The ship stepped up to the plate with a bumper batch of 10 restaurants and 10 bars. You'll find fleet favourites like Snack Shack and Kora La onboard, plus brand new spaces like The Dining Club for foodies and a swanky bar, club and casino. The highlights don't stop at food and drink, though. There's also an indoor cinema, a Sports & Family Deck and a spa, where you can sign up for everything from body-balancing acupuncture and slimming treatments to body wraps and facials.
- Size large
- Style Resort
- Type ocean
- Year of launch 1996
- Year of last refit 2018
- Gross tonnage 76998t
- Length 264.0m
- Width 32.0m
- Speed 21kts
- Decks 13
- Language English
- Currency Pound Sterling (£)
- No. of passengers 1924
- No. of crew 900
- No. of cabins 962
- -wheelchair access 7
All tips and service charges are included in the price of your Cruise. You're not expected to tip any of our crew - unless you want to, of course.
- Air-conditioning
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Hairdryer
- Flatscreen TV
- Wardrobe space
- Safe
Executive Suite
Executive Suite Cabin with Suite Service
If you want to go all out, book one of our Executive Suites on Deck 10. Each one measures up at a big 49m², with enough room for four people. They come with a sofa bed and a fixed queen-size bed. In the bathroom, there's a shower and WC. A furnished balcony tops things off. When you book a cabin with Suite Service included, you can look forward to one continental breakfast in bed per person per week, and a free pressing service for up to three items during your stay. On top of that, you'll have a coffee machine, slippers, a dressing gown, upgraded toiletries and a choice of pillows to best fit your comfort needs.
Junior Suite
Balcony Junior Suite Cabin with Suite Service
You'll have 22m² to play with when you book one of our Junior Suites. They're found on Deck 10 and 12, which means you're guaranteed great horizon views from your furnished balcony. Each suite sleeps three, thanks to a sofa bed and a fixed queen-size bed. The en suite bathroom has a shower and WC. When you book a cabin with Suite Service included, you can look forward to one continental breakfast in bed per person per week, and a free pressing service for up to three items during your stay. On top of that, you'll have a coffee machine, slippers, a dressing gown, upgraded toiletries and a choice of pillows to best fit your comfort needs.
Family Balcony Cabin
Family Balcony Cabin with Suite Service
There's plenty of room for the whole brood in our Family Cabins. Size-wise, they're 20m² and sleep up to five people. Each one is fitted with a double bed, which is fixed against the wall, along with a sofa bed and a fold-down bed. You've also got an en suite bathroom with a shower and WC, as well as a furnished balcony. When you book a cabin with Suite Service included, you can look forward to one continental breakfast in bed per person per week, and a free pressing service for up to three items during your stay. On top of that, you'll have a coffee machine, slippers, a dressing gown, upgraded toiletries and a choice of pillows to best fit your comfort needs.
Balcony Cabin (Large Balcony)
These cabins give you everything you get from a balcony cabin, and throw a bigger balcony into the mix. They measure up at 16m², and you'll find them on Decks 9, 10 and 12, the cabins offer two beds that can be turned into a queen-size, a sofa-bed, along with an en suite bathroom with a shower and WC.
Balcony Cabin
It's the sea views that make these cabins stand out. They're a sizeable 17m², and you can make the most of them out on your furnished private balcony. Inside, there's two twin beds that convert into a queen-size bed and you'll have a sofa bed, too. And the en suite bathroom lines up a shower and WC.
Large Outside Cabin
These cabins sleep up to three people with twin beds that can be converted in to a double bed and a sofa bed. The cabins measure in at 20m². The bathroom has a WC and a shower.
Outside Cabin
All of our Outside Cabins come with a porthole or picture window. They're 17m² in size. They have two single beds, these can be pushed together to make a queen-size, as well as a sofa bed or extra fold-down beds. Plus, the en suite bathrooms have a shower and WC.
Decks 4/5 Outside Cabin
Outside Cabins come with a porthole or picture window. They're 17m² in size, which includes two single beds. These can be pushed together to make a queen-size and have extra fold-down beds. Plus, the en suite bathrooms have a shower and WC.
Decks 8/9 Outside Cabin
Outside Cabins come with a porthole or picture window. They're 17m² in size, which includes a sofa bed and two single beds, these can be pushed together to make a queen-size. Plus, the en suite bathrooms have a shower and WC.
Family Inside Cabin
These cabins measure 19m² and sleep up to five. They feature an area with a fixed double bed and a sliding door partition, which leads to a double sofa bed and a single fold-down bed. In the bathroom, you'll find a WC and a shower.
