Marella Explorer 2
Sails from Bridgetown, Barbados · Fly into BGI
Page updated
Marella Explorer 2 in Dubrovnik, September 2024 · Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Marella Explorer 2
Marella Explorer 2 is a Marella Cruises cruise ship of the Century class, in service since 1995. She measures 71,545 gross tons and carries 1,814 guests with a crew of 843. She sails Caribbean, Mediterranean itineraries. We rate her 3.2 out of 5.
Marella Explorer 2 is the lead ship of the Century class, built by Meyer Werft and entered service in December 1995 as Celebrity Cruises' Century. After sailing in China as SkySea Golden Era, she had a major refurbishment in Cádiz and made her first Marella sailing in April 2019. At 71,545 gross tons she carries 1,814 guests and is run as an adults-only ship, with a golf-themed bar with a simulator, a Champagne bar, a barbecue restaurant and a large spa. She sails Greek island loops from Dubrovnik in summer and Eastern Caribbean loops from Barbados in winter.
Ship facts
- Guests
- 1,814
- Crew 843 · 1:2.2
- Entered service
- 1995
- Refitted 2019
- Length
- 248 m
- Longer than 65% of 575 ships
- Decks
- 12
Marella Explorer 2 is bigger than 56% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 67%. At 39.4 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 50% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
Ratings
- Cabins
- 3/5+0.6, 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 2 is one of 3 Century class ships. Marella Voyager (1997) and Marella Explorer (1996) are in service.
| Ship | Year | Gross tons | Guests | Space | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marella Explorer 2 this ship | 2019 | 3.2/5 | |||
| Marella Voyager | 2023 | 3.2/5 | |||
| Marella Explorer | 2018 | 3.0/5 |
Official deck plans
Photos

Marella Explorer 2 in Dubrovnik, September 2024Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where she sails
- CaribbeanEastern, Western and Southern Caribbean islands, sailing year-round from Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
Home port: Bridgetown, Barbados.
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Marella Explorer 2?
Marella Explorer 2 is operated by Marella Cruises and belongs to its Century class.
What are Marella Explorer 2's sister ships?
Marella Explorer 2 is one of 3 Century class ships. Marella Voyager (1997) and Marella Explorer (1996) are in service.
How big is Marella Explorer 2?
Marella Explorer 2 measures 71,545 gross tons and 248 metres in length, with 12 decks.
How does Marella Explorer 2 compare in size with other cruise ships?
Marella Explorer 2 is bigger than 56% of the 418 cruise ships in service on Cruises Frog with a tonnage on record, and carries more guests than 67%. At 39.4 gross tons per guest she is roomier than 50% of 416; the median ship is 39.4.
How crowded does Marella Explorer 2 feel?
Marella Explorer 2 has a passenger space ratio of 39.4: 71,545 gross tons for 1,814 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Marella Explorer 2 feels comfortable for her size.
How many passengers does Marella Explorer 2 carry?
Marella Explorer 2 carries 1,814 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 843 (about 2.2 guests per crew member).
When did Marella Explorer 2 enter service?
Marella Explorer 2 entered service in 1995 and was last refurbished in 2019.
Where does Marella Explorer 2 sail?
Marella Explorer 2 sails Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. Her home port is Bridgetown, Barbados.
Which airport should I fly into for Marella Explorer 2?
Marella Explorer 2 sails from Bridgetown, Barbados. Fly into Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI).
Where can I find the deck plans for Marella Explorer 2?
Marella Cruises publishes the deck plans for Marella Explorer 2; this page links to Deck plans.
How is Marella Explorer 2 rated?
Cruises Frog rates Marella Explorer 2 3.2 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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