Marella Cruises has just revealed its Explorer 2 ship will be adult-only when it launches in May 2019, offering 11 new itineraries and seven ports of call from next summer..
The line has stated this is when it will become an all-inclusive fleet, including transfers and tips in the price of every guests cruise.
Marella Dream and Marella Celebration will also be joining the rest of the fleet in becoming all-inclusive as standard
The decision to go all inclusive is expected to appeal to passengers who are younger and new to cruising too, Marella has stated.
Managing Director of Marella Cruises Chris Hackney said: “We are really pleased to announce Marella Explorer 2 as an adults-only ship from next summer, sailing from our brand new home port of Naples, offering customers yet more choice and flexibility.
We continue to look at ways to offer something different to our current customers who have come to enjoy our ships and friendly service on-board and those who may be thinking about booking a cruise for the first time.”
Marella Explorer 2 will feature new cabin types, including the 102 metres squared Royal Suite where occupants will be able to use a separate bedroom, dressing room, dining area and a whirlpool bath.
40% of the 907 cabins onboard will have balconies whilst it will be the first ship in the fleet to be exclusive to adults.
Marella has commented that the popularity of adult-only sailings from Dubrovnik and the Asia itineraries for winter 2018 prompted the decision to offer an adult-only ship.
The vessel will be tailored to meet the needs of couples and groups by doubling the size of its sunbathing area, called The Veranda, featured on the Marella Explorer.
There will also be a number of brand new shows and popular dining venues including Kora-La, Shake Shack and Surf and Turf including recognised bars Aperitif, Squid and Anchor.
The new ship will also offer a stand out entertainment programme on-board courtesy of entertainment provider ‘ted’ along with a luxurious Champneys Spa which will launch first on Marella Explorer this year, offering a variety of indulging treatments.
Hackney continued: “We have a fantastic diverse range of destinations on offer, with a real focus on the best hidden secrets of the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. We expect our Cruise & Stay offering to continue to prove popular especially for the new to cruise market.”
Marella Cruises will also offer 11 new itineraries, such as Cities and Ice, Idyllic Italia and Secrets of the Mediterranean, and seven new ports of call next summer across its fleet.
Skagen in Denmark, Castellon in Spain, Alta in Norway and and Santa Margherita in Italy will all be included in the line’s itineraries for the very first time.
Marella Explorer 2 will be based at a new homeport of Naples with itineraries to include stops in Venice, Rome and Dubrovnik and the summer 2019 programme will go on sale on April 5th.
Hackney commented further: “We continue to look at ways to offer something different to our current customers who have come to enjoy our ships and friendly service onboard and those who may be thinking about booking a cruise for the first time.”
The planned transfer of Mein Schiff 1 to Marella Cruises as Marella Explorer in May is unaffected, with the UK line also introducing its 2019 itineraries on April 5th.
The vessel previously operated as Celebrity Galaxy as a sister ship to Century and Mercury, first entering service at the end of 1996.
The US cruise giant said: “Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Ctrip announced today that they are ending the SkySea Cruise Line joint venture.
“Tui AG’s Marella Cruises has agreed to purchase Golden Era, with delivery expected in December 2018.
“As a result of this transaction, Tui Cruises will now retain Mein Schiff 2 in its fleet, rather than selling it to Marella Cruises, giving Tui Cruises increased capacity in the strong German market.
“After the sale of Golden Era, it is expected that SkySea will wind down its business operations before the end of 2018.
“The companies expect that favourable business conditions in China and elsewhere will allow them to absorb most SkySea employees into available positions at RCL and Ctrip.
“Through its Royal Caribbean International brand, RCL will continue to serve the Chinese market, with the largest fleet deployment in the region and a strong collaborative relationship with Ctrip.”
What do you think of today’s news? Are you glad Marella Explorer 2 will be adult-only? Will this make you sail with them? Leave us your thoughts and comment…
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