Marella Explorer Getting The Thumbs Up!

Wow, this ship is certainly getting a lot of buzz about it since launching in May of this year. Originally she was part of Celebrity Cruises (the Galaxy) and was the ship where good old Jane McDonald launched her career. Fast forward a few years she is now part of the TUI fleet of cruises.  In just two years Thomson cruises has undergone a name change (to Marella) and launched three ships with a fourth to follow next Spring.

So, what is the hype about this ship which is catching the Cruise Industry’s notice?  I hear that the star of the ship is the spa (I love spas!!). It is the first Champneys at sea so that in itself is pretty good i think. The treatments are really good value, about £75.00 for a 50 minute massage, which believe me is good. (I paid over $200 on Celebrity!). The other attraction getting a bit of talk about is a bar called Indigo. It is combined within a casino and club and bar, right at the top of the ship with 180 degree wrap around windows.  For those of you who would want to do a bit of dancing in the evening it has a transparent touch screen DJ system called the Emulator – they say it is the world’s first – whatever it is!

The Explorer has a pub called the Squid & Anchor (great name), a aperitif bar, and a lovely lounge if you want it a bit quieter. The theatre will have 12 new shows from movie tracks to sing a long shows. 10 dining venues to choose from, these include the brand new dining club which charges only £34.95 per person for “experimental french cuisine”. There is the Umi sushi restaurant, or the new Mediterranean lounge which serves free pizza and pasta or Portuguese tapas.

Then we come to the all important cabins. A huge choice with 11 different categories from single travellers to families of 5. Hurrah someone has taken notice of larger families!  We can’t forget the children either, they have kids clubs,and  teen “hangouts.” For me what appeals is the adult only deck where waiters can be summoned at the touch of each sun loungers Ipad button!!

I honestly think this ship sounds the “bizz” and certainly one which i will try. The great thing about Marella cruises is they fly from a heck of alot of local regional airports too which is fantastic! And let us not forget no tips to pay and drinks are included.

You know where I am if you are interested in any price.

Till next time x