DAY 1 - 11 May 2023
Time at Port: from 4 AM to 8 PM
It’s easy to see why Dubrovnik is one of the best highlights on a Mediterranean cruise. In 1979, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautifully preserved ancient architecture that you’ll love to spend hours exploring. Fans of the hit series Game of Thrones will particularly love to recreate their favourite scenes filmed here, while history and art enthusiasts will adore the fortresses and museums.
Things to do in Dubrovnik:
Bellevue Beach
This small and intimate beach provides a quiet getaway from the crowds. Relax in the sun watching the locals play water polo, before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.
Sunj Beach
If you are looking for something relaxing but also to spend some time exploring, head along the sandy beaches and rocky paths where you’ll find Sunj beach. Here the waters range from beautiful crystal blue to alluring green where you can swim and relax under the sun with a wide range of bars to pick from.
Lokrum Island
A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a fantastic place for a day trip. With a beautiful botanical garden planted in the 19th century, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and spots for swimming in the sea, you’ll love exploring this tiny island.
Lovrijenac Fortress
At 37 meters above the sea, Fortress Lovrijenac offers impressive views across the landscape. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the fortress played an important role in protecting the Old City, which visitors will learn about as they explore the grounds.
Muralles de Dubrovnik
Covering 1,940 metres with 6 fortresses, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must visit for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of architecture. Visitors can join walking tours of the walls which take approximately two hours and offer unrivalled views over the city from the forts.
St John Fortress
One of the most important forts in the Walls of Dubrovnik, it now houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, containing artefacts, paintings and documents telling the history of city. The aquarium, meanwhile, is where you’ll find marine life that thrives in the waters off Croatia.
At Sea
DAY 2 - 12 May 2023
You will be at sea on day 2 while travelling from Dubrovnik to Valletta.
Valletta
DAY 3 - 13 May 2023
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Malta’s capital, Valletta is steeped in history and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. A simple stroll through the Baroque-style streets will take you back in time to 1566 when the city was completed, while a range of museums and monuments provide an in-depth retelling of the past. Its intimate size makes it easy to explore the highlights on foot and discover many hidden gems such as botanical gardens, boutiques and eateries.
Things to do in Valletta:
Malta 5D
This new-generation theatre provides an immersive journey through the history and culture of Malta, featuring 3D films, moving seats, water and air blasts and even leg ticklers. Fun for all ages, Malta 5D is the most unique way to discover Malta!
Manoel Theatre and Palazzo Manoel
Tucked away on a quiet street, the Manoel Theatre is a hidden gem of fascinating history and beautiful architecture. Whether you’re taking a tour of the theatre or enjoying a musical performance, visitors will fall in love with its elegance and grandeur.
St Johns Cathedral in Valetta
St John’s Co-Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of traditional Baroque architecture in Europe and features memorials dedicated to knights covering the floor and ceiling as well as the stunning Caravaggio’s painting.
Grand Master's Palace
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the Grandmaster’s Palace is an iconic piece of Maltese heritage, housing the President’s office and a museum where visitors can enjoy an audio guide to get to know the history behind the impressive armoury.
National Museum of Archaeology
Covering the history and mythology of Malta, the National Museum of Archaeology is a must visit for those looking to discover ancient artefacts. This highly informative museum is where you’ll find the renowned Sleeping Lady, Venus of Malta and more.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
At the end of a busy day of exploring, the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just what you need to wind down and relax in the capital. Offering unrivalled views of the city, these gardens date back to 1661 and are home to beautiful statues and plaques.
Messina, Sicily
DAY 4 - 14 May 2023
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 5 PM
Messina is a coastal city located in the north-east of Sicily and overlooks the homonymous strait, which separates the region from the rest of the Peninsula. Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, a few years before Rome, it is said that the strait was the home of Scylla and Charybdis, two sea monsters described by Homer in the Odyssey. In Messina you can admire the Duomo, the Astronomical Clock and the rich Regional Museum which houses works by famous artists.
Things to do in Messina, Sicily:
Messina Cathedral
The Cathedral of Messina was consecrated in 1197 and stands in the Piazza del Duomo. Its peculiarity is the different architectural styles that distinguish it: in fact, Romanesque, Norman, Gothic, Neo-Gothic and Baroque elements coexist.
