Marella Explorer
Sails from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain · Fly into TFS
Page updated
Marella Explorer berthed in Stockholm, 2019 · Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer is a Marella Cruises cruise ship of the Century class, in service since 1996. She measures 76,998 gross tons and carries 1,924 guests with a crew of 909. She sails Canary Islands, Mediterranean itineraries. We rate her 3.0 out of 5.
Marella Explorer is a Century class ship built by Meyer Werft and delivered in 1996 as Celebrity Cruises' Galaxy. From 2009 she sailed for TUI Cruises as the first Mein Schiff, later Mein Schiff 1, before moving to Marella in 2018. She measures 76,998 gross tons and carries 1,924 guests, with 11 restaurants, 10 bars, the largest spa in the Marella fleet, the Dining Club for fine dining, a cinema, a kids' pool, a nightclub and a casino. In winter 2026/27 she sails Canary Islands and Madeira loops from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with Mediterranean itineraries in summer.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 1,924
- Crew 909 · 1:2.1
- Entered service
- 1996
- Joined Marella Cruises January 2018
- Length
- 260 m
- Longer than 67% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 10
Marella Explorer is bigger than 57% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 68%. At 40.0 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 53% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 2/5−0.4, fleet average 2.4
- Dining
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Entertainment
- 2/5, fleet average 2.0
- Service
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
- Pools & decks
- 3/5, fleet average 3.0
- Value
- 4/5, fleet average 4.0
Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews. Ticks mark the Marella Cruises fleet average across 5 rated ships in service.
Sister ships: Century class
Marella Explorer is one of 3 Century class ships. Marella Voyager (1997) and Marella Explorer 2 (1995) are in service.
| Ship | Year | Gross tons | Guests | Space | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marella Explorer this ship | 2018 | 3.0/5 | |||
| Marella Voyager | 2023 | 3.2/5 | |||
| Marella Explorer 2 | 2019 | 3.2/5 |
Official deck plans
Photos
Marella Explorer berthed in Stockholm, 2019Photo: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
- Canary Islandswinter sun off North Africa, often with Madeira and Morocco
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
Home port: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Flying in for your cruise?
Marella Explorer sails from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. The airport is Tenerife South–Reina Sofía (TFS), with 1 lounge to wait in before you board.
The lounge at Tenerife South–Reina Sofía on Lounge FrogEvery ship sailing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, SpainQuick answers
Which cruise line operates Marella Explorer?
Marella Explorer is operated by Marella Cruises and belongs to its Century class.
What are Marella Explorer's sister ships?
Marella Explorer is one of 3 Century class ships. Marella Voyager (1997) and Marella Explorer 2 (1995) are in service.
How big is Marella Explorer?
Marella Explorer measures 76,998 gross tons and 260 metres in length, with 10 decks.
How does Marella Explorer compare in size with other cruise ships?
Marella Explorer is bigger than 57% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 68%. At 40.0 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 53% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Marella Explorer feel?
Marella Explorer has a passenger space ratio of 40.0: 76,998 gross tons for 1,924 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Marella Explorer feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Marella Explorer carry?
Marella Explorer carries 1,924 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 909 (about 2.1 guests per crew member).
When did Marella Explorer enter service?
Marella Explorer entered service in 1996.
Where does Marella Explorer sail?
Marella Explorer sails Canary Islands and Mediterranean itineraries. Her home port is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
Which airport should I fly into for Marella Explorer?
Marella Explorer sails from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Fly into Tenerife South–Reina Sofía (TFS), which has 1 airport lounge listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Marella Explorer?
Marella Cruises publishes the deck plans for Marella Explorer; this page links to Deck plans.
How is Marella Explorer rated?
Cruises Frog rates Marella Explorer 3.0 out of 5 overall, the average of 6 editorial scores. She scores best on service (4/5) and lowest on entertainment (2/5).
Traveller reviews
What people who've been say. One review each; you can update yours.
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