Marella

Marella Cruises is one of the most popular cruise lines in the UK, especially with travellers who want an easy, all-inclusive style of holiday without the formality of traditional cruising.

Known for its relaxed atmosphere, great entertainment and good-value fares, Marella attracts a loyal following – and for good reason. But with a mixed fleet of older and refurbished ships, not every experience is the same.

So, which Marella ship is actually the best?

To find out, I analysed real guest reviews and ranked every ship by popularity and overall satisfaction. As with my other cruise line rankings, I was genuinely surprised by some of the results.

Before we get into the rankings, here’s how I put the list together.

The Best Marella Ships by Reviews

1. Marella Voyager

Marella Voyager takes the top spot in the Marella fleet, and it isn’t hard to see why from the reviews.

Guests consistently praise how easy and stress-free the whole experience feels, from smooth embarkation through to disembarkation. Many love the TUI integration, with bonded luggage, quick transfers and cabins often ready very shortly after boarding.

Read more: Meet The Marella Voyager

The ship herself is also well liked. While she isn’t the newest or the biggest in the world (though she is the newest and biggest in the Marella Cruises fleet), her 2023 refurbishment means she feels modern, clean and well maintained.

Balcony cabins are frequently mentioned as being spacious, and the hammocks are a popular touch.

Food and service are standout positives. Most reviews highlight friendly, hardworking crew and a good variety of dining – from main restaurants to speciality venues and buffets – with strong praise for the quality and choice.

A small number of guests did find the main restaurant and buffet food underwhelming, especially when comparing Voyager to other cruise lines, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Marella Voyager tends to be especially popular with first-time cruisers and families, offering a relaxed, all-inclusive experience that makes cruising feel simple and enjoyable.

2. Marella Discovery 2

Marella Discovery 2 is one of the most popular ships in the Marella fleet and is especially well reviewed by first-time cruisers.

Many guests praise the warm, friendly service, with cabin stewards and restaurant staff regularly named in reviews for going above and beyond. Housekeeping gets particularly strong feedback, with cabins described as spotless and well looked after.

The ship itself is often described as comfortable and well laid out, with balcony cabins proving especially popular. Guests also enjoy the entertainment, with several reviewers saying the evening shows are among the best they’ve seen at sea.

Dining generally scores well, with good variety across restaurants and buffets, although opinions are mixed – some guests love the food, while a smaller number describe it as bland compared to other cruise lines.

The main criticisms tend to focus on communication and onboard charges. A few guests felt extras weren’t explained clearly enough, and some were disappointed by Wi-Fi pricing and cabin allocations.

Overall, Marella Discovery 2 is a strong all-rounder, particularly appealing to guests who value friendly service, traditional cruising and a comfortable, easy-going atmosphere.

3. Marella Discovery

Marella Discovery is one of the most talked-about ships in the Marella fleet and generally scores well with guests who value atmosphere and value for money.

One of the ship’s biggest strengths is the crew. Time and time again, reviews mention friendly, hardworking staff, attentive cabin stewards and a warm, welcoming feel onboard. The entertainment team also gets strong praise, with production shows, live music and guest speakers regularly highlighted as a real high point.

Public areas are usually described as well maintained, and many guests appreciate the open, relaxed style of cruising, with casual dress codes, drinks and tips included, and no-pressure formalities.

Itineraries are another strong pull. Many guests book Marella Discovery specifically for the routes she sails, and reviews often mention how well-organised port days and shore experiences feel.

The more critical feedback tends to focus on cabins showing their age in places and occasional queues at peak times for bars and restaurants. Dining is generally rated as good and plentiful, though it doesn’t always reach the same standard as newer ships.

Overall, Marella Discovery scores well for delivering a friendly, sociable cruise with great entertainment and excellent value – particularly for guests who prioritise service, itinerary and atmosphere over ultra-modern finishes.

Read more: Meet Marella Discovery

4. Marella Explorer

Marella Explorer is a popular choice for guests who care most about itinerary and ease of travel.

One of the strongest themes in the reviews is how well Marella handles the logistics. Flights, transfers and embarkation are often described as smooth and well organised, making the whole holiday feel simple and stress-free from the start.

Cabins are generally well liked, particularly balcony cabins, which many guests describe as clean, quiet and comfortable. Housekeeping teams receive lots of praise for being friendly, polite and hardworking.

Guests also enjoy the itineraries, especially in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands, with many describing the routes as a major highlight of their trip.

Food and décor receive more mixed feedback. Afternoon tea is frequently mentioned positively, while buffet options sometimes feel limited compared to other cruise lines. The ship itself is often described as plain but tidy, with public areas feeling smart after updates.

Overall, Marella Explorer tends to suit travellers who want great routes, friendly service and an easy, good-value cruise rather than a flashy, ultra-modern ship.

Read more: Marella Explorer – Full Ship Guide

5. Marella Explorer 2

Marella Explorer 2 is Marella’s adults-only ship and appeals strongly to couples and those looking for a quieter, more relaxed cruise style.

Many guests highlight the friendly, efficient crew as one of the ship’s biggest strengths, with service in bars and restaurants often described as quick and professional. The ship is also widely praised for being clean and well looked after, with hardworking housekeeping teams keeping public areas tidy.

Adult-only cruising is a major draw. Reviews often mention how calm and relaxing the atmosphere feels compared to family-heavy ships, and balcony cabins in particular receive positive comments for their space and comfort.

Entertainment generally scores well, with evening shows and themed nights frequently described as a highlight. Several first-time cruisers also say the overall experience exceeded expectations and felt very good value for money.

Where feedback is more mixed is around the ship’s age. Some cabins and bathrooms are described as tired in places, and a handful of reviews mention noise issues in certain areas of the ship. Food is usually rated as good with plenty of choice, although buffet consistency is occasionally criticised.

Overall, Marella Explorer 2 tends to work best for couples and adults looking for a good-value, sociable cruise with strong service and a relaxed, adult-focused atmosphere.

Read more: Marella Explorer 2 Ship Guide

The Scores

It’s extremely tight between the ships – here’s those scores in full to see what determined the ranking:

The Bottom Line

Marella Cruises continues to be one of the most popular choices for British cruisers who want an easy, all-inclusive style holiday without the formality of traditional cruising.

Across the fleet, the strongest themes are friendly service, smooth organisation and great value for money. Ships like Marella Voyager and Marella Discovery 2 stand out for their consistently warm reviews, while older ships such as Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer are best suited to guests who prioritise itinerary, atmosphere and price over the latest onboard features.

There isn’t a bad ship in the lineup – it really comes down to what you value most.

But what do you think? Do you agree with the rankings, or do you have a favourite Marella ship?

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There’s nothing better than when a cruise line known for great value launches an offer that takes things up a notch – and Marella Cruises has done exactly that.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Caribbean, planning a Mediterranean escape, or chasing winter sun in the Canaries, this limited-time deal adds even more value to an already All Inclusive experience.

And it’s not just one reason to book that makes this worth your attention – there are seven…

1. Save up to £300 per booking* when you book now!

Who doesn’t love knocking a few hundred pounds off their holiday?

Right now, you can save up to £300* per booking with Marella Cruises – no faff, no minimum spend, just a great deal on your next getaway.

Use code SETSAIL200 for £200* off selected Mediterranean and Canary Islands cruises, or SETSAIL300 to get £300* off selected long-haul sailings in the Caribbean (including transatlantic routes). You’ve got until 6th October 2025 to grab it – just make sure your cruise is at least 7 nights.

Even better, this deal applies on itineraries that are already discounted too, as long as they’re departing between 1st December 2025 and 31st December 2026 – so you’ve 13 months of cruises to aim for and you can get a double deal if you find a cruise that already has big savings before using the code!

*Terms and conditions apply

2. Flights and overseas transfers included

With Marella, your cruise starts as it should – smoothly. Flights and overseas transfers are included in the cost of your cruise, taking the stress out of planning how to get from A to B. 

Whether you’re jetting off to Barbados, Tenerife, or Corfu, Marella Cruises sorts out the logistics for you. 

You’ll even find TUI reps waiting at the airport, ready to guide you to your transfer or check-in. It’s a seamless start to your holiday from the moment you arrive.

3. All Inclusive onboard experience – with drinks and tips covered

Every Marella cruise includes All Inclusive as standard, which means meals, drinks, and tips are all wrapped into the price. There’s no need to budget for extra drinks or feel awkward about gratuities – it’s all taken care of.

Drinks are available from 10am to 2am daily, including selected cocktails, beer, cider, house wine, spirits, and prosecco. 

You can also upgrade to Premium All Inclusive for access to premium spirits and barista-style drinks, if you want to. But there is plenty included in the fare already so you absolutely don’t have to.

Onboard dining is a real highlight, with each ship offering unique venues – from Nonna’s DIY pizza bar to Abuela’s Mexican eatery and Squid & Anchor, your local at sea.

And if you want even more variety, each ship has a selection of speciality dining options that have an extra charge, opening up even more dining possibilities for you.

4. A fantastic choice of destinations

Marella Cruises covers sun-soaked regions year-round, offering incredible variety. In summer, sail the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, visiting destinations like Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Rome, and Santorini.

In winter, you can head to the Canary Islands or escape to the Caribbean, with itineraries including Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and more.

Each itinerary is carefully crafted to balance iconic cities with lesser-known gems, giving you a mix of culture, beaches, and unforgettable scenery – all from the comfort of your floating hotel.

