Marella Cruises Food Review

Here’s a look and review of EVERY meal we had onboard Marella Explorer 2, including the buffet, Mediterranean Tapas, Snack Shack, Nonna’s, Main Dining Room (Latitude), Vista, Kora La, Surf and Turf, Beach Cove, the cafés and fast food outlets. We also have a peep at the Dining Club. Marella doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to food so let’s see what it’s REALLY like onboard! Loosen those belts and let’s eat!
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#marella #marellaexplorer2 #marellacruises #marellacruisesfood #korala #cruise

[@wecanhelpdigital]

Speaking as someone who always searches the internet for any hint of what an all inclusive menu contains, this is really helpful. Your presenting style is awesome as well 🙂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks Alex, appreciate that 🙏

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You are going to need to loosen those belts for this one! Marella hasn’t got the best reputation when it comes to food so we review EVERY meal onboard. What’s the food REALLY like? All menus included too!

[@ronrichardson3103]

I found Fred Olsens food very good. I'd give it 8/10 but Mirrellas food I'd give it a 9/10 if theres better I've yet to find

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@ronrichardson3103 I have to say Fred Olsen delivered some of the best food we’ve ever had - Vasco and Colours and Tastes were exceptional on Borealis

[@ronrichardson3103]

@@TravelBlogJamie we've just come off Borelias two days ago . I spent five days pooping and chucking out of our eight days cruise . . But I put that down to bugs that give you gastrointestinal disorders. If I'd known I'd have given it a miss. they must have chopped an extra tree for all the toilet roll I used.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@ronrichardson3103 🤮

[@sandraheaton4929]

We've recently got back off marella Discovery we had no complaints about the food there was always something for me & my partner we did go to the restaurant 3 times the other meals we had in the buffet we had no complaints but there's always a but there was hell of a lot of moaners on the ship slating marella we've cruised with marella a lot of times in a lot of yrs we will be returning to marella cruises so much so we've a couple of cruises booked with them & looking to book more with them we have also cruised with other cruise lines but we do keep going back to marella we've just returned from Discovery Christmas & New Yr we had a fantastic time 🎄🎅🍾🥂🍷🍹🍺🥳

[@johnathankain8033]

Thanks for making this video. Ultimately food is really subjective some love big helpings, others small. Some like comfortable familiar options whilst others like to be challenged by new concepts. Having a comprehensive video like this is the best as it avoids an opinion coming across as a fact.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

It’s absolutely true - a completely subjective topic! Thanks for your comment / feedback

[@dianekay8]

Just back from the discovery 2 boat . Food was outstanding on that boat in all sections. The surf and turf was a lovely treat. I couldn’t fault anything on the discovery 2

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Fabulous

[@colinlacey9993]

Went on Merella 2 in 2019. Food was brilliant. Booked for Explorer in 2023. Can’t wait.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re going to have a great time I’m sure!

[@margarettaylor5855]

Been on both. Discovery 2, not too bad but Explorer, well it's best not to say. The best was the Gin and Whiskey bar which we needed to drown our sorrows.

[@angelahorton5745]

Excellent video Jamie, very comprehensive! I was extremely impressed and really hadn't expected the food to look and taste so good. I know there were a few exceptions but generally very good. I also enjoyed Matthews's contributions, he seems to be featuring more which is good. Thank you!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you 🙏 Matthew’s contributions are short and sweet and usually involve telling me off or saying I’m stupid so I imagine people will like this approach 😂

[@nickedmunds1829]

The food we've had on Marella on several cruises has been exceptional with plenty of choice!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍👍

[@kenn1936]

WOW - all I can see is tables too close together!!!! Thank you Jamie for doing this review video. I am on this ship in August and this is priceless for anyone going on a cruise for the first time. Especially the Explorer II. I am going on my own, so this helps a lot as I have no idea what to expect.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You are very welcome indeed

[@artychoke7798]

Thank you for taking so much of your time to make this. Very informative and great to hear your insightful perspective about each restaurant. Love your personalities too ❤🎉

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re very welcome!

[@kadi1543]

Thankyou for your review. Myself &! Husband are going the marella 2 in April 2023. Our first ever cruise.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hope you both have a great cruise!

[@kiddlesk]

Very fair video. We've only been on two Marella cruises and, being honest, we chose them for the price & itinerary. Drinks can be very disappointing with weak cocktails and spirits but the shows are great, the ships are good and the food is well, just like you've said. Not every dish is a winner but some are amazing, especially in the Speciality restaurants. Never went hungry

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, drinks a bit mixed, agreed! Thanks for your comments!

[@johnhammond1141]

Just come back from a cruise on Explorer 2. Restaurant food as good as any other cruise line, buffet a solid average, specialty restaurants absolutely outstanding !

