Marella Explorer

Former names: TUI Explorer, TUI Mein Schiff 1, Celebrity Galaxy, MV Galaxy

Marella Explorer current position

Marella Explorer current location is at West Africa (coordinates 30.13231 N / -10.49620 W) cruising at speed of 14.2 kn (26 km/h | 16 mph) en route to Agadir. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of Marella Explorer

Marella Explorer current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours. Prices start from USD 1367 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 15 Mar, 2024 and ends on 22 Mar, 2024.

Date / TimePort
15 Mar 23:00    Departing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands hotels
16 Mar 08:00 - 23:00    Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
17 Mar 10:00 - 16:00    San Sebastian de la Gomera, Canary Islands
19 Mar 08:00 - 16:00    Agadir, Morocco
20 Mar 09:00 - 20:00    Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
21 Mar 08:00 - 17:00    Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
22 Mar 07:30    Arriving in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands hotels

Specifications of Marella Explorer

Year of build1996  /  Age: 28
Flag state Malta
BuilderMeyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)
ClassCentury
Building costUSD 320 million
Engines (power)MAN B&W (31.5 MW / 42242 hp)
Speed22 kn / 41 km/h / 25 mph
Length (LOA)264 m / 866 ft
Beam (width)32 m / 105 ft
Gross Tonnage76998 gt
Passengers1924 - 2681
Crew900
Passengers-to-space ratio40
Decks13
Cabins962
Decks with cabins6
Last Refurbishment2021
Sister-shipsMarella Explorer 2, Mein Schiff Herz (TUI)
Former namesTUI Explorer, TUI Mein Schiff 1, Celebrity Galaxy, MV Galaxy
Christened byIna Muller (TUI)
OwnerTUI AG and RCCL (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd)
OperatorMarella Cruises Ltd (TUI UK)