And, of course, there are plenty of exciting shore excursion options you can choose from in every destination you visit.

5. More time ashore, fewer sea days

Unlike cruises departing from the UK, Marella Cruises fly you right into your destination – whether that’s embarkation ports such as Palma, Tenerife or Barbados – so you can get straight into the heart of your itinerary.

That means fewer sea days and more time exploring new destinations. Most cruises are designed with a port stop nearly every day, making it easy to pack more into your trip. 

Prefer a slower pace? You can always stay onboard and unwind by the pool or in the spa. You have the freedom to enjoy your cruise at your pace.

6. Incredible entertainment, day and night

When you’re not out exploring, Marella’s onboard entertainment ensures you’re never bored. Evenings bring West End-style shows, live music, UK comedians, and everything from karaoke to game shows. There’s even a casino, if you’re feeling lucky.

By day, you can join in with quizzes, cookery demos, fitness classes, and fun competitions – or just chill with a cocktail in hand. 

Marella has even picked up awards for its entertainment, so you know you’re in for a great time, whatever your mood.

7. Outstanding service from start to finish

One of the things Marella passengers rave about most is the friendly, attentive service. The onboard crew go above and beyond to make your experience feel special, getting to know guests by name and always ready to help with a smile.

From the moment you arrive at the airport, TUI’s support team is on hand, helping you through check-in and transfers. 

Onboard, the Marella Cruises crew are professional yet personable, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you feel genuinely cared for – it’s service that makes your holiday unforgettable.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip at sea, Marella Cruises’ Cruise Month offer is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. 

With flights, transfers, All Inclusive perks, and up to £300* off your booking, now’s the perfect time to start planning next year’s adventure.

From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Marella offers something for every traveller – and Cruise Month is the best time to dive in.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Cruising with kids can be a dream or a disaster — but with Marella Cruises, it’s definitely the first one!

From splash pools to kids’ clubs, rock climbing walls to family discos, they’ve got everything to keep little cruisers happy while giving parents a well-earned break.

Whether you’re sailing with toddlers, tweens or teens, Marella makes family holidays stress-free and seriously fun.

Here are what my kids and I love about Marella’s family offering…

1. M Club

The M Club is a place where you can drop off your 3- to 11-year-olds and they’ll enjoy fun activities in the care of qualified childcare professionals.

There are a few things that set Marella’s kids club apart from some of the others.

Firstly, let’s talk about the age groupings. Usually, cruise ships are super strict about which kids can go in each group, based on their age. This means that my 7-year-old and my 10-year-old are used to being split up. But of course, most kids will want to stay with their siblings, right?

On a Marella cruise, there are sessions where all ages can play together.

Some sessions are split by age (3-7 and 8-11). But they said that if our older child wants to join the younger group to be with her brother, then that’s not a problem.

Unlike on other cruises we’ve been on, the kids club doesn’t just stay in the one room. They go to other venues like the theatre or the nightclub (before it opens for adults) to enjoy certain activities.

The fun continues until 9.30pm. While our kids were expecting to just watch a movie in the evening, they were pleased to discover the fun and games continued all evening on most days.

2. The Hideout

12- to 17-year-olds have access to their own venue – The Hideout. Located well away from the kids’ club, teens can pop in here whenever they like.

There are organised activities at certain times, like arts and crafts or sports tournaments. Outside of these times, they can just chill out and use the facilities.

On Marella Explorer (the ship we sailed on), those included air hockey and table football tables. They’re free to play, so won’t have to worry about running up a bill for credits!

3. Mini M Club

Under-threes can attend Mini M Club with their parents. This is a dedicated room for babies with toys for them. At certain times of the day there will be activities, like Bubble Play Time.

Yes, this is listed as being for the babies, but really, it’s the perfect spot for mums and dads to meet and have a chat too.

4. Kids Pools

Of course, kids are welcome in the main pools, but some ships also have dedicated kids pools which are perfect for those who can’t swim yet or who want to splash around without worrying about splashing the adults.

On Marella Explorer, the kids pool even has a small slide. It’s under cover too, to keep little ones out of the hot sun.

5. Rock Climbing Walls

If you cruise on Marella Discovery or Marella Discovery 2, then your family can enjoy the rock climbing walls. Kids need to be six or over to take part.

These ships used to belong to Royal Caribbean, and when they were launched, rock climbing walls were the big new things. I love that Marella has kept them since acquiring the ships.

6. Mini Golf

Each Marella ship comes with its own mini golf course, which is the perfect family activity for kids of all ages. There’s no need to book or sign out the equipment, you can just turn up and play whenever the mood takes you.

7. Gamer Zone

The Gamer Zone is a special room on the ship with Xboxes that are available for use. You just borrow a controller from guest services and you can spend as long as you like playing all kinds of games.

Unlike on other ships where the games consoles are inside the kids club or teen club, on Marella cruises, families can all play together. This is great for families with younger kids too.

The Gamer Zone is particularly popular with teenagers, where it’s the go-to area to hang out after dinner. Because they can just turn up with a controller, they can play alone or with new friends on any machine.

Because, like all of these activities, the Gamer Zone is free of charge, it will save you a fortune compared to ships that have a pay-to-play arcade!

8. Cinema

Each Marella cruise ship has a cinema onboard. On some ships this is inside and on others it’s outside. There’s a variety of movies each day, many of which are suitable for families and you should have no problem getting a seat.

9. Sports Court

If you cruise on Marella Explorer, your kids can enjoy the sports court which is suitable for football and basketball.

On our most recent cruise, the sports court was constantly busy with children playing football. My son played football for five hours one day because he enjoyed the fun atmosphere with his new friends so much!

There’s also a table tennis table that you can use – just borrow the bats and balls from guest services.

10. Children’s Menus

Marella Cruises does a fantastic job of catering for children when it comes to mealtimes. In each restaurant there’s a kids menu with a variety of options to choose from, including plenty for vegetarians. If children would like a smaller portion of anything on the adult’s menu, that can be arranged too.

The buffet is also excellent with so many choices. Picky eaters will love the ‘Kids’ Corner’ which always has favourites like burgers, chips and pasta.

At the snack shack, kids can enjoy quick service options like hot dogs, fries, sandwiches and fruit pots.

Most ships also have an included Italian restaurant which is perfect for pizza and pasta lovers.

Read more: Marella Cruises Dining Options Explained

11. All-Inclusive Drinks

Who says that all-inclusive drinks are just for adults? On a Marella cruise, everyone gets drinks included, kids too. This means that parents don’t have to consider the cost when thirsty kids are constantly wanting refreshments.

There are so many drinks to choose from with fruit juices, fizzy drinks and mocktails. It was on a Marella cruise that my daughter developed her obsession with Shirley Temple mocktails!

Kids drinks are always served in red plastic cups so there’s no chance that they could pick up an adults drink by mistake thinking that it’s theirs. I love this idea and wish that more cruise lines would consider doing it.

Read more: Marella Drinks Package Guide

12. Reasonable Wifi Costs

Cruise ship wifi can sometimes be ridiculously expensive. But on Marella Cruises, the wifi packages are a fraction of the price, which is very helpful for parents traveling with teenagers who might want to stay connected.

With affordable internet access, teens can message their friends, stream content, or check social media without racking up huge costs. This means fewer complaints about boredom and more time for parents to relax, knowing their kids are happy.

Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Marella Cruises’ WiFi

13. Accommodation Options

Family accommodation options with Marella offer comfortable, spacious cabins so that you aren’t always getting under each other’s feet, particularly in those mornings when everyone wants to get ready.

Several cabin types have space for three or four people, with either a double or twin bed configuration and then a sofa bed or fold-down bed.

But bigger families needn’t worry – there are Family Cabins that can accommodate up to five guests, including a regular double bed separated by a partition, a double sofa bed and a fold down bed as well.

You can even opt for a Family Balcony Cabin with Suite Service if you want to splash out a little and treat yourselves. Not only do you get a spacious cabin with balcony, but you get all the perks of the Suite Service, including extra amenities in the room and a free continental breakfast in bed to enjoy on one day of your cruise (or more if you cruise for over a week).

14. Destinations & Excursions

Your cruise isn’t just about the time you’ll spend on the ship, but also the destinations you’ll visit – and many are absolutely perfect for families.

If your kids love the beach, then a Caribbean getaway could be ideal. You’ll have ample time to have fun on the sand, not just relaxing and building sandcastles with your youngest, but taking part in different sports or activities too. There are even some islands that offer white-water rafting for those thrill-seeking kids!

Or, if you are travelling with an adventurous group, why not head to the Mediterranean for a cruise packed with exciting destinations, including the chance to visit the incredible Portaventura Theme Parks from Tarragona.

In fact, in every destination Marella cruises to – be it the Canary Islands, Caribbean, Asia or Mediterranean – there are always plenty of excursion options to suit everyone in the family and provide memories to last a lifetime.

Read more: 12 Of The Best Destinations To Visit On A Marella Cruise

15. A Hassle-Free Holiday

The whole Marella cruise experience is perfectly suited to families – because less stress for mum and dad means happier kids too, right?

For a start, your flights are always packaged in with the cruise, with departures from airports all over the UK – no need to drive for hours upon hours just to start your journey.

