Marella Explorer 2

Nonna’s

Made-to-order pizza and pasta dishes are up for grabs at this place, which is open for lunch and dinner.

Vista

You’ll find Vista on deck 5 in Latitude 53. Come evening, it transforms into a contemporary Italian restaurant. Here, you can get regional Italian favourites made with authentic ingredients.

Latitude 53

The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking dining venue, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and striking, floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect modern dishes with a twist, as well as some British favourites.

The Market Place

Our 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, The Market Place. You can expect regular theme nights, too, including Mexican, Chinese and Japanese. Prefer to dine al fresco? Then make the most of The Terrace and enjoy the sea views while you eat.

Snack Shack

If there’s any eatery that knows how to make you feel like you’re on holiday, it’s Snack Shack. This place is laid out like British-inspired beach huts, complete with oversized deckchairs. As such, you can look forward to grab ‘n’ go lunches, like sandwiches, burgers and salads, as well as fish and chip dinners. There’s a drink station here, too.

The Dining Club

This fine dining restaurant was made for foodies. You’ll be treated to high-end cuisine, making it the ideal spot for an extra special evening. 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. There’s a charge to dine here and we recommend you make a reservation.

Surf & Turf Steakhouse

This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat. The menu takes in mains like 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. There’s a charge to dine here and we recommend you make a reservation.

Kora La

You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. Oriental-style lanterns and paintings are paired with a pan-Asian menu of curries and noodle dishes. There’s a separate sushi menu, too. There’s a charge to dine here and we recommend you make a reservation.

Beach Cove

Like the name suggests, this place has a beachy vibe. Big sliding doors will make you feel like you’re eating al fresco, the menus are inspired by barbecues, and the decor includes quirky swing seats. A cover charge applies for dining here.

The Coffee Port

If you’re in need of a caffeine boost, this place will do the trick. This place is the biggest Coffee Port in our fleet, serving sweet treats courtesy of our in-house chocolatier and Lavazza coffee – the latter of which is included in our Premium All Inclusive drinks package. Alongside this, you can make use of the books and board games, or charge up your phone at the USB points. In a first for Marella Cruises, there’s a special after-dark menu, too, featuring coffee and tea-based cocktails like Espresso Martinis and Green Tea Mojitos. Plus, you can make your own coffee or hot chocolate using a selection of premium liqueurs, like Baileys Salted Caramel.

Please note, the drinks from the menu here are only included as part of the Premium All Inclusive package.

Scoops

For those with a sweet tooth, try Scoops. This vintage-looking parlour serves up dollops of ice-cream in a range of flavours, and you can add toppings, too. The seating’s just as quirky – a collection of bike seats sit facing out to sea.

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.

Flutes

If you’re after something bubbly, Flutes is the bar for you. You can sip glasses of Champagne* or Prosecco while listening to the sounds of a pianist. Plus, there are handy ‘press for bubbles’ buttons dotted around.

*Please note, Champagne isn’t included as part of the All Inclusive or the Premium All Inclusive drinks packages.

The 19th Hole

Themed cocktails aren’t all this club-house-inspired bar brings to the table. You can take up a seat in a golf buggy, or tee off on one of two golf simulators, for a charge.

Broadway Show Lounge

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 spectacular shows on offer, covering a variety of different styles of music. So, whatever your taste, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy.

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.

Indigo Casino

If you’re feeling lucky, you can try out the slot machines and card tables at the Indigo Casino.

Indigo Club

You’ll find the club in the middle of Indigo, flaunting a dance floor and a DJ booth. It’s where silent discos and Eighties or Nineties-themed nights take place.

Aperitif

Aperitif specialises in all things premium. You can get cocktails like an Aperol Spritz or a Chocolate Espresso Martini, as well as Prosecco and a range of spirits – all included as part of our Premium All Inclusive package. Thanks to its location, this bar’s a great spot to head before or after a meal at one of the speciality restaurants.

Squid & Anchor

Our first pub at sea is a modern take on a traditional British boozer. 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, while the other deals in premium gins and whiskies, which are chargeable. Plus, this place is the home of a live band, quiz nights and a couple of arcade machines.