Inside Cabin
These cabins come in at around 16m². Within that, you've got two single beds that can be converted into a queen-size, as well as extra fold-down beds, an en suite bathroom with a shower and WC.
Single Outside Cabin
For solo cruisers, these cabins are just the ticket. They come with twin beds that can be converted into a queen-size and an en suite with a shower and WC. Plus, they've got the added bonus of a picture window, so you can take in the sea views. They're usually booked by cruisers travelling alone or friends who prefer their own cabin.
Single Inside Cabin
Our Single Cabins are spot on for solo travellers. They come with twin beds that can be converted into a queen-size and an en suite with a shower and WC. They're a big hit with cruisers travelling alone or friends who prefer their own cabin.
Deck 14
- The Veranda
- The Veranda Cabanas
- The Hideout
Deck 12
- Sports Court
- Family Deck
- Minigolf
- Jogging Track
- The Shack
- Indigo Club
- Indigo Bar
- Indigo Casino
- Junior Suites
- Large Balcony Cabins
- Inside Cabins
Deck 11
- The Mediterranean Bar
- The Mediterranean Italian
- The Mediterranean Tapas
- The Market Place Buffet Restaurant
- Snack Shack
- Movies by Moonlight
- Pool
- Whirlpools
- Pool Bar
- Scoops
- Salon
- Spa and Beauty Salon
- Gym
Deck 10
- Executive Suites
- Junior Suites
- Family Balcony Cabins
- Large Balcony Cabins
- Balcony Cabins
- Inside Cabins
Deck 9
- Kids Pool
- Mini M Club
- Kids' Club
- Large Balcony Cabins
- Balcony Cabins
- Outside Cabins
- Inside Cabins
Deck 8
- Atrium
- Gamer Zone
- The Hideout
- Balcony Cabins
- Family Balcony Cabins
- Outside Cabins
- Inside Cabins
Deck 7
- Squid & Anchor
- Umi Sushi
- Surf & Turf Steakhouse
- Apertif
- Kora La
- Atrium
- Broad Street Shops
- Broadway Show Lounge
Deck 6
- Latitude 53
- The Lounge
- The Coffee Port
- Cruise Holiday Store
- Photo Studio
- Photo Kiosk & Gallery
- Cinema
- Broadway Show Lounge
Deck 5
- Latitude 53
- 53 Bar
- The Dining Club
- Atrium
- Destination Services
- Reception
- Adapted Outside Cabins
- Adapted Inside Cabins
- Single Outside Cabins
- Single Inside Cabins
- Inside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
Deck 4
- Outside Cabins
- Inside Cabins
- Single Outside Cabins
- Single Inside Cabins
- Medical Centre
Marella Explorer’s dining scene is worth shouting about. On top of a load of waiter service restaurants and an around-the-world buffet, you’ve got speciality places like Surf & Turf Steakhouse, Umi Sushi and an experimental eatery.
The dress code – The onboard dress code varies for each restaurant, but you can easily break it down into Beachwear, Casual and Smart.
The first is a come-as-you-are affair, so bikinis and trunks get the thumbs up, but please wear something on your feet for safety reasons.
Casual, meanwhile, speaks for itself – we’re talking tops and shorts or a sundress. Then you’ve got Smart, which is when you’ll need to dress up a little bit. You can wear shirts or polo shirts, trousers or tailored shorts, skirts or dresses, smart trainers, shoes or sandals, but we ask that you leave sportswear, flip-flops and non-tailored shorts in your cabin. If you want to add a jacket or a tie, that’s completely up to you, but our dress to impress nights give you the chance to get really suited and booted.
Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist. There's a casual dress code during the day here, and smart in the evening.
Fast Facts:
- Serves Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Waiter Service
- Included
Vista
You’ll find Vista – our resident Italian restaurant – on Deck 6, on the second floor of the ship’s main dining room, Latitude 53. It serves regional Italian favourites made with authentic ingredients – think creamy pastas and colourful salads. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Italian Restaurant
- Serves Dinner
- Included
The Market Place
You can watch chefs whip up dishes from around the world at this buffet restaurant. It's made up of lots of different food stalls, hence its name. You can pick up fresh-out-the-oven pizzas, grilled-to-order paninis and sandwiches at lunchtime, and there's a design-your-own station every night, where you can choose all your ingredients for dishes like stir-fries. There's a casual dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Buffet Restaurant
- Themed Dinners
- Included
Snack Shack
Food stalls, beach huts and oversized deckchairs set the scene at this laidback eatery. As such, you can look forward to grab & go lunches and snacks. There's a drinks station on hand, too. Feel free to wear your beachwear here.