Orologico Astronomico
The Astronomical Clock of Messina is an integral part of the city's Cathedral. It was built in 1933 at the behest of Archbishop Angelo Paino during the restoration of the bell tower and is freely inspired by the one in Strasbourg.
Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is one of the central points of Messina: here you can admire the Duomo, the Astronomical Clock and the Statue of the Immaculate Conception, a white marble sculpture created by the sculptor Giuseppe Buceti between 1757 and 1758.
Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani
The Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani rises between via Cesare Battisti and via Garibaldi on the remains of a pagan temple. The beginning of the construction dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries and boasts a clear Byzantine style with Arab-Norman influences.
Messina Regional Museum
The Regional Museum of Messina was established in 1806 and since then illustrates the figurative art of Messina from the 12th to the 18th century. You can admire the Resurrection of Lazarus, a famous painting by Caravaggio, and several works by Antonello da Messina.
Taranto
DAY 5 - 15 May 2023
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Corfu Town, Corfu
DAY 6 - 16 May 2023
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 5 PM
Due to its fascinating history Corfu strongly resembles an Italian city, though its character today is distinctly unique. Its old town was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its historic roots and impressive architecture, and is certainly a romantic place to explore. With countless hotspots to drink, dine and even dance the night away, Corfu Town is a must visit on any Mediterranean cruise.
Things to do in Corfu Town, Corfu:
Church of St Spyridon
Home to the remains of Saint Spyridon, this basilica is an iconic landmark of Corfu Town with its bell tower standing high above the rooftops. Visitors are welcome to look around the church every day, though it is recommended to do so after morning service.
Corfu Town Esplanade
As Corfu Town’s main gathering space, there’s no shortage of activities and events here, as well as cafés surrounding the vast green square. Relax in the sun with a picnic, enjoy a round of cricket with the locals or watch the brass band play on the bandstand.
Old Fortress
The Old Fortress resides on a small island near Corfu town and, for just a small entrance fee, provides stunning views and featuring a museum with sculptures, artefacts and paintings from the Byzantine era, as well as a café, restaurant and souvenirs.
The Achilleion
The Achilleion was built for the Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1890 and decorated extensively in homage to Classical Greece. Visitors will marvel at the sculptures and paintings of ancient heroes and gods like Zeus, Hera and Achilles.
The Royal Palace: Museum of Asian Art
Dedicated to the art of Asia, this museum boasts a wide range of works including ceramics, textiles, antiques, paintings and more. Four permanent exhibitions are on display, as well as numerous temporary exhibits and a charming garden.
Bar
DAY 7 - 17 May 2023
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 5 PM
Dubrovnik
DAY 8 - 18 May 2023
Time at Port: from 4 AM to 8 PM
It’s easy to see why Dubrovnik is one of the best highlights on a Mediterranean cruise. In 1979, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautifully preserved ancient architecture that you’ll love to spend hours exploring. Fans of the hit series Game of Thrones will particularly love to recreate their favourite scenes filmed here, while history and art enthusiasts will adore the fortresses and museums.
Things to do in Dubrovnik:
Bellevue Beach
This small and intimate beach provides a quiet getaway from the crowds. Relax in the sun watching the locals play water polo, before taking a dip in the crystal clear waters and exploring the nearby cliffs and caves.
Sunj Beach
If you are looking for something relaxing but also to spend some time exploring, head along the sandy beaches and rocky paths where you’ll find Sunj beach. Here the waters range from beautiful crystal blue to alluring green where you can swim and relax under the sun with a wide range of bars to pick from.
Lokrum Island
A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a fantastic place for a day trip. With a beautiful botanical garden planted in the 19th century, the ruins of a Benedictine monastery and spots for swimming in the sea, you’ll love exploring this tiny island.
Lovrijenac Fortress
At 37 meters above the sea, Fortress Lovrijenac offers impressive views across the landscape. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the fortress played an important role in protecting the Old City, which visitors will learn about as they explore the grounds.
Muralles de Dubrovnik
Covering 1,940 metres with 6 fortresses, the Walls of Dubrovnik are a must visit for Game of Thrones fans and lovers of architecture. Visitors can join walking tours of the walls which take approximately two hours and offer unrivalled views over the city from the forts.
