Marella Cruises | Marella Discovery or Marella Explorer - Which is Better?

Marella Cruises | Marella Discovery or Marella Explorer - Which is Better?
#marellaexplorer #marellacruises #marellaexplorer #marelladiscovery #marellaexplorer2 #marelladiscovery2 #cruiseship #cruisereview #sailawaywithdanandjay
In this video, we discuss and compare Marella Discovery, and Marella Explorer. Marella Cruises has a fleet consisting of Discovery, Discovery 2, Explorer and Explorer 2 - which is exclusively for adults. We went on Marella Discovery and Marella Explorer in October 2021, and we'll discuss which ship was our favourite, and why!
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[@sailawaymag]

Correction: In the video I stated that the shops and boutiques were on Deck 6, they’re on Deck 7. Slip of the tongue, sorry :)

[@sailawaymag]

Which class of ship with Marella Cruises is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

[@sandraheaton4929]

We have got to say the Discovery the atrium on the ship did it for us it's absolutely beautiful we know when we go on Discovery 2 ship it is going to be the same for us there is just something about the ship we sailed on the celebration ship many times we both loved her we was very sad when we knew she was retiring ☹️ we've so many memories of the ship we wasn't impressed with marella explora ship but that's just us everyone has their different opinions on the ship

[@user-iq8on4lg4r]

Love watching your videos. Really fair comments and helps to know beforehand. Sailed on Marella Explorer 2 and was excellent value for money, very clean and couldn’t fault the staff. Outstanding. Enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish.

[@sailawaymag]

Hey thank you so much for the kind comment! So glad you had a good time with Marella, when’s the next crusie?! 😅

[@jaxgrimeshilton3683]

I’ve been on the explorer and was very pleasantly surprised. Value for money it’s hands down the best cruise line I’ve been on and you still get that ‘cruise pampered’ feeling

[@sailawaymag]

Totally agree with you, Marella is very underrated in my opinion. I’ve cruised with so many different cruise lines, but feel that Marella offers the best value for money overall!

[@markcrabtree6793]

gotta say, our first cruise was on discovery back in 2016, & this was the ship that got us hooked. we found the ship, service, & food (especially the buffet), fantastic. what a week for my daughter (10yrs at the time), a floating hotel that visits different parts of the world every day.... fantastic. also been on explorer in 2018, preferred discovery... loved the prosecco bar & atrium. the all inclusive holiday was great... just pay the cabin price.... then chill & enjoy the spoils.

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Mark! You’re right, we loved the Prosecco bar too! We also prefer knowing that everything is included, but it would be nice if other cruise lines followed. I find the drink packages offered by other cruises to be a rip off, or a con as you’re either limited to a certain amount of drinks per day, or you can’t have certain beverages! Marella have the right idea I think!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for sharing this - I’m considering an April cruise on Explorer, and was worried that she’d feel quite small, but I didn’t realise she was a lot bigger than Discovery!

[@sailawaymag]

Yeah she is a bit bigger! The size of a ship doesn’t bother me to be honest, I quite like the homely feel you get on a small/medium size ship! Where’s the cruise going?

[@70PaulK]

Thanks for a really helpful video. I sailed on the Explorer last summer on a UK cruise, so certainly could have done with an indoor pool! I liked the Mediterranean restaurant on deck 11 (which had no cover price) and generally found that the trip was good value with a wide variety of entertainment. I hope to try the Explorer 2 this summer, as an adults only ship might be better for solo passengers like me, while the itineraries from Dubrovnik look very interesting.

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Paul! Glad you found it helpful. Yes, we’re hoping to try MEx2 doing the Adriatic sometime this year. I did P&O Arcadia a couple of years ago which is adults only, and much preferred it! The Mediterranean restaurant on Marella Explorer is really good, and it’s still free :)

[@jenniferwalker4567]

We’ve sailed on Explorer 2 twice and loved it both times. We’ve booked Discovery for 2023 and are really looking forward to the Carribean and New York. Also the new cabins. People do look down on Marella but their cruises are fantastic value for money. Where else can you get a premium drinks package for £70 each for a week including fantastic cocktails and 6 litre bottles of water in your cabin. We love it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@sailawaymag]

Totally agree Jennifer. We sail with many different cruise lines, but Marella is a favourite for us as they offer fantastic value for money - and we feel that the service and speciality dining venues are as good as the more expensive cruise lines!