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Glad you enjoyed, John!

[@andrewdent696]

The dinners club is on another level. Beautiful and the best on the ship.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Unfortunately not a menu for me but I’m pleased others enjoy

[@70PaulK]

Very helpful guide. I found the Beach Cove was very quiet at lunch, even though there was no charge in the daytime. Also enjoyed the free ice cream in the buffet from 12-3pm, while the omelettes were excellent.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Glad you also enjoyed ❤️

[@elizabethmills6496]

Thanks Jamie, a really helpful blog. You have a very nice no nonsense approach ❤

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Ahh thank you so much - such lovely feedback ❤️❤️❤️

[@louisecooper4761]

Went on Explorer 2 weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the food. This was so interesting to watch, thank you.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Glad you enjoyed as much as we did!

[@stephenrichardson7477]

Couldn't agree more the food was mostly excellent vista and Nonna's were hits for us , marella has for us always been great value and quality.we did the hot rock on another marella cruise a few years age and sadly it has been dropped now but the experience was gorgeous. Ps we were onboard at the same time as you both thought I recognised you from somewhere lol. another great review thanks.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh I wish you’d said hello!!

[@mickthompson584]

Top vlog feller very informative, yeah thanks for that.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you Mick

[@juliewilson3237]

Really enjoyed this as we’re going on this ship in Oct and we’ve heard good and bad things food wise . Thank you I’m reassured by this review . Cant wait now ☺️!!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Ah that’s great to hear and I hope you have a fantastic time!

[@juliewilson3237]

@@TravelBlogJamie 😉

[@ronrichardson3103]

I remember my first cruise was a Mirella .I found the food fantastic.so much so I didn't have room for drink .my partner complained because she had bought a drink package that never got used .

[@markwinter7644]

Another excellent video in this series. This looks very good for us. Good food without too much faffle! We are new to cruising (did one a long time ago) but looking to start again and this looks right for us / just what we are looking for. Flexibility, choice, quality at a reasonable price and without the pomp and ceremony. Don’t get me wrong, we don’t mind dressing up a bit for dinner but its nice to go “smart casual” as well. Really like the quality of your presentations so keep up the good work. It is very much appreciated 👍🥂🇬🇧

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you Mark - really appreciate your feedback! I agree, good food without too much theatre or fuss - works for me!

[@user-vh9rx4dm1j]

We've just spent a week on Marella voyager and couldn't fault the food. There were 6 of us, one with a lactose allergy and everything was great!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Fantastic to hear ❤️

[@malctongue]

Great video blog, we haven’t tried Marella cruises yet, normally choosing P&O, however we are planning our next cruise & we will definitely be giving it a go. Looks very nice👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh fab! Let me know what you opt for (ship / itinerary) and how you get on!

[@iangill8984]

Thanks for the video, we have cruised several times with Marella and you have hit it spot on. We have cruised with other cruise lines and the standard of food is good with similar minor issues across all of them. Princess up next so we are looking forward to that experience. We did sail last minute on the Island Escape many years ago and the food was disappointing, the main dining room was a buffet just the same as the buffet but the cruise was cheap and we got to see Rome and Lorencecheerful, we ate in the speciality restaurant nearly every night.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I do find the MDR on Princess a little lack lustre and / or inconsistent but I hope you have a great experience onboard!

[@davidknox5929]

Food on Marella is always brilliant.Agree with you about Snack Shack.On Discovery 2 lunch v g at indoor pool area.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

We always enjoy too ❤️

[@madelinealvey2876]

Really enjoyed your blog on Marella explorer 2. We're booked on for a week at Easter 23, even though we was booked on in 2020 and 2021, so as they say 3rd time lucky 😀. There isn't many people reviewing Marella cruises, thank you. 😀 Mx

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hope you have the absolute best time 🙌🙌🙌

[@madelinealvey2876]

Thank you. Mx

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@madelinealvey2876 welcome 🙏

[@jonathaninglis]

This vid is amazing. Going in a few months for two weeks. Goodbye 28” jeans 😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

😂😂😂

[@rhobbieno1615]

Very informative on all your blogs well done and thank you 👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very kind of you! Thank you 🙏

[@ranualfhunter1869]

a great review and we are off on our 1st cruise in 2 months. For 2 weeks, so this looks like a decent 1st trip

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have a great time

[@mickthompson584]

We have found the Discovery ships and Explorer2 to offer the best food experience, Voyager and Explorer being a few levels below.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I agree about Voyager

[@73keef]

Good honest review, most cruise lines have there ups and downs in the restaurant's. Sailing on explorer 2 in November so this was helpful.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re welcome Keith - any that take your fancy in particular?

