Marella Explorer

While the main features of the Marella Explorer are easy to spot, some of the best onboard experiences are tucked away where average passengers miss them. If you want to cruise like a seasoned pro, make sure to add these lesser-known insider tips and hidden spots to your itinerary.

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1. The Best Free Sunbathing Escape: The Veranda

The main pool deck on Deck 11 is the high-energy heart of the ship, but on sea days, finding a vacant lounger can feel like a sport.

• The Secret: Head all the way up to Deck 14 to find The Veranda.

• Why go: This is a dedicated, peaceful, adults-only sun deck. It features plush, heavily padded loungers and cocoon chairs that are vastly superior to the standard plastic pool deck chairs. Best of all, it offers unobstructed, elevated views of the open ocean far away from the pool music and activities.

2. The Spa's Hidden Sea-View Window

The Marella Explorer features a massive Ocean Spa facility, but you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune on high-end treatments to enjoy its best asset.

• The Secret: The onboard thermal suite houses a panoramic sauna with floor-to-ceiling glass windows looking directly out over the ocean waves.

• Pro Tip: If you book a standard body treatment or facial, check for bundle deals that include day-pass access to the thermal suite. Relaxing in a hot sauna while watching the ocean slide past at 18 knots is easily one of the most underrated experiences onboard.

3. Don't Order Your Drinks at the Bar

On hot sea days or right before the evening theater productions start, lines at the physical bars can get backed up.

• The Secret: Look out for the roaming drinks carts on the pool deck. Crew members push these around loaded with pre-mixed favorites, beers, and ice, allowing you to flag them down and grab a drink directly from your sun lounger without standing in line.

• Theater Hack: Similarly, right before the main West End-style productions in the Broadway Show Lounge, the crew sets up a massive table of pre-poured, included drinks right by the theater entrance. Skip the main indoor bars and grab a glass on your way into the auditorium.

4. The Upgraded Balcony Hammock Secret

If you are trying to decide which cabin category to book, take a close look at Deck 10.

• The Secret: The standard Balcony Cabins on Deck 10 feature massive, oversized private balconies—significantly deeper than the balconies on lower decks.

• Why it's worth it: Because of the physical structure and flare of the hull, these extended balconies are spacious enough to fit two traditional sun loungers, a table, chairs, and a full-sized woven hammock. It gives you a private suite-style balcony layout for the price of a standard balcony fare.

5. Indulge in the "Secret" Premium Coffee Shop Treats

Marella operates on a highly inclusive model where standard buffet cookies and soft-serve ice cream are completely free. However, if you have a sweet tooth, there is one paid upgrade that is worth every penny.

• The Secret: Head to The Coffee Port on Deck 6. While the specialized barista coffees carry a small premium charge, they serve massive, freshly baked gourmet cookies (usually around £2 to £3) that are completely different from—and infinitely better than—the standard free biscuits found in the Market Place buffet.

6. Cabin Power Hack: Bring a Multi-Plug Adapter

The Marella Explorer is a beautifully maintained but older, classic vessel (originally built in the late 1990s and heavily refurbished in 2018). Because of its older architectural layout, modern tech integration is a bit sparse in the staterooms.

• The Secret: Most standard cabins only feature two live power outlets near the desk area. If you are traveling as a couple or family trying to charge multiple smartphones, cameras, tablets, and smartwatches overnight, you will quickly run out of space. Always pack a non-surge-protected multi-plug adapter or a multi-port USB charging block to maximize your limited cabin sockets.