Scientists On Board the Explorer of the Seas

Following alternate tracks in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the Explorer of the Seas takes cruises 52 weeks a year. But the vessel does much more than simply to entertain hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. Equipped with a long list of important observational instruments – from a multi-filter rotating Shadowband radiometer to a Marine and Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer, the Explorer has become an important center for long-term data collection in the Southeast United States, Bahamas and Inter-American Seas.

In collaboration with NSF (the National Science Foundation), ONR (Office of Naval Research), NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association), and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the University of Miami Ronsentiel School and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line have partnered together to create two research labs (oceanographic and atmospheric) where outreach potential benefits immensely from the partnership between academia, private industry, and federal agencies. Since the program’s first voyage in October, 2000, thousands of passengers have been exposed to the world of marine science. Because the Explorer attracts couples and families seeking a cost-effective, active vacation with a variety of on-board activities, the research labs -- and the marine science staff that operate them -- have become an important part of the ship’s programming.

During each cruise, as a part of the program and within the limits of other programs and policies on board, a knowledgeable graduate student, research or academic scientist, or science education professional is on board to offer tours of the laboratories. On the tours, passengers spend 15 minutes in each lab while listening to the science specialist on board explain the general functions of the equipment and the purpose of the data that the ship is collecting.

The Oceanography Lab	The Atmospheric Lab

Along with this daily access to the research labs, passengers are invited to attend two lectures given by the visiting scientist. Delivered in the ship’s very own 60-person seating room, with theater-style seating, the lectures present a variety of marine science topics. The first lecture provides an overview of general marine science, and the data that the Explorer collects, and the second one covers a topic of the scientists’ choosing. Some lecture topics from the past have been El Nino, global warming, hurricanes, undersea exploration, hydrothermal vents, and satellite oceanography.

For a more hands-on opportunity, the ship has two eco-learning interactive displays. Peppered with two 48” touch-screen displays, columns illustrating various systems of marine science like the water budget and changes in color absorption, an electromagnet interactive display, and a Descartes diver, the two halls – one devoted to “air” and one to “water” – provide a unique educational opportunity for guests aboard the Explorer.

But it doesn’t stop there. The children on board involved with the Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean youth program, are also exposed to various topics in marine science through the youth program’s cooperation with the research laboratories on board.

On any average week, approximately 200-300 people have been exposed to marine science through the tours of the research labs. Countless others have attended the lectures, and the children in the Adventure Ocean are getting exposure to marine science as well – and this in only the beginning. The University of Miami and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will continue to work together to make the Explorer of the Seas one of the most unique research laboratories and marine science outreach centers in the world.

by Harris Henderson and Elizabeth Williams.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Williams