Photo Gallery & Photo Studio

Take a visit to the Photo Gallery where you can view and buy all the photos captured by our photography team on the kiosks. If you’d prefer something more personalised, pop into the Photo Studio and ask about our professional photo shoots.

Broad Street Shops

When the ship’s at sea, it’s time to hit the 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.

Movies by Moonlight

The open-air cinema is the go-to place for a chilled-out evening under the stars. Classic movies and the latest box office hits are shown on a big screen. And you can get blankets, popcorn, and hot chocolate from the nearby bar.

Pool Bar

Like the name suggests, this bar sits next to the pool, so it’s great for grabbing drinks and frozen cocktails.

The Shack

This deck bar provides cool-down drinks in between sunbathing. You’ll find it just above Snack Shack, overlooking the pool.

Reception

Reception is the place to go for any queries, currency exchange and wake-up calls. Plus, it’s open around-the-clock.

Oceans spa and Beauty Salon

Like at any other Oceans Spa and Beauty Salon, 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 either. In fact, it’s the biggest in the fleet – packing in a sauna with widescreen windows, a relaxation room and VIP suites with private steam rooms and saunas.

Gym

You can work up a sweat with the sea in sight at the gym. You can join in with top fitness classes, like yoga and indoor cycling.

Pool

The pool area on Deck 11 has two outdoor pools and three whirlpools with plenty of lounge chairs. The pool is split in two by a stage in the middle, which is where the entertainment team run their daily activities from.

Whirlpools

Four whirlpool baths bubble away by the main pool.

The Veranda

You’ll find The Veranda at the back of the ship, in a chilled-out spot that serves up top-drawer views of the horizon. It’s dotted with Balinese beds and cocoon chairs, too, so it’s got everything you need for laidback lounging sessions.  

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.

Minigolf

If you’d prefer to take in some views while putting your way around nine holes, the mini golf course on the top deck has you covered. You can opt for a laidback round on your own, or sign up to one of the competitions that’s often organised during your sailing.

Running Track

Get some fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the horizon views as you follow the Running Track, which weaves around the top deck.

Bike Tours

If you really want to get under the skin of a place, book a bike tour. All our ships have a collection of mountain bikes onboard and, at almost every port, you can join an experienced guide and cycle your way around the best sights. The distance and difficulty of each tour varies, from relaxed rides over flat ground, to more challenging trips on hilly terrain. If you don’t fancy as much pedalling, there are electric bikes onboard, too. For more information, just speak to a member of the Destination Services team. 

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.

Disabled Facilities

If you’re planning a cruise and have a disability, use a wheelchair, have special dietary needs, a sensory impairment or are undergoing medical treatment, you must let Marella know when making your booking. Failure in doing this may result in you being refused boarding on arrival at the ship. For more information please contact Marella’s Customer Welfare Team. If you plan to use a wheelchair onboard and require adapted facilities you must book a specially adapted cabin. All of Marella shops have at least four of these cabins. These cabins may only be booked by those who require adapted facilities. If you plan to use your wheelchair onboard but do not require adapted facilities, please contact the Customer Welfare Team to make sure an appropriate cabin type can be selected. If you need your wheelchair – either standard or battery operated – when you’re ashore, Marella will look after it for you at the gangway so it’s there when you need it. But you will have to be able to manage the gangway without it. In ports where a tender to shore is necessary, you’ll have to stay onboard if you can’t manage without your wheelchair. At other times, depending on the port and the tides , it may not be possible for you to leave the ship at all due to gangway access. Some excursions may not be suitable for the less mobile. Marella Cruises have teamed up with AccessAble, who have created detailed access guides for each of our ships. Visit their website to find out more: https://www.accessable.co.uk/marella-cruises

Dietary Requirements

If you’ve got any dietary requirements, please make sure you mention it when you book by contacting our Customer Welfare Team on 020 3451 2585. Then let the restaurant manager know once you’re onboard. We also provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic-friendly options on request. If you need to bring your own food for medical reasons, please let us know in advance so we can ensure we have the correct facilities in place to store and prepare this. There may be some requests we aren’t able to accommodate, so it’s important you let us know when you book your cruise.