[@kite9039]

I have booked for 2023, our 1st cruise ship holiday. Is it worth paying for the premium drinks package? Do you get cocktails and larger and cider included in the normal package?

[@sailawaymag]

You get select cocktails including Pina Coladas, Daiquiris etc, select lagers and select ciders! The premium package is worth it, particularly if you’d like to get a bit tipsy - as that’s near impossible on the normal package as cocktails are so watered down. If you’re someone that wants Grey Goose vodka instead of Smirnoff, and Peroni instead of Corona (the bottle that is) - then consider the Premium package. You do get a lot with the standard package though. Hope that helps :)

[@sailawaymag]

You get select cocktails including Pina Coladas, Daiquiris etc, select lagers and select ciders! The premium package is worth it, particularly if you’d like to get a bit tipsy - as that’s near impossible on the normal package as cocktails are so watered down. If you’re someone that wants Grey Goose vodka instead of Smirnoff, and Peroni instead of Corona (the bottle that is) - then consider the Premium package. You do get a lot with the standard package though. Hope that helps :)

[@jenniferwalker4567]

@@sailawaymag We always have the premium package because it also includes the Coffee Port and 6 litre bottles of water in your cabin. It’s nice to know you can have anything you want except champagne. 👍🏻😘

[@philkirk4571]

Great vid. We’re Marella fans and love the atmosphere. Your comments are unbiased and really helpful and as you say, you have to balance expectations with value. Great stuff! 😅

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your kind comment Phil. Hoping to get ourselves back on a Marella ship sometime next year :)

[@katiethornhill7080]

Just come off our first cruise marella discovery 2 it was fantastic I lobed ot that much the day after I returned home I booked my next cruise for January 2023 on the marella Explorer

[@sailawaymag]

That's great Katie. Bet you're counting down the day's until your next one in January :)

[@ArticulateDesignASMR]

We've only Cruised on the discovery and I honestly couldn't believe the value. You get a really decent suite for far less then their competitors and even the royal comes in at a heavy reduction. We've maybe got really low expectations having only Cruised with Marella but we're really happy at least :D Maybe next time we'll try the explorer but that atrium on discovery is such a great selfie spot 🤣 Thanks for the fantastic overview and we'll be sure to try the afternoon tea!

[@sailawaymag]

Hello, thanks for your comment! Marella are great - they offer unbelievable value. The afternoon tea is amazing, can't believe you don't hear more about it! All the best :)

[@lynnehicks5048]

Never cruised with Marella but after watching this video will definitely be considering it 😎 So informative and easy to listen to

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Lynne, thanks for your comment! Marella Cruises are definitely worth a punt, if you can find a cruise for the right price. Always nice to know that everything is included in your cruise fare; flights, transfers, tips, food and inclusive drinks!

[@garethforster5430]

Loved this one Boys! Great to have a comparison of both sets of the Marella Twins! While I,ce cruised on Explorer lots of times, never yet done Disco but on Disco 2 for Electric Sunsets in May and then Disco for treasures of the Med before returning to Explorer for a repo cruise at the end of October, so it will really be interesting to see the difference. Really hope I'm going to enjoy Disco as I'm doing a two week USA Itinerary on her the following year but hopefully cabins will be refurbed by then. The one thing I really like about the explorer ships is the Champneys health spa, nothing more relaxing than taking a sauna at sea! Like yourselves I was not a great fan of the buffet, it was fine for afternoon tea otherwise just used it for a couple of late breakfasts on days where I was so hungover from the night before, I did not make it in time to Latitude!!! Entertainment and shows were far better than anything I'd experienced on P&O, the only other cruise line I've travelled with. Overall though I'm very happy with the marella experience and the crews are so genuinely lovely and friendly and make you feel so welcome onboard.

