Marella Explorer 2

Why cruise on this ship?

You can expect the same great service, food and entertainment on every single one of our ships. They’re All Inclusive as standard, too. That said, each vessel has a personality of its own. There’s a suitably grown-up feel to this adults-only ship.

Find your perfect cruise!
Score
Cruise Overall
4.6
Ship Overall
4.6
Dining
4.3
Service Onboard
4.7
Accommodation
4.7
Public Rooms
4.5
Boarding & Disembarking
4.5
Excursions
3.8
Value for Money
4.6
Customer Reviews
christine wrote a review in Jun, 2023
Arrived for embarkation, process was smooth, a bit dissapointed that suite bookings didn't get a quicker and seperate queue like most other compainies offer, also no extras like free WIFI or drin...
David wrote a review in Jun, 2023
Cheap and cheerful ......if you don't mind a "Benidorm" type crowd. The crew were magnificent.....nothing too much trouble......exceptionally friendly and courteous. Great that it was a...
Mike wrote a review in Mar, 2023
We have always gone with Marella Cruises, (Thomson) Always had great cruises, value for money, The staff always make your Cruise a very memorable experience, They are always happy ,helpfull & go ab...
Mike wrote a review in Mar, 2023
Great cruise ,had a fantastic time ,all the crew work Reay hard ,always polite & happy, Would highly recommend going with Marella as great value

Dining

There are seven dining spots to pick from, including the main restaurant – Latitude 53 – that’s spread over two storeys. You’ve also got an international buffet and two speciality restaurants that line up Mediterranean and Asian fare. You’ll find the latter on the top deck, where the sea views are best in class. If afternoon tea and after-dinner cocktails are more your scene, you’ve got seven bars and lounges to relax in, as well.

Nonna's

Made-to-order pizza and pasta dishes are up for grabs at this place, which is open for lunch and dinner.

Features

  • Experience: Complimentary
  • Food type: Italian

Vista

You’ll find Vista on deck 5 in Latitude 53. Come evening, it transforms into a contemporary Italian restaurant. Here, you can get regional Italian favourites made with authentic ingredients.

Features

  • Experience: Complimentary
  • Food type: Italian

Latitude 53

The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking dining venue, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and striking, floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect modern dishes with a twist, as well as some British favourites.

Features

  • Experience: Complimentary
  • Food type: Classic

The Market Place

Our chefs whip up dishes from around the world at this buffet restaurant. It’s made up of lots of different food stalls, hence its name, The Market Place. You can expect regular theme nights, too, including Mexican, Chinese and Japanese. Prefer to dine al fresco? Then make the most of The Terrace and enjoy the sea views while you eat.

Features

  • Experience: Complimentary
  • Food type: Buffet

Snack Shack

If there’s any eatery that knows how to make you feel like you’re on holiday, it’s Snack Shack. This place is laid out like British-inspired beach huts, complete with oversized deckchairs. As such, you can look forward to grab ‘n’ go lunches, like sandwiches, burgers and salads, as well as fish and chip dinners. There's a drink station here, too.

Features

  • Experience: Complimentary
  • Food type: Casual

The Dining Club

This fine dining restaurant was made for foodies. You’ll be treated to high-end cuisine, making it the ideal spot for an extra special evening. It also hosts The Great Musical Afternoon Tea. This weekly event brings the West End to Marella Cruises, with dishes inspired by famous musicals – like the ‘Vietnamese Melody’ beef tenderloin yakitori and the ‘On My Own’ petit choux. There are six teas to choose from, as well as a cocktail of your choice. Plus, the whole place is decorated with show posters and memorabilia. There’s a charge to dine here and we recommend you make a reservation.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Fine

Surf & Turf Steakhouse

This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat. The menu takes in mains like lobster and grilled chicken – but the highlight has to be the 28-day-aged steaks. The interiors are inspired by the meaty menu, as well, with chopping board artwork. There’s a charge to dine here and we recommend you make a reservation.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Surf_Turf

Kora La

You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. Oriental-style lanterns and paintings are paired with a pan-Asian menu of curries and noodle dishes. There’s a separate sushi menu, too. There’s a charge to dine here and we recommend you make a reservation.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Asian

Beach Cove

Like the name suggests, this place has a beachy vibe. Big sliding doors will make you feel like you’re eating al fresco, the menus are inspired by barbecues, and the decor includes quirky swing seats. A cover charge applies for dining here.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Bbq

The Coffee Port

If you’re in need of a caffeine boost, this place will do the trick. This place is the biggest Coffee Port in our fleet, serving sweet treats courtesy of our in-house chocolatier and Lavazza coffee – the latter of which is included in our Premium All Inclusive drinks package. Alongside this, you can make use of the books and board games, or charge up your phone at the USB points. In a first for Marella Cruises, there’s a special after-dark menu, too, featuring coffee and tea-based cocktails like Espresso Martinis and Green Tea Mojitos. Plus, you can make your own coffee or hot chocolate using a selection of premium liqueurs, like Baileys Salted Caramel.