Fast Facts:
- Grab and Go Food
- Beach hut seating
- Included
Tapas @ The Mediterranean
You'll be whisked to sunny Spain when you dine in this section of The Mediterranean, which specialises in tapas dishes for dinner. Or you can take your taste buds over to Portugal and try espetadas - meat or veg skewers - for a little extra. It's open at lunchtime, too, for light bites, like sandwiches and jacket potatoes. There's a casual dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Open for lunch and dinner
- Dinner menu includes all your Spanish tapas favourites
- Included
Italian @ The Mediterranean
Start things off with a salad in this laidback eatery. Then, choose your toppings to create your very own pizza and pasta dishes - it's a taste of Italy with a difference. There's a casual dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Open for lunch and dinner
- Made to order pizza and pasta dishes
- Included
Kora La
You'll feel like you've switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here - plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Pan-Asian Cuisine
- Pre-Bookable
- Chargeable
Surf & Turf Steakhouse
This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat. The menu takes in mains like lamb chops, lobster and grilled chicken - but the highlight has to be the 28-day-aged steaks. The interiors are inspired by the meaty menu, as well, with chopping board artwork and leather booth seating. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here - plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Steakhouse
- Pre-Bookable
- Chargeable
Umi Sushi
Sushi, sashimi and nigiri rolls are prepared right in front of your eyes at this brand-new eatery. If you're not a sushi fan, there's also dim sum, cooked dishes and dessert to look forward to. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here - plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Both traditional sushi and non-fish sushi options
- Pre-Bookable
- Chargeable
The Dining Club
The Dining Club, tucked away on Deck 5, rustles up French contemporary food with a modern twist. We've taken French staples up a notch - you'll start your dining experience with seared scallops in Champagne butter, or chicken liver and truffle crème brûlée. Then, for the main course, you can pick from a rich chateaubriand for two, tender lamb, or lobster. You'll end your meal with something sweet - a peach soufflé and an indulgent chocolate dish are on the menu. Or, you could opt for a curated selection of British and French cheeses.
It also hosts The Great Musical Afternoon Tea. This weekly event brings the West End to Marella Cruises, with dishes inspired by famous musicals – like the ‘Vietnamese Melody’ beef tenderloin yakitori and the ‘On My Own’ Petit choux. There are six teas to choose from, as well as a cocktail of your choice. Plus, the whole place is decorated with show posters and memorabilia. Just so you know, The Great Musical Afternoon Tea is a chargeable event.
Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing (Dress to Impress night)
On Dress to Impress night, you’ll have a seven-course dining experience, each course expertly paired with its own wine. You’ll be treated to gourmet dishes like warm crayfish gratin, creamy mushroom soup, watermelon fizz granita, tender lamb noisettes and a dessert that's perfect for sharing. Your evening ends with a selection of British and French cheeses and handmade truffles
Fast Facts:- Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available
- Dress Code: Smart
The Coffee Port
If you’re in need of a caffeine boost, this place will do the trick. Lavazza coffee and sweet treats are served here ‒ courtesy of our in-house chocolatier. Plus, it's a great people-watching spot, since it overlooks the atrium. Time your visit right, and you can sip your coffee to a soundtrack of live piano music. All drinks from the menu that are served here are included in the Premium All Inclusive package only ‒ a small charge applies for all other guests.
Fast Facts:
- Premium coffees and sweet treats
- To stay or take away
- Chargeable
Scoops
For those with a sweet tooth, try Scoops. This vintage-looking parlour serves up dollops of gelato in a range of flavours, and you can add toppings, too. The menu changes every day but you can expect out-of-the-ordinary options, like oreo, G&T and banoffee. The seating’s just as quirky – a collection of bike seats sit facing out to sea. A charge applies here.
Fast Facts- Homemade Gelato
- Freshly made waffle cones
- Chargeable
Piccadilly's
Piccadilly's is our brand-new British restaurant, sat in the main dining room on all ships. The menu serves up a little slice of home, with a side order of sea views.
Fast Facts:
- Open for dinner
- Waiter service
- Included.
Room Service
Feeling peckish but don’t want to leave the comfort of your cabin? Take a look at our room service menu. You can order all sorts of snacks and drinks, from triple-stacked club sandwiches to steaming cups of hot chocolate.
The entertainment onboard Marella Explorer doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it have the biggest ever Broadway Show Lounge, it also boasts the flash Indigo bar, club and casino. Alternatively, you can listen to live music in The Lounge – a stylish space with a bright-pink piano and colour-changing bar.