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Gareth! I think you’ll like Discovery. Yes we had some snags, mostly to do with the cabins but I feel reassured that they’re going to have a new lease of life come October. The rest of the ship was immaculate, particular the pool areas - they looked brand new! Explorer certainly does have an amazing spa - we would have done a spa day if they were offering it, but they were only offering 1 hour slots when we went charged at £15 an hour so we gave it a miss. With regards to main dining and the buffets, the food doesn’t blow me away - but as I said, people need to bear in mind what they paid.! We go to speciality’s most nights, and feel as though it ensures a better overall cruise experience. And the way we look at it, we’re not paying for drinks or tips, so why not spend our money on the better restaurants. Marella is so much better than people like to make out, which is a shame. We went on Queen Mary 2 in Nov 21 - it was a lot of money, and we laughed because Cunard sell their selves as being the top banana in luxury ocean travel, and yet Service, condition of the ship, entertainment etc was much better on Marella! There’s a lot of snobbery out there, but a lot of it isn’t justified in our opinion.

[@pauldupre8894]

I’ve been on both ships and much prefer the discovery class of ships, less shops but a proper atrium and a indoor pool

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching Paul! Have you got any cruises lined up on the discovery class?!

[@pauldupre8894]

@@sailawaymag not yet , my next cruise is with virgin cruises in November going from Dubai to Singapore

[@sailawaymag]

Amazing! We’re still yet to do Virgin so would be intrigued to know your thoughts after the cruise! 😀

[@pauldupre8894]

@@sailawaymag I heard both good and bad things about virgin, I’ve only ever been with Marella and I know what I get from them.

[@malcolmmckenzie9027]

I greatly appreciate your heavily fact based vlogs. It’s good your subscriber numbers are deservedly increasing. Years ago as a family we cruised on Thomson cruises ships - great for families but quite small in comparison. As someone who enjoys burning off calories and getting exercise with a decent swim I always appreciate a pool that has fresh water that is heated. From memory I think the Princess ships have this but a surprising number of modern ships still use unheated seawater - even in the winter months! I wish I new before booking which ships used fresh water!

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you Malcolm - well we enjoy making them for you! With regards to fresh water pools, I agree. I much prefer swimming in a fresh water pool, but they seem to be less common nowadays. Most American ships don’t desalinate the water in their pools, which is why I was surprised that Anthem of the Seas had fresh water pool’s. And yes, Princess use fresh water -and I always find their pools to be immaculately clean, and heated to a comfortable temperature!

[@debbiehewitson1857]

We had out first cruise in april 23..on discovery 2..was fantastic... ive just booked for November 23.. on explorer. So was nice to get someone's opinion on the 2 different ships..thanx very informative ❤

[@susanburston587]

Good, unbiased verdict on the two ships. We love Marella and to date Discovery is our favourite. Like you we steer clear of Islands, too much going between the islands. We just loved the atrium on Discovery, our go to place for pre dinner drinks. This year we are going on Explorer2 and it looks like this will be quite different, though still enjoyable. ps just love Snack Shack fish and chips

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Susan. Glad you enjoyed it. Don't get us wrong, we loved Discovery - we just think we'll love her even more once she's had her cabin renovation. Island's was pretty poor, but I'm not going to let one onboard venue taint the ship overall; because she is great in lot's of other ways. Yes, the fish and chips were really great. Love the convenience of the Snack Shack - often you can't be bothered to dry off and go indoors to get something to eat can you?! We're looking at going on Marella Explorer 2 sometime this year - heard lot's of great things about her. I look forward to hearing what you make of her :)

[@norfolkboy6935]

Really good comparison guys. It would be down to the itinerary for us as both class of ships offer something different. You won’t get champagne for beer money but what you do get is tremendous value for money. Thanks 🙏👍

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comment, as ever - it really is appreciated! That's fair, everyone is different - some people are all about the ship, others place more emphasis on the destination. On your latter point, I totally agree. It's all about adjusting your expectations! Do that, and I don't see how you could be disappointed.

[@dansrules]

They are both my favourite! How could you possibly make me choose between two amazing ships!

[@sailawaymag]

They are both very different, but ultimately have positives and negatives! We loved Discovery, but couldn’t help but like the homely feel we got from Explorer. I also have an attachment to her on an emotional level as I worked on her for 6 months during the pandemic.

