Visitors aboard the Marella Explorer 2 can expect a relaxed and engaging adults-only cruise with diverse activities, dining choices, and comfortable accommodations. This mid-sized ship from Marella Cruises, refurbished in 2019, accommodates 1,814 passengers and offers an all-inclusive experience tailored for couples, friends, and solo travellers seeking a sophisticated yet laid-back holiday.
Reception Areas
The reception areas on Marella Explorer 2 create a welcoming atmosphere. The Atrium on Deck 5, a multi-deck hub, features modern decor, a large LED screen displaying daily activities, and comfortable seating. Guest Services and Destination Services desks provide friendly assistance for bookings and inquiries. Flutes, a stylish Champagne bar with “press for bubbles” buttons, offers a relaxed space for pre-dinner drinks with live piano music, making it a popular social spot.
Dining Experience
Dining on Marella Explorer 2 offers nine venues to suit diverse tastes. Complimentary options include Latitude 53, a two-tiered main dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, serving international dishes with daily-changing menus. The Market Place buffet provides a casual setting with global cuisines, while Vista offers Italian specialties like pizza and pasta in the evenings. Nonna’s serves complimentary made-to-order pizzas. Specialty restaurants, at an additional cost, include Kora La for pan-Asian curries and sushi, Surf & Turf Steakhouse for premium meats and seafood, The Dining Club for fine European dining with wine pairings, and Piccadilly’s for elevated English gastropub fare. Snack Shack offers grab-and-go fish and chips by the pool.
Entertainment Options
Entertainment on Marella Explorer 2 is diverse and engaging. The Broadway Show Lounge, seating 1,000 across two decks, hosts West End-style shows, including musicals and comedy acts, with two performances nightly. Indigo, a flagship bar-club-casino, features a DJ booth, dance floor, and gaming tables for blackjack and roulette. The Squid & Anchor, an English-style pub, offers live music, quizzes, and karaoke. An outdoor Movies by Moonlight cinema screens films under the stars, while The Attic provides a quiet lounge for reading or card games. A mini-golf course and sports court add active fun, and cocktail-making sessions at Indigo enhance the social vibe.
Accommodation Details
Accommodation on Marella Explorer 2 includes 907 staterooms across 16 categories, with 40% featuring private balconies. Royal Suites, at 94m², offer a king-size bed, separate living and dining areas, a whirlpool-equipped balcony, and Suite service perks like complimentary breakfast in bed. Executive Suites, at 46m², include a bedroom, lounge with sofa bed, and balcony. Balcony Junior Suites, at 22m², provide furnished balconies and sofa beds. Standard balcony cabins, at 17m², offer ocean views, while inside and outside cabins, at 16–17m², cater to budget-conscious guests. Single inside and outside cabins are available for solo travellers. All cabins feature air-conditioning, TVs, hairdryers, and tea/coffee facilities, with 17 accessible cabins for inclusivity.
Hospitality Services
Hospitality on Marella Explorer 2 is attentive, with 780 crew members maintaining a 2:1 passenger-to-crew ratio for personalised service. Staff assist with dining reservations, activity planning, and guest queries. The Champneys Spa, the first at sea, offers massages, facials, a Finnish sauna, and a Thermal Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Veranda, an adults-only sundeck, provides cabanas and cocoon chairs for relaxation. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, with packages for social media or full browsing. The all-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, and gratuities, with a Premium All-Inclusive option for premium spirits. As an adults-only ship, there are no kids’ clubs, ensuring a tranquil environment.
Standout Features
Marella Explorer 2 excels with its unique amenities. The Champneys Spa, with its Finnish sauna and treatment suites, offers a luxurious retreat. Flutes’ “press for bubbles” Champagne buttons add a playful touch. The Indigo bar-club-casino creates a lively nightlife hub. The Dining Club’s wine-pairing menu elevates fine dining. The Veranda’s adults-only cabanas provide a serene escape. The 2019 refurbishment ensures modern decor and updated facilities, though some hardware shows signs of age.