Please note, the drinks from the menu here are only included as part of the Premium All Inclusive package.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Cafe

Scoops

For those with a sweet tooth, try Scoops. This vintage-looking parlour serves up dollops of ice-cream in a range of flavours, and you can add toppings, too. The seating’s just as quirky – a collection of bike seats sit facing out to sea.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Ice_Cream
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Royal Suite.jpg

Room Service

Feeling peckish but don’t want to leave the comfort of your cabin? Take a look at our room service menu. You can order all sorts of snacks and drinks, from triple-stacked club sandwiches to steaming cups of hot chocolate.

Features

  • Experience: Cover
  • Food type: Room

Entertainment

There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to entertainment onboard Marella Explorer 2. On top of its five-star Broadway Show Lounge, you’ve got the Indigo Bar, Club and Casino to kick back in – it has everything from a flashing-light-fitted dance floor to blackjack and roulette tables. Alternatively, you can unwind and listen to some live music in The Squid & Anchor – it’s styled like a traditional British pub – or sip on cocktails while you play a round on the virtual golf simulators at our themed bar, The 19th Hole.

The 19th Hole

Themed cocktails aren’t all this club-house-inspired bar brings to the table. You can take up a seat in a golf buggy, or tee off on one of two golf simulators, for a charge.

Features

  • Bar

Flutes

If you’re after something bubbly, Flutes is the bar for you. You can sip glasses of Champagne* or Prosecco while listening to the sounds of a pianist. Plus, there are handy ‘press for bubbles’ buttons dotted around.

*Please note, Champagne isn’t included as part of the All Inclusive or the Premium All Inclusive drinks packages.

Features

  • Bar

Broadway Show Lounge

This show lounge is big enough to rival a Broadway theatre. And that’s not all it’s got going for it. There are 12 spectacular shows on offer, covering a variety of different styles of music. So, whatever your taste, you'll find something to tickle your fancy.

Features

  • Lounge

Indigo Bar

Indigo lays claim to the longest bar in the fleet. Flare demonstrations and cocktail-making sessions are often on the cards here. There's also plenty of seating around the bar’s edge, where you can take in the 360-degree views – day or night. After dark, the menus light up, showing off around-the-world themed cocktails, like Thai Punch and Jamaican Me Crazy.

Features

  • Bar

Indigo Casino

If you’re feeling lucky, you can try out the slot machines and card tables at the Indigo Casino.

Features

  • Casino
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Indigo Club.jpg

Indigo Club

You’ll find the club in the middle of Indigo, flaunting a dance floor and a DJ booth. It's where silent discos and Eighties or Nineties-themed nights take place.

Features

  • Nightclub

Aperitif

Aperitif specialises in all things premium. You can get cocktails like an Aperol Spritz or a Chocolate Espresso Martini, as well as Prosecco and a range of spirits – all included as part of our Premium All Inclusive package. Thanks to its location, this bar's a great spot to head before or after a meal at one of the speciality restaurants.

Features

  • Bar

Squid & Anchor

Our first pub at sea is a modern take on a traditional British boozer. There are two bars to pick from. One pours a great selection of drinks for you to choose from while you settle in for the evening entertainment, while the other deals in premium gins and whiskies, which are chargeable. Plus, this place is the home of a live band, quiz nights and a couple of arcade machines.

Features

  • Bar
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Photo Studio.jpg

Photo Gallery & Photo Studio

Take a visit to the Photo Gallery where you can view and buy all the photos captured by our photography team on the kiosks. If you'd prefer something more personalised, pop into the Photo Studio and ask about our professional photo shoots.

Features

  • Shop
  • Studio
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Broad Street Shops.jpg

Broad Street Shops

When the ship's at sea, it's time to hit the shops. Spanning two decks, this tip-top selection of boutiques is stocked with a huge range of products and big-name brands, covering everything from everyday essentials and souvenirs to perfume and jewellery.

Features

  • Shop
Marella Cruises Marella Discovery Movies by Moonlight.jpeg

Movies by Moonlight

The open-air cinema is the go-to place for a chilled-out evening under the stars. Classic movies and the latest box office hits are shown on a big screen. And you can get blankets, popcorn, and hot chocolate from the nearby bar.

Features

  • Cinema

Pool Bar

Like the name suggests, this bar sits next to the pool, so it’s great for grabbing drinks and frozen cocktails.

Features

  • Bar

The Shack

This deck bar provides cool-down drinks in between sunbathing. You’ll find it just above Snack Shack, overlooking the pool.