Marella Explorer Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 23 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife
2024 Feb 24 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
2024 Mar 01 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1659
2024 Mar 02 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1387
2024 Mar 08 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1420
2024 Mar 09 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1379
2024 Mar 15 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1367
2024 Mar 16 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1477
2024 Mar 22 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1607
2024 Mar 23 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1648
2024 Mar 29 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1321
2024 Mar 30 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1297
2024 Apr 05 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1426
2024 Apr 06 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1308
2024 Apr 12 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1374
2024 Apr 13 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1263
2024 Apr 19 14 days, one-way from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Corfu Island Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1933
2024 Apr 20 13 days, one-way from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Corfu Island Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1726
2024 May 03 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1577
2024 May 10 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1834
2024 May 17 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1683
2024 May 24 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1770
2024 May 31 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $1862
2024 Jun 07 7 days, round-trip Ionian Gems Corfu Island $1777
2024 Jun 14 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1925
2024 Jun 21 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1823
2024 Jun 28 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2133
2024 Jul 05 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1813
2024 Jul 12 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1848
2024 Jul 19 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1731
2024 Jul 26 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2048
2024 Aug 02 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1930
2024 Aug 09 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1941
2024 Aug 16 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2047
2024 Aug 23 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1908
2024 Aug 30 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1715
2024 Sep 06 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1925
2024 Sep 13 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2311
2024 Sep 20 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1890
2024 Sep 27 7 days, round-trip Ionian Gems Corfu Island $1645
2024 Oct 04 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1691
2024 Oct 11 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1653
2024 Oct 18 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1533
2024 Oct 25 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1546
2024 Nov 01 6 days, one-way from Corfu Island to Malaga Corfu Island $1006
2024 Dec 09 4 days, one-way from Malaga to Santa Cruz de Tenerife Malaga $791
2024 Dec 09 5 days, one-way from Malaga to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Malaga $1026
2024 Dec 13 7 days, round-trip Island Explorer Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1252
2024 Dec 14 7 days, round-trip Island Explorer Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1230
2024 Dec 20 7 days, round-trip A Canarian Christmas Santa Cruz de Tenerife $2658
2024 Dec 21 7 days, round-trip A Canarian Christmas Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $2715
2024 Dec 28 7 days, round-trip A New Years Dream Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
2025 Jan 03 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1384
2025 Jan 04 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1297
2025 Jan 10 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1313
2025 Jan 11 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1257
2025 Jan 17 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1316
2025 Jan 18 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1257
2025 Jan 24 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1280
2025 Jan 25 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1257
2025 Jan 31 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1318
2025 Feb 01 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1272
2025 Feb 07 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1365
2025 Feb 08 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1365
2025 Feb 14 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1438
2025 Feb 15 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1567
2025 Feb 21 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1308
2025 Feb 22 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1238
2025 Feb 28 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1326
2025 Mar 01 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1360
2025 Mar 07 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1337
2025 Mar 08 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1314
2025 Mar 14 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1337
2025 Mar 15 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1302
2025 Mar 21 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1326
2025 Mar 22 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1314
2025 Mar 28 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1360
2025 Mar 29 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1314
2025 Apr 04 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1559
2025 Apr 05 7 days, round-trip Atlantic Islands Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1512
2025 Apr 11 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1732
2025 Apr 12 7 days, round-trip Canarian Flavours Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1592
2025 Apr 18 7 days, one-way from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Palma de Mallorca Santa Cruz de Tenerife $1438
2025 Apr 19 6 days, one-way from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Palma de Mallorca Las Palmas de Gran Canaria $1227
2025 Apr 25 7 days, one-way from Palma de Mallorca to Corfu Island Palma de Mallorca $1368
2025 May 02 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1671
2025 May 09 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1671
2025 May 16 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1706
2025 May 23 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1801
2025 May 30 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $1882
2025 Jun 06 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $2035
2025 Jun 13 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1976
2025 Jun 20 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $2011
2025 Jun 27 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2115
2025 Jul 04 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $2040
2025 Jul 11 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $2028
2025 Jul 18 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $2098
2025 Jul 25 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2122
2025 Aug 01 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $2052
2025 Aug 08 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $2087
2025 Aug 15 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2087
2025 Aug 22 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $2052
2025 Aug 29 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1987
2025 Sep 05 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $2087
2025 Sep 12 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $2169
2025 Sep 19 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $2076
2025 Sep 26 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $2052
2025 Oct 03 7 days, round-trip Iconic Islands Corfu Island $1829
2025 Oct 10 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1771
2025 Oct 17 7 days, round-trip Adriatic Explorer Corfu Island $1771
2025 Oct 24 7 days, round-trip Aegean Shores Corfu Island $1823

Marella Explorer Review

Review of Marella Explorer

The 1996-built (as "Celebrity Galaxy") cruise ship Marella Explorer 1 was previously operated as "Mein Schiff 1" by TUI Cruises. Schiff 1 was TUI fleet's oldest liner, with sisterships the current fleetmates Marella Voyager (fka Mein Schiff Herz/between 2018-2023) and Marella Explorer 2 (fka Celebrity Century). The vessel entered Thomson's/Marella's fleet in 2017 under the name "TUI Explorer", but in October was renamed "Marella Explorer". In 2018, the newbuild TUI Mein Schiff 1 took the name "Schiff 1".

The vessel (IMO number 9106297) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 249051000) and registered in Valletta.

History - construction and ownership

Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises UK) is a British passenger shipping company and trademarked travel brand owned by TUI Group. The company entered the cruise market in 1973 via Thomson Holidays (now TUI UK), but due to rising fuel costs, this service was terminated in 1976. Thomson Cruises restarted passenger shipping operations in 1995. The Thomson brand was renamed to "Marella Cruises" in 2018. Marella's parent company (TUI Group) owns hotels, the sister-companies TUI Cruises, Marella Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the travel brands International Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions, also aircraft and the airlines Corsair International (France), TUI Airways (UK), TUI fly Nordic (Sweden), TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Deutschland, TUI fly the Netherlands.

Marella Explorer 1 cruise ship

The 1900-passenger ship was built for the Royal Caribbean’s Celebrity Cruises company, renamed to "Celebrity Galaxy" in 2008 and joined TUI fleet in 2009 after an extensive drydock refit. The vessel entered Marella's  fleet in 2017. Mein Schiff 1 was one of TUI's two oldest Century-class vessels - followed by Mein Schiff 2 (former "Celebrity Mercury", in 2018 renamed "Mein Schiff Herz") and Celebrity Century (now Marella Explorer 2).

