Marella Explorer 2 is an adults only ship and flaunts a range of exciting facilities, from a large spa to a chic bar-club-casino space. You’ve got nine bars and nine restaurants on this ship, too. Top spots include The 19th Hole – a golf-themed bar with a golf simulator – Flutes, where you can sip Champagne* or Prosecco to the sounds of a pianist and Beach Cove – a relaxed restaurant with barbecue-inspired menus and quirky swinging seats. Not to mention the outdoor spaces, such as The Veranda, where you can enjoy far-reaching sea views.
Explorer will become your home from home as you visit Valletta, Corfu Town and Messina just to mention three destinations.
Depart UK for Croatia where you will join Explorer 2 for this fabulous cruise.
As we sail towards our first port of call, you can explore this beautiful ship.
There is so much Explorer has to offer from the on board shops to the spa and gym.
Or just kick back and relax on the sun deck!
As your ship cruises into Valletta, a magical skyline of soaring steeples and bulbous church domes rises to greet you. This is Malta’s quintessential capital, a captivating city steeped in history.
Stroll the colourful streets of Valletta, taking in sights like the Grandmaster’s Palace, the House of Parliament and Castille Palace.
Visit Mdina, the island’s old capital. It’s an impressive walled city dripping in Medieval and Baroque architecture. They call it the Silent City because cars are forbidden. Carriage-laden horses trotting through the streets and the gentle chatter of Mdina’s inhabitants are the only sounds likely to pierce the sleepy calm.
Take a boat ride to the spellbinding Blue Grotto, an impressive 50 metre-deep cave or sit back and relax on a boat trip around Valletta’s two natural harbours. The waters here have seen their fair share of naval action, standing by as both Napoleon and Nelson staked their claims to them.
From the tangle of timeworn streets to the sickle-shaped harbour dotted with rustic trattorias, it’s easy to see why Shakespeare chose Messina as the setting of his romantic play Much Ado About Nothing.
Be in Piazza del Duomo for 12 noon. Here, a Norman citadel houses the world’s largest mechanical clock. At midday, gilt figures, including a roaring lion and a host of beautiful angels, emerge from the clock to re-enact the city’s history.
Don’t miss Sicily’s star turn, Mount Etna. Europe’s biggest active volcano, it’s a contradiction in every sense – fiery and snowy, barren and lush, feared and loved. One of the best ways to see it is from the cutesy carriages of the Circumetnea Railway which follows a delightful route up along the slopes of the volcano.
Talk about gorgeous. Perched high on a cliff above glittering blue seas, Taormina is arguably the most charming town in Sicily. Lose yourself in the cobweb of narrow backstreets. Put a dent in your holiday kitty along boutique-lined Corso Umberto. And head up to the Greek theatre at the top of town. Like curtains edging a stage, the ruins frame the silhouette of Mount Etna. Cameras at the ready.
The shady goings on of the mafia underworld was famously showcased in the Godfather trilogy, much of which was shot on location in Sicily. Follow in the footsteps of Marlon Brando, Robert di Niro and Al Pacino around the so-called ‘Godfather Villages’. Take a peek inside the Bar Vitelli watering hole and visit the Church of Annunciation where Michael Corleone’s wedding was filmed. We’re making you an offer you can’t refuse.
Taranto is surrounded by a natural harbour so this city and seafood go hand in hand – it’s particularly well-known for oysters and mussels. The historical old town spreads over an island, while the new town is all about sleek and stylish palm-lined avenues.
Taranto has an interesting history – it dates back to the year 706 BC when it was founded as a Greek-Spartan colony. The Museo Nazionale Archeologico holds hundreds of artefacts from their reign, including terracotta figures, glassware and jewellery.
For a dose of some more recent history, visit the 15th-century Aragonese Castle. Dominated by four big circular towers, it guards the bridge that joins the new and old towns.
In Taranto’s modern district, age-old monuments make way for swanky shops. Stretch the purse strings on the Via d’Aquino, before tucking into a plate of seafood linguine at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Awash with colourful flowers, Corfu is big on beauty. It’s known as the Emerald Isle, and its golden beaches, lush green landscape and colourful villages will have you constantly reaching for your camera.
Soak up the views at Bella Vista, Corfu’s most famous lookout point. From here, you can peer over sleepy seaside villages like Paleokastritsa, and the island’s entire west coast.
In Corfu Town itself, stand in the shadow of two gigantic fortresses. See the 16th-century church of Ayios Spyridhon. And then wander round the interesting archaeological museum.
