Most drinks are included within the price of the cruise. Premium drinks can be included by upgrading to the "Premium Al Inclusive" package. See details of what is included in each below.
Premium All Inclusive
All inclusive
Tips
All tips and service charges are included in the cruise price. You are not expected to tip unless you want to.
Accommodation
Your cabin is included in the price of the cruise.
Choose to fly from a variety of airports included within the price.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from the buffet and main dining restaurants are all included. Meals from the specialty dining restaurants are additional.
No surprises. All port fees and taxes are included in the price.
Extras
Wi-fi
WiFi internet access isn’t included in the cost of your cruise, so if you want to get online then you’ll need to pay an additional fee. Marellla have a variety of options for getting online. See below.
Speciality Dining
Specialty restaurants allow travellers to enhance their dining experience during the cruise. This is a great way to add variety to your holiday or celebrate a special occasion. You can pay for meals in the special dining restaurants onboard.
Excursions
If you would like to do any excursions/tours while docked these will be an additional charge. Excursions/tours can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package. Alternatively these can be bought while on the ship but may be more expensive than pre-booking.
Insurance
Have the peace of mind that you're covered. Contact us after you have made the booking if you would like us to add this to your package.
Parking
Car parking at the port or airport for the duration of your trip is not included within the price of the cruise. Port/airport parking can’t currently be booked with us online but please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add this to your package. An approximate cost for parking is between £12 - £20 per car per day. Alternatively we can arrange transfers from your home to the departure airport/port.
Transfers (home to port)
Transfers from your home to the port or airport aren't included but we can help organise coach transfers, taxis etc to make your life easier. Please contact us after you have made the booking if you would like to add these to your package.
Visa
Visas are not provided by us or the cruise operator. Visas and other travel documents have to be obtained by the individual passengers prior to sailing.
Ship Facilities
Marella Explorer 2 - By Marella Cruises
Adults OnlyGood For CouplesOver 50sInformal
Refurbished: 2019
·
10 Decks
·
Cabins on the Marella Explorer 2
Select cabin
Inside
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 10/12
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
Inside (4 berths) - Deck 8/9
Single Inside Cabin
Outside
Outside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
Outside (3 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (4 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (4 berths) - Deck 8/9
Single Outside Cabin
Balcony
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 8
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 9/10
Balcony (3 berths) - Deck 9/10
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 12
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 8
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 9/10
Suite
Executive Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Junior Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Royal Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Select cabin
Inside
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 10/12
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
Inside (4 berths) - Deck 8/9
Single Inside Cabin
Outside
Outside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
Outside (3 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (4 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (4 berths) - Deck 8/9
Single Outside Cabin
Balcony
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 8
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 9/10
Balcony (3 berths) - Deck 9/10
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 12
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 8
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 9/10
Suite
Executive Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Junior Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Royal Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Select cabin
Inside
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 10/12
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
Inside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
Inside (4 berths) - Deck 8/9
Single Inside Cabin
Outside
Outside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
Outside (3 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (4 berths) - Deck 4/5
Outside (4 berths) - Deck 8/9
Single Outside Cabin
Balcony
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 8
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 9/10
Balcony (3 berths) - Deck 9/10
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 12
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 8
Balcony (4 berths) - Deck 9/10
Suite
Executive Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Junior Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
Royal Suite Cabin with Balcony and Premier Service
View images
Balcony (2 berths) - Deck 8
Escape to luxury in your balcony cabin where comfort meets breathtaking views. Your private retreat at sea awaits!
To book an accessible cabin, please give us a call
020 3991 1166
Customer reviews for Marella Explorer 2
4.2
Based on 136 reviews
Cabin
4.4
Service
4.6
Excursions
3.9
Dining
4.3
Activities
3.9
Value for money
4.3
Entertainment
4.2
All good.
couple
10+ cruisesBalcony (2 berths) - Deck 9/10
2 Mar 2024
Would recommend!
couple
2-5 cruisesOutside (2 berths) - Deck 8/9
26 Feb 2024
All crew members were extremely helpful and courteous at all times. Entertainment team worked very hard to involve everyone. The excursions were a bit pricey compared to the local offers by local companies. Very happy with varied destinations. All staff were very hard working. Keep it up.
couple
6-10 cruisesOutside (2 berths) - Deck 4/5
24 Feb 2024
We had an amazing cruise. The itinerary was fabulous. Everything on board was great. This is the 2nd Marella cruise for us and we look forward to booking more.
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.
Talk to a Cruise Expert
Our cruise experts will help you pick the perfect cruise line, ship and destination.