The Explorer joined Marella Cruises fleet as the 3rd vessel transferred from other RCCL-owned fleets. It was preceded by Marella Discovery (2015, former Splendour of the Seas) and Marella Discovery 2 (2017, former Legend of the Seas) and followed by TUI Explorer 2 (2018, the old Mein Schiff 2).

Marella Explorer 1 cruise ship (TUI Explorer / Mein Schiff 1)

Marella Explorer features a new-for-the-fleet kids pool, an innovative entertainment program, 10 dining venues. Another first for Marella Cruises is the tasting menu-type restaurant in one of the brand new yet-unnamed venues, described as "an intimate space, suited for couples or friends".

The Indigo flagship bar is the ship's focal point. A new high-end London-style drinking venue named Aperitif links Kora La and Surf & Turf restaurants. Other features include The Scoops ice-cream parlor with bicycle-themed quirky seating; The Lounge - another new venue with a color-changing bar and brightly-colored piano; Umi Sushi counter; The Mediterranean dining venue with a glass roof inspired by local tavernas, housing two inclusive restaurants (pizzeria and tapas) and for-fee Hot Stone Grill.

Decks and Cabins

Of all Marella Explorer staterooms (962 total), ~40% have private steop-out balconies. All cabins are with individual air-conditioning, wardrobes, smart HDTV, hairdryer, tea-coffee-making facilities, en-suite bathrooms. Accommodation types include:

  • Indoor (16 m2, fleet's largest), Outdoor (17 m2), Single Indoor / Outdoor cabins (Decks 4, 5, 8, 9)
  • Balcony cabins (17 m2), 14x Family Balcony (20 m2; decks 9, 10, 12, each with 2 twin beds)
  • Suites - Balcony Junior Suite (22 m2) and Executive Suite (49 m2)

The boat has 13 decks, of which 10 are passenger-accessible and 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Marella Explorer has a total of 10 dining venues, including Surf & Turf, Kora La, Snack Shack, Umi Sushi and open-air Mediterranean Restaurant with Pizza and Tapas areas. The Kora La features Oriental-style lanterns and paintings paired with a pan-Asian menu of noodle dishes and curries. This is a fine dining addition and there is a small premium to eat here.

Marella Explorer 1 cruise ship (TUI Explorer / Mein Schiff 1)

Ship's dining venues are located on decks 5, 6, 7 and 11. Follows the complete list of Marella Explorer restaurants and food bars.

  • Latitude 53 (situated aft on decks 5 and 6) is the main waiter service restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and gold-and-grey color scheme.
  • Vista Restaurant (Deck 5, situated in Latitude 53) in the evening transforms into an Italian restaurant for regional favorites prepared with authentic ingredients.
  • The Dining Club on Deck 5 is a fine dining restaurant that serves experimental cuisine. There is a charge to dine here.
  • Umi Sushi on Deck 7 serves sushi, sashimi, nigiri rolls that are prepared in front of the guests of the eatery. Umi Sushi is open for dinner only, and costs extra.
  • Kora La on Deck 7 has oriental-style lanterns and paintings paired with a pan-Asian menu. Passengers pay a cover charge to eat here.
  • Surf & Turf Steakhouse on Deck 7 specializes in all things meat. Its menu includes mains like lobster, grilled chicken, and pork chops, but the highlight is the 28-day-aged steaks. There is a chopping board artwork as well as leather booth seating. Cover charge is applied for dining here.
  • Snack Shack (Deck 11) is a laidback eatery featuring food stalls, oversized deckchairs, and beach huts. It offers grab‘n’go snacks and lunches along with a drinks station.
  • The Market Place on Deck 11 is a buffet restaurant where guests can watch the chefs prepare dishes from around the world. It is made up of different food stalls.
  • Tapas @ The Mediterranean on Deck 11 is specialized in tapas dishes for both lunch and dinner.
  • Italian @ The Mediterranean pizzeria on Deck 11, with wood-fired oven and salad bar.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

A couple of the largest new features aboard the 13-deck Marella Explorer include the flagship bar, club and casino Indigo (situated at the top deck), and the first at sea Champneys Spa. Indigo is home to the longest bar onboard the ship and features the Broadway show lounge able to accommodate 1,000 guests. The Broadway street lounge is on Decks 6 and 7, which also houses other entertainment facilities. The venue hosts cocktail-making sessions and demos. Entertainment facilities include Indigo Club with a DJ booth and dance floor, and the Indigo Casino Lounge with card tables and slot machines.