And because the flights are managed by TUI, who owns Marella, the trip is seamless. No need to stress about whether the flights will land on time because, even in the very rare instances they don’t, the ship will wait for you. You won’t get that with other cruise lines.

Drinks and tips are already included too, including plenty of soft drink options for your kids.

And of course, Marella’s crew offer amazing service to every guest and will have each member of your family feeling truly spoiled. That’s perfect when you’ve had an adventure-filled day and you just want to spend the next morning having a lazy family start.

The Bottom Line

In my opinion, Marella Cruises are excellent for families with children of all ages. Some families feel that they need to cruise on the big American megaships with children, but really, I don’t think that’s the case.

Sometimes it’s just as fun to spend time as a family playing Uno or Cluedo as it is to go ice skating or go-karting!

Marella Cruises’ mid-size ships have plenty of activities to keep kids entertained for a week, and their smaller size means that it’s easier to get around without getting lost.

The facilities do vary between the different ships. I have a guide to Marella ships that has a table showing exactly what each one has to do on board, so be sure to take a look at that before you book.

Whether you have babies, teenagers, or any age in between, Marella is definitely an option to consider for your next family holiday.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

I just disembarked a Canary Islands cruise on Marella Explorer. In this review I’ll share my honest opinions about what I liked and didn’t like about this cruise, and how it compares to others.

Thinking of cruising with Marella? Read on to find out what this cruise line has to offer…

Note: I was invited onboard by Marella. As always, the brand has no control over my reviews and all opinions are entirely my own.

Starting The Cruise

Our cruise departed from Tenerife. Marella Cruises don’t sail from the UK, but they do come packaged with flights from a choice of 25 airports across the UK.

We chose to fly from Bristol, which meant that getting to the airport was super easy. We had a 20kg per person checked baggage allowance plus 10kg per person hand luggage which was way more than we needed.

The flight was over pretty quickly and from there we hopped straight onto a TUI coach and were taken to the ship.

We were able to leave our bags on the coach and the next time we saw them was at our room an hour later.

Check-in was a breeze! As TUI’s flights arrive all through the day, there was barely anyone there when we arrived.

We quickly showed our passports and then walked on to the ship.

Usually, when you fly to start your cruise you’ll have to fly out the day before and stay in a hotel – that’s a bit of a faff. And if you live more than a couple of hours from Southampton, you’ll probably need to do that too!

Leaving home at 8am and being on the ship in time for dinner is an excellent way to start the cruise. Because TUI owns the planes and the ships, you don’t have to worry about missing your cruise due to delayed flights, as they simply don’t let that happen.

First Impressions

I knew that Marella Explorer was around 30 years old – Marella’s ships used to belong to Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

But I wasn’t prepared from how modern and luxurious this ship was. Marella Explorer is in excellent condition and most of the public areas looked brand-new. She just didn’t have that older-ship feel that you get on other ships that were built in the 90s.

As we wandered around the ship, had a bite to eat in the buffet and enjoyed a drink, I fell in love.

With space for around 2000 guests, this ship is the perfect size, in my opinion. Small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in a few minutes, but large enough to be spacious and with plenty of activities.

While on board, I made a walkaround ship tour video. So if you’d like to watch as I explore each deck then be sure to check that out. It also has some handy tips to help you make the most of your cruise…

Accommodation

We booked an Ocean View cabin. Usually, we go for an inside cabin, but it was hardly any more money to upgrade to the Ocean View, so we went for that.

Older ships don’t have as many balcony rooms as newer ones, and on Marella Explorer, only four of the ten passenger decks have balcony rooms. That means that the step-up in price from an Ocean View to a Balcony is significant.

So even if your default option is a balcony, then don’t rule out the window cabins, as they can offer fantastic value for money.

Our room slept four, so it had Pullman beds that come down from the ceiling.

The room wasn’t our favourite configuration, as the ladders meant that we had to have two single beds for my husband and I. We generally prefer a double bed and separate bunk beds for the kids if possible.

I noticed that the room attendants didn’t put the kids beds away each morning as they usually do. But that wasn’t an issue, as it’s not like they were converting them back into a sofa that we could use.

They did however, make the most fantastic towel animals every day, which was a much better use of their time in my opinion! They came twice per day to clean and always left us chocolates on the pillows.

The room was spotlessly clean and very comfortable.

But as we unpacked our bags, we noticed that the air con wasn’t working properly. It was set to cold, but the room was still very warm. I called guest services and within a few minutes an engineer arrived and fixed the problem.

This was a stark contrast to our previous cruise with Celestyal Cruises where we had the exact same problem and the engineer came every day resulting in us having alternate nights of being very hot, then very cold, until a new control panel was fitted on the last day of our cruise!

I love that Marella Cruises gives you a kettle with tea and coffee in the room. There was an empty cupboard where the mini bar used to be, which was a little odd. However, they do give you a glass carafe and there was a water fountain right outside our room, which was fantastic!

I recommend looking for the raindrop symbols on the Marella deck plans and try to get a room near to the water machines if you can.

Dining

We thoroughly enjoyed the food on our cruise and I was very impressed with how many included dining venues there were. In addition to the main dining room and buffet, guests can enjoy Italian cuisine, a seperate pizza and pasta cafe, a tapas bar and a poolside snack shack offering burgers and grab-and-go sandwiches.

The buffet was fantastic, with a different theme each day and live cooking stations.

The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the ‘vindaloo’ curry which was more like a vegetable stew without a hint of spice. The server said that was because “not everyone likes spicy food”. Surely they don’t order the vindaloo then? Haha.

For those looking for something extra special, specialty restaurants serve dishes like steak, sushi or Asian cuisine at an additional cost. But with so much included, we didn’t feel the need to try these.

For those with dietary restrictions, Marella excels at food labeling, making it easy to identify vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly options. Vegan choices are readily available in both the main dining room and buffet, making dining hassle-free.

The kids menu was extensive, with several vegetarian options. There’s also a kids’ section in the buffet, so favourites like chips are always available.

Drinks

Marella Cruises stand out by including a drinks package for all passengers. The standard package covers a selection of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and mocktails.

There are at least five different cocktails available in each bar, and I loved trying them all. One day, when I couldn’t decide which to order, the waiter surprised me with three!

I thought that the service might be slow, given that with everyone having a package, there would be little incentive to serve people quickly. But in fact the opposite was true. There was never a queue at the bar, and waiters would appear almost immediately as we sat down to take our orders.

Waiters would also walk around the pool with drinks trolleys or trays of pre-made cocktails, handing them out to anyone who wanted one.

And as you walked into busier venues like the theatre, pub, or poolside at the sailaway party there would be tables with glasses of Prosecco and cocktails, ready-poured!

Those wanting more premium options can upgrade to an enhanced package, but the standard drinks are already generous. If you just fancy the occasional premium drink, you can just pay for those individually, and the prices are very reasonable.

Activities & Entertainment

We certainly weren’t short of things to do on our cruise. The daily schedule was packed with activities like bingo, dance classes, deck games, arts and crafts, movies in the cinema and live music.

Every evening, there was a West-End style show in the theatre, repeated at 8.30pm and 10.30pm. The theatre was really big, so there’s no need to book and it’s easy to get a seat.

We also enjoyed the gameshows at 9.30pm in the Squid and Anchor. After the theatre, everyone rushes to the Squid and Anchor, so if you want to do both, you have to be fast!

After a week, we found the entertainment to be a little repetitive. It would have been nice to have some other options like a magician, comedian, acrobat or ventriloquist. Singers and dancers are great, but not every night.

Family Facilities

Marella has a kids club for ages 3 to 11. The kids went a few times and said that it was average as far as cruise kids clubs go.

I wasn’t a fan of how the age groups were organised. Sometimes, all ages would be together, and the activities tended to be more suitable for the younger ones.

On other occasions, the groups would be split between 3 to 7 and 8 to 11. However, the clubs were then open at different times. This wasn’t very practical for us with one child in each group.

You also need to give at least 24 hours notice of which session you’re going to attend by writing your child’s name on a piece of paper outside the room. Sometimes, it’s hard to plan that far in advance. When other cruise lines require you to pre-book the kids club, it’s usually done via an app.

The kids did, however, love the activities outside of the kids club. The football pitch was always full of kids playing endless games of football. There was table tennis and mini golf. And we all loved the Gamer Zone which had six Xboxes that are available for anyone to use.

12- to 17-year-olds can access The Hideout. Here they can enjoy unlimited air hockey and table tennis as well as attend organised activities at certain times.

Itinerary

We loved the Canary Islands itinerary. Although it was February, the weather was 20-25 degrees, which was certainly suitable for sunbathing.

The Canaries is the perfect spot for winter sun if you only have a week so don’t want too long of a flight.

Marella Cruises are usually very port-intensive, and we had only one sea day. If you cruise to the Canary Islands from Southampton, the round-trip takes two weeks, yet we were able to squeeze more ports into just one week, which was great.

The weather forecast showed some rough seas at Madeira, so the captain made the decision to cancel that port and replace it with another, as well as switching round the order that we visited the other islands.

This wasn’t an issue at all. As we have booked our excursions with Marella, we were simply issues new tickets for the correct date.

The excursions that we booked were excellent value for money – even more so since we didn’t have to do anything when the dates were changed!

Value For Money

At first glance, Marella cruises can look pricey. But, once you factor in everything that’s included, they actually work out to be excellent value for money!

