboard, and interior staterooms 6577- 6595 and 6275- 6311.
• The staterooms and suites directly aft on Deck 6 of the Explorer of the Seas will have views that are obstructed by the structure of this ship, so views looking down will be of steel- not ocean. These aft cabins are Junior Suites 6692, 6694, 6394, and 6392, and balcony staterooms 6688, 6690, 6390, and 6388.

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 6 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 7

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Explorer of the Seas Deck 7 has some desirable features. It's one of the quiet decks because the decks beneath and above only have cabins on them, and this creates a buffer zone from the public areas.

• Forward located Family Ocean View Staterooms 7500 and 7200 are perfect for family cruising. Each offers 265 sq. ft. Family accommodations tend to book quickly, so we do recommend that you make your reservations for these at your earliest possible convenience.
• Ocean View Staterooms facing forward on Deck 7 of the Explorer of the Seas are 7506, 7504, 7502, 7202, 7204, and 7206. Each of these will offer 160 sq. ft. of interior space.
• Well situated Interior Staterooms in the forward section of Deck 7 of the Explorer of the Seas are 7511- 7535, 7111- 7137, and 7211- 7237. Each of these offers 150 sq. ft. of living space.
• Most of the balcony staterooms on Deck 7 of the Explorer of the Seas are well situated for cruising. If you are looking for a balcony stateroom directly across from the elevators, these are 7546, 7548, 7550, 7614, 7616, and 7618 port side and 7246, 7248, 7250, 7314, 7316, and 7318 starboard. Please note that noise from the elevators could present issues in these cabins when there is a lot of public traffic.
• Interior Promenade cabins 7553-7611 port side and 7253-7311 starboard have a view of Promenade through bowed windows.
• The staterooms and suites directly aft on Deck 7 of the Explorer of the Seas will have views that are obstructed by the structure of this ship, so views looking down will be of steel- not ocean. These aft cabins are Junior Suites 7692, 7694, 7394, and 7392, and balcony staterooms 7688, 7690, 7390, and 7388.

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 7 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 8

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

The Explorer of the Seas' Deck 8 is also quiet, because there are cabins directly beneath and above. Here, you will find Royal Family Suites which are quite spacious, and roomy Ocean View Staterooms as well!

• Forward, Family Ocean View Staterooms 8500 and 8200 are oddly shaped and roomy. Family accommodations are in in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early to get a family cabin. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Interior Staterooms recommended in the forward section of the Explorer of the Seas are 8511- 8535, 8111, 8113, and 8211- 8237. Each of these offers 150 sq. ft. of living space.
• Interior Promenade staterooms (8553-8611 port side and 8253-8311 starboard) have a view of the Promenade through bowed windows on Deck 8 of the Explorer of the Seas.
• All of the exterior cabins port side and starboard have balconies on the Explorer of the Seas Deck 8, and most are either Superior Ocean View Staterooms (which are a bit roomier and have slightly larger balconies than standard) or Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms.
• With 610 sq. ft. and over-sized (234 sq. ft.) balconies, the aft Royal Family Suites 8694 and 8394 are the best cabins on this deck. Please note that the steel structure of the ship will obstruct balcony views looking down. As mentioned, family accommodations are in in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early to get a family cabin. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Aft on Deck 8 of the Explorer of the Seas, deluxe ocean view staterooms 8690, 8692, 8392, and 8390 are smaller, but right next to Royal Family Suites. These have less windy balcony ocean views, but the steel structure of the ship will obstruct views looking down.

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 8 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 9

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Cabins on the Explorer of the Seas' Deck 9 are also of interest because they have no public areas above or below them. Several junior suites are on this deck, all of which feature 317 sq. ft. with balconies that are over twice the size of average ocean view balcony staterooms.

• Forward on Deck 9 of the Explorer of the Seas, Family Ocean View Staterooms 9500 and 9200 have great ocean views, and are more spacious than standard. Family accommodations are in in short supply and are very popular given their attractive sleeping arrangements. They sell out very quickly, so it is best to book early to get a family cabin. Additionally, you will likely not to be permitted to reserve a family cabin unless you have a certain number of people you are booking into that cabin.
• Inside cabins 9553, 9557, 9561, and 9337 are more spacious than standard and are wheelchair accessible.
• Forward through mid ship, on Deck 9 of the Explorer of the Seas, there are 44 Junior Suites located port side and starboard. The rest of the cabins port side and starboard on Deck 9 are Superior Balcony Staterooms.
• Aft on the Explorer of the Seas, Royal Family Suites 9694 and 9394 afford the most spacious accommodations on Deck 9 and have huge balconies! Ocean views from aft balconies are generally less breezy, but please note that the ship's steel structure will obstruct balcony views looking down.
• Aft, Deluxe Ocean View Staterooms 9690, 9692, 9392, and 9390 are next to the Royal Family Suites. While these staterooms are standard sized staterooms, you will still have that ocean view from a balcony that is larger than average. The balcony views looking down will be obstructed by the steel structure of the ship.

