Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises – formerly Thomson Cruises - is to add a fifth ship to its fleet in 2023. Having parted with Marella Celebration and Marella Dream during the pandemic, the line is to acquire Mein Schiff Herz from the parent TUI Group and convert it into Marella Voyager.
The new addition, originally from the same Celebrity Cruises Century-Class as Marella Explorer and Explorer 2, will feature two new venues for Marella – a Mexican diner and a secret speakeasy bar.
1814
Passengers
800
Crew
2019
Launched
71545t
Tonnage
246m
Length
32m
Width
19kts
Speed
14
Decks
GBP
Currency
Overview
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1
La Romana
Neither pretty nor quaint, La Romana has a central park, an interesting market, a couple of good restaurants, banks and small businesses, a public beach, and Jumbo, a major supermarket. If you are staying for a week or more you may want to buy a Dominican cell phone at Jumbo. It’s a mere $20 for a basic one, plus minutes. It can save you untold money if you'll be making local calls from your hotel/resort. It is, at least, a real slice of Dominican life. Casa de Campo is just outside La Romana, and other resorts are found in the vicinity of nearby Bayahibe. Although there are now more resorts in the area, this 7,000-acre luxury enclave put the town on the map. Casa de Campo Marina, with its Mediterranean design and impressive yacht club and villa complex, is as fine a marina facility as can be found anywhere; the shops and restaurants at the marina are a big draw for all tourists to the area.
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
Saint John's
With its superb beaches, historical attractions and beautiful coral reefs, Antigua provides a host of diversions. It is said that the island contains 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Antigua maintains its traditional West Indian character, with gingerbread-house style architecture, calypso music and carnival festivities. St John’s has been the administrative capital since the island’s colonisation in 1632, and has been the seat of government since it gained independence in 1981. From the port you can explore the colourful Redcliffe district, with its restored wooden houses, and Heritage Quay with its shopping mall and craft shops. The city has some fine examples of Colonial architecture, including the twin-towered cathedral, built in 1845 and considered one of the finest church buildings in the Caribbean. All coaches in Antigua are operated by smaller vehicles, and commentary will be given by a driver/guide.
Day 4-10
At Sea
Day 11
Funchal, Madeira
Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.
Day 14
Alicante
Overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean, Alicante Port basks in the legacy of its seafaring past. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Santa Barbara Castle, this port city has been a maritime hub since ancient times, with tales of Phoenician and Roman traders echoing through its sun-kissed streets. The region's Mediterranean climate offers balmy weather year-round, inviting cruisegoers to explore its bustling markets and charming alleys. Alicante's authentic charm lies in its unassuming authenticity, where visitors can savor traditional Spanish tapas in quaint tavernas and witness fishermen hauling in their catch along the waterfront. Fun fact: Alicante boasts one of the longest continuous seafront promenades in Spain, perfect for leisurely strolls with panoramic sea views.
Day 15
Palma de Mallorca
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca beckons with a captivating blend of history and charm. Its story unfolds through the ages, from Roman conquests to Moorish rule, leaving behind a tapestry of architectural wonders. Beneath the Mediterranean sun, Palma offers a mild climate, perfect for leisurely exploration year-round. Away from tourist traps, it reveals authentic Spanish life in its bustling markets and vibrant squares. As a showcase of the country's essence, Palma captures hearts with its traditional festivals and local delicacies like ensaïmada pastries. An interesting fact: Palma boasts one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals, La Seu, a testament to its enduring grandeur.
Day 1
La Romana
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
Saint John's
Day 4-10
At Sea
Day 11
Funchal, Madeira
Day 14
Alicante
Day 15
Palma de Mallorca
Ship Details
Marella Cruises
Marella Explorer 2
There’s a suitably grown-up feel to this adults-only ship. We’ve cherry-picked some of the facilities from its sister ship Marella Explorer, like The Dining Club and Indigo Bar, Club and Casino. But there are some special one-offs, too, like themed bars and eateries.
Flights Included
Outbound Flight
Inbound Flight
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