I Cruised on Marella Explorer… BUT Was it Just a Booze Cruise?

In this no-holds-barred review, we spent a week aboard Marella Explorer, a ship that once sailed proudly as Celebrity Galaxy but now feels more like a faded memory. What was once a stylish, forward-thinking cruise ship has been stripped of personality under TUI’s Marella brand — and the result is… bland. From the moment we boarded, something felt off. The ship’s design is uninspired, the atmosphere feels flat, and the excitement you expect on a modern cruise ship just isn’t there. While other Marella ships have charm and flair, Explorer feels tired, lacking the wow-factor that today’s cruise passengers expect. We dive into everything: the mediocre food, dated entertainment, missing aft pool, and underwhelming spaces that left us questioning the value for money — especially when lines like P&O Cruises offer more for less. Can a ship like this really compete in 2025? If you’re considering a Marella cruise, or wondering whether Explorer can still excite a seasoned cruiser, this video is for you. Spoiler alert: the answer might surprise you — but probably not in the way you’d hope. 📢 Have you cruised with Marella Explorer? Agree or disagree with our take? Let’s hear it in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for honest reviews, unfiltered cruise opinions, and the content other cruise channels won’t dare to post. #MarellaExplorer #CruiseReview #MarellaCruises #sailawaymagazine Chapters include: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Ship Design, Decor and Maintenance 03:10 - Large Balcony Cabin 06:38 - Inclusive Dining 10:45 - Speciality Restaurants 14:29 - Daytime Activities 16:13 - Evening Entertainment 17:13 - Service & Hospitality 17:55 - Staying Connected 18:57 - Value for Money 20:33 - Final Thoughts: Is Marella Explorer Right for You? Subscribe to Sail Away Magazine for just £3.95 every two months: https://sailawaymagazine.com/cruise-magazine/ YouTube: @sailawaymag Instagram: @sailawaymag Facebook: @sailawaymagazine TikTok: @sailawaymag Twitter: @sailawaymag Website: https://sailawaymagazine.com/ Contact us: info@sailawaymagazine.com Marella Explorer Ship Review Music Playlist: https://www.epidemicsound.com/playlist/4lx80grxg3f8tc3ou6t49sa5q0a4k11g/ Music Source: Epidemic Sound - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ✔✔ You Can Check Out Our Other Videos Here : 👀 We Cruised for 7-Days on AMBIENCE... Here's the TRUTH You Need to Know! Link: https://youtu.be/b7hT4SPc04o 👀 Ambassador Ambience Full Ship Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnDfQ4AkY1M 👀 Ambassador Ambition Full Ship Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY53VHmltqk 👀 Ambassador Ambition BRUTALLY HONEST Ship Review Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfB938ryddA&t=269s 👀 Fred. Olsen | Borealis Full Ship Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpgZ_HY2hZ8 👀 Queen Mary 2 and the Genius Behind Her Design Shares EVERYTHING! Link: https://youtu.be/f7lIrm3Ucb4 👀 P&O Cruises vs. Maleth Aero: Who Owes Passengers £500K? Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cWi8fp1Tqc&t=266s 👀 Queen Anne Full Ship Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKuYCDnCtQ0&t=7s 👀 Celebrity Beyond REVIEW Link: https://youtu.be/wU4jGFWtM_8 👀 Azamara Onward Full Ship Tour Link: https://youtu.be/8NjTOVfeBy8?si=Amf6opSygWvPfMf8 👀 Eurodam Full Ship Tour Link: https://youtu.be/SpibVEGcba0?si=1iUy3aupWCVYtrMJ 👀 Celebrity Ascent Full Ship Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGHf6bUr12k&t=1s 👀 Celebrity Ascent Ship Review Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1B4poo5Bi0&t=797s 👀 Celebrity Apex Full Ship Tour Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfYLp_m44lM&t=577s