[@dansrules]

I enjoy a homely feeling from a ship so I’d probably pick explorer however I do enjoy do a ship with more to do like the golf! I’ve got some thinking to do!

[@sailawaymag]

@@dansrules Explorer does have a mini golf, but it tiny! Withered also a basketball/tennis course and a dreaded ping pong table!!

[@JTswansea]

I’ve been on both , just arrived home from E2. Both are great. The spectacular situation of E2 main dining room is a massive plus. But the D2 extra indoor pool situ is the winner for me. So D2 wins …. Just

[@sailawaymag]

Yeah there isn’t much in it for me - they’re both great classes of ship. My in laws are going to the Adriatic on MEx2 next month, they’ve never done Marella before and they’re going on my recommendation. Hope they like it, I’m a big fan!

[@christinacannon94]

Great video as always jay! Both ships look amazing it’s hard to choose!

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comments Christina! Means a lot :)

[@colindudley2241]

We loved Dizzy 2 especially Bar 11 in the evening with the panoramic views. We had a balcony cabin which was adequate but i agree a little dated. One of our friends who was with us (cabin next door) described it as being in a large luxury caravan....perhaps a little harsh. But we did get the partition removed between the balconies , so we could all sit together outside. But overall we loved the upgraded premium package for drinks which although the standard package was perfectly adequate the peace of mind that we could order anything (including cans of soda which we often got a couple of cans for the cabin, as opposed to fountain soda and of course the drinks from the coffee port) made our cruise care free. I sampled some fantastic Brandy and Cognacs which were top shelf. Yes, tips are included and there are certainly no waiters or bar staff with their hands out, we did like to leave a few dollars (we were in the Caribbean) for good service in the restaurants which was really appreciated and we were recognised after a few times as "tippers" so the service was even better, but I really don't think you have to tip to get good service. Remember these guys have been going through some tough times during the pandemic, so whats a few dollars (I probably spent 75-90 dollars in tips during a weeks cruise), but this was my personal choice. I agree that the specialty restaurants are really top class (probably the best curry i have ever had, and i have had a few....) and you can still get your all inclusive drinks in both of these even though you pay extra for the meal. For those who look down their noses at Marella, let them, it keeps space for us who enjoy good service and value. Remember, the beaches and ports you visit are the same whatever ship you are on.

[@sailawaymag]

Couldn’t have put it better myself Colin! Thanks for watching :)

[@kite9039]

What's the prices of the meals like in the chargeable restaurants please?

[@iangill8984]

Cruised many times on Thomson then Marella, also a few times P&O and Royal Caribbean plus a few others. Value for money sums it it up. I think the main thing is to go and enjoy the cruise for what it is, do not compare it with other ships unless you are willing to compare total cost. Do not worry about things you wont use, think about things like theatres - many of the very large ships have relatively small theatres where you have to book a seat in advance. I totally agree with Jay, give Marella a chance but go with an open mind. Just so you know we have a Princess cruise booked for Autumn because it goes where we want to go, we were looking at a Celebrity cruise in May but decided St Petersburg and Baltic states may not be a wise choice at the moment!!

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Ian! I like all cruise lines, I think they all offer things that others don’t! I’m a massive fan of Princess and Celebrity - but like Marella because it offers incredible value for money, and find their ships more homely. I hear so many people jump to the conclusion that Marella is for a “lower class” of person - and that annoys us. Truth be told, we’ve met some of the nicest people on Marella - and haven’t found it to be a “booze cruise” anymore than when we go on other cruise lines. I love a Baltic cruise, but I agree - probably not the best cruise at the moment eh!

