Visitors aboard the Marella Explorer can expect a relaxed and engaging cruise with diverse activities, dining choices, and comfortable accommodations. This mid-sized ship from Marella Cruises, refurbished in 2018, accommodates 1,924 passengers and offers an all-inclusive experience ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers.
Reception Areas
The reception areas on Marella Explorer create a welcoming atmosphere. The Atrium, 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. The Lounge, with its bright-pink piano and colour-changing bar, offers a relaxed space for drinks and live music, making it a popular gathering spot.
Dining Experience
Dining on Marella Explorer offers 10 venues to suit diverse tastes. Complimentary options include Latitude 53, a two-tiered main dining room with panoramic windows, serving international dishes with daily-changing menus. The Marketplace buffet provides a casual setting with global cuisines, from stir-fries to carved meats. Vista, part of Latitude 53, transforms into an Italian restaurant in the evenings. Specialty restaurants, at an additional cost, include Surf & Turf Steakhouse for premium cuts and seafood, Kora La for pan-Asian dishes, and Umi Sushi for fresh sushi. Snack Shack offers grab-and-go burgers and sandwiches by the pool. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining at The Mediterranean, featuring pizza and tapas.
Entertainment Options
The Broadway Show Lounge, seating 1,000, hosts West End-style shows, comedy acts, and musical performances across two nightly sittings. Indigo, a flagship bar-club-casino, features a DJ booth, dance floor, and gaming tables. The Squid & Anchor pub offers live music, quizzes, and arcade games in an English-style setting. An indoor cinema screens classic and new films, while Movies by Moonlight provides open-air screenings. The Sports & Family Deck includes mini-golf and a sports court for basketball, ensuring fun for all ages.
Accommodation Details
Accommodation on Marella Explorer includes 962 staterooms across 10 decks, catering to different needs. Suites, ranging from 236–527 square feet, offer living areas, premium amenities, and private balconies with dining spaces, plus Premier Service perks like priority boarding. Balcony cabins, at 172–215 square feet, provide private outdoor spaces and family options for up to five. Oceanview cabins feature portholes or windows, while inside cabins, at 172 square feet, offer comfort with pull-down beds for families. Single cabins, at 130–150 square feet, cater to solo travellers. All cabins include air-conditioning, TVs, hairdryers, and tea/coffee facilities, with 39 accessible cabins for inclusivity.
Hospitality Services
Hospitality on Marella Explorer is attentive, with 780 crew members ensuring personalised service. Staff assist with dining reservations, activity planning, and guest queries. The Champneys Spa, the first at sea, offers massages, facials, and a Thermal Suite with a Finnish sauna and hot tubs. The Veranda, an adults-only sundeck, provides cabanas and cocoon chairs. M Club caters to kids aged 3–11 with activities like crafts, while The Hideout offers teens video games and social spaces. Wi-Fi is available for a fee, with packages for social media or full browsing. The all-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, and gratuities, enhancing flexibility.
Standout Features
The Champneys Spa, with its Finnish sauna and treatment suites, offers a luxurious retreat. Indigo’s bar-club-casino combination creates a lively nightlife hub. The Broadway Show Lounge delivers high-energy performances. The Veranda’s adults-only sundeck provides a serene escape. The Mediterranean’s glass-roofed dining venue, with complimentary pizza and tapas, adds a local taverna feel. The 2018 refurbishment ensures modern decor and updated facilities across the ship