Broadway Show Lounge
With a capacity of 1,000 people, this show lounge is big enough to rival a Broadway theatre. And that's not all it's got going for it. There are 12 brand-new shows on offer, plus you'll be handed a drink on arrival.
Fast Facts:- 12 Unique Shows
- 2 Shows a Night
- West-end Style Shows
Aperitif
Thanks to its location, Aperitif is a great spot to head before or after a meal at one of the speciality restaurants. The menu here features everything from Prosecco and spirits to cocktails.
Squid & Anchor
Our pub at sea is a modern take on a traditional British watering hole. There are two bars to pick from. One pours a great selection of drinks for you to choose from while you settle in for the evening entertainment. The other deals in premium gins and whiskies, which are chargeable. This place is home to a live band and quiz nights, too.
Fast Facts:- Quizzes
- Gameshows
- Marella's Own Pub at Sea
The Lounge
A colour-changing feature bar, hot-pink piano and funky, ring-shaped seats take their place in this eye-catching lounge bar. You can admire the views, while listening to the soothing soundtrack of the live pianist.
Fast Facts:- Daily live music
- Perfect for pre-dinner drinks
- Unique hot pink piano
Bar @ The Mediterranean
This feature bar wraps around The Mediterranean - running from the inside to the outside. It's the place to come for Mediterranean specialities, as well as your usual drinks and frozen cocktails. If you choose a seat outside, you'll get impressive sea views, since the terrace is positioned right at the back of the ship.
Fast Facts:- Open day and night
- Inside and outdoor space
- Mediterranean-inspired drinks menu
Indigo Bar
Indigo lays claim to the longest bar in the fleet. Flare demonstrations and cocktail-making sessions are often on the cards here. There's also plenty of seating around the bar's edge, where you can take in the 360-degree views - day or night. After dark, the menus light up, showing off around-the-world themed cocktails, like Thai Punch and Jamaican Me Crazy.
Fast Facts:- Panoramic Views
- Quiet daytime venue and live music in the evening
- Silent Discos and late night discos
Indigo Casino
If you're feeling lucky, you can try out the slot machines and card tables at the Indigo Casino.
Fast Facts:
- Blackjack Tables
- Fruit Machines
- On Deck 12
Indigo Club
You'll find the club in the middle of Indigo, flaunting a dancefloor and a DJ booth. It's where silent discos and Eighties or Nineties-themed nights take place.
Fast Facts:- Silent Discos
- Late Night Disco
- On Deck 12
Broad Street Shops
When the ship's at sea, it's time to hit the shops. The onboard boutiques are stocked with everyday essentials and loads of duty-free products, including perfume, jewellery and souvenirs.
Fast Facts:
- Open when the ship's at sea
- Range of Products from Top Brands
- Save on High Street Prices
Movies by Moonlight
Our open-air cinema lets you watch classic movies and the latest box office hits under the stars.
Fast Facts:- Classic Movies
- Latest Box Office Hits
- Movies Under the Moonlight.
The Shack
This deck bar provides cool-down drinks, like frozen cocktails, in between sunbathing. You' ll find it just above Snack Shack, overlooking the pool.
Photo Studio & Kiosks
Pop in to the studio on Deck 6 for a professional photoshoot. You’ll also find kiosks, where you can view and buy all the photos captured by our onboard photography team.
53
The clue's in the name here. This bar is right next to Latitude 53, so it's perfectly placed for some pre-dinner drinks.
Pool Bar
This bar sits next to the pool on Deck 11, so it's great for grabbing drinks and frozen cocktails.
The Cinema
Movie nights come courtesy of the indoor cinema. Family-friendly films are on the agenda, with extra screenings during high season.
Fast Facts:
- Daytime and evening showings
- Classic movies and box office hits
- Included.
Gamer Zone
Everyone can play games at the aptly named Gamer Zone. It's fully stocked with a variety of machines.
Reception
Reception is the place to go for any queries, currency exchange and wake-up calls. Plus, it’s open around-the-clock
Far from hustle and bustle, stress and everyday, guests are encouraged to delve into some R&R whilst on board Marella Explorer by paying a visit to the Oceans spa and Beauty Salon, unwind by the pool, or re-energising in one of the Veranda Cabanas. For those who wish to keep active there's plenty to choose with our well-equipped Gym which offers both classes and personal training options, as well as a wide variety of sporting activities on the Sports and Family Deck to get the blood pumping. If it's just a morning run you're after then why not take in the views from the jogging track on Deck 12.
