Sailing as part of Marella Cruises fleet since 2018, Marella Explorer offers a fantastic all-inclusive cruising experience visiting a selection of destinations. A family-friendly ship, highlights on Marella Explorer include Umi Sushi, Movies by Moonlight and the Broadway Show Lounge, alongside a minigolf course and a sports deck.
Top Marella Explorer Deals
Top destinations
The ship in numbers
- Launched 1996
- Tonnage 76,998
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 8
- Decks 13
- Lifts 10
- Pools 3
- Restaurants 11
- Formal nights Yes
- Kids clubs Yes
- Maximum capacity 1924
- Crew 909
- Refurbished 2022
What's onboard
Dining
Dining Onboard Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer offers you so many fantastic options for delicious onboard dining — with 10 restaurants and 10 bars to choose from! All tastes are catered for with a tempting selection of international cuisine from Pan-Asian delicacies to steakhouse classics. With a range of casual options and more formal restaurants, there’s a dining venue for every occasion.
Top dining highlights on Marella Explorer include:
- Piccadilly’s - a stylish gastropub, this is the one restaurant onboard where you’ll always have an enjoyable meal; with an incredible menu of hearty British favourites, which have been elevated to the next level of quality and flavour, you’re certain to find something delicious to indulge in when you dine here
- Latitude 53 - the main dining restaurant onboard, here you can indulge in international cuisine from morning to night
- The Dining Club - a speciality restaurant, here you can tuck into steak, seafood and more
- Kora La - An exquisite restaurant serving Pan-Asian specialties such as curries and noodles
- Surf & Turf Steakhouse - You can delight in decadent steak and seafood dishes in this popular venue
- Umi Sushi - Freshly made, delicious sushi dishes are available to eat here
- Vista - Indulge in a wide variety of Italian fare in this excellent dining option
- Snack Shack - Here, you can enjoy light bites throughout the day in a stylish, colourful spot onboard
Entertainment
Entertainment Onboard Marella Explorer
Entertainment onboard Marella Explorer is as varied as it is exciting. With so much to choose from- ranging from a relaxed drink in one of the lounges to a high-energy Broadway-style show, guests can choose a different venue every evening and never get bored!
So, when it comes to things to do aboard Marella Explorer, highlights include:
- The Lounge - With live music throughout the afternoon, this is the perfect spot for some pre-dinner drinks and light entertainment
- Movies by Moonlight - An open-air cinema showing a mix of Hollywood classics and the latest releases, you'll be able to enjoy a fantastic movie night here
- Broadway Show Lounge - A theatre showing high-quality West-End style live shows, marvel at some of the best performances at sea in this venue
- Indigo Casino & Club - A combination venue offering table games and slots alongside dancefloors and DJ booths, you're guaranteed to have a fun evening here
Family
Family Activities Onboard Marella Explorer
Cruises with Marella Explorer have families in mind and with enough facilities and activities to please guests of all ages. If you’re looking for some active fun that brings the family together, look no further than mini golf, table tennis and more at the Sports & Family Deck, where you can challenge your loved ones to a bit of friendly competition.
As important as it is to spend time together as a family, there are also plenty of opportunities to hangout separately. Kids and teens are well catered for with dedicated areas including the fully stocked Gamer Zone, while adults can enjoy some peace and quiet lounging about on the Balinese beds on The Veranda.
And, everyone can cool off outdoors while onboard Marella Explorer — there's a swimming pool, multiple whirlpools, and a kids Splash Pad with baby mini-slide.
You can also read our recent blog - Best Family Cruises Summer 2024 to learn more about its family-friendly attractions!
Things to do
Spa and fitness
Marella Explorer is the perfect choice for a week of pampering, thanks to the renowned Spa and Beauty Salon. Offering a range of treatments including polishes, couples massages and other sumptuous delights, it’s the perfect opportunity to recharge and refresh on your cruise.