[@73keef]

@@TravelBlogJamie Done the surf and turf so kora la looking a certainty and probably the beach house

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@73keef good choices

[@73keef]

@@TravelBlogJamie New to your chanel, found it through Paul and Carole really enjoying the content. 👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@73keef thank you - really appreciate that 🙏🙏🙏

[@nicolajones726]

I’m going in two weeks it’s my first cruise my friend and I are both 60😱it looks ok to me😁I can’t wait thank you for your review x

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hope you have a great time and let me know how you get on!

[@nicolajones726]

@@TravelBlogJamie ❤️will do thank youxx🛳

[@alexmurray6956]

Never considered Marella but will based on this . Thank you

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re welcome, Alex

[@davidknox5929]

Just back from Marella Exp cruise.Food fabulous every day.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Pleased to hear that, David

[@suzy_c]

Thanks Jamie. Really informative 👌

[@TravelBlogJamie]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@debbieball900]

Another fab video. Well done. ✌👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks so much, Debbie!

[@malcolmgriffiths8998]

thank you for this, we are going on that ship at the end of sept - will take what you said on board

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Enjoy!

[@malcolmgriffiths8998]

remind me which side of the bus to get on, is it left walking on? @@TravelBlogJamie

[@cocktailswithlisa]

Looks like great restaurant options… we’ve not sailed with Marella (yet!), so it’s good to see how it compares, thank you 😊

[@davidknox5929]

Great value.C 750 pw Inc flts.

[@TravelswiththeRussells]

Fab vlog thanks for sharing 👍

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Very welcome 🙏

[@dugaldheminsley]

excellent review thanks guys

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you so much 😊

[@CrusieCTRL]

Great Video Jamie, I agree with everything you say but one thing I didn't like about the MDRs is the cutlery wrapped up in napkins, and the lack of appropriate cutlery. I also found service a bit rushed. It lacked a certain relaxing quality, especially in the eveningI know this will sound snobbish but I like to eat my soup with a soup spoon and not a dessert spoon. I also think the Kora La is one of the best value Indian speciality restaurants at sea.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Have you by any change been to the speciality Indian restaurants onboard Fred Olsen Borealis by any chance, David?

[@CrusieCTRL]

@@TravelBlogJamie I have... So I must add this caveat to my comment... The best value Indian restaurant at sea, after Vasco and potentially any other Indian restaurant at sea I may try in the future 😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@CrusieCTRL 😂😂😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@CrusieCTRL Vasco was soooo good

[@allanconnon7795]

Just back from a 2 week cruise and the main restaurant was excellent food and service 100% market food hall has defo been affected and the meals were not as good as they were on a previous cruise.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks for sharing

[@Cradley684]

Did a good job Guy's Thank You !!!.😀😀

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you 🙏

[@michaelthompson6885]

Each Marella ship is quite unique with their dining.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@imnotbeingfunnybut9448]

Nom nom nom! Looks good!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Totes nom

[@jonathanpage7710]

Just been on Marella Discovery 2. I found the food to be very bland and frequently tasteless. The exception would be the surf n turf restaurant where you paid extra. That was well worth it. I’ve been on several cruises and experienced many cruise lines….but Tui was by far the worst as regards food.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

What a shame! We had the opposite experience to you!

[@stephensherry5197]

A friend has just come back from a Marella and said the same. He said the food was very bland. Maybe it differs from ship to ship. He also said that most of the food was served to you and not self service apart from the buffet. Maybe potion control.

[@gillkite6476]

Good balanced review . Well Done hope you are now going to slimming world on your return back home.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

This was a couple years ago lol 😆

[@Warriorbox]

Very impressed with your Spanish Accent. It all looks delish,.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Muchas gracias ☺️

[@richardhurr31]

Good video. We just got back from being on Marella Voyager. The food was mostly good. The service excellent, though I did get some diarrhoea one morning from eating a kebab for dinner. 😬

[@TravelBlogJamie]

🤢

[@hansybunnys7748]

Boarding this Thursday, assuming like other cruise lines you can order as much as you like, e.g the tapas/ diff puddings that take your fancy

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Well they like to tell you how much you can have in the speciality restaurants but not so much MDRs

[@craigmilne5453]

Booked for June 2023. In the video mentioned had to pay in restaurant we're they not included in all inclusive package.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Hi. Which restaurant are you referring to in the video? There are a few speciality restaurants which come with a surcharge. Main dining room, buffet, outdoor grills and the Italian are included in cruise fare.