We can tailor any package to suit your holiday needs: Add or extend hotel stays, arrange flights and find the best cabin location for you.
Naples is one of the most important cities in Italy. Its foundation dates back to the 8th century BC, and it once had an important relationship with Athens, due to its commercial power and position on the sea. The city is rich in history and there are numerous places of interest to visit, in particular the archaeological excavations of the nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Things to do in Naples:
Museo Nationale
The opening of the historic National Archaeological Museum of Naples took place in 1816. Built by Ferdinando I of Borbone, at the time king of the Two Sicilies, it boasts the richest collection of works and archaeological finds with regard to Roman history.
Museo d'arte contemporanea
The Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as the Madre Museum, is located inside Palazzo Donnaregina, in the center of Naples. It was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting cultural and artistic development in the territory of Campania.
Palazzo Reale
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1600 and for a long time was the residence of the Spanish viceroys, before passing to the House of Bourbon and finally to the House of Savoy. The architectural style is a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical. Today, the palace houses a museum and a library.
Pompeii
The history of Pompeii begins in the 9th century BC, when the area was inhabited by the Opici people - an ancient Latin population. Today the town is famous because of the eruption of Vesuvius, which occurred in 79 AD, which led to its total destruction.
Mount Vesuvius
The profile of Naples would not be the same without Mount Vesuvius that dominates the city skyline. Versuvius is known for the violent eruption of AD 79, which became famous for the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and was witnessed by Pliny the Younger.
Herculaneum
The tremendous eruption of Vesuvius, in 79 AD, not only destroyed Pompeii but also the ancient city of Herculaneum. The archaeological excavations of this city can be visited today and, since 1997, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
San Gennaro Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the most important Christian monument in Naples. The remains of San Gennaro, the main patron saint of the city, have been held here since the 5th century. The labyrinth of corridors also house Christian frescos from the 2nd century AD, and mosaics from the 5th century AD.
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is a medieval and Renaissance-era castle. Most commonly known as Maschio Angioino, its construction began in the 13th century at the behest of Charles I of Anjou, after he moved the Italian capital from Palermo to Naples in around 1268.
Piazza del Plebiscito
The Piazza del Plebiscito is located in the historic center of Naples and was of considerable importance after the construction of the Royal Palace. Today Palazzo Salerno, Palazzo della Prefettura, and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola are also located here.
Palamos
DAY 313 Sep 2019
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 6 PM
Famous for its deliciously fresh seafood – the prawns are particularly highly recommended! Palamos offers sandy stretches of beaches, lively nightlife, hidden coves to explore and plenty of natural beauty to hike and bike. Learn about the city’s thriving fishing trade, take a cooking workshop and simply relax in the sun! Palamos has plenty to be discovered for history enthusiasts and foodies in particular, though kids will also love splashing in the sea all day.
Things to do in Palamos:
Cala s'Alguer
Though this hidden gem may be a little off the beaten track, Cala S’Alguer is an intimate, quaint beach lined with whitewashed fishermen’s houses, bars and lush pinewood. Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in this tranquil photographer’s dream.
Castell de Sant Esteve
Found at the end of La Fosca beach, Castell de Sant Esteve is a great example of Palamo’s traditional architecture from around the 12th and 13th centuries. It is not known exactly when the castle was founded, but it’s still worth exploring these eerie ruins.
The Fishing Museum
The fishing trade in Palamos is a spectacle in itself, though to truly uncover the history of this industry, a visit to the Museu de la Pesca is well worth it. Through a range of exhibitions and activities, discover what it’s like to be a real fisherman!
Toulon
DAY 414 Sep 2019
Time at Port: from 9 AM to 6 PM
Toulon started as a small fishing town in antiquity to become France’s first naval port, and the largest city in the scenic Var region. It's famous for its natural beauty. Here you can enjoy the local ‘chichis’ (similar to Spanish churros) on the beach during a pleasant stroll to the sound of the waves and chirping crickets, and explore the old town’s medieval buildings and 900-year-old cathedral. For the best views, take the cable car up Mont Furon.
Things to do in Toulon:
Mount Faron Cable Car
Climb Mont Furon in just six minutes thanks to this cable car that is as thrilling as it is convenient. Once at the top the views are unrivalled in the region, with great panoramas both out to sea and over the city with its backdrop of a peaceful forest.
Musee de la Marine
One of the five naval museums of France, this fascinating museum is based in the old port arsenal, which you enter through the grand guard gates. Inside, you’ll find many interesting exhibitions from scale model ships to naval clothing and equipment.
