Marella Explorer deck plans

Marella Explorer (1996-built as "Celebrity Galaxy", fka "Mein Schiff 1" and "TUI Explorer", last refurbished in 2021) was the oldest TUI cruise ship of the Century-class. The vessel was followed by Marella Voyager (Celebrity Mercury, Schiff Herz) and Marella Explorer 2 (Celebrity Century). In 2017, the ship was sold to Thomson/now Marella Cruises under the name “TUI Explorer” (later renamed "Marella Explorer"). The shipowner and operator TUI Cruises is an RCCL subsidiary line - a German joint venture capital cruise company of TUI AG (German travel corporation) and RCG-Royal Caribbean Group - the world’s second-biggest passenger shipping company (after Carnival).

Marella Explorer cruise ship deck plan shows a total of 962 cabins for 1924 passengers (max capacity is 2681) served by 900 crew-staff. The boat has 13 decks (10 passenger-accessible, 6 with cabins), 10 restaurants/bistros, 10 bars, 3 lounges, 2 swimming pools (plus 1 for kids), 3 Jacuzzis (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs), 10 elevators.

Complimentary dining options on Mein Schiff 1 (included in all TUI cruise deals) were Anckelmannsplatz, Atlantik Klassik, La Vela, Cliff 24, GOSCH Sylt. At additional charge were the restaurants Blaue Welt, Surf & Turf, Richards.

Marella Explorer 2021 refurbishment review

The boat's 4-week drydock refurbishment in December 2021 (at Navantia's Puerto Real shipyard in Cadiz Spain) was conducted by Trimline. 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 2019 refurbishment 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 2018 refurbishment review

The liner entered drydock in Cadiz Spain (Navantia shipyard, April 20 through May 13). The 4-week 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).