Age Restrictions

Marella Explorer 2 is exclusively for adults

• Minimum age to sail – 17+ Passengers must be over the age of 17 to travel on Marella Explorer 2
• Minimum age to sail alone – 18+ Passengers must be 18 or over to travel alone
• Minimum age for separate cabin – 18+ If you have more than one cabin and the cabins are separate (i.e. not adjacent or opposite) then under 18’s must be accompanied
• Minimum age to leave the ship on your own – 18+ Passengers must be 18 or older to go on a ship-sponsored excursion on their own
• Casino, slot machines, bingo – 18+ Passengers must be 18 years or older to use these facilities

All Inclusive Drinks Package

All Marella cruises give you All Inclusive as standard, here’s the full list of what’s included:

• Selected draught beer and cider
• A range of spirits and aperitifs, including lots of big brands
• Selected wine and Prosecco by the glass
• A selection of cocktails, from Long Island Iced Tea to Pimm’s and lemonade
• Selected soft drinks by the glass including mocktails and fruit juice.

You can upgrade to the Premium All Inclusive package and get these extras…

• Upgraded cocktails, such as Mojitos and Aperol Spritz’s
• Premium gins, vodkas, rums and tequilas, including Bombay Sapphire and Absolut Vodka
• Cans of soft drink
• More choice of whiskies, brandies and Cognacs
• All drinks from The Coffee Port menu, which are made with premium Lavazza coffee

Dress Code

The 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 the Dress to Impress nights give you the chance to get really suited and booted. Each of the restaurants onboard has a dress code, and this can differ depending on the time of day, but they’ll always let you know.

Medical Centre

Each of our ships has a medical centre and we have an English-speaking doctor and nurses on board who keep surgery hours. The opening hours are in Cruise News, plus there’s a 24-hour emergency service you can call by dialling 999 from your cabin phone. Just so you know, there’s a fee for using the medical centre, getting prescriptions and follow-up visits, which will be charged to your onboard account.

Smoking Policy

On the Marella Cruise Ships you can smoke in designated areas on deck, this is the case for e-cigarettes also.

Wi-Fi Packages

We have 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. If you’re pairing your cruise with a stay in one of our hotels, we’ll let you know which places have free Wi-Fi – just look out for the special logo

Navigate

Ever wanted to book a slot at the spa, the casino, or your favourite onboard restaurant without leaving your cabin or sunbed? Well, there’s an app for that – it’s called Navigate. Our onboard app is like having your own personal cruise planner in the palm of your hand, and you can use it to manage lots of different aspects of your cruise. When you embark on a Marella Cruise you’ll have access to Navigate which can help you with everything from watching the safety video, to accessing your onboard account, booking shore excursions, restaurants, spa treatments and much much more. If you need any more information or assistance with this then head to Reception onboard and they’ll be happy to help.

Awards

On a Marella cruise, you’ll always find a warm and welcoming atmosphere, from the moment you step onboard, wherever we sail. Our friendly staff will remember your name, as well as your favourite cocktail. And in the restaurants, we’re just as well-versed in local specialities as we are in decent cups of tea. In fact, we’ve been endorsed with the Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended stamp of approval. A massive 90% of our customers said the service was very good or excellent – and were impressed by how staff recognised them on a return visit. We picked up the prize for Best Cruise Line for Value at the 2019 Cruise Critic Editor’s Choice Awards. We’ve also picked up numerous awards at the Cruise Critic 2019 Cruisers Choice Awards, including Best Entertainment on Marella Discovery. Most recently in 2021 Marella won the Marine Interior Design of the Year Award for the refit of The Glass House on Marella Discovery in the Seatrade Cruise Awards.

Onboard Experience

If you have any questions regarding Marella Cruises’ onboard experience, try visiting the designated page on our website

https://www.tui.co.uk/cruise/onboard-experience/

COVID-19

For all information on our COVID-19 rules and procedures, please visit our dedicated Hub: Cruise With Confidence | Marella Cruises (tui.co.uk)

www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/cruise-with-confidence?vlid=trvcnfc

Other Details

Children: Adults only

Childrens Facilities: None

Nursery: None

Smoking: Some

Gratuities: 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.