Explorer of the Seas
Renovated in 2020
Flag: Bahamas
Capacity: 3,286
Crew: 1,180
Cabins: 1,643
Tonnage: 138,000 tons
Length: 311 meters
Beam: 49 meters
Draught: 8 meters
Top speed: 24 knots
Electric current: 110/220 Volts
15 decks for passengers
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The Cruise European Gay Cruise 2023
July 916, 2023
Royal Caribbean Cruises Explorer of the Seas
Treat yourself to a gay vacation of a lifetime, and join us on European gay cruise Produced by La Demence! The Cruise 2023 all-gay cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's elegant Explorer of the Seas. Sailing out of Ravenna (Venice), The Cruise takes you on a legendary journey into the Ionian Sea visiting incredible Malta, Sicily, Greece and alluring Albania. The best parties and dramatic landscapes guarantee the La Demence gay cruise to be a blast, and make this an incredible European gay cruise! The Cruise, is the best gay holiday experience ever!
Sailing out of Ravenna (Venice), The Cruise by La Demence 2023, takes you on a unique voyage to incredible Malta, stunning Sicily, beautiful Greece, and alluring Albania, on Royal Caribbean's majestic Explorer of the Seas.

The Experience
Unique
Experience our friendly village atmosphere in a custom-tailored gay cruise holiday you won’t find anywhere else.
Unforgettable
Create moments and encounters you will remember the rest of your life.
Unexpected
Exciting ports of call and stunning views. Wild parties and new friends. Quiet moments alone with the sea. Open yourself each day to new surprises.

The Ship
Our friendly space. Explorer of the Seas is a majestic Voyager Class ship and is operated by Royal Caribbean International, voted best cruise line for 15 years in a row.
• 3.286 passenger capacity (mid-size ship)
• 771 cabins and suites with balconies
• spacious cabins with ample wardrobe space
• 3 swimming pools & 7 whirlpools
• enjoy FlowRider
• the Concierge Club: exclusive area for Suites

The Cabins
A range of cabins to fit your style
The Cruise offers a selection of private homes at sea, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and pocketbook.
One of our luxury suites with a private balcony? A comfortable interior cabin for the budget traveller? A cabin with sea view and a balcony? The choice is yours.
All cabins provide you with a private en-suite bathroom, dressing table, television, safe box, hair dryer and 110/220V outlets.

The Experience Laugh. Chill. Explore.
We supply everything, but you are the artist. A rich palette of possibilities has been carefully assembled for you: fabulous shore visits, good food, dozens of on-board activities, entertainment and parties, plus always the option to sit back and do absolutely nothing.
On The Cruise, we set up the canvas and hand you the brush,
so you can paint the perfect holiday by following your own inspiration, each moment.
Traveling Alone? You wont be for very long.

Relax: Water + Sun
The ship has left the pier. Leave your shore-bound life behind.
On board this floating village, various large pools, jacuzzis and sundecks for every taste, guarantee you will get all the sun and water you want.
Afternoons, DJs spin chilled lounge music around the pools. Relax with new and old friends, take a dip, chat, order a refreshing drink. Or slip away to one of our quiet decks, where all you hear is the sound of the breeze and the sea. If tan lines aren’t your thing, head up to our highest deck - a discrete haven for nude sunbathers.

Eat Well
Eat what you like, when you like. Feel like a midnight snack,
formal dinner or healthy lunch? The choice is yours.
With a large choice of restaurants on board plus room service, you will never go hungry.
The Explorer of the Seas features an à-la-carte dinner restaurant (also serving lunch on days we are at sea), a full buffet with extended opening hours, and a late night snack buffet.
It also feature specialty dining restaurants for which a fee is applicable.

Daytime Fun
When (and if) you're ready to leave your deck chair, we're ready for some fun.
Sporty? Head to the ocean-view gym or test your grip on the climbing wall. Want pampering? Book a treatment at the Spa and Beauty Salon. Have you met someone you’d like to sit in the dark with? Sneak into the 24-hour darkroom. Shopaholic? Various duty free shops are calling.
In addition, we organize fun activities like the Mister The Cruise competition, the hilarious "High Heels Run", singles games and much more.

