09 Dec 2025 | By Dale Robinson In Ship-Visits

If you're new to cruising or simply looking for a holiday that blends ease, comfort, and memorable experiences, Marella Explorer offers a surprisingly seamless adventure. This  holiday  was to celebrate my partner’s birthday and mother’s birthday on a transatlantic sailing from Malaga to Barbados. I boarded the ship with an open mind, ready to explore and enjoy. A cruise that certainly delivers a luxurious experience when it comes to enjoyment, entertainment, and exceptional value.

Effortless Embarkation: From Airport to Ship

One of the biggest highlights began even before I stepped on board. The embarkation process was smooth, perfect for first-time cruisers who may find the logistics daunting. From check-in at the departure airport to arrival and boarding, guests are guided at every point. TUI/Marella representatives are stationed at every transition, helpfully signposting exactly where to go next.

It’s a level of attentive service that instantly removes travel stress and sets the tone for a relaxing holiday ahead.

First Impressions: A Welcoming, Well-Maintained Ship

Marella Explorer isn’t aiming to compete with the bigger cruise lines but that’s part of its charm. The ship is pleasant, clean, and impressively well maintained. The design blends traditional décor with carefully placed modern touches, creating a warm, familiar atmosphere that most guests will happily call home for their holiday.

Accommodation: Comfortable, Practical, and Thoughtfully Designed 

I stayed in an inside cabin and was pleasantly surprised by just how spacious it felt. For an interior room, it offered plenty of breathing room and an abundance of clever storage solutions, including hidden compartments behind the mirror that keep belongings out of sight.

The bathroom also exceeded expectations, featuring a glass shower door rather than a curtain, something seasoned cruisers will know is a welcome upgrade.

 Show-Stopping Entertainemnt Every Night

Over our 14-night sailing, entertainment was an undeniable standout. Each evening brought a new full-scale production in the theatre, with the main cast taking the stage on sea days and speciality acts entertaining guests on port days.

The costumes were elaborate, the performances eclectic, and the vocals powerful and professional, consistently met with enthusiastic applause.

A few highlights worth mentioning:

• Typically Tina, a speciality act, delivered not only an uncanny likeness in song and dance but also laugh-out-loud humour.
• A musical-themed evening featuring iconic show tunes drew a completely packed theatre, and so many guests returned for the late show that it became one of the most talked-about performances of the trip.

Dining on Marella Explorer 

Foodies will appreciate just how many dining options Marella Explorer offers. The main dining rooms operate on a flexible dining system and feature three separate venues, each with its own menu theme, ranging from Classic British favourites to Italian-inspired dishes.

Queues can occur during peak times, but the variety and quality make it worth the wait.

Favourite Restaurant: Kora La

After trying all the restaurants onboard, one venue clearly rose above the rest: Kora La.
The food was exceptional, the service warm and attentive, and the overall dining experience felt elevated, almost at a premium cruise line level. If you're only planning one speciality dining night, this is the place to book.

Exceptional Service 

What truly impressed me throughout the sailing was the level of service. The staff were consistently cheerful, accommodating, and proactive.

A memorable moment came when celebrating my partner’s birthday. Even after I decorated the cabin myself, the room stewards added special touches of their own, creating a heartfelt surprise that made the day even more memorable.

Exploring Stunning Ports Across Europe the Caribbean 

Our itinerary took us to a beautiful collection of destinations:
Malaga | Gibraltar | Antigua | St Kitts | Dominica | St Vincent | Barbados

We booked several excursions directly through Marella—not only because they were competitively priced, but because their options were genuinely unique. Some of the tours we experienced included:

• Beach Rendezvous – Antigua
• Volcanic Forest Hike & Beach Break – St Kitts & Nevis
• Do It All Dominica – Dominica
• Bequia Sailaway – St Vincent

As with any cruise excursion, there was some waiting involved in the mornings, but once underway, each tour was exceptionally well organised. Local operators delivered smooth, professional, and memorable experiences at every stop.

A Spa Discovery That Transformed the Cruise 

While the trip was enjoyable from day one, discovering the onboard spa took the entire experience up a level. If you’re someone who values tranquillity and exclusivity amid the buzz of a busy ship, spa access, or upgrading to a balcony or suite, can make all the difference.

Fun Tip: 

If you’re someone who enjoys quieter spaces and a touch of exclusivity, consider booking a balcony or suite, or adding spa access to your sailing. It can completely transform your experience, giving you serene private spaces to unwind between the fun and excitement onboard.

Looking for a cruise that blends modern comfort, delicious dining, lively entertainment? Marella Cruises has the perfect getaway for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing escape or an adventure-filled holiday, our expert team is here to help you find the latest Marella deals. Enjoy personalised advice, insider tips, and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else. Call our Cruise Concierge today on 0808 274 9725 and start planning your next unforgettable holiday.

Published 9th December 2025, Last updated 7th February 2026
By Dale Robinson In Ship-Visits

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