Marella Explorer 2 Review

4.5 / 5.0
121 reviews

Lovely ship, great cruise

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Marella Explorer 2
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dronnygirl
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Sep 2019

As soon as we stepped on the ship we really liked it. Everywhere is light, bright and airy.

Our cabin was 1130 right at the back and was very quiet. The cabin had more storage than we have ever had before and the bathroom was clean and bright with a good shower, always plenty of hot water. The bed was very firm which were great for us and the balcony was a good size.

We mostly ate in Latitude or Vista and never had a bad meal nor did we have to wait long. Liked the Nonnas pizza restaurant for lunch and also the Beach Cove where they did hot sandwiches and a salad bar etc. There was also Scoops which did delicious Italian ice creams. We didn't try the pay restaurants as we didn't feel the need.

Cabin Review

Cabin Balcony

Cabin was well presented and everything in good order. Bathroom was small but clean and had storage with plenty of hot water at all times. Loads of storage both hanging and drawers.

Port Reviews

Naples

We did a B2B cruise so had a full day in Naples. We had researched the port and took a bus to the train station and took the Circumvesuviana train to Herculeneum. Great place to visit. We returned to Naples and took a taxi back to the port. We ventured into the town and came across a small road that was closed and restaurants had set up their tables. It was full of Italians so we took a table and had a fabulous pizza and drink for 6 euros! We then walked towards the shopping Centre Umberto 1, a magnificent building. Then to Piazza Plebisco for the palace and a walk round the harbour back to the ship. A Lovely day.

Toulon

Ship docked in the town so walked across the road and round the market. Went to the Tourist Info where we bought tickets for the bus and cable car to Mont Faron. Tickets were 7.50 euros and well worth the money. At the top of the mountain is a small zoo, restaurant and an allied war museum which cost 5 euros and was well worth the visit. Returned to the harbour where there are shops and cafes

Florence (Livorno)

As we had visited the main sites before we decided to stay in Livorno. Took the shuttle bus into the town and wandered around. It was a Sunday and the shops were closed but there were canal boats doing trips and we enjoyed sitting at a cafe and watching the locals

Rome (Civitavecchia)

We had visited Rome twice to decided to stay in Civitavecchia. Great port, we took the shuttle which dropped us off right in the town. This is a lively town and very busy, plenty of shops to look in as well as cafes. We walked to the far end and came to a lovely sea front promenade, we walked as far as we could and stopped for a coffee. Very pleasant port

Olbia

Shuttle bus into town where there are lots of shops and cafes. We had visited before so decided to take the HoHo bus from the port. This cost 10 euros and was good value as it took us round the town and out to the peninsula. We saw some lovely places before getting off at Pittulongu beach which was really beautiful. There are cafes and clean toilets (50cents). A little longer we caught the bus back into Olbia. We had a lovely day

Mykonos

Very beautiful port but unfortunately there were 2 large cruise ships in port as well as our ship so the town was very busy and all the cafes and bars were full. Took the tender to shore and walked over the top of the headland until we came to Megli Amos beach where we spent a quiet hour. Then walked round to the windmills and into the town. Everywhere is very clean with nice shops and restaurants.

Zakynthos

Unfortunately poor weather with thunderstorms. We left the ship late morning when it brightened up and walked round the main town. Lots of shops and restaurants and this helped to pass our day. A shame as we had looked forward to visiting more of the island but the weather stopped us

Catania

Liked this port. We walked from the ship into the town and took around 10 minutes to get to the Duomo square. There are some very impressive buildings in Catania. The market is well worth visiting especially the fish market, there were lots of stalls where you could try the food. We then walked up Via Etnea where there were some very nice shops and came across various stalls in the side streets. Bought local Canoli at a bakery, it was delicious!

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