Entertain Me
Once again this year,
we add our own specialty entertainment
to the ship's excellent offerings.
Royal Caribbean is known for its excellent theatre shows. Marvel at the spectacles offered every evening by the ship’s international team of professional dancers and singers, along with our own artists that will join us, same as previous years.
Prefer to make your own fun? Test your talent in the karaoke bar or try your luck at the on-board casino.
Or enjoy the gatherings for groups (singles, bears,...).

Naughty/Nice Parties
As evening falls, the pool deck is transformed into Europe’s hottest and friendliest floating open air party, complete with the best sounds, lights and a happy, high-energy crowd.
Check out the party themes and start planning your costumes! While costumes are not mandatory, it is much more fun to have a little something in your suitcase, so you can join in.
Sunset Tea Dance
The perfect way to celebrate another day of blissful relaxation at sea and intriguing adventures on shore. Gather for some light-hearted fun as the light turns to gold.
Night Party
Dance the night away under the stars in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, to the beats of the best LA DEMENCE DJs. We greet the magic moment of sunrise with a last dance. Open air cruising zone.
After Party
Not ready for the party to end? Or just waking up and feel like dancing your way to breakfast? Head to the ship's disco for our after party. With darkroom.
DJs on board
to be announced soon

The Single Experience
Every year, we welcome hundreds of singles on board.
Join us! Some just love to do their own thing. For the others, we offer several opportunities to make new friends or strike up a romance.
From singles dinner tables to singles activities, we help you connect. The ship itself does the rest of the work—the warm, friendly village atmosphere, the new found friends, and the helpfulness of 'The Cruise Staff', will make you won’t find yourself alone unless you choose to create some “me” time.
Most of our single friends share a cabin with someone they didn’t know before. And while many say they were nervous about this at the start, by the end they rush to tell us what a wonderful time they had with their roommate. If you join our "single share program", you will share the cabin with someone of your age.

Explorer of the Seas
Time to Explore. Large Luxury Choices. Still Friendly Say hello to Explorer of the Seas, boasting fantastic features including the FlowRider surf simulator, an ice skating ring, and outdoor cinema screen, virtual balconies in interior rooms and a very wide choice of dining options.
What else will you discover onboard?
The Cruise is known for its friendly atmosphere, and the more intimate setting of its mid-size ships, the perfect size for our community feeling, that we all love so much.
Join us in this 10th Anniversary journey and enjoy the 15 decks offering room for 3.286 passengers. The ship has 771 cabins and suites with balcony. Standard cabins are spacious and have ample wardrobe space.

Enjoy FlowRider
You can’t stop the waves,
but you can learn to surf or ride a big one! Everyone from experienced pros to complete beginners can ride the waves without even leaving the ship at this fast-paced surf simulator. The surf’s always up on the 40-foot-long FlowRider® surf simulator.

Ice Skating
Ice skating while sailing on the high seas Everyone will enjoy a whizz around the ice rink onboard Explorer of the Seas, and if you need some inspiration, the spectacular choreographed shows featuring professional ice dancers will take your breath away.

The Concierge Club
If you are staying in a Royal, Owner or Grand Suite, enjoy free access to exclusive Concierge Club.
It has an inside lounge with private bar and buffet, and panoramic views.

The Pools
No sharks in sight Resort amenities include three outdoor pools - the perfect setting for relaxing, cooling off in the water and making new friends under the sun.
• 3 swimming pools
• 7 whirlpools
• 1 nudist sundeck

Sports and Fitness
Commit to stay fit! Get sporty at the climbing wall. Work out in the expanded gym with panoramic views of the sea. Challenge a mate to a game of table tennis, or go for a sunrise jog around the decks. There are plenty of options on board to stay active, have fun and keep fit.
• Climbing wall
• Gymnasium
• Running track
• Minigolf

The Bars
There is a bar around every corner.
With eleven bars plus poolside service, there are plenty of comfortable spots to enjoy a drink on board. So take a friend up to the panoramic Viking Crown Lounge for a quiet conversation as the sea slips by, or gather a group at the R Bar to enjoy a few tunes before dinner. For the talented or simply fun loving, there is nightly karaoke as well.
• R Bar
• Crown and Kettle Pub
• The Tavern
• Casino Bar
• Schooner Bar
• Solarium Bar
• Viking Crown Lounge
• Dizzy's
• Star Lounge
• Pool Bar
• Sky Bar