Plages du Mourillon
The place to be on sunny days, the sandy beaches host numerous activities, including watersports, for families. Awarded the blue flag label as an environmentally-friendly space, there are even ramps for those in wheelchairs to roll down and enjoy the water.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds
The construction of this Gothic and Romanesque cathedral began in the 11th century and was completed in the 18th. Toulon Cathedral is a national monument and inside you’ll find many treasures such as two paintings by famous Baroque artist Pierre Puget.
Florence & Pisa (Livorno)
DAY 515 Sep 2019
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 7 PM
Made famous by its sloping bell tower, Pisa was once a simple but noteworthy port town. Over the years Pisa had some involvement in Italy’s military conflicts, and has seen success in matters of trade. Today most visitors come to see the fascinating Leaning Tower; a construction dating back to the 12th century that has been repeatedly repaired and stabilised over the years. As well as this is the neighbouring cathedral and baptistery, and the pretty Square of Miracles which houses them all. Pisa has a brilliant culinary scene, with many inexpensive restaurants serving amazing antipasti, pizzas, pastas, and other hearty Italian dishes.
Things to do in Florence & Pisa (Livorno):
Square of Miracles
Locally referred to as Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles is home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was first built in 1064, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo – a graveyard – and the Campanile – the cathedral’s bell tower which is perhaps better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Today the square has become a popular place to relax and enjoy the warm sun in some beautiful, historic surroundings.
Leaning Tower
Maria Assunta. Construction of the building began in 1173, and in spite of a detailed, thought-out design it is believed that a slight lean was evident from the building of the second floor. Building was intermittent due to wars and sociological events, and the tower was not completed until roughly the year 1370. Since this time the lean has been stabilised, and tourists are permitted to enter and climb the staircase to the top for a wonderful view.
Cathedral and Baptistery
The cathedral – or Duomo – and baptistery are two important historic sites which are often overlooked in favour of the Leaning Tower. The cathedral itself dates back to 1064, and you can see within there are influences from the Arabic world, with column designs being reminiscent of those often seen in mosques. The neighbouring baptistery is the largest in the country, and was originally designed in 1152, before being remodelled in the mid-13th century.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
DAY 616 Sep 2019
Time at Port: from 7 AM to 7 PM
One of the most famous cities in the world, Rome has been an epicentre of politics, art, architecture, and food for thousands of years. It is home to some of the most well-known historic sites such as the Colosseum, the pantheon, and Vatican City. It’s easy to spend a day in a hundred different ways in Rome, whether you’re looking to sip on incredible wine and people-watch, indulge in decadent pasta, pizza, risotto, and gelato, or if you’re eager to wander around the streets soaking in all the history you can. Rome is one capital city which will always leave you wanting more.
Things to do in Rome (Civitavecchia):
Vatican City
Found in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in Europe at just 0.44km² with a population of 1,000 people. It acts as headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and is home to The Apostolic Palace - the Pope’s residence –the Vatican Museums, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel.
St Peter's Basilica
Within Vatican City is one of the biggest churches in the world; St. Peter’s Basilica. Accommodating up to 20,000 people, this is where the Pope delivers services. Its 136 metre high dome was designed by Michelangelo, and was completed in 1614.
Colosseum
The colosseum was opened in 80 A.D. with 100 days of exciting games. It was mostly used for gladiatorial combat and fights with animals until around the 6th century when it began to fall into disrepair. It was then used to store building materials until the 18th century, when the papacy decided it should be preserved. As it stands now, however, more than two-thirds of the structure has been destroyed.
Sistine Chapel
Known the world-over for its elaborate, 15th century artwork courtesy of Michelangelo, Botticelli, Luca, and Perugino, the Sistine Chapel is where new Popes are elected and ordained. It is located within Vatican City, inside The Apostolic Palace.
Michelangelo's Pietà
This Michelangelo sculpture is located inside St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the body of Jesus after he has been crucified, being held by the Virgin Mary. The statue was originally commissioned by Jean de Billheres – a French cardinal – as a memorial for his tomb.
Pantheon
This is one of the most iconic buildings in Rome. There are myths surrounding the building of the original Pantheon, but the structure we see today was built in 120 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. It was created as a Pagan temple to “honour all Gods” – which is the translation of “Pantheon”. In the year 609 it was converted to a Christian church, although it is still widely known as the Pantheon.
Piazza Navona
This popular public square is located where the (now fallen) Stadium of Domitian once stood, in 86 A.D. Since then it has been developed into a social gathering spot, adorned by three magnificent fountains that were commissioned in the 16 and 17th centuries. These are Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, and Fontana del Nettuno.