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 9 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 10

***CruiseAdvice.org Warning: 
Several cabins on this deck may have potential problems.

While there are luxury suites on Deck 10 of the Explorer of the Seas, bear in mind that you are also just beneath Deck 11 (which is Lido Deck). The potential for noise issues in many cabins on this deck cannot be ruled out.

• Luxury minded travelers need to know that in suites including exterior Grand Suites 1548-1568, 1574- 1586, and 1598 port side and 1248-1268, 1274- 1286, and 1298 starboard, there could be after hours noise from the pool areas just above (such as the scraping of deck chairs when staff are cleaning).
• Interior cabins which would be the most affected by the after hours cleaning in the Lido Deck area just above are 1575-1605 port side and 1275-1305 starboard. Budget minded cruisers can find less noisy interior accommodations elsewhere on Deck 10 of the Explorer of the Seas.
• Junior Suites 1544 and 1244 are accessible staterooms that will offer larger balconies. There are 29 Junior Suites on Deck 10 of the Explorer of the Seas.
• Twenty-three Grand Suites, each offering 349 sq. ft. with a 100 sq.ft. balcony, are located in the forward section of the Explorer of the Seas. These are 1548, 1552, 1556, 1560, 1564, 1568, 1570, 1574, 1578, 1584, and 1588 port side. The starboard side Grand Suites are 1248, 1252, 1256, 1260, 1264, 1268, 1270, 1274, 1278, 1284, 1288, and 1324.
• With 1,087 sq. ft. and a 217 sq. ft. balcony, Royal Suite 1620 is by far the most luxurious of cruise accommodations on the Explorer of the Seas!
• Ten Owner's Suites, each boasting 559 sq. ft. with a 90 sq. ft. balcony, are in the vicinity of the Royal Suite on Deck 10 of the Explorer of the Seas. These are 1592, 1598, 1600, and 1608 port side and 1292, 1298, 1300, 1308, 1314, and 1320 starboard.
• Inside cabins 1535, 1301, 1305, 1637, and 1337 are larger than standard and are wheelchair accessible.
• Aft on Deck 10 of the Explorer of the Seas, Superior Balcony Staterooms 1688 and 1388 are oddly shaped, more spacious cabins with over-sized balconies. Please note that each of these cabins has a metal pole in the living quarters, however. Neighboring Superior Ocean View Staterooms 1690, 1692, 1392, and 1390 also have that highly sought after less breezy) balconies.
• Also aft, Junior Suites 1694 and 1394 are roomier than standard, feature over-sized balconies, and have great ocean views!
• Please note that there are steel structures that are part of the ship on all aft balconies on the Explorer of the Seas.

Related: Explorer of the Seas Deck 10 Deck Plan (clickable deck layout to view individual cabin pictures and amenity lists)

Deck 12

***CruiseAdvice.org Favorite Deck ***
Highly rated by our cruise experts!

Deck 12 cabins on the Explorer of the Seas were added during a major renovation in 2015. All of these staterooms are located in the forward section of the ship, so these are close to the Sky Bar and the jogging track, and just above the spa and fitness facilities. Deck 12 also includes two spacious Family Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms!

• Facing forward on Deck 12 of the Explorer of the Seas are 1854 and 1804. These Family Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms each offer 406 sq. ft. of living space and some amazing vistas! It's always best case to reserve these family cabins early because these do book quickly!
• Located between the Family Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms are 1852 and 1802. These Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms will also offer incredible views of the ocean. Each provides from 191 to 215 sq. ft. of living space. Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms 1856- 1862 port side and 1806- 1812 starboard flank the Family Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms, and each will also provide awesome forward views!
• Looking for a larger than standard Ocean View cabin on Deck 12 of the Explorer of the Seas? With each offering 283 sq. ft. of living space, 1864 or 1814 are ideal. These Larger Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms are wedge shaped, allowing for floor to ceiling windows that are each 76 in by 253 inches in size!
• There are ten more Panoramic Ocean View Staterooms on Deck 12 of the Explorer of the Seas. These are 1866- 1874 port side and 1816- 1824 starboard.
• Panoramic Ocean View Stateroom 1870 received positive reviews from past guests; the room steward, the tidiness of the cabin, the proximity to the elevators, and views of the ocean were all praised.
• Balcony Staterooms 1876- 1888 port side and 1826- 1838 starboard on Deck 12 of the Explorer of the Seas will each offer 164 sq. ft. with a 51 sq. ft. balcony. Enjoy!