The Restaurants
Where are you eating today? With eight restaurants on board, you’ll never go hungry. The Explorer of the Seas features a 3 storey à la carte dinner restaurant, a full buffet with extended opening hours, and a late night snack buffet. Besides these complimentary restaurants, it also features 5 specialty dining restaurants for which a fee is applicable.
• Sapphire Dining Room (à la carte)
• Windjammer Market Place (buffet restaurant)
• Café Promenade (late night snacks)
• Chef's Table (fee applicable)
• Chops Grille (fee applicable)
• Giovanni's Table (fee applicable)
• Izumi (fee applicable)
• Johnny Rockets (fee applicable)

The Palace Theatre
It’s showtime! Sit down and watch the greatest performances at sea! Royal Caribbean is known for is its excellent theatre shows. Marvel at the spectacles offered every evening by the ship's international team of professional dancers and singers, along with our own artists that will join us, same as previous years.

The Casino
Catchy Casino Slots await you!
Let’s play! Bring your 007 luck (or just your love for the thrill of the game)
to the ship’s casino. Who knows - you might win big!.
Black Jack, Roulette, Poker, slot machines, ... it is all there...
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The Cruise European Gay Cruise 2023 Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
09 July |
Ravenna (Venice), Italy |
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5 PM |
10 July |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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11 July |
Valletta, Malta |
9 AM |
6 PM |
12 July |
Catania, Sicily |
8 AM |
5 PM |
13 July |
Argostoli, Greece |
11 AM |
11 PM |
14 July |
Sarandë, Albania |
8 AM |
6 PM |
15 July |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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16 July |
Ravenna (Venice), Italy |
8 AM |
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Itinerary is subject of change
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Day 1 - Sunday, July 09, 2023 Ravenna (Venice), Italy
Ravenna, the departure and arrival port of The Cruise, is located 1h by train from Bologna, 2h from Florence and 2h30 from Venice. This is a great opportunity to visit these Italian pearls before or after the cruise.
Throughout history, Ravenna has been an important city in many different empires including the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Due to this elaborate ancient history, Ravenna has a lot of historical buildings and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites – its Byzantine era architecture and mosaics are some of the best preserved in the country.
In the center of the city, you can pay a visit to many decorative churches and basilicas and walk through the impressive squares. Or drop by the Ravenna Marina to relax and soak up the blazing sun.
Must Do:
• Visit the various Unesco World Heritage sites, like the Neonian Baptistery and The Basilica di San Vitale
• Visit one of the smallest countries in the world – San Marino, which is located one hour away
• Head to Piazza del Popolo for an 'Aperitivo' and enjoy drinks and delicious snacks
Tips:
• Hungry after all the discovering? Try a 'Piadina' (stuffed flatbread), which is home to Ravenna
• Visit the canals of Comacchio, which is a mini Venice, but without the crowds
• Discover Cesenatico by bike, a charming Resort town, with many bars and restaurants on offer

Day 2 - Monday, July 10, 2023 Fun Day at Sea!
Slow down, relax, and lounge in the sun.
Dangle your feet in the pool. Maybe visit the gym. Enjoy the 'Mister The Cruise Election'... and get ready for the T-dance!
Must Do:
• An early morning yoga session in open air.
• Offer yourself a spa treatment.
• Try the climbing wall.
• Participate to one of the pool activities.

Day 3 - Tuesday, July 11, 2023 Valletta, Malta
The Archipelago of Malta consists of 19 islands, from which only the larger three, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.
Malta's geographical location in the centre of the Mediterranean, made it an alluring and much-fought-over prize, which shows in the various above- and below-ground defences that can be found everywhere on the islands.
The capital, Valetta, built by the Knights of St John, is a harmonious grid. It is one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. Do not miss the entrance into the harbour: exceptional! It is packed with interest, yet is laid-back and easy. Rocky stretches of coast, limestone cliffs with sheltered bays, gold beaches, beautiful towns, crystal clear sea, friendly people and breath-taking views, make this an ideal holiday destination. In brief, Malta equals architectural elegance and layers of undisturbed history that are definitely worth a visit.
Must Do:
• Take a boat trip to Gozo and swim in the pristine waters of the blue lagoon
• Explore the Blue Grotto’s stunning sea caverns
• Relax at the gay friendly secluded beach of Riviera Bay
• Wander in the charming streets of Vittoriosa
Tips:
• After exhausting yourself walking up and down the narrow lanes, plunge in the azure sea of Banje beach.
• Hungry from all the action? Drop by at Stradun, a pedestrianized street, surrounded by the city walls, boasting restaurants offering great local meals at reasonable prices.
• Go all out and avoid tanning lines on of the many naturist beaches in the area.