Even if you don’t drink alcohol, don’t let the all-inclusive nature put you off. You can still get your money’s worth with mocktails, juices, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

The Bottom Line

Marella Cruises has a huge fanbase of loyal cruisers and I can see why. The cruises are so convenient and hassle-free – all you have to do is relax and enjoy.

It’s clear that this cruise line is tailored to the British market, with home comforts like crisps in the pub and Yorkshire puddings in the buffet. And the people we met on board all seemed to appreciate these touches.

If you have kids, then Marella cruises is a good option. Sure, you won’t get quite as many facilities as some of the American mega-ships, but children are very well catered for, and there’s lots for them to do.

If you want to know how Marella compares to other cruise lines, then be sure to take a look at this video…

Related Posts:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

If you’re booking a cruise on Marella Explorer, you’ve got some big decisions to make. Once the date and itinerary are nailed down, you’ll then need to choose which cabin you want for your cruise.

Your cabin won’t usually make or break your cruise, but it’s still important. You need to find the right one for your budget, and that fits the type of experience you’re hoping to enjoy, but if you don’t have one that’s absolutely perfect, you can still have a fantastic holiday.

And yet, there are some cabins best avoided. Whether due to their position on the ship, or some other strange ship design reason, there are a handful of cabins that may put a bit of a dampener on your overall cruise.

Which is why I’ve put this guide together. I’ll take you through all of the cabin choices on Marella Explorer, and let you know the cabins that, depending on you and what you want from your break, you may wish to steer clear of when you book your sailing.

Cabin types on Marella Explorer

There are four main types of cabins on Marella Explorer and several sub-categories within those.

• Inside – including Family Inside and Single Inside
• Outside – including Large Outside and Single Outside
• Balcony – including Large Balcony and Family Balcony
• Suites – Junior Suites and Executive Suites

Let’s take a closer look at each of these in turn, so that you fully understand the options available to you.

Inside Cabins

Marella Explorer has four main types of Inside Cabin for you to choose from:

Inside Cabins are the smallest and cheapest options for accommodation on Marella Explorer, just like they are for any other cruise ship. They’re great if you’re trying to stick to a budget, or if you just don’t plan on seeing your cabin much, beyond sleeping and showering.

There are several options on Marella Explorer, including some that sleep two guests and some that sleep up to four, using fold-down beds. There are two types of fold-down beds on cruise ships – those where they sit against the wall and those that are hidden in the ceiling. Marella Explorer has the latter, which is better, since it means they don’t take up space in the room when not in use.

The Family Inside Cabins on Marella Explorer are rare – it’s not often you’ll find any cruise ship cabin that sleeps five guests, especially an Inside one. If you want a cheaper holiday with the clan, then these are a fantastic choice – you get a queen-sized bed, a separate sleeping area with a double sofa bed, and a single fold-down bed.

A quick note on the Single Inside cabin as well – it’s not strictly a different cabin type, even though Marella Cruises labels it as its own cabin. 

By that, I mean you actually get a standard Inside Cabin, with two twin beds that can be converted into a queen-sized bed (and why wouldn’t you?). But you will pay a single passenger rate. Technically these rooms could sleep two, but you can’t get away with booking a Single room and bringing someone with you!

Outside Cabins

There are four main types of Outside Cabin on Marella Explorer:

Outside Cabins are a step up from Inside Cabins – they cost a little more, but in exchange, you get a small view and some natural light, which can be helpful for knowing the time of day without having to check your phone screen. Being able to focus on a point on the horizon can also help some people who suffer from seasickness.

The Outside Cabins on Marella Explorer either come with a porthole or a picture window. It’s better to get one with a picture window if you can – the portholes are small and don’t give you much of a view, or let in much natural light.

Again, there are some that sleep two guests and some that have fold-down beds for up to four guests in total.

The Large Outside Cabins all have a picture window, and they’re just slightly larger versions of the same room. If you value extra storage space or just more room to walk around your bed, these are a good option.

And yes, again, the Single Outside Cabins are just regular Outside Cabins sold at a special price for solo travellers. So you technically have the option of having the bed as a twin or as a queen-sized bed. I know what I would pick.

Balcony Cabins

There are three different types of Balcony Cabin on Marella Explorer:

Balcony Cabins are those where you have a private balcony area – somewhere you can sit outside and soak up the sea air and the view. It’s a lovely place to relax during the day, or to watch the sunrise or sunset (depending on which side of the ship you’re on).

The standard Balcony Cabins are the same size as an Outside Cabin, but that’s just the internal floorspace – the actual balconies aren’t included in the measurements provided by Marella. So you are still getting more space, but it’s all outside.

What’s unusual is that a Marella Explorer Large Balcony cabin is actually smaller inside!

With a Standard Balcony you get 17 square metres, whereas a Large Balcony has only 16 square metres! Any extra space you do get is outside.

And then you have a Family Balcony Cabin, which can sleep up to five people – they have a double bed, a double sofa bed and a fold-down bed. They’d be a bit cosy for five adults/teens but would be a good choice for younger families.

Premier Service

Premier Service is the name given to a set of extra perks that some guests on Marella Cruises can enjoy. They’re sort of like suite perks that you’d get on some other cruise ships. However, I’ve included them here because they’re not just available with suites – you also get them if you book a Family Balcony Cabin.

Also, the Premier Service benefits aren’t a huge list of perks. In fact, you only get two benefits from rooms with the service:

• Free pressing service for up to 3 items of clothing per guest, in the first 24 hours of your cruise only
• Free continental breakfast in bed for each person, once per week

The pressing service is handy if you’re worried about bringing your formal wear onto the ship in a neat state, and the breakfast in bed is nice to enjoy on a lazier morning, but neither are services you couldn’t also enjoy for a small fee.

Suites

There are two types of suites on Marella Explorer:

If you want the very best accommodation on a cruise ship, you’re going to want to look at the suites. And that’s the same with Marella Explorer – although there are only two suite categories to choose from.

Balcony Junior Suites

A Balcony Junior Suite is simply a larger version of a regular Balcony Cabin, although remember you also get the Premier Service perks as well. The room has a queen-sized bed and a single sofa bed, making these the only Marella Explorer 3 berth cabin you can book. The spacious balcony has plenty of space to unwind, too.

Executive Suites

The Executive Suites are the best rooms on the ship. They are more than twice the size of a Balcony Junior Suite, with a separate bedroom and living area. They sleep up to four guests – the bedroom has a fixed queen-sized bed and the sofa is a double sofa bed. Again, the Premier Service is included.

Adapted Cabins on Marella Explorer

There are a handful of adapted cabins suitable for wheelchair users on Marella Explorer, even though they aren’t listed in the ship’s cabin information on the cruise line’s website. Instead, you need to find them on the deck plans – don’t worry, I’ve done it for you.

There is one Inside Cabin and seven Outside Cabins that are wheelchair accessible. They’re all on Deck 5, and they’re all larger than a standard room, although the actual floorspace isn’t published. As well as being wider, they have a fully adapted wet room.

If you need a wheelchair-friendly room be sure to specify that when you’re booking. Since there are only eight you should book your cruises as early as possible, to avoid disappointment.

Choosing the best cabin

Choosing the best cabin on a cruise ship – whether that’s Marella Explorer or any other ship – gives you a lot to think about. You need to consider the size, the location, and any other little quirks that might either make or break your cruise getaway.

It’s a lot to remember, but to make it easier for you I’ve put together a handy checklist. You can refer back to this whenever you’re booking a cruise, and just work through it to make sure you don’t accidentally book a room that’s not suitable for you.

Just enter your name and email address and I’ll send it to you.

Cabins to avoid on Marella Explorer

Here are the cabins you’ll want to consider avoiding on Marella Explorer. With some of the cabins, it depends on what kind of cruise passenger you are, while others are a more broad recommendation to steer clear.

1. Cabins with a porthole

4010, 4011, 5000, 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5010, 5012, 5014, 5015, 5016, 5017, 5019, 5023

The Outside Cabins on Decks 4 and 5 are advertised as having either a picture window or a porthole, but the only way to know which one you’re getting is to check the deck plans and see which ones are marked as being a porthole. Otherwise, you could accidentally book one without knowing.

That list is all the cabins with a porthole and I’d suggest you avoid them. The portholes are small and don’t offer any kind of view, really, and they also limit the amount of natural light you’ll get in the room.

I’d suggest that it’s better to book a regular Inside Cabin than it is to book a porthole room – you won’t miss out on any of the benefits and you’ll save money too.

2. Deck 12 rooms if you get seasick

12000 to 12043

If you’re someone who is prone to feeling seasick then you should aim to avoid the highest cabins on a ship. You’ll feel the movement of the ocean more when you’re higher up, and that’s what triggers the feeling of sickness.

The highest rooms on Marella Explorer are on Deck 12, so if you think you might struggle with seasickness then I’d steer clear. Instead, aim to book a room on a lower deck in a mid-ship area. Being near the front or aft of the ship can also amplify the feeling.

The worst cabins are the Inside Cabins on Deck 12. Not only do you feel more movement, but because you’ve got no view you can’t just focus on the horizon – a helpful tip for controlling the feeling of motion. 

3. Connecting cabins if you don’t need them

Various locations

As well as having a selection of Family Inside and Family Balcony cabins on the ship, Marella Explorer has another option suitable for families and groups – connecting cabins. These work in the same way as connecting cabins on any other ship – side-by-side cabins with a door between them.