[@michaelthompson6885]

P.S The sushi restaurant on Explorer is the same standard as London restaurants.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’ll take your word for that 😆

[@user-wy6mk3xb6y]

Jamie, this is awesome information, soooo useful. We are a family of 4 on this ship in August. Quick question, we are travelling with teenagers and they will want to explore on their own, is there a free messaging service via an app onboard? Or would you recommend two-way radios. Cheers, Craig

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I don’t recall there being a messaging service but then the ships are that much smaller than most out there 😂

[@michaelhodgetts283]

This was very informative so thanks for posting, I’ve never cruised but it seems to me that eating is a big deal on cruises, my question to you is how on earth do you not put on a stone from all of that eating? 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Quite simply because I (personally) do more exercise than usual - more walking, more swimming, take the stairs always, lots of exploring ports on foot 😂

[@sallymckeown9694]

Travelled on this ship in may something for everybody couldn’t really fault it 😀

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes agreed on that - easy to find something that suits

[@tinawebber8223]

Got to love a good old trifle in a glass!! It all looks very nice 👌 maybe yet another cruise company to try!! Thanks you are gonna cost me a fortune 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Whoooops! Ha ha ha!

[@kathleennuttall4203]

Yes

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👍

[@lesliebaldwin5645]

I’d have liked to see a list of what’s included at the end inc. drinks, and dress to impress?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thanks. This was a vlog about the food though.

[@allthethreestravel]

Our Sausage Muncher likes the look of the buffet sausages! P&O’s breakfast of pancakes, sausage and bacon will take some beating in his eyes though 😂

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Maffoo said they were good lil sausages and he’s fussy 😂 Sausage muncher knows best, though…

[@eirlyswilliams896]

Food lovely on the Marcella 2 try the fish and chips from the snack shack went back forty years crispy batter flaky white fish maybe someone needs to give them a best fish and chips award 11:43 ❤

[@theblessedblackwoman]

Hi Jamie, thanks for your videos. I was wandering what was the entertainment like? I am trying to book a last minute cruise with them on the 27th October 22 from Dubrovnik. Its either Morella or NORweigean Dawn which leaves on the 25th October 22 to greek Islands and south of france. I want a ship with good entertainment as I'm travelling solo. I also love adult only and be around people who are dressed up a bit. What do you think? I'm not a big eater or drinker. I like people watching and as much entertainment as possible. Ohh, Im travelling solo.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m not so interested in the entertainment as we are both foodies and prefer bars with musicians. People seem to really enjoy the entertainment though. No, it’s a casual ship so whilst dine dress up, many don’t. Again, it’s not something that’s important to us.

[@djgoldthing7166]

Great video, as always. One question, on standard all Inc. Is lemonade free on it's own or as a mixer,? as I can't see it on any of the menu's shown on KZbin.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

I’m so sorry but I don’t actually drink lemonade so it’s not something I remember. I’m sure it’ll be included either way though

[@gregwarwick898]

Do you get a set number of speciality restaurants to use? Our booking looks a little confusing and I'm not sure if we get two during our stay because we have booked the Royal suite.

[@TravelBlogJamie]

None were included in our package. We weren’t in a suite so maybe different?

[@93dc88]

I'm thinking of booking on this ship for the beginning of 2024 but I'm concerned there's nowhere to have a drink outside of a night any idea if there's any bars outside?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Yes, outdoor bars too. Did you check out my vlogs in the series? I show all the venues / outdoor areas too

[@93dc88]

@@TravelBlogJamie fantastic cheers you've sealed it for us 😂

[@craigbryan9402]

Great video what cruise line is your favourite 🤔

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Thank you! I’m the biggest fan of Cunard and Disney - couldn’t be more different but love both!

[@craigbryan9402]

@@TravelBlogJamie thanks for the reply we are trying Disney magic for the first time as we generally use p&o

[@TravelBlogJamie]

@@craigbryan9402 oh I love Disney magic - the service we received was top notch

[@michalabakes9174]

I really want to do a cruise this year....all inclusive is it table service? Also did do any shore excursions, how much were they just a rough idea, also do they take cash...I have so many questions lol

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Table service yes. Excursions - costs differ wildly. Ours to Lake Bled was £80 each.

[@margarettaylor5855]

Yes, it really is that bad!

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh dear 😅

[@GiantmanUK]

Bit too much background noise for me otherwise good review

[@TravelBlogJamie]

Oh dear

[@justarandomkid672]

Hi

[@TravelBlogJamie]

👋

[@justarandomkid672]

@@TravelBlogJamie If you haven't already, a place I recommend you visit is Coral Reef Waterworld in Bracknell.

[@peterlee6745]

Your VERY CRITICAL of FOOD ON Ship .Think U Better Get a REAL JOB ?

[@TravelBlogJamie]

So teaching is not a real job? I’ve been a teacher for 25 years. And by the way, it’s ‘you’re’, not ‘your’. Meat sandwich…