Day 4 - Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Catania, Sicily
Catania is Sicily’s second largest city and lies under the shadow of mount Etna. This stunning volcano shaped both the history and existence of Catania. The city, having been destroyed by lava eruptions on many occasions, was rebuilt in baroque style in the 17th century.
Nicknamed the ‘lava city’, this ‘grey city’ with large avenues and wide open squares is unique in the world. Discover the splendid locations made famous by Coppola's Godfather films.
Must Do:
• Climb up to the top of the Duomo for majestic views over the city. Your ideal starting point for a tour of the old city
• Head out and explore the magnificent towns of Taormina or Siracusa
• Ever hiked up a volcano? Discover the mighty Mount Etna by foot
Tips:
• Sample some of the best street food at the bustling market in the old town
• Discover the nooks and crannies of the Roman amphitheatre in town

Day 5 - Thursday, July 13, 2023 Argostoli, Greece
Shielded from the open sea, the Greek quaint village of Argostoli lays on a small peninsula. Nearly completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1953, the town has been beautifully restored. When we step ashore we are awed by the deep blue sea, historic monasteries, authentic lighthouses, quiet fishing villages and wineries.
At the end of the bay, beneath the St George Castle, lays the Koutavos lagoon, the feeding ground of Loggerhead turtles. This nature reserve can be reached by walking over the Drapano bridge. The bridge offers a magical sight in a jaw dropping setting worth the walk. Discover all the wonders and amazement of the Greek island of Kefalonia!
Must Do:
• Enjoy a boat ride to the underground lake of Melissani and to Myrtos Beach, the most photographed beach in the world
• Discover the enchanting island of Ithaka, the ancient kingdom of mythical hero Odysseus
• Take and island tour to the fishing village of Fiskardo. A picturesque town with intact Venetian style architecture
Tips:
• In the mood for shopping? Lithostroto, lined with stylish boutiques and cafes is the place to be
• Treat yourself to fresh seafood and Kefalonian wine in the many restaurants on the promenade

Day 6 - Friday, July 14, 2023 Sarandë, Albania
Saranda is the undiscovered gem in the sometimes overcrowded Mediterranen. It is a coastal town in Albania, by the Ionian Sea, counting roughly 50.000 inhabitants.
Saranda getsits name from the Byzantine monastery of the Agioi Saranda, meaning the "Forty Saints", in honor of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste. It is considered the unofficia capital of the Albanian Riviera where one is awed by the countless bays, beaches, the rocky coastline, hills with olives and citrus and dramatic mountains that surround the landscape.
With various dreamlike beaches and over 300 sunny days a year, this is a summer hot-spot waiting to be discovered. Near Saranda the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO, World Heritage await to be discovered.
Must Do:
• Visit the ancient city of Gjirokastra, the city of stone that due to its architecture, landed on the Unesco World Heritage list.
• Visit Syri Kalter, a natural spring and discover why it is also called the Blue Eye
• Climb the ruins of Lakuresi Castle, for panoramic views over the city.
Tips:
• Have a cocktail at the famous Jericho Beach Bar
• Enjoy an Albanian sea food lunch at the palm tree fringed sea side promenade.
• Relax and swim at the crystal clear beaches of Ksamil, Mirror beach being considered the best.

Day 7 - Saturday, July 15, 2023 Fun Day at Sea!
Slow down, relax, and lounge in the sun.
Luxuriate in a long day to hang out with your new friends, enjoy the beauty of the wide blue sea and take full advantage of all the ship has to offer. And don’t worry: the fun isn’t over yet…this afternoon is the Goodbye T-dance!
Must Do:
• An early morning yoga session in open air.
• Offer yourself a spa treatment.
• Try the climbing wall.
• Participate to one of the pool activities.
• Now is the time to exchange contact details with newly made friends.

Royal Suite with Balcony (RS) Space, comfort and luxury
Invite new and old friends over for a private dinner and drinks, or to get ready for one of our famous pool parties. Throw open the doors to your balcony and take the party outside. Need some quiet time? When the guests have gone, or at the end of an exciting day of shore visits, claim all that space for yourself and relax on the balcony with the sunset.
However you choose to live in your home at sea,
space, comfort and luxury reign.