A pool is situated on deck 11, which also homes the Oceans gym and spa. The spa offers a Finnish Sauna with floor-ceiling windows, full-service thermal suite and treatment suites with showers and mini saunas, spa cabanas on ship's adults-only Veranda Deck.

Follows the complete list of Marella Explorer lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

  • The Lounge (Deck 6) has a color-changing feature bar, ring-shaped seats, and hot-pink piano.
  • Bar 53 (Deck 5) is an indoor bar lounge (adjacent to Latitude 53), perfectly placed for pre-dinner drinks.
  • The Shack on Deck 12 offers cool-down drinks between sunbathing. It is above Snack Shack and overlooks the pool.
  • Bar@The Mediterranean on Deck 11 wraps around The Mediterranean and runs from the inside to the outside. It serves Mediterranean specialties, the usual drinks, and frozen cocktails.
  • Indigo Bar on Deck 12 boasts the longest bar in the fleet. Cocktail-making sessions and flare demonstrations take place here.
  • Broadway Show Lounge is situated on two Decks, 6 and 7, and has a capacity of 1,000 people. It offers waiter service and brand-new shows.
  • Indigo Casino on Deck 12 is the spot to try out the card tables and slot machines. Indigo Club is in the middle of Indigo.
  • Aperitif on Deck 7 is a stylish bar with Champagne and Prosecco on the menu. It is a great spot to head for a drink before or after meals at one of the specialty restaurants.
  • Squid & Anchor on Deck 7 is the first pub of Marella Cruises at sea. There are 2 bars to pick from, one of which deals in premium whiskies and gins, that are chargeable. The spot is home to quiz nights and a live band.
  • Scoops is a vintage-looking parlor that serves up gelato. The seating is quirky and includes a collection of bike seats sit that face out to sea. A charge is applied here.
  • The Coffee Port serves Lavazza and sweet treats. It overlooks the atrium and features live piano music. A charge is applied here.
  • Movies by Moonlight offers family-friendly movies, plus extra screenings during the high season.
  • M Club is the onboard Kids’ Club, with games from M Crew - characters exclusive to the ship.
  • The Attic is a quiet, noise-free zone.
  • Gamer Zone is for everyone onboard, fully stocked with machines.
  • The Hideout (aft-starboard) is an exclusive room/club lounge for older children and teens. The exclusive venue is fitted with gaming consoles and comfy chairs. In the high season, The Hideout hosts organized and supervised games and themed events.
  • Broad Street Shops are the onboard boutiques stocked with everyday essentials, duty-free products, perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
  • Photo Studio & Kiosks on Deck 6 provides professional photoshoot. There are also kiosks, where passengers can view and buy the photos captured by the onboard photography team.
  • Outdoor swimming pool on Deck 11 is split in two by a stage, where the entertainment team run daily activities. The Pool bar sits next to the pool and is great for frozen cocktails. A trio of whirlpools sits next to the main pool.
  • The Attic (Library/reading corner)
  • The Veranda is adults-only and has Balinese beds and cocoon chairs.
  • Sports Court provides basketball and mini-football.
  • Minigolf and Table tennis is at the top of the ship, on the Sports & Family Deck.

Champneys: Marella Cruises partnered with Champneys to bring such a state-of-the-art spa. Guests can book in for treatments (facials, body wraps, massages), plus there is a beauty salon. The spa is the largest in the fleet and also includes a relaxation room, treatment cabins with hot tubs, made-for-two suites. The adults-only sauna has floor-to-ceiling windows and a steam room. Alternatively, passengers can work out at the Gym.