When you book just one connecting cabin, that door stays locked. But if you book both cabins, the door will be unlocked for you and you can open up the space to create a larger shared cabin, instead of two separate ones.

But if you are only booking one cabin, I’d avoid a connecting one. Yes, the door stays locked, but the door is thinner than a wall, and so you’ll hear more of what your neighbours are doing. If they argue or watch TV a little loud, it might disturb you.

4. Cabins next to a lift

4147, 8215, 9202, 9211, 10135, 12042, 12043

Having a cabin that’s near a lift can be a good thing or a bad thing. The positives are that you never have far to walk to be able to access any part of the ship. But then, because people are constantly walking past your cabin to get to the lifts, the corridors can be a little noisier, especially in the morning and at night when you might be trying to sleep.

However, there are a selection of cabins that aren’t just near a lift – they’re directly adjacent. And in those, there’s not just the risk of noise from people but also noise from the mechanics of the lifts themselves.

It’s hardly super loud, but you might be able to hear it, and if you’re a light sleeper you might find it annoying. The risk is low but if you do book one of these rooms, consider taking some earplugs just in case.

5. Cabins above the Broadway Show Lounge

8000 to 8069

The Broadway Show Lounge is situated towards the front of the ship on Deck 7 and it hosts a range of live performances throughout the cruise. The lounge is typically open from 5 pm until 11 pm.

There are cabins directly above though, and if you’re someone who enjoys an earlier bedtime, you might prefer to book a cabin elsewhere. Noise can seep through the floor, and while it will be muffled it can be distracting.

It’s not an issue if you’re someone who is up late, but it’s worth bearing in mind.

6. Cabins above the Squid & Anchor

8196 to 8269

The second live entertainment venue on the Marella Explorer is the Squid & Anchor, situated towards the aft of the ship on Deck 7. And so again, if you’re someone who prefers to be awake early and then asleep early, it might be best to book elsewhere.

Again, the shows don’t tend to run past 11 pm so it’s not super late. In fact, Marella Cruises tends to be one of the cruise lines that is a better choice for those going to bed earlier – there’s not a lot of noise past 11 pm across the ship.

Still, if you’re usually tucked up and asleep before 10 pm, find a quieter spot for your cabin.

7. Cabins directly under the pool area

10024 to 10065

Another noise-related one here but the opposite problem to the Broadway Show Lounge and Squid & Anchor – this is an important tip for those who prefer a lie-in in the morning.

The pool on Marella Explorer is situated on Deck 11 and it’s a popular spot – a lot of people who cruise with Marella enjoy spending their day lounging around, feeling the warm sun and sipping on cocktails. As such, pool loungers are in high demand.

And so people will often head to the pool deck early to grab one. Only, they’re tidied away, and then need to move them into place, which they sometimes do by dragging them across the wooden deck.

Yes, you can sometimes hear it if you’re staying in Marella Explorer cabins on Deck 10, and that low dragging growl can be annoying if you’re trying to snooze late. 

The problem is worse with the Inside Cabins since they’re right underneath the sides of the pool – the Suites and Balcony Cabins are obviously at the sides of the ship and so loungers don’t tend to be dragged to those locations, but you might hear it faintly.

8. Inside Cabins when travelling with teens or adult groups

It’s not every cruise line that has Inside Cabins that are suitable for families. It’s not rare, but it’s certainly not something you’d find on every ship.

So for Marella Explorer to have 4-berth Inside Cabins, and Family Inside Cabins that sleep up to 5 guests, is pretty cool. Except that you should be careful booking them if you’re not travelling with younger kids.

The rooms aren’t huge. The Family Inside Cabins are decent, but the other Inside Cabins aren’t great and if you were considering booking them to take your teenagers or other adults with you, you won’t have much room.

If your kids are older, or you’re sailing with other adults. I’d look at connecting staterooms or one of the more spacious Marella Explorer 4 berth cabin options.

9. Large Balcony Cabins next to the kids’ pool

9242 and 9255

Deck 9 is where you’ll find the kids’ clubs on Marella Explorer, and also a dedicated pool just for the little ones. They’re situated right at the aft, with the sides of the balcony being close to the decking area for the kids’ pool

If travelling with kids then it’s a handy location but if you aren’t – or if you’ve packed the kids off to the M Club for the day – then the balcony is not the calmest. There will be kids having a splashing good time in their dedicated pool and the volume will carry to the space where you’re trying to relax.

If you prefer your balcony to be more of a peaceful retreat, I’d look for one of the other Marella Explorer cabins on Deck 9 closer to the middle of the ship, or another deck altogether.

The best cabins on the ship

While it again depends on what you want from your cruise holiday, here’s a quick look at some of the best cabins on Marella Explorer:

1. Single Inside and Outside Cabins

There are a number of dedicated Single Cabins on Marella Explorer, both Inside and Outside. But unlike other cruise lines that offer single cabins (and not all do), they aren’t just tiny rooms with a single bed.

Instead, you’re essentially getting a full Inside or Outside Cabin to yourself, including the double bed. That’s not very common but I love that Marella Cruises is offering that, because solo passengers likely have a double room at home and shouldn’t have to sleep in a less comfy bed when on holiday.

2. Aft-view balcony rooms

8228, 8230, 8232, 8234, 8236, 8263, 8265, 8267, 8269, 10160, 10162, 10164, 10169, 10170, 10171, 10177

Some of the most popular rooms on a cruise ship are those with a view over the aft, whether that’s a window view or a balcony. Being able to watch the wake of the ship, and be sheltered from the wind, is a huge bonus.

Marella Explorer has aft-view Balcony Cabins on Decks 8 and 10. Most of them are Family Balcony rooms, and are well-worth booking. There are also two Large Balcony Cabins – 10170 and 10177 – which have balconies that are wider instead of longer, which might be preferable.

3. Rooms right next to the kids’ club (if sailing with children!)

9206 to 9255

I’ve maintained throughout that this guide is subjective and these rooms are only some of the best if you’re sailing with kids who’ll make use of the M Club or Mini M Club.

There are a number of staterooms very close to these clubs, and the kids’ pool, and it’s a great place to be if you intend to use these clubs a lot. The kids will love being so close to all the fun activities and you won’t ever have to walk far to pick them up.

4. Deck 12 rooms for pool access

12000 to 12043

While I’ve already said these rooms aren’t great if you suffer from seasickness, the good news is that most people don’t. And if you’re someone who doesn’t get nauseous at sea, then Deck 12 is a fantastic spot.

You can choose from a Marella Explorer Junior Suite or Large Balcony Cabin to enjoy fantastic views, but even the Inside Cabins are in a great location if you want to get to the pool easily, or to the Family Deck with the Sports Court.

It’s a prime spot, so these rooms do tend to book out early, but being able to go from your room to a lounger within 30 seconds is a real treat.

Final thoughts

That’s the full list of cabins on Marella Explorer covered, as well as my tips on those you’ll want to avoid and some of the best choices too.

Remember that a lot of these tips are subjective, and also none of the cabins are outright bad. But hopefully, the information here can help you to find your perfect cruise cabin.

When I was researching this guide I spent a lot of time looking over the Marella Explorer deck plans, but I also checked out forums and Facebook pages too.

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Whenever you book a cruise, you want it to be the best experience possible. That doesn’t mean you’ll always book the very best cabin on a ship, because you have to balance your budget too.

But some cabins are better than others, even without spending more. There are also certain cabins you should try to avoid, whether due to their location on the ship or just a particular quirk. That’s as true on Marella Discovery as it is on any ship.

In this guide, I’ll help you understand all of the cabin options available to you on Marella Discovery. I’ll also tell you which cabin numbers you should avoid booking where possible. You can check out the Marella Discovery deck plans if you want to see specific cabin locations.

Some of this advice is subjective, and will depend on your personal tastes. Be sure to read everything then make your decision carefully, based on the type of cruise you want.

Cabin Types on Marella Discovery

There are broadly four main types of cabins available on Marella Discovery.

• Inside – including Inside Plus and Single Inside
• Outside – including Deluxe and Single Outside
• Balcony – including Deluxe Balcony
• Suites – Junior Suites, Family Junior Suites, Family Suites, Grand Suites, Executive Suites and Royal Suites

Let’s delve a little deeper into each cabin type, so you can understand more about the options available.

Inside Cabins

Marella Discovery has multiple different types of Inside Cabin that you can book:

Inside Cabins are always the cheapest accommodation on any cruise ship (unless there are special upgrade offers). They’re windowless, but it’s always a short walk to an open deck if you want to enjoy a view, especially on a smaller ship like Marella Discovery.

Inside Cabins are a great choice if you’re on a tight budget, and don’t plan on spending much time in your cabin apart from sleeping and getting ready. They’re the smallest rooms, but you can save money for your next cruise if you’re comfortable in one of these. They typically come with twin beds, that can be converted into a queen-sized bed if you prefer.

Marella Discovery breaks down its Inside Cabins by decks.

A few important things to note:

• Some of the cabins on Decks 2 and 3 sleep two guests, while others sleep up to four.
• Inside Cabins on Decks 7 and 8 have been recently refurbished, but those on Deck 6 in the same category have not.
• Inside Plus Cabins either sleep two guests or up to four. Those that sleep up to four were refurbished in November 2022.
• Single Inside Cabins come with a queen-sized bed, which is pretty nifty. Most single cabins on other ships have a single twin bed.