Owner Suite with Balcony (OS) A sanctuary offering both indoor and outdoor spaces
Put some music on. Change out of your shore visit clothes in your private dressing room. Depending on your mood, open the doors to the sea breeze and relax in your lounge area. Or step out onto the private balcony, put your feet up and enjoy the sunset with a refreshing drink.

Grand Suite with Balcony (GS & GT) At home on the high seas
Relax in your lounge area with your mate, comparing your photos of the day. Take an afternoon siesta to freshen up for an evening of dancing. Leave the doors open to the sea. Wake up and step out onto your private balcony to enjoy the sunset before dressing for dinner.

Junior Suite with Balcony (JP, J9, J10) Your small home at sea
Getting excited for tonight’s parties? Have friends over for drinks on your private balcony as another perfect Mediterranean evening softens the skies. Our best value for a balcony suite.

Superior Balcony Cabins (B, BM, BS, BP & BPS) Open to the breeze
Claim your slice of paradise with balcony views, just outside your door. Our best value for cabins with a balcony.

Superior Spacious & Ultra Spacious Cabins (E12, ES, ESF & EUF) More space and sea views
Enjoy full sea views from the window of this comfortable cabin. Perhaps you’re just back from your excursion, or perhaps you never made it further than your deck chair by the pool. Either way, this cabin is your personal retreat to prepare for the parties or rest peacefully at the end of another fabulous day.

Exterior Superior Cabins (E, EM & EFV) Endless sea view
You’ll enjoy plenty of natural light and full sea views from the window of this comfortable cabin. Perhaps you’re just back from your excursion, or perhaps you never made it further than your deck chair by the pool. Either way, this cabin is your personal retreat to prepare for the parties or rest peacefully at the end of another fabulous day.

Interior Superior Cabins (IP, IVB, IM & I) Budget friendly + all the comforts
Offering all the amenities and comfort of the exterior cabins, at a price that leaves more in your pocket for a day of luxury during your visit ashore, or extra pampering at the ship’s spa.

Frequently Asked Questions
What type of passenger?
There is not a type of typical passenger: you will find all types, ages and nationalities represented on board, which creates a very friendly and familiar atmosphere. That’s what makes this cruise so special!
Is there a minimum age?
The minimum age is 18 years at the time of boarding the ship.
Are women welcome?
You will mainly find gay men on board, but we are more than happy to have some 'crazy' women and lesbians with us!
Are pets welcome?
Animals are not allowed on board, so you will have to look for a babysitter for your dog or cat.
Do the cabins have one double bed or 2 twin beds?
Almost all the cabins have 2 twin beds that can be converted into a double bed. Give us your preference when booking, and as long as your choice is available, you will have the bed configuration that you prefer.

What if I am travelling alone?
You can book a room to share with another single in some categories. We will then put you together with someone of your age in the same cabin. You can of course also pay for 2, and then you will have your cabin for single occupancy. In that case, until the published date, you can give us the name of a person joining you in your cabin at no extra cost.
What is a cabin with obstructed view?
It means that the view through the cabin window is obstructed by a life-boat, which means that you only have a partial view through the window.
What is included in the price?
All food 24h a day. Tap water, lemonade, ice tea, tea and filter coffee in the main restaurant and at the buffet. All parties, all shows, all entertainment and use of the gym.
What is not included in the price?
All costs before you board the ship, and after you leave the ship (flights, hotels, transfers); beverages (except included ones); personal expenses (casino, Spa treatments, shops, internet, phone calls,...); room service.

What about the parties?
There will be both t-dance parties, and night parties, in open air at the pool, with the best light and sound system and the LA DEMENCE djs! The after parties will be inside the ships' disco until very early... Be ready for LA DEMENCE at sea!
What about the shows?
Every night after dinner, and before the night party starts, there will be a show in the 2-storeys theatre.
Is it allowed to smoke?
It is allowed to smoke in most of the outside areas.
Do I need cash on board?
When boarding, you credit card will be charged a guarantee for your extra expenses. Or if you don’t have a credit card, you can pay a guarantee in cash for the extra expenses. When checking out, you will have the choice to pay in cash or to be charged on your credit card. The non-used guarantee in cash will be refunded.
What about telecommunications?
There is WIFI if you want to use your own devices. You will also find public computers. As the transfer is by satellite, it is slow and costly. Mobile phones also work when sailing, but by satellite so it is better that you put it in "flight modus".

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