Marella Explorer Review
Rating by category
Additional details
We chose this cruise because my wife's bucket included waning to see the Northern lights. It didn't disappoint. However there are only a few days during the cruise when this is possible. This is when the ship is inside the Atric circle. ( only 3 day on this itinery) you also need the right weather conditions & they are only visible for a few hours ( normally between about 10pm & 2am).
Our departure port was Southampton & we used Intercruise coaches as transport to the port from Cheshire. I would highly recommend them they were punctual & extremely well appointed on both journeys.
Our cabin was 1045 with a large balcony. PLEASE AVOID. The cabin is well appointed & spacious. However it is situated just below an extractor outlet from the Mediterranean restaurant. This caused a horrible acrid oily fat smell to drift onto the balcony when in port & into the room when the door was open. We complained twice & nothing was done.
Cabin Review
AVOID...Spacious with large balcony. But there is a constant awful oil chip fat smell that comes from an extraction fan above the cabin. This made the option of sitting on the balcony...not an option. Only time it wasn't there was when the ship was at sea. The smell was so strong that when you opened the balcony door it came into the cabin.
Port Reviews
Olden
Used the local sightseeing bus. Which is parked right adjacent to the cruise port. Much cheaper than the TUI alternative & runs every 20 minutes.. whole trip took just over the hour and was £22 pp.