Olbia, Sardinia
DAY 717 Sep 2019
Time at Port: from 8 AM to 4 PM
The first historical testimonies of man in Olbia date back to the fourth millennium BC about. The city is located on the north-eastern side of Sardinia, on the gulf of the same name, and its port is the closest to the Peninsula. Olbia is an excellent starting point to reach the Costa Smeralda, Porto Rotondo and Golfo Aranci, as well as places of historical interest such as the Basilica of San Simplicio, the Castle of Pedres and the Tomb of the Giants of Su Mont’e S’Abe.
Things to do in Olbia, Sardinia:
Basilica of San Simplicio
The Basilica of San Simplicio is the most important place of worship in the north-east of Sardinia. Built between the end of the 11th and the second half of the 12th century, it is dedicated to San Simplicio, the first bishop of Olbia. The style is mainly Pisan Romanesque.
Castello di Pedres
The Castle of Pedres, built in the mid-thirteenth century, is an ancient medieval fort not far from the city center of Olbia. At the time, it defended the territory of Civita, the ancient name of the city, and the borders with the nearby Giudicato di Torres.
Costa Smeralda
The Costa Smeralda is included in the municipality of Arzachena, in the province of Sassari. The renowned tourist region extends for about 50 km, boasts numerous inlets and small beaches and sees its centre in the hamlet of Porto Cervo.
Giants Grave of Su Monte'e s'Abe
The Tomb of the Giants of Su Mont’e s’Abe is one of the many structures that, in the Nuragic era, were widely distributed in Sardinia and used for collective burial. Dating back to the 2nd millennium BC, it is located not far from the Castle of Pedres.
Naples
DAY 818 Sep 2019
Time at Port: from 6 AM to 6 PM
Naples is one of the most important cities in Italy. Its foundation dates back to the 8th century BC, and it once had an important relationship with Athens, due to its commercial power and position on the sea. The city is rich in history and there are numerous places of interest to visit, in particular the archaeological excavations of the nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Things to do in Naples:
Museo Nationale
The opening of the historic National Archaeological Museum of Naples took place in 1816. Built by Ferdinando I of Borbone, at the time king of the Two Sicilies, it boasts the richest collection of works and archaeological finds with regard to Roman history.
Museo d'arte contemporanea
The Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as the Madre Museum, is located inside Palazzo Donnaregina, in the center of Naples. It was established in 2005 with the aim of promoting cultural and artistic development in the territory of Campania.
Palazzo Reale
The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1600 and for a long time was the residence of the Spanish viceroys, before passing to the House of Bourbon and finally to the House of Savoy. The architectural style is a mixture of Baroque and Neoclassical. Today, the palace houses a museum and a library.
Pompeii
The history of Pompeii begins in the 9th century BC, when the area was inhabited by the Opici people - an ancient Latin population. Today the town is famous because of the eruption of Vesuvius, which occurred in 79 AD, which led to its total destruction.
Mount Vesuvius
The profile of Naples would not be the same without Mount Vesuvius that dominates the city skyline. Versuvius is known for the violent eruption of AD 79, which became famous for the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and was witnessed by Pliny the Younger.
Herculaneum
The tremendous eruption of Vesuvius, in 79 AD, not only destroyed Pompeii but also the ancient city of Herculaneum. The archaeological excavations of this city can be visited today and, since 1997, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
San Gennaro Catacombs
The Catacombs of San Gennaro are the most important Christian monument in Naples. The remains of San Gennaro, the main patron saint of the city, have been held here since the 5th century. The labyrinth of corridors also house Christian frescos from the 2nd century AD, and mosaics from the 5th century AD.
Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is a medieval and Renaissance-era castle. Most commonly known as Maschio Angioino, its construction began in the 13th century at the behest of Charles I of Anjou, after he moved the Italian capital from Palermo to Naples in around 1268.
Piazza del Plebiscito
The Piazza del Plebiscito is located in the historic center of Naples and was of considerable importance after the construction of the Royal Palace. Today Palazzo Salerno, Palazzo della Prefettura, and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola are also located here.
Fly to the UK
DAY 8
Premium All Inclusive
Premium All Inclusive
Everything included in the standard all inclusive offering plus a selection of premium cocktails, spirits and coffees.
How to book
Select either the All Inclusive or Premium All Inclusive option while booking online.
Included
Premium Spirits
Premium Cocktails
Premium Lavazza coffee
Fresh Fruit Juices
Beers
Ciders
House wine
Cocktails
Spirits
Soft Drinks (by the glass)
All inclusive
All inclusive
This package allows guests to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
How to book
Select either the All Inclusive or Premium All Inclusive option while booking online.