As well as these wonderful facilities, the ship is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym which is kitted out with all the essentials for an intensive workout.
Recreation
Days at sea can be enjoyed just as much as shore excursions on Marella Explorer. One of the most popular places to spend the afternoon is the pool deck, where as well as the pool there are various whirlpools in which to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
However, if you’d like some respite from the sun then head inside and browse what’s on offer. From a well-stocked library and coffee shops to boutiques and a photo studio, there’s no end of ways to keep you occupied during your free time on the ship.
Marella Explorer Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Marella Explorer
This was our first time on a cruise and we really enjoyed it. The boat was big enough to not feel crowded in any of the restaurants or bars, the only area we never got to sit at or use was the pool on the top deck because that was packed 100% of the time. The food was very good in all the restaurants, we particularly enjoyed the Italian. The staff had been trained to always greet you when you were passing by and they seemed genuinely friendly people and happy to be there. We have to give a particular mention to our 3 cabin stewards who on the first day introduced themselves and asked us our names, thereafter they greeted us by name every time we saw them and looked after us fantastically. Our cabins were immaculate and we had a beautiful different towel animal on our bed at night. Nothing was too much trouble for them, they were Vicky, Kyow and Larren, all 3 of them are great ambassadors for Marella. The entertainment was to a very high standard, we are not 'show' people but thought we should give it a go and went on 3 different occasions and was pleasantly surprised ! All in all it was a great holiday, the excursions were well planned and we took advantage of going out every day on a different one, seeing the sights and all of the local guides employed knew their stuff. The only thing I wouldn't do again is purchase the premium drinks package as neither of us drink spirits and the standard wines in all the restaurants were to such a high standard that it wasn't necessary, but you live and learn and this was our first cruise, so we didn't know what to expect.
Had a great time on my first cruise. all the staff were very friendly and helpful especially Vicky, Kyaw and Larren who had the dubious task of cleaning up my room. Sangita who gave me a great massage in the Spa and Jemma who served me my meals in the Piccadilly restaurant and was always smiling and attentive
This is the third marella cruises we've been on and have enjoyed all of them, even though the ships are of the older style they are super maintained and clean. All of the staff are very helpful and friendly and being a cricket fan I had great fun with indian bar staff.
The best cruise we have had from Check in to coming home. Exceptional staff, food, excursions (places visited) and a very cheery Captain! # On the whole a very happy ship !
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on Marella Explorer?
There is a variety of cabin types onboard Marella Explorer, from inside cabins to outside cabins, balcony cabins, suites and more. With something for every preference or budget, you'll find the perfect cabin for your requirements onboard Marella Explorer.
Families and Kids
Is Marella Explorer family-friendly?
Yes, Marella Explorer is a family-friendly ship. The ship features dedicated kids clubs and facilities and activities designed for families.
Does Marella Explorer have waterslides?
No, Marella Explorer does not have any waterslides, though it offers swimming pools (including a kids pool), whirlpools and relaxation areas.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on Marella Explorer?
There is a selection of complimentary dining options onboard Marella Explorer, including a main dining room and places that are ideal for light bites. The main dining venue onboard is Latitude 53, and other complimentary options include Piccadilly's, Vista, The Market Place, the Snack Shack, Italian @ The Mediterranean and Tapas @ The Mediterranean.
What speciality dining is there on Marella Explorer?
Alongside inclusive restaurants, there's also a selection of speciality dining venues onboard Marella Explorer that require a reservation and are chargeable. These include The Dining Club, Umi Sushi, Kora La and the Surf & Turf Steakhouse.
Itineraries
Which ports does Marella Explorer usually sail out of?
Marella Explorer sails from a variety of ports, that change depending on the season. Please check specific itineraries for exact departure locations.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard Marella Explorer?
There is a range of highlights onboard Marella Explorer, from the dazzling entertainment to dining options and family-friendly activities. Top facilities include the Broadway Show Lounge, The Cinema, The Veranda and the Squid & Anchor.