Relax on the shimmering sands of Glyfada beach, one of the most popular sunning spots on the island. Top up your tan. Take a dip in the crystal waters. Or simply laze beneath a hot sun.
For years, the travel-savvy have kept Montenegro under their sunhats. But now the cat’s creeping out of the bag – and it’s hardly surprising. A tiny republic in southeast Europe, the scenery here will have your jaw dropping to the floor the moment you arrive.
Cruise passengers get the best vistas – as you sail in to port, you’ll be treated to wide-angle views of patent-shine lakes and green mountains.
Explore Kotor, a gorgeous Medieval walled city with World Heritage status. The scenery here is definitely something to write home about. Surrounded by mountains, it’s set on southern Europe’s deepest fjord and one of the world’s most spectacular natural harbours. Delve inside the age-old walls and discover crooked streets, cobbled piazzas and camera-worthy churches.
Take a trip to Budva. It’s the most popular tourist destination on Montenegro’s map – and quite rightly so. Beautiful architecture meets seductive sandy beaches in this spot. Perhaps that’s why many a millionaire has decided to live here.
Visit one of Montenegro’s sleepy towns on market day and watch the streets burst into life with colourful craft stalls selling lace, leather and ceramics.
Tender to shore
Arriving back into Dubrovnik this morning, enjoy your last breakfast on board until it is time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Marella Explorer 2 is the newest ship in the fleet and it’s adults only.
Indigo is the ship’s flagship venue. It caters for daytime drinks with a view, as well as all-night dancing. A couple of other bars sort you out for laidback drinks, like the Squid and Anchor pub. For full-on glitz and glamour, the Broadway Show Lounge steps into view.Thanks to its location, Aperitif is a great place to go before or after a meal at one of our speciality restaurants. The Shack – This deck bar provides cool-down drinks in between sunbathing. You’ll find it just above Snack Shack, overlooking the pool.
There are plenty of dining options on Explorer 2. And they cater for all kinds of taste buds – whether you fancy some European eats or fiery Asian flavours. Just one of the options is The Dining Club – This fine dining restaurant was made for foodies. 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.
Each day onboard Marella Explorer 2 can be different. Unwind at the spa, sunbathe by the pool or perfect your putt on the mini golf green – here are just some of the facilities on board:
Spa and Beauty Salon: At this state-of-the-art spa you can book in for treatments (charges apply), like facials, body wraps and massages, plus there’s a beauty salon. Alternatively, you can work up a sweat with the sea in sight at the gym.
Broad Street Shops: Spanning two decks, this tip-top selection of boutiques is stocked with a huge range of products and big-name brands, covering everything from everyday essentials and souvenirs to perfume and jewellery.
Indigo Casino: If you’re feeling lucky, you can try out the slot machines and card tables at the Indigo Casino.
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.
Pool: The pool is split in two by a small stage in the middle, and you can look forward to daily entertainment. Four whirlpool baths bubble away by the main pool.
Latitude 53: The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Inside Cabin: These cabins measure in at 16m², which means you get twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. (Cabins on Deck 4 or 5)
Outside Cabin: Outside Cabins feature either a porthole or a picture window. They’re 16m² in size, with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size. Plus, you’ll find a WC and shower in the en suite bathroom. (Cabins on Deck 4 or 5)
Balcony Cabin: You can admire the horizon from your own furnished balcony with these cabins. They make the most of the 16m² of space with a queen-size bed or twin beds that convert to a queen-size. And the en suite bathroom packs in a shower and a WC. Please note, some cabins on Deck 8 have a different layout with a fixed double bed against the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the event that there is no Tour Leader on board you will be looked after by the Marella Hosts’s who will arrange events where you can meet other solo travellers on the ship.
The Guest Experience Coordinator arranges get-togethers for solo travellers, like dinners and coffee mornings. If you’re worried about dining alone, have a chat with the ship’s restaurant manager, who’ll make sure you’re seated with other guests.
Yes. You’ll need your passport for all of our cruises. Without it, you won’t be able to board the ship.
The baggage allowance is 20kgs.
All Marella ships have a cash-free system. Everything is priced in sterling and is charged to your cabin account. At the end of your cruise you can settle it in cash or by credit or debit card. If you decide to settle your bill in cash you will be asked for up to £200 deposit per cabin per week.
