Marella Explorer 2 Reviews

Marella Explorer 2 Cruise Review 8-15 May 2025 Booking our cruise through Iglu was a smooth and efficient process, making the start of our holiday easy and stress-free. The journey itself was with TUI, whose correspondence throughout was adequate, ensuring we were kept informed of important updates. One such update involved a flight time change—from an original 07:15 departure to 09:15 from East Midlands Airport—which, thanks to TUI’s timely notification, caused no inconvenience. Upon arrival at the airport, long queues were expected, but having booked assisted travel, we experienced a relatively swift check-in process. The flight departed on time, offering a short and comfortable 2. 5-hour journey to Dubrovnik Airport. While border control was efficient, the baggage carousel proved busy, leading to a longer-than-expected wait for our luggage. However, once retrieved, our bags were handled promptly and delivered to the ship without issue. Accommodation: Royal Suite, Cabin 1048 After a brief wait for our cabin to be prepared, we took the opportunity to enjoy a light lunch before heading to our suite. Having researched the Royal Suite in advance, we were eager to compare it to our previous experience in the Royal Cabin on Discovery 2. The suite was undeniably spacious and beautifully wood-paneled, offering a lounge, two toilets, a large bedroom, and a dining room with a six-seater table. Additionally, it featured a galley equipped with a large American fridge and microwave—though the size of the fridge felt excessive for our needs. A small enhancement would have been having the fridge stocked with beers and soft drinks upon arrival. One of the suite’s standout features was its large balcony, complete with a hot tub. While an enticing amenity, the overall condition of both the balcony and hot tub left room for improvement. The hot tub lacked steps for easy access, requiring manual filling via a tap—a process that took approximately an hour, meaning we only used it a few times. Additionally, the balcony layout posed a few trip hazards, making movement less convenient. A notable downside was the bed. Instead of a comfortable setup, the mattress rested on what appeared to be a corrugated sheet, leading to an unexpectedly uncomfortable sleep—disappointing for such a high-tier cabin. Overall, the Royal Suite provided an elegant and spacious setting, but certain aspects—particularly the hot tub and bed arrangement—could benefit from thoughtful refinements to elevate the experience. The lack of USB ports was another peculiarity, with the only available ports built into the bedside lights, which required the lights to remain on to function properly. Not convenient for nighttime charging. Despite these minor drawbacks, the cruise itself was well-organised, with efficient service from both TUI and airport personnel. With a few improvements, the suite has the potential to deliver a truly luxurious experience. Moving onto Dining. * We had a wonderful experience on The sister ship Discovery 2 in the Surf and Turf restaurant. These specialist dining carry an additional charge. We were excited about having the same experience on Explorer 2. Unfortunately we were very disappointed in our choice of Portherhouse Steak for two. The first serving arrived cold and was sent back. The repeat order was hot but had a unappetising colour and the meat tough in parts. However we did book special dining in The Kora La Asian restaurant which was excellent. Having had a wonderful chateaubriand in The Dining Club we booked again for a second time to enjoy a wonderful Tournedos Rossini. This made up for our disappointment with Surf and Turf. * Buffet Having enjoyed a great buffet on Discovery 2. We were somewhat disappointed on the layout and stand of food. We chose not to use it often. Preferring the dining room. The shows were of a professional standard and the crew worked hard to put on a different show each night. Overall the staff were friendly and professional at all times. Room service was great with friendly staff Overall it was an enjoyable cruise visiting some lovely places. As a bonus the weather was kind Would we cruise with Marella again. The jury is out.

3rd trip on Explorer 2 , cabin let experience down on this occasion as we found it difficult to sleep through the engine noise and vibration. Did hope that it would settle unfortunately it just got worse. Never experienced this before. Food and shows were excellent. Ports of call had plenty to explore.

It was great, probably one of our best cruises yet. Most of them are very good, this was excellent. We have been on this ship 3 or 4 times, usually on a "Repositioning Cruise". We went with friends who are very good company and this made it even better. No problems. The only thing we found - this also happened on our last Marella "Voyager" Cruise - was the slow service in the Latitude 53, Vista and Tapas Restaurant's. Up to and over 2 hours for evening meals. Lovely to sit and chat over dinner but often we missed the start of the 1st show in the Broadway Lounge. Obvious that other tables arrived after us were served first. Is there a shortage of staff?

Value for money

We had a wonderful holiday onboard Marella Explorer 2 - 15th to 22nd April. Food fantastic, entertainment was top drawer but what made it for us was the staff who could not do enough for all their guests, particularly those who needed that little bit of help. This was our 10th cruise and you certainly exceeded our expectations. Thank you to the entire ship's company and Captain Richard who made a point of being around and welcoming all the passengers.

We have previously cruised with Virgin on the then new ship Valiant Lady and we are both absolutely certain that Marella Explorer 2 surpasses Virgin in every way possible. The ship even though its older is first class in every way possible from the excellent permanently smiling and helpful crew who nothing is too much trouble for to the excellent food (particularly Picadillys) - Really impressive and Marella as a company could certainly teach Virgin how to operate properly and give good customer service|

Really enjoyed our ‘girls’ cruise. Really can’t think of anything about the ship that we weren’t happy with.

Just back off marella explorer 2. The housekeepers on deck 10, my room 1095 were brilliant - spotless. Nothing too much trouble with staff. Golf bar staff amazing, friendly and welcoming every night. Squid and anchor waiters very professional. All staff on this ship overall made it such a pleasant holiday. Food was lovely, diverse, so many places to eat. Drinks all inclusive were enough, didn't need extra personally. Always easy to dine and drink. Ports of call were great. Everything from flight to transfer to ship all went smoothly. TUI is doing it right, Marella explorer 2 lovely ship, best cruise holiday ever had. Will definitely be returning, thank you Marie, Bob, Kev and Bri

Smart clean ship professional crew and edible food clean cabins and good entertainment

Friendly staff, well kept ship, fabulous shows and entertainment team and lots to do, loved it! 🥰