[@cliffgniliaw9642]

Now we have seen this video would not of thought of going on Marella cruise but after watching this will seriously consider it

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks Cliff! Really appreciate it :)

[@joannmonaghan3827]

Haven’t cruised for years but went on Voyager the maiden cruise 3rd June. We had an exec suite which was fabulous. All inclusive was generous. I take what you say about food but as a plain eater and food not being my main concern it was fine. We did eat ashore in France where you can’t find a bad meal. We also ate speciality which was very good. We didn’t take excursions so it worked out cheaper anyway. Med cruises are great for just getting off in port and exploring near by, that’s the great thing about smaller ships they can dock in the old ports. Entertainment was great we had speciality acts brought on board. Boys life and Paul Daniels son plus a fabulous Dusty Springfield tribute singer she was really good. The Ships cast put on some amazing musical shows really west end. I was surprised at the huge difference between Thomson and Tui very impressed for the price. I have sailed RC P and O and Princess much more expensive and I preferred Tui as it was aimed at the British market. Booked Discovery 2 for September. It was Legend of the Seas which I sailed back in the 90s when she was new and one of the biggest at that time. The new ships are too big. I sailed Anthem of the seas last year it was wow but I had my daughter and grandchildren which had everything for all ages. As a couple the smaller more intimate ships are best.

[@sailawaymag]

Hey, thanks so much for watching and commenting! So glad you had a good time with Marella, they really do offer good value for money, specially when compared to other cruise lines! What ports will you be visiting in September?! ☺️

[@beverley6312]

Love watching your videos. So interesting and so much helpful information! Thank you

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you! Glad you find our videos helpful?Which ship would you prefer to go on? :)

[@beverley6312]

I mostly sail with P&O or Royal Caribbean. Have to admit that I have always thought of Marella as lower class. However my opinion has changed since watching your videos and I am now very tempted!!! Can’t choose between them tho as both look lovely 😊

[@mattreed7176]

Very good lads, Marella is by far the better cruise line for all round quality.

[@iangill8984]

A further comment, we are off to the Med on Explorer 2 in May. it keeps coming back to Itineray, convenience, value for money. Another difference between Explorer and Discovery class ships is the Dining Club which is very good. Here is an odd point, if I walked on to a pier and saw a Discovery and Explorer tied up together I would choose a Discovery ship on appearance, they are prettier.When it comes to getting a card out with 16 digits and parting with money, well that is a different kettle of fish. And following on from my last post, we are not going to St Petersburg!!

[@alanklein1777]

Just returned from Discovery on 20/1/23......Outside cabin with window......Cabins still very tired.....But had a fabulous holiday..

[@sailawaymag]

Oh really, have they not revamped them?? That was the plan...

[@charlottemarney8113]

Because of this video , I have made mind up to go on my first cruise. Cheers 😁

[@sailawaymag]

Hey Charlotte, thank you so much for watching, and we’re glad we was able to help you choose! Which once have you decided to go for!? 😀

[@charlottemarney8113]

@@sailawaymag Explorer 🤞

[@sailawaymag]

Good choice!! Let us know how you get on!! 😀

[@markhenry1530]

We've just booked on explorer 2 for Christmas 2023 I really do hope all of the refurbishments have finished by then, we are however looking forward to it.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for watching Mark! Dan’s parents returned from MEx2 a few months ago and they had a fantastic time! Apparently only cabins we’re looking a bit tired - but generally the ship was very clean and well maintained! Hope you have a great time :)

[@quicksesh]

simply put - the Discovery class were built for being 'resort party' boats for RCI where as all of the Explorer class were built for a more sophisticated market - this shows very much in their layout and build.

[@sailawaymag]

Yes, we would agree. I think we prefer the Explorer-class, but each to their own :)

[@MaryWilson-bc6rc]

Great comparison video, we have been on Discovery and loved it but after watching your video think we should now give Explorer a try. Thank you

[@sailawaymag]

You’re more than welcome Mary. Explorer is a great ship, very excited to try Voyager too when she joins the fleet :)

[@sarawoods9838]

Really enjoyed this video, after watching lots of reviews you guys have swayed me towards marella, hoping to book soon 😀 thank you and hope you hit 1000 subscribers soon 🤞👏

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks so much Sara! Glad you enjoy our videos and we’ve persuaded you to try Marella! Let us know what you end up going for :)

[@cabottaxi]

