Discover what it’s really like to stay in a Marella Explorer 2 inside cabin, from how much space you get to the features you’ll find inside.
Thinking of booking a Marella cruise but not sure which cabin to choose? With options ranging from cosy insides to luxury suites, it’s not always an easy decision.
As I’ve not cruised with Marella yet, I asked my friend Keith – from @cruisingwithkeithymcdonald – to share what it was really like staying in an inside cabin on Marella Explorer 2, the cruise lines adult-only ship.
A little bit about Marella Explorer 2
The Marella Explorer 2 joined the Marella fleet back in 2019 and spends her time sailing some pretty amazing itineraries around Cuba, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
She’s the only ship in the fleet that’s exclusively for adults, which makes her a great pick for couples, solo travellers, or groups of friends who prefer a more laid-back vibe at sea.
With 19 bars and restaurants, you’ll never be short of places to eat or grab a drink. There’s an open pool deck with hot tubs, an open-air cinema for movie nights under the stars, and even a Champneys Spa if you fancy a bit of pampering while you’re on board.
The cabins feel modern and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage and a comfortable, relaxed feel — whether you’re travelling solo or sharing with someone else.
Over to Keith…
Joining Marella Explorer 2 in Barbados
I joined Marella Explorer 2 in Bridgetown, Barbados for a week-long cruise around the Caribbean. With such warm and sunny destinations on the itinerary, I decided to book an inside cabin. I knew I’d be out exploring most of the time — the Caribbean isn’t the place to stay indoors!
As I was travelling solo, I was allocated cabin 8208. While these cabins are sold as “inside solos,” they’re actually standard double cabins converted for single occupancy. That didn’t bother me though, it was perfect for my needs.
First impressions: Marella Explorer 2 inside cabin review
The cabin felt much more spacious than I expected for an inside room. There was loads of storage, and the layout made good use of the space.
The large double bed (two singles pushed together) took up most of the room, with small bedside units on each side. Each had drawers, lamps, and USB ports for charging my phone and tablet.
Behind the bed was a large three-panel mirror, which helped make the room feel lighter and more open. Overall, it felt modern, tidy, and comfortable.
Cabin layout and storage
Storage space was excellent. The cabin had much more storage space than the similar cabin I stayed in on Marella Discovery last year. Two big wardrobes offered plenty of hanging space, and inside there were several shelves and drawers for folded clothes.
The dressing table also had multiple drawers. On top of it were tea and coffee-making facilities, a kettle, cups, and a plug socket. Perfect for a morning cuppa while getting ready.
Bathroom and amenities
The bathroom was on the small side but completely fine for me. The walk-in shower had a glass door (thankfully, no shower curtain here!) and there was enough shelving for toiletries.
Other cabin features included a hairdryer, a safe, and a flat-screen TV. Everything worked as expected, and the cabin was spotless throughout the week.
Overall thoughts on the inside cabin
For me, the inside cabin on Marella Explorer 2 ticked all the boxes. It was comfortable, quiet, and had everything I needed for a week at sea. Since I spent most of my time enjoying the ship and exploring in port, I didn’t miss having a balcony at all.
I’d definitely book the same type of cabin again, it’s great value, especially for solo travellers like me.
The last word
A huge thank you to Keith for sharing his experience of sailing on Marella Explorer 2. It’s always so helpful to hear first-hand from someone who’s been there, especially if you’re still deciding which cabin to book.
I love how honest his review is, and it’s given me a much better idea of what to expect when I eventually try Marella myself. Hopefully, it’s helped you too.
If you’d like to see more from Keith, make sure to check out his instagram – @cruisingwithkeithymcdonald.