Since November 2022, Marella UK (via partnership with OneSpaWorld Holdings/health and wellness company) provides ocean-inspired wellness products and services on all its ships. The range of OneSpaWorld's services includes Ocean Body Treatments (massages and polishes), Ocean Facial, Ocean Salon Services. On Marella ships, OneSpaWorld uses premium beauty brands like Elemis, L'Oreal, Kerastase. The brands owned by OneSpaWorld include Mandara Spa, Bliss Spa, Chavana Spa, Glow Spa.

Itineraries

Marella Explorer 1 itinerary program was initially based on Western Mediterranean 7-night roundtrips from Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Spain). Among the call ports were popular French Riviera ports. The itineraries were themed as:

  • "Cosmopolitan Classics" (Palermo Sicily, Livorno-Florence, Villefranche-Nice, Palamos Spain)
  • "Highlights Of The Mediterranean" (Ajaccio Corsica, Civitavecchia-Rome, Marina di Carrara Italy, Saint Raphael France, Barcelona)
  • "Magic Of Spain" (Cadiz, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena)
  • "Mediterranean Secrets" (Porto Torres Sardinia, La Spezia, Calvi Corsica, Sete France, Tarragona Spain)

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in 2021 Marella Explorer 1 restarted operations on June 25, with UK itineraries and homeporting in Southampton England. Winter 2021-2022 program was scheduled for the Canaries with roundtrips from Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Summer 2022 program was for Adriatic and Greece itineraries leaving roundtrip from Corfu Greece.

Marella Explorer - user reviews and comments

Photos of Marella Explorer

Add Photo

Marella Explorer ship related cruise news

Marella Explorer Wiki

The ship's powerplant is based on MAN B&W marine diesel engines (model 9L48/60) with combined power output 31,5 MW (42240 hp).

The vessel has Meyer Werft Papenburg yard/hull number 638, volume 76998 GT-tons, DWT-deadweight tonnage 6500 tons, max draught 8,3 m.

During its pre-Marella service (May 15, 2009, through April 11, 2018), the liner served its previous operators for 8 years and 11 months, or a total of 3254 days.

TUI Mein Schiff 1 was built in Papenburg Germany for Celebrity Cruises (another RCCL brand) as MV Galaxy (later "Celebrity Galaxy"). In May 2009 the vessel was transferred to the fleet of the Royal Caribbean's TUI subsidiary. The vessel was renamed in Hamburg, Germany, to "Mein Schiff" (meaning "my ship") on 15 May 2009. The godmother of the newly refurbished (EUR 50-million) vessel became Ina Muller - a renowned German artist and TV personality. Of the same class is also Celebrity Mercury (Schiff Herz / Marella Voyager).

Fun fact is, that when operated as "Galaxy", the ship hosted the BBC TV's docu-soap titled "The Cruise".

Marella Explorer refurbishment 2021 review

The boat's 4-week drydock refurbishment in December 2021 (at Navantia's Puerto Real shipyard in Cadiz Spain) was conducted by Trimline Ltd. The project involved 80 specialists, including upholsterers, floor layers, decorators, tilers, polishers, joiners, welders, electricians.

Works included renovations of the two dining rooms (Latitude and Vista restaurants), Indigo Bar & Casino (interactive LED dancefloor), The Mediterranean Bar (all seats and sofas), The Attic (Library), The Hideout (teens venue), Broadway Show Lounge, Cinema, Squid & Anchor (pub), Umi Sushi (food bar), The Lounge, Bar 53, Coffee Port (bar), Snack Shack (fast-food bar), Cruise Holiday Store, Destination Services (lobby area).

The Pool Deck was also renovated.

A total of 60 staterooms were recarpeted.

The ship's entire lighting system was updated/replaced with a new, ultra-high efficiency one that is ~15% more efficient than the LED standard.

Marella Explorer refurbishment 2019 review

In 2019 (October 11 through November 6) the ship was drydocked at DAMEN Shiprepair Brest France).

The USD 25 million drydocking project was managed/supervised by CCS (COLUMBIA Cruise Services Ltd) and included mainly technical maintenance works, machinery upgrades and updates to interior spaces. Hideout (teen lounge on Deck 14) received AstroTurf (artificial grass surface and titled flooring outside) and new furniture (loungers, deckchairs, bar stools).