Just been on the Explorer on a 14 night cruise. Was great helped by the wonderful Dara from Bali who works in the Lattitude restaurant. However we have also been on the Discovery twice to the Far East and Barbados and prefer it as it has a better adults only section at the rear of the ship and the glass covered pool is fantastic when the weather takes a turn . Agreed about the rooms but Discovery going in for a refurb end of 2022 and looking forward to a cruise around New York and the Caribbean.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comment and feedback! It’s nice to read a different opinion! We like Discovery, and we feel that she seems to offer more in the way of destinations and itinerary! Explorer is the ship for us, but we look forward to travelling on Discovery again after her refit! All the best :)

[@peterlee6745]

Great Vid Guys .Same Old Same U Get What U Pay Four .We Find Maralla is The BEST 4 US Been on Ex 2 and Discovery .And P/O FOUND Marella the Better

[@sailawaymag]

Hey Peter, thanks for watching! Have you got any cruises planned for later in the year on Marella!? 😀

[@peterlee6745]

@@sailawaymag On in 2023 in July . 1st time on Marella Ex/ and in Dec as Well . done 3 on Ex 2 Thanks Guys

[@belong53]

Thankyou, im looking forward to my Discovery relocation cruise at the end of Oct 22

[@sailawaymag]

Hope you have a fantastic time, Russ!

[@sandraheaton4929]

We've done many cruises on different cruise lines but we always go back to marella the last cruise we did was on explora 2 transatlantic crossing we enjoyed it but we did feel something missing we've 2 cruises booked 1 on discovery 1 on discovery 2 we've never sailed on discovery 2 but we know we will enjoy with already sailed on her sister ship when we was on explora 2 in 2019 we bumped into a couple who had sailed on discovery like us & they felt like us that the ship had something missing the atrium on discovery ship did it for us it's absolutely stunning where on marella explora 2 is missing the atrium, we both are really looking forward to our first Christmas & New Yr on the discovery ship as our work have always stopped us from Christmas 🎄 cruising

[@cabottaxi]

Been on the Discovery twice at Xmas / New Year and it is fantastic. Amazing countdown to New Year

[@sandraheaton4929]

@@cabottaxi we are so looking forward to Christmas & the new year on the ship 🎄🎉🎉🍺🍹🍾 we know it will be amazing we've made many friends on the cruises we all still keep in touch

[@stephenrichardson7477]

We have sailed on explorer and explorer 2 and have loved both sailing on discovery 2 in march and will be able to form an option then but never had a bad cruise with Marella

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Stephen, thanks for watching! We haven't had a bad cruise with them either. Looking at booking a cruise on Marella Voyager this year :)

[@mtelectrical8068]

Thanks for a fab video.. we are planning on going next year. Are the pools heated?

[@aryan9827]

Unfortunately they are not heated

[@grahampugh7157]

Been on both these ships in the last 6 months and agree Market place worst Marella cruise ships ever for self serve

[@jenniferwalker4567]

Also loved your comparison video. ❤️

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks Jennifer! :)

[@Didderly]

I have done over 40 Tui cruises. The last one April this year on Ex 2 was an 18 night one. It was the worst food ever on any of the other cruises I have done. So bad I decided enough was enough for me an them. I am looking as I type this and their prices have almost doubled which is laughable for the muck they have served us. Anyhow, just my view. Good video though.

[@sailawaymag]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, we have to say there was rooms for improvement regarding food on our recent Marella Voyager cruise, but we will dive more into that in this Sundays Voyager review video! 😅

[@studor6515]

It depends what you are looking for. I have been on both and explorer beats discovery by a mile.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comment. We agree, it all depends what you are looking for :)

[@grahampugh7157]

Would be better if Broadway shows had ramps not steps, many people have walking disabilities and don’t need more hazards to contend with in low light

[@pauldupre8894]

I’ve been on both and much prefer discovery, proper atrium, indoor pool.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for sharing your view, Paul! We liked both, but each to their own as they say :)

[@davidknox5929]

absolutely agree.