St John Fortress
One of the most important forts in the Walls of Dubrovnik, it now houses the Maritime Museum and Aquarium, containing artefacts, paintings and documents telling the history of city. The aquarium, meanwhile, is where you’ll find marine life that thrives in the waters off Croatia.
I’d like to Say a Big Thank you to Captain Kostas and his Crew and All the Amazing Staff and to all the Entertainers onboard Explorer 2 where we Spent Christmas & New Year. The Food was always well presented and Lovely. Can’t fault anything apart from Bringing us Back Lol. All Joking aside nothing was too much trouble for anyone on this Ship. Visiting the Beautiful Caribbean so what more could anyone what accept to go again Thank you so much
We really had a good holiday we loved the ship entertainment shows was good. apart from one singer from one of the bars on an evening he played a guitar and sung Irish songs and they were a bit depressing we weren’t the only ones it got on your nerves after a bit but we would rather listen to a band be able to get up and have a dance also they only brought one out side entertainer per week on P&O you have a couple of acts over two weeks staff we’re really friendly cabin was fine bath room could do with an up date
We have been on 8 cruises with various operators (princess, Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Holland America, P&O ), and not been with Marella before, but were recommended to do so by a friend who used to work in the industry. We were not disappointed: ship very clean and tidy, with a fresh contemporary feel and unfussy (no expensive artwork), nice furniture throughout; cabins immaculate, with a larger bathroom than most, notably with a glass shower screen, rather than a curtain. Crew welcoming, professional and always cheerful. Entertainment first rate, food standard excellent, (but with buffet selection smaller than some) and more than enough bars with a wide range of cocktails available; we had the premium drinks package for £7 a day, which was great value. Transport to and from the ship was extremely efficient; we were given cabin tags at the UK airport for the suitcase, Naples was not as chaotic as we feared (we travelled mid-week), with a 5 minute walk to the coaches. Luggage was loaded on to the coaches for us, and appeared at our cabins within an hour of boarding. Boarding efficient and quick, a couple of minor issues ( a twin room set up as a double) rapidly and efficiently sorted out. return journey equally good; luggage was left outside the cabins the night before leaving, the next time we saw it was on the baggage claim in the UK. Didn't use any of the ship's excursions, so can't comment on these. Excellent value for money with all tips and drinks included, we would definitely use Marella again.
Overated short measured on premium drinks package glasses not filled up properly always waited till you had a third left and topped up by a third not always convinced you got the drink from the premium package cabin steward great helpful and friendly Restaurant windows dirty so any pictures taken were blighted.
Did the Mediterranean Gems cruise from Naples in August. Had a great time, the ship was lovely and the staff were exceptional, very friendly and attentive. Our balcony cabin was great and very good value. All the ports of call were interesting and were very well organised. Our first Marella cruise and would certainly recommend to family and friends.
Tours very well organised & tour guides very knowledgeable. Food very disappointing (was looking forward to plenty of seafood choice but nothing much on offer) Most restaurants on ship fully booked by existing passengers upon boarding. Service/bar staff always very friendly and helpful but ran out of inclusive beer on day 4! Cabin service very limited - couldn't deliver a pizza for dinner! Evening theatre entertainment top notch.
Can’t praise Iglu and Marella highly enough. From booking with Iglu to walking into our balcony cabin everything was perfect. There were plenty of Marella staff to welcome us at the airport and the organisation at port was excellent. The ship was recently refurbished and generally was good. The layout of The Market Place food was a bit random and had a quite limited selection but we always found something to eat. Lattitude 53 was excellent. All in all an excellent cruise which was marvellous value for money. Would definitely cruise with Marella again.
Marella Explorer 2 is a great entry level cruise option, fully inclusive so takes all the worries away. Good itinerary with public transport easily accessible so you can avoid the tours. Entertainment is varied enough though suited to the mass market ... particular mention of the Cruise Director who sang an amazing Sinatra esq set. If you want super posh this isn’t for you but if fun in the sun is your thing you cannot go wrong. Ideal for traveling with young adults (plenty of families) right up to those of retirement age but noticeably a slightly younger average than some cruise lines. Waist line hasn’t recovered yet from the good food - we stuck to the inclusive restaurants, so no need to upgrade.
* Please note - Itineraries calling into Venice and Dubrovnik will incur a small tourist tax per person, this will be added to your onboard account during the cruise.
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.
