DAY 1 - 06 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 10 PM
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Malaga is a vibrant gem on the Costa del Sol, teeming with history, culture and friendly locals. Lovers of art will love the destination that brought the world Picasso, thanks to its many new art galleries and creative districts. For those looking to let their hair down, the numerous authentic Spanish bars will keep you going until dawn, while foodies will enjoy both formal dining and street eateries.
Things to do in Malaga:
Castilo de Gibralfaro
With gorgeous views overlooking the city, Castillo de Gibralfaro was built in the 8th century as a lighthouse and military barracks. Its imposing walkways provide a scenic walk, while the museum nearby offers great insight into the history of the castle.
Catedral de la Encarnacion de Malaga
This iconic landmark was first built in the historic city centre in 1530, with work finishing in the 17th century. With a Gothic Renaissance style, it boasts a tower standing at 84 metres tall, providing breath-taking photo opportunities.
La Alcazaba
One of Malaga’s stunning historical monuments, La Alcazaba – meaning citadel – was built between 1057 and 1063. It has since been restored and features Roman walls and a dungeon, as well as stunning views of the harbour and old town.
Roman Theatre
As Malaga’s oldest historical monument, El teatro Romano was discovered in 1951 and has since uncovered much of Andalusia’s rich history. Visitors can marvel at the fascinating features of the theatre, such as the orchestra area, while more is still being uncovered.
At Sea
DAY 2-3 - 07 Nov 2022 to 08 Nov 2022
You will be at sea on day 2-3 while travelling from Malaga to Arrecife, Lanzarote.
Arrecife, Lanzarote
DAY 4 - 09 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
The capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife’s cosmopolitan city holds many hidden gems of history among its backstreets. After beginning as a small fishing village in the 15th century, it is now home to high-end shopping and boutiques, traditional Spanish cuisine, a beautiful sandy beach and gorgeous monuments. Whether you’re here to shop until you drop or are looking to uncover the old history of Arrecife, there’s plenty to do in this quickly-growing capital.
Things to do in Arrecife, Lanzarote:
Castillo de San Gabriel
Originally built to defend Arrecife from pirate attacks, Castillo de San Gabriel is conveniently situated in the centre of town. Though it was once a wooden structure which was destroyed by fire, the monument has since been restored and is fascinating to explore.
Centro Commercial Marina
Arrecife’s main shopping destination, Marina Lanzarote is a trendy waterfront teeming with shops including designer outlets, as well as casual fast-food and restaurants. A walk along the marina will take you past stunning yachts and to where cruise liners dock.
Charco San Gines
What was once a small fishing port has flourished into the beautiful, natural lagoon of Charco san Gines. Many traditional seafood restaurants and bars have emerged in the area, creating a laid-back hub to find fresh food and enjoy live music on the waterfront.
Playa del Reducto
As the main beach in Arrecife, Playa del Reducto boasts the ‘Blue Flag’, signifying it as good for bathing, cleanliness and possessing great facilities. The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling as well as stand-up paddle boarding.
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
DAY 5 - 10 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Home to one of Europe’s most famous beaches as well as an abundance of historic architecture and natural beauty, Las Palmas is much more than just a place for fun in the sun. Hike the breath-taking Bandama Caldera crater, discover the interactive Elder Museum of Science and Technology, or for those just looking to relax, grab a lounger and top up your tan on the beach, or visit the high-end boutiques and shop until you drop.
Things to do in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria:
Bandama Caldera
The epic Caldera de Bandama is a volcanic crater stretching 1,000 metres in diameter. Thanks to the observation platform you can enjoy the sweeping views from the top, or – for the brave – take the adventurous hike down into the crater itself.
Casa de Colon
This excellent, informative museum – and originally Christopher Cloumbus’ house before he embarked upon his travels - is dedicated to the history of the famous explorer. Visitors will find his personal possessions, drawings, diaries and a portrait, as well as two talkative macaws.
Elder Museum of Science and Technology
Specialising in hands-on interaction, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology features weird and wonderful scientific exhibits. With four floors of content, you’ll find everything from physics to biology, art to engineering and even a planetarium.
Las Canteras
Among Europe’s most famous city beaches is Las Canteras, a golden-sandy beach with calm waters perfect for swimming and year-round warm weather. Spend the day snorkelling, sunbathing and swimming before filling up for dinner at the restaurants and bars.
Las Palmas Cathedral
Considered the most important monument of Canarian religious architecture, Cathedral of Santa Ana features Gothic, neoclassical and Baroque styles of architecture. Inside, you’ll find more stunning examples of expert craftsmanship as well as a tower from which you’ll see stunning views.
At Sea
DAY 6-11 - 11 Nov 2022 to 16 Nov 2022
You will be at sea on day 6-11 while travelling from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria to St. John's, Antigua.
St. John's, Antigua
DAY 12 - 17 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Pointe-à-Pitre
DAY 13 - 18 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Castries, St. Lucia
DAY 14 - 19 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Bridgetown, Barbados
DAY 15 - 20 Nov 2022
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 8 PM
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.
