MV Explorer is the former Royal Olympia's Olympia Explorer (originally
named Olympic Explorer but had to change name, as did the Company
as it was in conflict with the Athens Olympics, which owned
rights to the Olympic Name).
She is now sailing for Semester At Sea, offering university courses while
cruising the world.
http://www.semesteratsea.com/index.html
In 2005, she encountered a bad storm off the Aleutians enroute from
Vancouver to Korea and had to divert to Honolulu for repairs. A large wave
hit the bridge and several windows were broken. She lost power and
more damage occured as she rolled in the heavy seas.
She has a sister ship, originally Olympic(a) Voyager, now sailing for Iberojet.
We sailed Voyager in 2003 from Ft. Lauderdale to Genoa.
Both ships are very fast, cruising at 27 knots and capable of over 30.
They are 25,000 tons and have a capacity of about 800 passengers.
Explorer has been reduced to accommodate classrooms, library, etc.
She is just completing an around the world itinerary and travels at a
more sedate 17-20 knots now.