As Marella ships are All Inclusive as standard, so selected draught beer and cider, wines by the glass, branded spirits and aperitifs, and a range of cocktails and soft drinks by the glass are all included in the price of your cruise. You have been upgraded to Premium All Inclusive drinks package for an extra range of drinks, which are normally chargeable. These include upgraded cocktails, premium spirits, Lavazza coffee, soft drink cans and a 1.5 litre bottle of water per cabin, per day.
There are designated Wi-Fi zones onboard. Internet access is charged to your cabin account at the rate advertised onboard. Mobiles can be used – make sure to check with your provider for charges in each country and in international waters, which applies when the ship’s at sea. There are telephones in each cabin, too, so it’s easy to stay in touch with people back home.
Packing for a cruise is just like packing for any other holiday, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Hairdryers and all towels – including pool towels – are provided. And don’t panic if you forget any essentials as our onboard shops stock things like toothpaste and other toiletries. Other than that, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket with you, as there’s often a strong sea breeze.
Our dress code policy’s easily broken down into Beachwear, Casual and Smart. The first is a ‘come as you are’ affair, so bikinis and trunks get the thumbs up, plus we ask that you wear something on your feet for safety reasons. Meanwhile, Casual 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 bit. Put your sports or swimwear away, and opt for trousers, smart tailored shorts or a skirt or dress, a shirt or polo shirt and smart shoes, so no trainers or flip flops. If you want to add a jacket or tie, that’s up to you. But our gala evenings, formal nights and Dress to Impress nights give you the chance to get really suited and booted. Each of our restaurants has a dress code, and this can differ depending on the time of day, but we’ll always let you know.
Finally, think about what’s suitable to wear on excursions. Some churches, for example, ask for legs and shoulders to be covered. Islamic countries have strict laws on dress, and in certain areas it will be required that you cover your shoulders and knees. When visiting Mosques or other holy sites, women may be required to cover their hair, arms and legs. Men will be required to wear long trousers and a top with sleeves.
Top tips:
• Attach a label to your hold luggage with your contact details on – this will help reunite you with your bag if it gets lost.
• Always carry valuables, medication and other essentials in your hand luggage.
You’ll normally need to leave your cabin by 8am on your last day, but you can still use all the onboard facilities until your transfer arrives. Speak to reception about a courtesy cabin so you can freshen up before you leave. Alternatively, you can organise a late check out. Again, reception will advise on this.
Of course. If you’ve got any dietary requirements, please make sure you mention it when you book and let the restaurant manager know once you’re onboard. Marella also provides vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic-friendly options on request. There may be some requests that can’t be accommodated, so it’s important you let us know when you book your cruise.Take a look at a sample menu to see the kind of dishes on offer.
It’s up to you if you want to explore without the help of a guide. The onboard Destination Services team can give you plenty of tips. Just remember that one of the benefits of the organised excursions is that if the tour is delayed, the ship will wait. If you’re on your own and you’re not back on the ship in time, the ship won’t wait for you.
You can use either a European or a US 2-pin adaptor in the cabins
It’s not always possible to tie a ship up at a dock. If this is the case, the ship will anchor a little way out from the shore, and use tender boats to get you to and from the ship. Tender ports are indicated in the itinerary where possible. You’ll still get plenty of time in the port, plus you can use the tender services to go back and forth from the ship as much as you like. Guests with disabilities or mobility issues will need to have some independent mobility to step in and out of the tender boat as our crew aren’t allowed to lift you.
Ask for for advice on things like ship accessibility, bringing equipment onboard, disabled facilities, and medical care. Marella has also teamed up with AccessAble, who have created detailed access guides for each ship. Visit their website to find out more. All Marella ships also have a small number of adapted cabins for less mobile passengers. Just remember to make sure one is definitely available before you book.
Making sure your wellbeing is looked after at all times while you’re onboard is really important. That’s why if you need help with daily tasks, like using the bathroom, eating, or moving around the ship, you’ll need to travel with a companion or a personal assistant who can help you. Unfortunately, the crew aren’t able to help with these kinds of responsibilities.
Each ship has a medical centre and there are English-speaking doctors and nurses on board who keep surgery hours. For emergencies, there’s always someone on call. If you need to pay for a medical procedure, the first £200 of your bill will be payable to the medical provider onboard.
All ships are non-smoking, which means you can only smoke in designated areas of the open deck. The same goes for e-cigarettes. Please note, e-cigarettes are banned in certain countries and will be confiscated at the airport. Make sure to check the Foreign Office website for the latest updates.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| June | 28 °C | 23 °C |
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