Discover the Marella Explorer 2: The Ultimate Adults-Only Cruise Experience
If you are looking for a sophisticated, relaxed, and entirely child-free getaway, the Marella Explorer 2 is the perfect ship for you. Operated by Marella Cruises (part of the TUI Group), this ship was exclusively tailored for adults, combining a laid-back atmosphere with premium dining, vibrant entertainment, and modern facilities.
Whether you are a solo traveler, enjoying a romantic couples retreat, or sailing with friends, the Marella Explorer 2 offers an unforgettable all-inclusive voyage across some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Technical Specifications
Launched for Marella in 2019 after an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment, the ship feels modern, spacious, and impeccably maintained.
71,545 GT
Gross Tonnage
1,814 Maximum
Passenger Capacity
907
Crew Size
1995
Year Built
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Home Port
Dining & Bars: A Culinary Journey at Sea
Food and drink are where the Marella Explorer 2 truly shines, boasting an impressive 9 restaurants and 10 bars. The all-inclusive nature of the cruise means you can indulge in a massive variety of cuisines without worrying about a mounting bill.
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Latitude 53 & Vista: The main two-story dining room. Latitude 53 offers classic British and international dishes, while the upper tier, Vista, transforms into a contemporary Italian venue in the evening.
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The Market Place: A versatile, casual buffet serving everything from custom stir-fries to fresh pizzas and international favorites.
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Snack Shack: Perfect for daytime lounging. Grab-and-go beach-style food including sandwiches, burgers, and salads right by the pool.
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Beach Cove: A relaxed, barbecue-inspired eatery featuring quirky swinging seats.
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Specialty Dining (Chargeable): For a special night out, you can upgrade to Surf & Turf Steakhouse for premium cuts of meat, Kora La for exquisite Pan-Asian curries, or The Dining Club for a gourmet tasting menu.
Where to grab a drink:
From the lively Squid & Anchor traditional British pub (perfect for quizzes and live music) to Flutes, an elegant Champagne and Prosecco bar where you can simply "press for bubbles." Golf fans will love The 19th Hole, a golf-themed bar complete with a golf simulator.
Entertainment & Onboard Facilities
The Marella Explorer 2 is designed to balance total relaxation with high-energy fun.
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The Veranda & Pools: Head to the aft of the ship to find The Veranda, a luxurious sunbathing area fitted with Balinese beds and cocoon chairs. The ship features one large main pool flanked by four bubbly whirlpools.
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Champneys Spa: The largest spa in the Marella fleet. It features treatment rooms with hot tubs, an adults-only sauna with floor-to-ceiling sea views, a steam room, and a full beauty salon.
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Broadway Show Lounge: A spectacular two-tiered theater hosting West End-style productions, guest comedians, and live music twice a night.
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Indigo Club & Casino: A multi-use venue that boasts a feature bar, a lively dancefloor, and a casino with blackjack tables and slot machines.
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Active Zones: Keep fit with the top-deck running track, the sea-view gym, or challenge your partner to a round of 9-hole minigolf.
Cabin Options to Suit Every Budget
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With 907 cabins onboard, there is an accommodation type for every kind of traveler. Standard amenities in all cabins include air-conditioning, a flatscreen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a safe.
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Inside & Outside Cabins: Measuring around 16m², these are perfect for budget-conscious cruisers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship or onshore. Outside cabins feature a picture window or porthole.
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Balcony Cabins: Bring the sea breeze inside. These 16m² rooms come with an additional furnished balcony so you can enjoy private, far-reaching ocean views.
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Suites: For ultimate luxury, book an Executive Suite or the top-tier Royal Suite, which includes a separate living area, king-size bed, complimentary pressing service, continental breakfast in bed, and a private whirlpool on the balcony.
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Solo Cabins: The ship caters excellently to solo travelers with dedicated single inside and outside cabins that do not incur massive single-supplement fees.
Destinations & Itineraries
The Marella Explorer 2 chases the sun year-round. During the summer months, she is typically found sailing the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea, with popular itineraries departing from Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Malaga (Spain) to explore the Greek Isles, Italy, and the Dalmatian Coast.
As winter approaches, the ship crosses the Atlantic to the Caribbean, home-porting in Bridgetown, Barbados, to offer tropical itineraries like "Cocktails and Coconuts" and "Exotic Islands."
5 Insider Tips for the Marella Explorer 2
Want to get the absolute most out of your adults-only escape? Here are a few secrets and ship hacks that first-time cruisers often miss:
1. You Don't Need Paid Wi-Fi to Use the Ship’s App
Marella has a free onboard intranet system called Navigate. As soon as you board, put your phone in airplane mode, connect to the ship's internal Wi-Fi network, and open the app in your browser. You can use it to book specialty dining, check the daily entertainment schedule, book shore excursions, and track your onboard account—all without paying a dime for an internet package.
2. Book "Surf & Turf" on Day One
If you want to eat at the premium Surf & Turf Steakhouse (and you should—the steaks are phenomenal), do not wait to book. It is the most popular specialty restaurant on the ship and reservations disappear quickly. Use the Navigate app to lock in your table the moment you board.
3. Look for "Port Day" Spa Discounts
Want to experience the massive Champneys Spa without paying premium prices? Wait for a port day. The spa often runs heavy discounts and bundle packages on days when most passengers are off exploring. If you’ve already visited a specific port on a previous trip, stay on board and enjoy a discounted massage while the ship is quiet.
4. Press for Bubbles at Flutes
If you love Champagne, head to Flutes on Deck 7. It’s a beautifully designed, sleek bar that often features a live pianist. Look out for the booths equipped with a quirky "Press for Bubbles" button. It’s a brilliant photo op and a fun way to order your next glass of fizz.
5. Upgrade to the Premium Drinks Package for Convenience
Marella is strictly all-inclusive, meaning standard cocktails, beer, and wine are already covered. However, upgrading to the Premium All-Inclusive Package gets you upgraded spirits and premium cocktails, but the real insider perk is the grab-and-go convenience. The premium package includes upgraded coffees at The Coffee Port, 1.5-liter bottles of water (perfect to grab before heading off the ship for a shore excursion), and canned sodas instead of fountain drinks.
Marella Explorer 2
Marella Explorer 2 The Market Place
Marella Explorer 2 Spa
Marella Explorer 2 Suites