The cabins that sleep more than two guests have fold-down beds.

These are Pullman beds which are hidden in the ceiling during the day, so that they don’t take up valuable space. They’re also better because you’re less likely to hit your head on them when you’re in a lower bed.

Outside Cabins

There are three main types of Outside Cabin on Marella Discovery:

Outside Cabins are a good choice if you want to keep costs low, but don’t like the idea of being completely enclosed with no natural light. They’re also a better choice if you tend to get seasick, since focusing on the horizon can help.

The standard Outside Cabins on Marella Discovery are all on Decks 2 and 3, and have either a porthole or a picture window. Unfortunately, the categories aren’t split. I’ll cover that in a little more detail in the section below on cabins to avoid if you don’t want a porthole.

Deluxe Cabins are higher up on the ship, on Decks 7 and 8, and they’ve all been newly refurbished. They have a floor-to-ceiling window that offers a much better view, but that comes with a higher price for your booking.

Finally, Single Outside Cabins are available to book on Deck 3. Again, these have either a picture window or a porthole, and really they’re just a standard Outside Cabin sold at a special rate.

The Marella Cruises website even says they come with ‘twin beds that convert into a queen-sized double bed’. Why would you want twin beds if travelling alone?

Balcony Cabins

There are two different options for Balcony Cabins on Marella Discovery:

A Balcony Cabin is a further step up from an Outside Cabin. It gives you your own private balcony space, where you can sit and soak up the view with the fresh sea air. On most cruise ships, a Balcony Cabin will also be larger than an Outside Cabin, but that’s not really the case with Marella Discovery.

Deluxe Balcony Cabins are larger though, so feel a little more luxurious. They also sleep up to four guests. Not with Pullman beds this time but with a double sofa bed, which is better for smaller children.

Suites

There are six different suite options on Marella Discovery:

On any cruise ship, suites are considered the best accommodation, but there are usually a few different choices. That’s true of Marella Discovery, where there are six suite types available.

Junior Suites

Junior Suites are the entry-level suite option on Marella Discovery, designed for two people. They’re essentially a larger Balcony Cabin, with twin beds that convert into a queen-sized bed and a private balcony to enjoy.

Family Junior Suites

Family Junior Suites are much larger, and designed for up to six guests. There’s a bedroom that has twin beds. In the living area are two more twin beds, which can convert into a queen-sized bed, and finally a double sofa bed. Like all suites, there is a balcony too.

Family Suites

There are very few cabins at sea that can sleep seven guests, so if you’re travelling with a large family these could be ideal. There are two bedrooms with twin beds/queen beds in each, one of which has a single fold-down bed. The sofa in the living area also converts into a double bed.

Grand Suites

Grand Suites have been newly refurbished with a modern style, and are aimed at two to four guests. They have one bedroom, with a double sofa bed in the living area. Although the Family Suites may be larger, a Marella Discovery Grand Suite is more about offering spacious, mid-level suites for couples or smaller families.

Executive Suites

A Marella Discovery Executive Suite is the second-best accommodation option on ship. These revamped suites are really spacious and very light, with massive doors to the balcony that really help make the room feel open. They have a bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed in the living area.

Royal Suite

The best suite on the ship, the Royal Suite, is almost twice as large as an Executive Suite and almost eight times the size of an Inside Cabin. They’re huge! The master bedroom has a king-sized bed, while the living area has a large sofa bed, so the suite sleeps four guests. It also has a whirlpool bath and a baby grand piano.

Premier Service

All of the suites on Marella Discovery – from Junior Suites up to the Royal Suite – come with Premier Service. This is what you’d call the ‘suite perks’ on some other ships. The list of benefits isn’t huge though:

• Free pressing service for up to three items of clothing per passenger in the first 24 hours onboard.
• Free continental breakfast in bed per guest, once per week.

Adapted Cabins on Marella Discovery

There are Marella Discovery adapted cabins you can book, even though they are not mentioned on the cruise line’s own website where the cabins are listed.

This means I can’t give you exact room sizes, since they’ve not been measured separately. They are larger though, since they are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

There are 17 adapted cabins available to book on Marella Discovery, including:

• Six Inside Cabins (3 on Deck 2, 3 on Deck 7)
• Six Outside Cabins (3 on Deck 2, 3 on Deck 3)
• Three Balcony Cabins (Deck 6)
• Three Junior Suites (Deck 8)

How to Choose the Best Cabin

There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing your cabin on Marella Discovery. Even with this guide, you’ll need help to go through the steps when making your selection. You need to know where to avoid, what to do if your first choice is available and so on.

To make things easier, I’ve created a checklist that you can use for Marella Discovery or indeed any ship. Just pop your email address and name into this form, and I’ll send it right to you. You can keep it to hand when you book your Marella Discovery cruise.

Cabins To Avoid on Marella Discovery

Here are the cabins to avoid when booking a cruise on Marella Discovery.

Remember that these depend on what kind of cruise passenger you are, so some might actually be better suited to you.

1. Cabins with a porthole

2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2500, 2502, 2504, 2506, 2600, 2602

When you book an Outside Cabin, you’re paying a little more than for an Inside. You can enjoy some natural light during daytime hours, and hopefully a bit of a view.

Although most Outside Cabins have a picture window, there are a handful towards the front and aft of the ship on Deck 2 that only have a porthole, and the difference is significant. The portholes don’t really offer any kind of view at all, and they let very little light through.

I’d recommend getting a picture window room instead. Otherwise you might as well save some money and just go for an Inside Cabin.

2. Rooms that are not ideal if you get seasick

8000 to 8016, 8060 to 8086, 8500 to 8516, 8566 to 8590
Inside Cabins on Deck 8

Marella Discovery is not a huge ship, which has both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to seasickness. Larger, more modern ships tend to have the latest stabilising technology, but they need it more because guests stay on higher decks.

The higher you are, and the closer to the front or aft, the more you’ll feel the motion of the ship. This is what can trigger seasickness. Marella Discovery only has cabins on Deck 8 and below, so you’re never too high. But avoid anything on Deck 8 near the front or aft of the ship if you’re concerned you might feel sick.

You definitely want to avoid the Inside Cabins on that deck too. Not only are you more likely to feel the movement of the waves, but you can’t look out to the horizon, which tends to work well in easing seasickness.

If you think you might feel seasick, then aim for a lower room, ideally in a mid-ship location and with a view. The Marella Discovery best cabins on Deck 3 – the Outside Cabins with a picture window – are a great choice.

3. Junior Suites

Some of the suite options on Marella Discovery are worth the extra money. They’re a lot more spacious, and are in some of the best locations on the ship.

But it’s harder to justify the jump in cost from a Deluxe Balcony Cabin to a Marella Discovery Junior Suite.

That’s not to say you should never book a Junior Suite. It might be that you want that extra five square metres of space over a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, and you’re happy to pay the additional money. But if you won’t spend a huge amount of time in your cabin, I’m not sure it’s worth it.

Either stick with a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, or aim a little higher and look at a Grand Suite. Then you’re getting twice the space, which really feels worth it.

The Premier Service perks and the extra five square metres of space aren’t enough to give a Junior Suite my full recommendation. I’d rather downgrade to something like a Marella Discovery Balcony Cabin on Deck 6, save the money and put it towards another cruise instead.

4. Connecting cabins (if you aren’t booking both)

Various on every deck

Connecting cabins are rooms that are side-by-side and have a door between them. Normally this door is locked, but if your travelling party books both rooms, you can have the door unlocked. This essentially open up both rooms to create a larger space.

If you are not booking both connecting cabins, I recommend you avoid booking one of them. That’s because the door that links these two rooms is thinner than the wall, so you’ll hear more of what your neighbours are getting up to. If they like to wake up early or watch TV late, you might hear them and it could be distracting.

Connecting cabins do have their uses though…

5. Family Suites if you’re on a budget

I love that there are Family Suites sleeping up to seven guests on Marella Discovery, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you are travelling as part of a group.

The difference in cost for booking a Family Suite is not just based on the extra space you’ll get. It will often be cheaper to book two separate connecting cabins than to book one Family Suite.

As a rough guide, I checked a typical seven-day itinerary that included flights. Booking two connecting cabins, with two adults and one child in each, would cost approximately £7,700. The cost for booking a single Family Suite for the same cruise, with four adults and two children, was over £11,000.

With a Family Suite you are getting more space, a better ship location and the Premier Service benefits. Family Suites are not a bad choice. But if you are on a tight budget, I’d consider booking connecting rooms instead.

6. Cabins adjacent to lifts

3055, 6061, 6561

There are plenty of cabins near the lifts on Marella Discovery, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s good because you don’t have to travel far to get to and from your cabin. But it can be annoying because a lot of people walk past your room in the morning or at night, which can be noisy.

But there are three Inside Cabins in particular that are directly adjacent to the lifts. So you might also hear the lift mechanism itself.

To be clear, they aren’t super loud, but if you’re sleeping right next to them then you’ll either find the noise soothing or annoying. It might not be worth the risk if you’re a light sleeper. 

7 Cabins directly under the pool deck

8012 to 8072, 8512 to 8572

A common complaint from cruise ships is where the cabin is situated directly below the pool deck. There’s still a competitive element when it comes to securing a pool lounger, and guests often rise extra-early to grab one. Then they drag these across the deck, causing quite a racket in the cabins directly below.