[@kathryndalton9867]

The only thing they wouldn't do was swap our room for disabled as a mistake was made. My boyfriend died 6 months later but he had to spend the entire week with head on his wheelchair and legs on bed from the end of the bed and had to ask for help to sit him up come morning then struggle through the door. Another man who could walk round his bed and folded his wheelchair all time was I I the cabin I'm sure we should've had wider door room either side of bed

[@sailawaymag]

Oh Kathryn, we're ever so sorry to read about the passing of your boyfriend :( it also sounds totally wrong that Marella did nothing to help you in that situation - did they give you a reason as to why they wouldn't swap your cabin?

[@kathryndalton9867]

@@sailawaymag no they never gave a reason. I assumed it was a full ship and they didn't want to ask the other person to swap. I love cruising and my friend and I are booked on Marella for next year. Great holidays

[@davidknox5929]

Both have their strengths and weaknesses.eg Explorer entertainment not as good as on Discovery 2 but cabins better.Food equal tho'

[@sailawaymag]

Yes, we would probably agree with those observations David! We loved both ships, but for us Explorer had the edge ever so slightly. Looking forward to trying Discovery again at some point, now she has had need cabins fitted!

[@jackwilson7502]

Are the October 2022 discovery interior refits for all cabins or just the deluxe with balcony?

[@sailawaymag]

No, All cabins, all grades will be refurbished fully!

[@Brennanwarren12]

If your package comes with the standard drinks package can you upgrade to premium when on the ship?

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Brennan, yes - you can upgrade to premium usually in the first two days onboard as far as we are aware!

[@nbeedham1]

Discovery every time,

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comment Nigel! We hope to go on Discovery again soon, would be good to see how she is after her refit!

[@davidknox5929]

abs accurate!

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comment David!

[@kite9039]

How bad could I get sea sick on this ship please?

[@sailawaymag]

Sea sickness can happen on any ship, but I've only ever had it on a cargo ship. Both ships are fully stabilised, and the captain and officers will do their best to avoid areas of low pressure and swell to make your time on board more comfortable. Enjoy!

[@ATouchofLiz]

Is this a paid review? Did they invite you on both? Please let me know. I want to know because I’ve come across some videos which they give the review but they’ve been invited, so you are not going to trash talk and tell the whole truth. I quickly unsubscribe from people who do this because it’s no use for me, I’m not getting an honest review. I’m sorry if it sounds rude, I’m not attacking I’m just asking.

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Liz. I can confirm we were not paid by Marella, or any cruise line for our opinions and content. We have never been invited by Marella, but even for cruise lines that have invited us onto cruises, we make it clear from the outset that we will be honest in our critique of their ships. The focus of our channel is helping people make the right choices in booking a cruise. We’re big fans of Marella though, as we feel that they offer fantastic value for money :)

[@marsharoberts1469]

Are thee cruises good for 13 year olds

[@sailawaymag]

Hello Marsha. Being smaller ships, there isn't the facilities you get on the larger ships, however there was a pretty decent children's club on both vessels - however I would recommend the Discovery class over Explorer, as its more of a family friendly ship in our opinion.

[@captureyourmoments3714]

Can anyone tell me how much to buy champagne on any of the two, going in march carribean

[@sailawaymag]

Haven't got a clue I'm afraid. The premium drinks package includes champagne by the glass though!

[@mickthompson584]

Explorer is a very poor second to the Discovery ships, Explorer2 is not bad but Explorer, nah never again for me.

[@sailawaymag]

Thanks for your comment. Sorry to read you did'nt have a great experience on Explorer!

[@Andy-kf4rd]

Been on discovery 2 and explorer. discovery was way better ex royal caribbean.vs ex celebrity.if you ask me explorer should have been scrapped during covid.a horrible ship it rattled more than a snake.at night it moaned and groaned even though the sea was calm never again on this ship.we and other passengers were saying the same thing in that you cant polish a t___ no matter how much money you throw at it

[@charlieestevenn]

Can’t wait to sail on the discovery. Gutted that the renovation is happening in October 2022, I’m going in August!

[@sailawaymag]

Aahh what a shame. The cabins were tired, however they were exceptionally clean and the bathrooms were freshly tiled. The rest of the ship is immaculate though, and lets face it - you'll probably be out of your cabin exploring most of the time anyway. Hope you have an amazing time when you go in August!

[@charlieestevenn]

@@sailawaymag thanks mate :)