Marella Explorer refurbishment 2018 review

In 2018, the liner entered drydock in Cadiz Spain (April 20 through May 13) at Navantia shipyard. The 4-week drydocking project was managed by Trimline Ltd / Southampton-based cruise ship interior outfitting company).

During the refit, the vessel received new carpeting (45 km2 / 17 mi), new data cables (over 60 km / 37 mi), 650 wi-fi access points.

A total of 35 venues and public areas were reconstructed and refurbished. Among the new venues installed during the reconstruction were the Flagship Bar, Disco Club, Indigo (entertainment complex), Champneys Spa (first at sea). The new spa has a Finnish sauna with floor-ceiling windows, full-service thermal suite, treatment suites (with showers and their own saunas). Spa cabanas were added to the adults-only The Veranda (Deck 14).

Marella Explorer's christening ceremony was on May 18, 2018 (held in Palma de Mallorca), with two appointed godmothers - Sue Stewart (Marella Cruises' hotel operations manager) and Mandy Galloway (TUI Cruises' retail agent). The inaugural cruise from Palma departed on May 19.

The Apollo Group company was contracted for providing all Marella ships with the entire onboard hotel product and services. This includes administration, food staff (preparation and serving), housekeeping staff, also the vessel's provisioning and crewing. Other luxury cruise lines served by Apollo are Oceania (6 ships fleet) and RSSC-Regent (4 ships fleet).

Like the other fleetmates, Marella Explorer offers an all-inclusive product designed specifically for the UK source market. The ship has a total of 10 dining venues, among which company's signature Surf & Turf, Kora La, Snack Shack, Umi Sushi. The new top-deck bar (Indigo) has panoramic ocean views. In the evenings, Indigo Bar doubles as ship's Casino and disco-nightclub. Another new bar (Aperitif) offers pre- and post-dinner cocktails.

Maiden Voyage 2018

The ship's homeport is Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island, Spain). The ship is also operated with "UK to Mediterranean" fly-cruise program.

Next table shows the "Inaugural Cruise" (maiden voyage) scheduled for May 19, 2018.

7 nights / 8 days (themed "Cosmopolitan Classics") - prices starting from USD 1000 pp (GBP 1130 pp) double occupancy Inside Cabin rates. The itinerary shows all ports of call in the ship's Mediterranean roundtrip program.

Date / TimePort
19 MayDeparting from Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Spain
21 May 08:00 - 18:00Palermo, Sicily, Italy
22 May 07:00 - 17:00Naples, Italy
23 May 09:00 - 19:00Livorno, Florence-Pisa, Italy
24 May 07:00 - 18:00Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice, France
25 May 09:00 - 18:00Palamos, Spain
26 MayArriving in Palma de Mallorca

(OLD / alte) TUI Mein Schiff 1 cruise ship

The TUI ship's itinerary program was based on Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises leaving from Barbados and Dominican Republic. Other operational regions included Europe (Mediterranean departures out of Palma de Mallorca, and Baltic Sea from Hamburg) and Asia (leaving roundtrip from Singapore).

The old Mein Schiff 1 had a total of 962 staterooms, including suites, junior suites, balconied family cabins, balcony rooms, oceanview and inside. In addition, there were barrier-free staterooms. All cabins as amenities offered safe, air-conditioning, bathroom (WC / shower), minibar, phone, flat TV. Family cabins with veranda were sized 20 m2 with capacity up to 5 passengers.

The ship's main dining room was the aft-located, 2-deck Atlantic Restaurant (capacity 950 seats). The other main dining option was the complimentary Anckelmannsplatz Buffet. Room service was available 24 hours.

Follows the complete list of Mein Schiff 1 restaurants and food bars.