When researching this guide, it was a complaint that cropped up a couple of times for the Marella Discovery cabins on Deck 8. This was specifically for the rooms underneath the indoor pool area, from around 8040 to 8064 and 8546 to 8572 on the starboard side. But it might be an issue under the outdoor pool area as well.

If you’re also awake early, it’s not going to bother you. But if you like a lie-in, consider a room away from the pool deck.

8. Cabins a long trek from the kids’ club

Any cabin where the second digit is 1 or 6, such as 7134 or 2600.

The Marella Discovery has a kids’ club area for families, situated towards the front of the ship on Deck 10. It has various facilities including a Baby Centre, a gaming zone, and clubs for younger kids and teenagers.

This isn’t an issue for teens, but if you have young children or babies staying in these areas, avoid having a cabin right at the aft of the ship. These have either 1 as the second digit (port side) or 6 as the second digit (starboard side). It’s worse if you’re on a lower deck too.

That’s purely from a practicality point of view – the farther you are from the kids’ club, the farther you have to travel. It’s not so bad during the day but if you’ve enjoyed dinner, and gone to pick up a child who is now napping, it can be a long walk carrying a heavy lump in your arms!

9. Inside Cabins if travelling with older kids/other adults

It’s great that there are lots of Inside Cabin options for sleeping three or four guests, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re staying with adults or older kids.

The Inside Cabins are not very big, so you could easily get under each other’s feet. The Pullman Beds aren’t great for grown-ups either, and can be a bit uncomfortable.

I think they’re a good choice for younger kids, though preferably not so young they could fall out. For adults or teens though, I’d look at something more spacious. 

10. Rooms above the Squid & Anchor if you like an early night

6000 to 6016, 6500 to 6516

There are some rooms towards the front of Deck 6 that are directly above the Squid & Anchor lounge. If you like an early night on your cruise, I wouldn’t recommend booking these.

The speakers for the Squid & Anchor’s musical performances are on the roof, so the sound can reverberate through to your cabin. It’s not super-loud, and tends to end earlier than on other cruise lines, usually 11pm at the latest.

But still, if you’re a lighter sleeper or like to be asleep by 9pm or so, you might prefer to choose a quieter spot on the ship.

11. Tired cabins that haven’t been renovated

Various across the ship

A lot of Marella Discovery’s new cabins were fully refurbished in late 2022, but not all of them, so it’s worth asking the question when you book.

The older cabins are not bad, but some people think they look a little tired. They’re still recommended as very comfortable, but the refurbished rooms look a lot nicer.

It might not matter to you, but if it does, check whether or not your cabin has been refurbished.

The Best Cabins on Marella Discovery 

Most of the cabins on Marella Discovery are great, but a handful really stand out as worth booking, depending on your travelling party and budget.

1. Aft-view Balcony Cabins and Junior Suites

6122, 6124, 6126, 6128, 6130, 6626, 6628, 6630, 6632, 7134, 7136, 7138, 7140, 7634, 7636, 7638, 7640, 7642, 8080, 8082, 8084, 8086, 8586, 8588, 8590

A lot of the most sought-after rooms on a cruise ship are those with an aft view. They tend to be the most popular because you’re sheltered from the wind, with a fantastic view of the ocean and the wake of the ship.

There are a selection of Balcony Cabins and Junior Suites on Decks 6, 7 and 8. These tend to book up quickly, so be sure to act fast if you want to enjoy an aft view.

In particular, try to book either 6130, 7642 or 8086. These three rooms are dead-centre in the ship, so not only is the view incredible but you actually get a slightly larger balcony. You can see from the deck plans that they’re angled, so the more central you are, the bigger the balcony is.

2. Royal Suite (if you can afford it)

Of course, it’s easy to pick the biggest suite on the ship as one of the best, but it really is something special – provided you have the budget for it.

The whirlpool bath is a fantastic addition, but not too uncommon on cruise ships. It’s still a great feature on warmer cruises, where you can properly relax with an amazing view.

However, there are very few cruise ship suites I can think of where you also get a baby grand piano. Even if you can’t play, it’s a very classy addition.

It’s not something I’m likely to book. I’m typically the person who would save my money to enjoy multiple cruises instead. But I can’t argue that it’s not a fantastic suite.

3. Single Cabins (Inside or Outside)

On a lot of cruise ships, single rooms are crammed into smaller spaces. They’ll usually be the smallest room on a ship, with just a single bed and a limited amount of storage.

Not so with Marella Discovery – you’re essentially getting a full Inside or Outside Cabin, with a queen-sized bed. It’s a lot more comfortable for solo travellers, and I love that Marella has thought about single passengers enough to give them this comfort.

After all, you probably aren’t sleeping in a single bed at home, so why would you downgrade for an actual holiday?

Final Thoughts

There you have it – a complete guide to all the cabins on Marella Discovery, plus tips for cabins that you should consider avoiding when you book.

I know the decision isn’t always simple. You might have your heart set on a certain itinerary that’s nearly sold out, or your budget might mean you can’t book the perfect cabin for you. 

But with everything in this guide, you can at least make some informed decisions and travel prepared. For example, a set of earplugs might be all you need to make a louder room bearable.

For a closer look at all of the cabins on Marella Discovery, I highly recommend that you check out this video by Paul and Carole. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting…

In putting this guide together, I scoured the official Marella Discovery deck plans but also looked at Facebook groups. I recommend you check them out too, because people often post photos of specific cabins, and you might find yours on there before you sail.

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

When you’re ready to book a cruise on Marella Explorer 2, one of the biggest decisions you still need to make is which cabin type you want to go for.

How important the cabin type is depends on your type of cruising – but it does still matter. Even if you don’t intend to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you’ll need to make sure you have a suitable location.

All of the cabins on Marella Explorer 2 are good – but some are better than others, depending on a few factors (including your own preferences). While they won’t ruin your cruise, choosing the wrong cabin can make it a little less enjoyable.

But don’t worry – that’s why I’ve written this guide. I’ll explain all of the cabin choices for Marella Explorer 2, and tell you why they’re good or why you might wish to avoid them.

Cabin types on Marella Explorer 2

There are four main types of accommodation on Marella Explorer 2, and several sub-categories within those.

• Inside – including Single Inside
• Outside – including Single Outside
• Balcony – Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
• Suites – Junior Suites, Executive Suites and Royal Suites

Inside Cabins

Marella Explorer 2 has four main types of Inside Cabins for you to choose from:

With any cruise ship, Inside Cabins will be the smallest rooms – and they’ll also be the cheapest. And that’s the same with Marella Explorer 2. They’re perfect if you’re on a tight budget or just don’t care much about spending time in your room.

On Marella Explorer 2, you can choose Inside Cabins for 2 or 4 guests. They’re the same size, but the ones sleeping four get pulldown beds which are hidden in the ceiling. They’re not the best for adults but they don’t take up any room in the cabin when not in use.

Marella Explorer 2 is an adults-only ship, and Pullman beds aren’t great for adults, but they’re OK as long as you’re not too tall.

Single Inside Cabins are designed for solo passengers. On the rest of the Marella Cruises fleet, single cabins are just renamed versions of the existing cabins and you still get a double bed.

On Marella Explorer 2 there are some Single Inside Cabins that have a double bed – but there are also some that only have a single bed. So make sure to ask when you book, to avoid one with a single bed if you don’t want it.

Outside Cabins

There are four main types of Outside Cabins on Marella Explorer 2:

Outside Cabins are a minor upgrade from Inside Cabins in that you get a view of the ocean. Natural light helps you wake up too, and if you can see the horizon it can help if you suffer from seasickness.

On the Marella Explorer 2, Outside Cabins are equipped with either a porthole or a picture window. Opting for a cabin with a picture window is preferable since portholes are small and offer limited views, as well as minimal natural light.

There are Outside Cabins available for two guests or ones that can accommodate up to four guests by utilizing pull-down beds.

The Single Outside Cabins all have just a single bed – no double bed for you, unlike on the rest of the ships in the fleet. Sorry!

Balcony Cabins

There are three different types of Balcony Cabin on Marella Explorer 2:

Balcony Cabins are a great option as they have a private balcony area, offering an inviting space to bask in the sea air and enjoy the mesmerizing views. It serves as a perfect spot for daytime relaxation or witnessing the enchanting moments of sunrise or sunset, depending on which way your ship is facing.

While the standard Balcony Cabins have the same internal floor space as an Outside Cabin, the measurements provided by Marella don’t include the additional outdoor balcony space. Therefore, you can still revel in the advantage of having more overall space, with the added benefit of being able to enjoy it outdoors.

3 and 4 berth rooms are available and will include either a sofa bed, a pull-down bed, or both. Sofa beds are better for adults, so if you’re a party of 3, try to get one of these rooms.

And then you have a Deluxe Cabin with Balcony, which can sleep up to four people – they have a double bed (some convert to a twin) and a double sofa bed. They’re great for larger parties or just if you want extra space for you and your partner.

Suites

There are three types of Suites on Marella Explorer 2:

If you want the very best accommodation on a cruise ship, you’re going to want to look at the suites. And that’s the same with Marella Explorer 2, with three suite categories to choose from.

