There is a new kid on the block …

Thomson / Tui who are now known as Marella incase you didn’t know, have just taken delivery of their newest and largest member of the fleet which has been named as the Marella Explorer.
The ship was known as the Mein Schiff 1 owned by the sister company to Marella .

The explorer which will undergo four weeks in dry dock while she has a refurb making her first voyage on the 19th May from Palma. This is where she will be based out of for the summer season and then will move over to Barbados in the winter. She will hold 1,924-passenger and will offer several unique features a pink piano, an ice cream parlour, a new brand-name partnership with a famous high street spa.

A little look at what she has to offer

1. Champneys at Sea
The first cruise line to have a link-up with well-known luxury spa brand Champneys, Marella Cruises will redo Marella Explorer’s spa facilities to include a full-service thermal suite, treatment suites with their own showers and mini-saunas, a Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows and spa cabanas on the adults-only Veranda sun deck, which come with thermal suite access.

2. 13 New Shows
In a bid to liven up its onboard entertainment, Marella Explorer has added 13 new production shows to its program . Featuring 12 cast members, tons of well-known songs and some great costumes costumes, the shows incorporate LED screens, elaborate sets and themes that range from steampunk and cinema to music festivals and 50s Americana. Some even utilize 4D technology that pipes scents like popcorn and freshly cut grass into the theatre.

3. Indigo Nightclub
A first-in-industry concept that combines the ship’s casino and disco with a bar, the Indigo nightclub will boast wraparound ocean views, as well as a specially ordered DJ emulator — the only one of its kind on a UK ship. Beyond allowing Explorer’s DJ to play music, add sound effects and project music videos, the podium-style touchscreen device will serve to teach teenagers how to mix their own tracks as part of the onboard youth programme.

4. Family Balcony Cabins
In addition to the largest inside cabins in the Marella fleet at 16 square metres, and balconies with more space, Marella Explorer will also have 14 family balcony cabins available for booking. Each family cabin can sleep up to five people with a queen bed, a sofa bed and a pull-down bunk; express check-in, complimentary pressing services and free Continental breakfast in bed are also included in the price.

5. Sushi and Tapas
On the list of the vessel’s 10 restaurants, passengers will find stalwart eateries Kora La, Surf & Turf, Snack Shack and Hot Stone Grill. Additionally, the line is launching two new restaurant concepts: Umi Sushi and The Mediterranean serving tapas.

6. A Colour-Changing Piano Bar
In funky watering hole The Lounge, a colour-changing bar and bright pink piano are the focal points, providing passengers with a place to grab drinks and hear live music.

7. Scoops
Outfitted with quirky bicycle seats that look out to sea, Scoops, the onboard extra-fee ice cream parlour, has a vintage theme and serves multiple flavours of gelato.

Whats more the Explorer is sold as All Inclusive so drinks and tips all included. There are already plans in place for a Explorer to which will also be inherited from Mein Sheiff.

Thomson/Marella are really beginning to update their fleet.

What do you think ?
Do you love their older ship or like the fact that they are adding bigger and better ?

Will they lose the personal touch that people love onboard their ships ?