Features

  • Bar

Enrichment

Enrichment activities to be confirmed.

Bike Tours

If you really want to get under the skin of a place, book a bike tour. All our ships have a collection of mountain bikes onboard and, at almost every port, you can join an experienced guide and cycle your way around the best sights. The distance and difficulty of each tour varies, from relaxed rides over flat ground, to more challenging trips on hilly terrain. If you don’t fancy as much pedalling, there are electric bikes onboard, too. For more information, just speak to a member of the Destination Services team.

Features

  • Bikes

Health and fitness

Far from hustle and bustle, stress and everyday, guests are encouraged to delve into some R&R whilst on board Marella Explorer 2 by paying a visit to the Oceans spa and Beauty Salon, unwind by the pool, or re-energising in one of the Veranda Cabanas. For those who wish to keep active there's plenty to choose with our well-equipped gym which offers both classes and personal training options to get the blood pumping. If it's just a morning run you're after then why not take in the views from the Running Track on Deck 14.

Oceans spa and Beauty Salon

Like at any other Oceans Spa and Beauty Salon, you can book in for treatments, like facials, body wraps and massages, plus there’s a beauty salon. The spa doesn’t scrimp on size either. In fact, it’s the biggest in the fleet – packing in a sauna with widescreen windows, a relaxation room and VIP suites with private steam rooms and saunas.

Features

  • Spa
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Gym.jpg

Gym

You can work up a sweat with the sea in sight at the gym. You can join in with top fitness classes, like yoga and indoor cycling.

Features

  • Gym

Pool

The pool area on Deck 11 has two outdoor pools and three whirlpools with plenty of lounge chairs. The pool is split in two by a stage in the middle, which is where the entertainment team run their daily activities from.

Features

  • Pool

Whirlpools

Four whirlpool baths bubble away by the main pool.

Features

  • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi

The Veranda

You’ll find The Veranda at the back of the ship, in a chilled-out spot that serves up top-drawer views of the horizon. It’s dotted with Balinese beds and cocoon chairs, too, so it’s got everything you need for laidback lounging sessions.

Features

  • Wellness

The Veranda Cabanas

If you’re feeling extra plush, you can hire a private cabana for the day or the week, for a charge. Plus, you can order drinks without moving from your lounger, courtesy of call buttons.

Features

  • Wellness

Minigolf

If you’d prefer to take in some views while putting your way around nine holes, the mini golf course on the top deck has you covered. You can opt for a laidback round on your own, or sign up to one of the competitions that’s often organised during your sailing.

Features

  • Golf
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer Jogging Track 1.jpeg

Running Track

Get some fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the horizon views as you follow the Running Track, which weaves around the top deck.

Features

  • Jogging or Walking Track

Kids and teens

Please note: Adults Only

Accommodation

On Marella Explorer 2 a deck 4/5 Inside Cabin comes as standard, but you can pay extra and upgrade. So why not treat yourself to a Balcony Cabin with stand-out sea views, or go all out with our Royal Suite which comes complete with a king-size bed, a furnished balcony with whirlpool, and Premier Service. All of our cabins come with:

• Air-conditioning
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Hairdryer
• Flatscreen TV
• Wardrobe space
• Safe

Royal Suite

Our Royal Suite is the crème de la crème of cabins. Not only does it line up a bedroom with a king-size bed, but it also packs in a separate living area with a sofa bed, a dining area and a dressing area. You’ve also got an en suite bathroom with a shower, a WC and a tub, plus a big balcony with a whirlpool. And all this measures up at a sizeable 94m2. This cabin comes with Premier Service. Extras include:

  • Breakfast in bed once a week and a free pressing service that means you’ll look your best for the Dress to Impress night.

Features

  • Shower
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • King or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Bath
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Executive Suite

The Executive Suites live up to their name, with separate living and sleeping areas. The 46m2 suites come with twin beds in the bedroom, which you can convert to queen-size. There's a double sofa bed in the separate lounge, too. In the en suite bathroom, meanwhile, there's a shower over a bath, as well as a walk-in shower and a WC. And a furnished balcony rounds things off nicely. This cabin comes with Premier Service. Extras include:


  • Breakfast in bed once a week and a free pressing service that means you’ll look your best for the Dress to Impress night.

Features

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Suite Benefits
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Junior Suite .jpg

Junior Suite

Book one of our Junior Suites and you'll get to enjoy the views from your furnished balcony*. These 23m2 suites are found on Deck 10 and 12, near the top of the ship, which gives you a great vantage point. Inside, you've got twin beds that convert into a queen-size, a sitting area with a double sofa bed and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower over a bath*. This cabin comes with Premier Service. Extras include:

  • Breakfast in bed once a week and a free pressing service that means you’ll look your best for the Dress to Impress night.
*Please note, cabins 1200 and 1201 don’t have baths. Plus, cabins 1202 and 1203 have smaller balconies.