Spa and beauty salon
In this state-of-the-art spa you can book in for treatments, like facials, body wraps and massages, plus there’s a beauty salon. The spa doesn’t scrimp on size. In fact, it’s the biggest in the fleet – packing in a relaxation room and made-for-two suites. There’s also an adults-only sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows and a steam room. Just so you know, there's a charge for treatments and use of the facilities. Alternatively, you can work up a sweat with the sea in sight at the gym.
Fast Facts:
- Hair & Beauty Salon
- Wide Range of Treatments Available
- Chargeable
Gym
You can work up a sweat with the sea in sight at the gym.
Outdoor Pool
The pool is split in two by a stage in the middle, which is where the entertainment team run their daily activities from.
Whirlpools
A trio of whirlpool baths sit next to the main pool.
The Veranda
Balinese beds give The Veranda a luxe, adults-only feel. Plus, it’s at the front of the ship, so the views are first-class.
The Attic
This is a quiet, noise-free zone, where you can slip away and get stuck into your latest holiday read.
Sports Court
You can get stuck in to a basketball match or a game of mini-football on this multi-sports court.
Table tennis
Get a ping pong rally going – you’ll find tables on the Sports & Family Deck.
Minigolf
Practise your putt on this minigolf green. It’s right at the top of the ship on the Sports & Family Deck.
Jogging Track
Get some fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the horizon views as you follow the jogging track, which weaves around the top deck.
The Veranda Cabanas
If you’re feeling extra plush, you can hire a private cabana for the day or the week, for a charge. Plus, you can order drinks without moving from your lounger, courtesy of call buttons.
Marella Explorer puts families first having worked on every last detail when it comes to getting the kids onboard. That means family-sized and inter-connecting cabins, buffet lunches featuring favourites like pizza and spaghetti bolognese, and a great mix of activities. They lay on table tennis and football tournaments, fun quizzes, and early evening shows during their sea days. Every ship has a free Kids’ Club, too. So mum and dad can have time together while the little ones fill their days with treasure hunts, face-painting, and stories. Want some time off the ship to explore, too? One of the perks of cruising is visiting lots of new places one after the other. We’ve got a range of shore excursions for the whole family. For little ones, we organise trips to places like waterparks, aquariums and beaches. And that's not all – if you’re travelling with children aged 10 and over, there’s also the option of two wheels, as most of our ships have mountain bikes on board. At almost every port, you can join an experienced guide and pedal your way around the best sights.
Hideout
This hangout spot has been designed with older kids and teens in mind - think games consoles, air hockey and comfy seating. Plus, there's an al fresco terrace with a couple of colourful hammocks.
Fast Facts:- Dedicated Teen Hangout Area
- Organised Activities in High Season
- Included
M Club
Little ones can join in with fun sessions at the Kids’ Club, which feature games from M Crew, who are characters exclusive to this ship. There are evening events, too, like movie nights and pizza-making.
Fast Facts:- Kids Club
- 3-11 year olds
- Included
Mini M Club
Parents can play and learn with their tots at Mini M Club. This space – designed for little ones aged between 6 months and 3 years – is open from 9am to 8pm every day. Plus, once a day, there’s an hour’s sensory play session, run by M Club hosts.
Kids Pool
Little ones can enjoy some time with other children at the Kids Pool, conveniently located near M Club and Mini M Club.
Iconic landmarks, jaw-dropping scenery, local culture – our shore excursions let you delve deep into a new destination every day.
Bike Tours
For a different way of exploring a port of call, try one of our e-bike tours
This way, you can really get to know a destination and see the places that bus tours can't reach. You'll be led around by a guide, who'll give you the lowdown on all the sights.
Destination Services
If you want to find out more about our ports of call and excursions, come and chat to our Destination Services team. They've got guides and maps to help you find your way around. And you can book your next cruise with them, too. You'll find them onboard by Reception.
Cultural Classes
Catch a cookery demo with one of the ship’s head chefs, or practice your own culinary skills at one of our kitchen classes. Cocktail-making demos and wine-tasting sessions also star on the agenda.
Cruise Holiday Store
Whether you're looking to explore Asia, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, you don't have to wait until you get home to book your next cruise holiday. Speak to the team in the Cruise Holiday Store on deck 6 who'll help you get planning.
Medical Centre
If you’re feeling unwell, head for the Medical Centre. The ship’s English-speaking doctor will be on hand for consultations and prescriptions.
The Navigate App
Once you're onboard, open up your smartphone's web browser to use the Navigate App. There's no download necessary and it lets you book restaurants, see what's on and check your onboard account – plus lots more – all at the touch of a button.