  • "Atlantic Classic" (950-seat, complimentary main dining room (of all three) for buffet-style Breakfast and waiter-served Lunch and Dinner. Some menu inclusions are at extra charge
  • "Richards Fine Dining (70-seat dinner restaurant, reservations required, at surcharge PP)
  • Surf & Turf (specialty seafood and steakhouse restaurant)
  • Blaue Welt Bar (45-seat sushi bar at surcharge, dinner-only 6:30 - 11:00 p.m.)
  • Anckelmannsplatz buffet restaurant (412-seat, with a partially covered outdoor area for al-fresco dining; complimentary, self-service, with various food stations)
  • GOSCH Sylt (80-seat complimentary seafood restaurant, a la carte menu; with outdoor seating area)
  • Cliff 24 (24-hour, 40-seat complimentary Grill Bar, serving the pool deck area)
  • La Vela (66-seat complementary bistro)
  • Aussenalster Bar (91-seat complimentary al fresco dining and sports bar).

The primary shipboard entertainment was in the 927-seat Theater (ship's main show lounge) with 2 nightly shows. A 200-seat cinema doubled as a lecture room. Fortunes Casino's gambling options included roulette and blackjack tables and slot machines. The ship's duty-free shops had liquor, tobaccos, jewelry, perfumes, travel essentials, and convenience goods.

The ship had several bars, clubs, and discos, including the Nightclub, the Lounge, Rendezvous Lounge, the cigar bar. Among the onboard activities were computer classes, bingo, trivia games, dancing classes.

Of all 3 swimming pools, 2 were saltwater (with 5 large whirlpools / hot-tubs), and 1 was freshwater (located under the greenhouse-like roof). The Steiner AquaSpa (Japanese-styled) had its own rock garden and offered many personal services, massages, and thalassotherapy. The ship had an extensive art collection on display. Follows the complete list of Mein Schiff 1 lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for adults, kids, and teens.

  • Theater (main show lounge for grand-style show productions; with a revolving stage and eight dynamic LED screens)
  • Internet computers room
  • Wii-Corner (kids/teens gaming arcade)
  • Sturmfrei (Teens Lounge featuring video gaming consoles, dance floor, foosball table, activities like karaoke, cooking classes, teen parties, movies, etc.)
  • Atelier (Workshop/art studio for painters); Walentowski Art Gallery; Fotogalerie (Photo Gallery); Library/Bibliothek
  • Wein & Wahrheit Vinothek (15-seat fine wine shop)
  • Aussicht Bar (25-seat night cocktail bar)
  • The Neuer Wall shopping arcades
  • Blaue Welt Bar & Lounge; Nasch Bar (40-seat); TUI Bar; Abtanz Bar (100-seat disco nightclub); Uberschau Bar (25-seat wellness bar with a "healthy drinks" menu)
  • Casino (170-seat; open only during sea days)
  • Himmel & Meer Lounge (Suite Guests only); X-Lounge (Suite-guests only lounge)
  • SPA & Meer (SPA & Sea complex with a Finnish Sauna, Oriental steam bath, relaxation area, Spa Suites, La Vida Bar, SPA Shop, Beauty Salon)
  • Sport & Gesunheit (Sport & Health Fitness Centre; Fitness classes/personal trainers provided at a surcharge)
  • Aussenpool (outdoor pool area with a 25 m long swimming pool, extensive sunbathing area, Aussenalster Bar & Grill)
  • Insel der Seerauber (Pirates' Island Kids Club complimentary lounge)
  • Sun deck area (11,990 m2; the forward section features Entspannungsinseln/Relaxation Islands with mini-balconies, available for rent)
  • Outdoor sports area (with a full-size sports court for basketball, volleyball, golf simulator)
  • Grune Oase (Green Oasis - outdoor sports area for open-air classes - stretching, relaxation, Yoga, Pilates); Power Walking / Jogging Track
  • Lounges & Bars: Ausenalster, Abtanz, Aussicht, Blaue Welt, Nasch, TUI, Unverzicht, Uberschau, La Vida Sana Bar, Himmel & Meer, Casino Lounge, Wein & Wahrheit, X-Lounge.
  • Spa, Fitness Center (aerobic classes), jogging track, 3 jacuzzis, 2 outdoor swimming pools (1 with salt water, 1 freshwater /covered), duty-free shops, shop, 927-seat Theater, Casino, Kids Club.