Features

  • Double
  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Lounge Area
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Deluxe-Balcony.jpg

Deluxe Balcony Cabin

Our 19m² Deluxe Balcony Cabins do exactly what they say on the tin. You'll get a furnished balcony, plus a queen-size bed, a double sofa bed and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. You're nice and high up on Deck 9 or 10, and at the aft of the ship so the views are some of the best around.

Please note, the image is of a cabin on Deck 9. These have a different layout to those on Deck 10, and come with a fixed double bed against the wall and a cabin partition door – see our deck plan for the cabin numbers.

Features

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Shower
  • Bath
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Balcony Cabin.jpg

Balcony Cabin

You can admire the horizon from your own furnished balcony with these cabins. They make the most of the 16m2 of space with a queen-size bed or twin beds that convert to a queen-size. And the en suite bathroom packs in a shower and a WC. Our 3 and 4-berth cabins have a sofa bed or extra fold-down bed.

Please note, some of the cabins on Deck 8 have a different layout, with a fixed double bed against the wall – see our deck plan for the cabin numbers.

Features

  • Double
  • Sofa Bed
  • Lounge Area
  • Dining Area
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Pullman Bed
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Outside Cabin.jpg

Outside Cabin

Our Outside Cabins feature either a porthole or picture window. They're 16m2 in size, with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size. The four-berth cabins, meanwhile, have twin beds that convert into a queen-size, as well as extra fold-down beds. Plus, you'll find a WC and shower in the en suite bathroom. Some cabins view may be obstructed. Reserve your cabin for a clear view.

Features

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Sofa Bed
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Inside Cabin .jpg

Inside Cabin

These cabins measure in at 16m2, which means you get twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. If you go for a 4-berth cabin, you’ll get twin beds and extra fold-down beds.

Features

  • Queen or Twin Configuration
  • Pullman Bed
  • Pullman Bed x2
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Single Outside.jpg

Single Outside Cabin

A good option for solo travellers, these cabins feature a single bed and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. Plus, there’s the added bonus of a porthole or picture window.

Features

  • One Single Bed
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Single Inside.jpg

Single Inside Cabin

Our Single Cabins were made for solo travellers. These ones come with a single bed and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower.

Features

  • One Single Bed
  • Shower
  • TV
  • Coffee Machine
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Toiletries Provided
  • Room Service Available
  • Wi-Fi (Additional Cost)
  • Telephone
  • Desk

Deck plans

Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 15 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 15

  • Minigolf
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 14 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 14

  • The Sundeck
  • The Veranda
  • The Veranda Cabanas
  • Running Track
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 12 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 12

  • Indigo Bar & Club
  • Indigo Casino
  • The Shack
  • Junior Suites
  • Balcony Cabins
  • Inside Cabins
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 Deck Plan 11.jpg

Deck 11

  • Oceans spa and Beauty Salon
  • Gym
  • Pool Bar
  • Pool
  • Whirlpools
  • Snack Shack
  • The Market Place
  • Scoops
  • The Terrace
  • Beach Cove
  • Nonna's
  • Movies by Moonlight
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 10 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 10

  • Royal Suite
  • Executive Suite
  • Junior Suite
  • Deluxe Balcony Cabin
  • Balcony Cabin
  • Inside Cabin
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 9 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 9

  • Deluxe Balcony Cabin
  • Balcony Cabin
  • Outside Cabin
  • Inside Cabin
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 8 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 8

  • Balcony Cabin
  • Outside Cabin
  • Inside Cabin
  • Single Inside Cabin
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 7 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 7

  • Broadway Show Lounge
  • Broad Street Shops
  • The Coffee Port
  • Squid & Anchor
  • The 19th Hole
  • Photo Gallery
  • Gin & Whiskey Bar
  • Atrium
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 6 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 6

  • Broadway Show Lounge
  • Broad Street Shops
  • Flutes
  • Kora La
  • Surf & Turf Steakhouse
  • Aperitif
  • Latitude 53
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 5 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 5

  • Atrium
  • Reception
  • The Dining Club
  • Destination Services
  • Vista
  • Latitude 53
  • Cruise Holiday Store
  • Bike Tours
  • Single Inside Cabins
  • Single Outside Cabins
  • Outside Cabins
  • Adapted Outside Cabins
  • Adapted Inside Cabins
Marella Cruises Marella Explorer_II_DECK 4 PLAN_Full-01.jpg

Deck 4

  • Medical Centre
  • Photo Studio
  • Outside Cabins
  • Inside Cabins