Prices Available
30th October 2025
£997
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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
  • Sailing on Marella Explorer 2
  • 8 Night cruise
  • 1 x Inside Cabin
  • All Inclusive Cruise
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1
Flight departs
Day 1
Dubrovnik
Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost.
Day 2
At sea
Day 3
Valletta
Perched majestically on the limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, Valletta beckons with its timeless charm and centuries-old history. Home to the Knights of St. John, its streets whisper tales of valiant knights and grand sieges. The Mediterranean climate blesses visitors with warm summers and mild winters, creating an inviting atmosphere year-round. Unlike typical tourist traps, Valletta offers an authentic glimpse into Malta's soul, where locals mingle with visitors in bustling markets and quaint cafes. As the smallest capital in the EU, Valletta boasts one of the highest concentrations of historic sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral, adorned with Caravaggio's masterpieces.
Days 4 - 5
At sea
Day 6
Cartagena
Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Cartagena exudes an air of ancient grandeur, tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians and Carthaginians. This historic port city boasts a climate blessed with year-round sunshine, perfect for leisurely strolls along its palm-lined promenades. Beyond its famed Roman ruins and imposing fortifications, Cartagena offers a glimpse into authentic Spanish life, with bustling markets brimming with local flavors and artisans' wares. Cruise lines strategically dock to provide easy access to Cartagena's wealth of cultural treasures, from the Roman Theatre to the Modernist architecture of its city center. It's a destination where history meets modern charm, leaving an indelible mark on every visitor's memory.
Days 7 - 8
At sea
Day 9
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.
Day 9
Flight departs
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.

Find your perfect cruise!
Flights Included

Outbound Flight

Departure Date:
30th October 2025
Location:
Bristol

Inbound Flight

Arrival Date:
07th November 2025
Location:
Bristol
Customer Reviews
4.5
out of 36 customer reviews
Cruise Overall
4.6
Ship
4.6
Dining
4.3
Service Onboard
4.7
Accomodation
4.7
Public Rooms
4.5
Embark & Disembark
4.5
Shore Excursions
3.9
Value For Money
4.5

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