Balcony Junior Suites

A Balcony Junior Suite is simply a larger version of a regular Deluxe Balcony Cabin, although you also get the Premier Service perks as well. The room has a queen-sized bed and a double sofa bed, sleeping up to 4 guests in total. The spacious balcony has plenty of space to unwind, too.

Executive Suites

The Executive Suites are very spacious – they are twice the size of a Balcony Junior Suite, with a separate bedroom and living area. They sleep up to four guests – the bedroom has a fixed queen-sized bed and the sofa is a double sofa bed. Again, the Premier Service is included.

Royal Suite

The Royal Suite is the most sumptuous accommodation on the ship – twice the size of an Executive Suite, four times the size of a Balcony Junior Suite, and just amazing. It sleeps three guests with a king-size bed and a sofa bed and has a fantastic balcony with a whirlpool bath.

Premier Service

Premier Service is the name given to a set of extra perks that some guests on Marella Cruises can enjoy. They’re sort of like suite perks that you’d get on some other cruise ships. 

The Premier Service benefits aren’t a huge list of perks. In fact you only get two benefits from rooms with the service:

• Free pressing service for up to 3 items of clothing per guest, in the first 24 hours of your cruise only
• Free continental breakfast in bed for each person, once per week

The pressing service is useful if you’re bringing your formal outfit onto the ship and you don’t want the hassle of keeping it crisp while you travel, and the breakfast in bed offers you a cosy way to start your day – but you could just pay for the services anyway.

Adapted Cabins on Marella Explorer 2

There is a small selection of adapted cabins suitable for wheelchair users on Marella Explorer 2. These aren’t listed in the official details for the cabins, but you’ll find them on the deck plans.

Don’t worry, I’ve done it for you.

There is one Inside Cabin and seven Outside Cabins that are wheelchair accessible. They’re all on Deck 5, and they’re all larger than a standard room, although because they’re not listed in the cabin categories, the actual size of the rooms isn’t published. You do get a full-size wet room instead of a regular bathroom.

Make sure you ask for a wheelchair-friendly room if you need one, since there are only eight and you might miss out.

How to choose the best cabin

Choosing the best cabin on Marella Explorer 2 or indeed any cruise ship involves a lot of thinking. How big a room do you want, where should it be, what factors could make it a noisy room…etc.

To make things easier, I’ve created a handy checklist so that you can always get the best cabin for you. Keep it with you and whenever you book a cruise, you’ll never forget something you should be checking for.

Just enter your name and email address and I’ll send it to you.

Cabins to avoid on Marella Explorer 2

Here are the cabins you’ll want to consider avoiding on Marella Explorer 2. With some of the cabins, it depends on what kind of cruise passenger you are, while others are a more broad recommendation to steer clear.

1. Cabins with a porthole

5000, 5001, 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005, 5006, 5009, 5012, 5015, 5016, 5019

The Outside Cabins on Deck 5 are advertised as having either a picture window or a porthole, but you don’t get told which one you’re getting when you book – the only way to check is to look at the deck plans (which I’ve done for you!)

These cabins are all those on the ship with a porthole and I would suggest you avoid booking them. Portholes aren’t worth having – the amount of natural light is minimal and you don’t really get a view.

I’d instead pay less for an Inside Cabin, if you don’t have the budget for a room with a picture window instead. Then, when you want a view, just walk to an open deck instead.

2. Deck 12 rooms if you get seasick

12000 to 12043

If you’re someone who suffers from seasickness, then you’ll want to avoid the highest cabins on the ship. Here you’ll feel the movement of the ocean more.

The highest rooms on Marella Explorer 2 are on Deck 12, so if you think you might struggle with seasickness then I’d look elsewhere. You’ll want a lower deck, ideally in the middle of the ship, with an ocean view so that you can focus on the horizon – this helps a lot of people feel less nauseous.

The worst cabins are therefore the Inside Cabins on Deck 12. You get all the movement of the ship, and no horizon to look at. They’re great if you don’t get seasick though – more on that in a bit.

3. Connecting cabins if you don’t need them

Various locations

As well as having a selection of cabins sleeping 3-4 guests on the ship, Marella Explorer 2 has another option suitable for adult families and groups – connecting cabins. These work in the same way as connecting cabins on any other ship – side-by-side cabins with a door between them.

If you only book one of the cabins, the door stays locked – it’s not like your neighbour can walk into your room. And then when you book both cabins, the door is unlocked so you can walk freely between them.

However, the door is thinner than the wall and so even when locked, you get less privacy – you might hear your cabin neighbours. And if they argue, watch TV or get up to anything else in their cabin, you might hear them…

4. Cabins next to a lift

1227

Usually being near a lift can be both a blessing and a curse. There are always people walking past your door, but you’re also close to the lift yourself, so you don’t have to walk far to get to the rest of the ship.

However, there is one cabin that isn’t just near a lift – it’s directly adjacent. And in that cabin, there’s not just the risk of noise from people but also noise from the mechanics of the lifts themselves.

It’s not mega-loud but you may hear the mechanics and if you’re a light sleeper, it could wake you up. It’s not high-risk, but take earplugs just in case.

On other ships in the Marella fleet there are a lot more of these cabins – so the fact it’s just the one on Marella Explorer 2 is a good thing.

5. Cabins above the Broadway Show Lounge

8000 to 8059

Most of the evening entertainment on Marella Explorer 2 is focused around the Broadway Show Lounge, with live performances lasting until around 11 pm throughout the cruise.

Directly above, on Deck 8, there are some cabins and because a lot of the speakers are on the ceiling, noise and bass can sometimes be felt through the floor. If you’re someone who likes to be in bed early, avoid these cabins just in case the theatre sounds disturb you.

6. Cabins above the Squid & Anchor

8196 to 8241

There is a secondary entertainment venue on the ship, and that’s the Squid & Anchor at the rear of Deck 7. Again, live music can sometimes be played until around 11 pm – so not mega-late, compared to some other cruise lines.

But still, if you are someone who likes to be in bed early ahead of an early start, and you don’t do well with noise, think about avoiding the aft of Deck 8 so there’s no chance of the Squid & Anchor performers disturbing you.

7. Cabins directly under the pool area

10028 to 10065

If you’re someone who prefers a lie-in rather than an early night, I’d recommend steering clear of the rooms directly underneath the pool deck.

The pools on Marella Explorer 2 are on Deck 11 in the midship area and they’re very popular. Also, a lot of the people who cruise on Marella Explorer 2 like to be up early, and so will head to the pool deck first thing.

And then they’ll find a lounger, and drag it into place – across the wooden deck.

That’s a sound that will reverberate through your ceiling and it can be very annoying. For lazy mornings, choose somewhere away from directly below the pool to minimise the risk of early morning noise.

8. Inside Cabins when travelling with adult groups

Inside Cabins that can sleep four people aren’t super common on cruise ships. They’re not super-rare either, but it’s a pleasant surprise to have the option on some ships – many limit you to two or three guests at most.

But to be honest, with Marella Explorer 2 being an adults-only ship, I wouldn’t recommend these if you want a really comfy sleep.

The pull-down beds aren’t massive, and the rooms themselves are quite small – four people getting ready will often get under each other’s feet.

If you value your space, either book a Balcony Cabin or bigger where you’ll get more room, or choose connecting cabins if you have the budget.

The best cabins on the ship

Here are some of the best options for accommodation on Marella Explorer 2:

1. Single Inside and Outside Cabins

There are a number of dedicated Single Cabins on Marella Explorer 2, both Inside and Outside. Not a lot of cruise lines offer single rooms, so if you’re a solo traveller, take advantage of the reduced fares you’ll get for booking this room.

Unlike on other Marella Cruises ships, you won’t always get a double bed just to yourself – so you may be stuck with a single. However, it’s worth it to avoid paying twice as much for your cruise just because you’re travelling alone.

2. Aft-view balcony rooms

8222, 8224, 8228, 8231, 8232, 8233, 8236,  8237, 8241, 9232, 9234, 9238, 9242, 9245, 9247, 9251, 9255, 1134, 1136, 1139, 1140, 1141, 1144, 1147, 1148, 1149, 1242, 1244, 1246, 1249, 1251, 1253

While any balcony will offer a great view, it’s widely accepted by many (not all) passengers that an aft-view balcony is always slightly better. You’re more sheltered from the wind generated by the movement of the ship, and being able to watch the wake is very relaxing.

On Marella Explorer 2, there are aft-view cabins on Decks 8, 9, 11 and 12. The higher the deck, the better the view, but any of them will be a great choice.

3. Deck 12 rooms for pool access

1200 to 1253

Yes – these are the same rooms I’ve already told you to avoid if you suffer from seasickness.

The good thing is, most people don’t, and if you’re sickness-free then you can enjoy a fantastic location on the ship with easy access to the pool decks.

The rooms on Deck 12 include a handful of Inside cabins, some Balcony Cabins and Junior Suites, so your accommodation options are excellent too. If you plan on spending a lot of time by the pools, this is a great spot to choose – though they do book out early.

Final thoughts

There you have it – every cabin type on Marella Explorer 2 fully reviewed, and my tips on which ones to avoid (and which ones to snap up) if you get the chance.

Again, these are all subjective views depending on whether you’re an early riser, a late-night partier, someone who adores the pool or someone more active. A bad choice for someone else may be the perfect choice for you.

If you want a little more help – or you want to see where I did some of my research – check out these extra resources:

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me