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Marella Explorer was launched in May 2018 and debuted a number of new-to-the-fleet features, including a link-up with upmarket health spa Champneys (the first at sea), a raft of brand-new restaurants, a gin- and whisky-tasting bar and a large number of new shows. Familiar facilities, such as The Veranda adults-only terrace and Broadway Show Lounge, are bigger, as is the spa. (However, despite boasting the largest spa in the fleet, there's no indoor pool.)
Aimed squarely at the British market, the vessel is easily manageable for first-timers, with plenty of entertainment for families with kids (despite the fact there is a tiny kids' club) and enough standout and high-end facilities -- including upmarket eateries and a high-tech top-deck disco/bar/casino -- to keep the most seasoned cruisers happy.
Like the fleet as a whole, the ship is billed all-inclusive (in that alcohol and tips are included), and you'll find buckets full of cold beer outside the theatre and on the deck, as well as beer and wine dispensers in the buffet. However, should you wish a more "premium" experience, there is a number of excellent restaurants that carry a cover charge.
Marella inspires loyalty with its long-serving staff and repeat passengers from the line's days as Thomson. The line knows its clientele thoroughly, inside and out -- exactly what they need and want.
And, in the case of this ship, Marella has even anticipated what passengers might not yet know they need or want with a number of first-time additions. This ship is an outstanding addition to the Marella fleet. The ship is casual during the day -- think shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops -- due to its locations (summer in the Med and winter in the Caribbean). In the evenings, it's smart casual. One night on a seven-night cruise is "Dress to Impress" night, which has replaced gala evenings or formal nights. There's no real guidance on this, though most people opt for a jacket and smart trousers or (non-ripped) jeans for men and a dress and perhaps heels for women.
Theatre. The Broadway Show Lounge (Deck 6) holds 860 people and is designed in a classic style, meant to reflect 1920s glamour. Marella has invested a lot of time and effort in ensuring the shows are top class, with leading English entertainment company, Ted. And there is a huge variety, most of them exploring different musical genres from soul (Soul Awards) to retro performances like Festival, a look back at music festivals of the '70s; Bud's Diner, a '60s tribute; classic rock (Rockology) and Cogs (classic '70s sounds) and movie themes. The onboard performers are great dancers, though vocal abilities vary tremendously. In peak holiday times you'll also find a short show for kids -- CSI (Cruise Ship Investigation).
Daily Fun. There is a Cinema on Deck 6 which shows family-friendly films during the day as well as sporting fixtures and some health seminars. There is a Gamers Lounge on Deck 8 with video games. The entertainment crew are up on the pool deck in the central podium pretty well all day organizing pool games, activities and fun competitions. They also host the sail-away. You'll also find live music up here during the day. The Squid & Anchor plays host to bingo, quizzes and sports fixtures every afternoon. Shuffleboard and sports competitions take place on Deck 6 and the Sports Court (Deck 11), respectively.
At Night. The sail-away party takes place twice a cruise up on the Pool Deck. There is also a White Party once a cruise. You'll find live music every evening in The Lounge and the Squid & Anchor. Karaoke takes place in the Squid & Anchor at least twice a seven-day cruise. The small casino is adjacent to the Indigo dance floor, and is part of the nightclub complex.
Bars & Lounges.
53 (Deck 5): Just outside Latitude 53, this small bar is conveniently placed for a pre-dinner drink.
The Lounge (Deck 6): The Lounge is a large area whose centerpiece is a bright pink grand piano on a raised stage where you can listen to live music. It's a real wow space with funky ring-shaped seats and a colour-changing feature bar.
Squid & Anchor (Deck 7): This huge bar takes up a large chunk of the back of Deck 7 and includes an outdoor smoking area. There is a very big serving area at one end, a central area for dancing and lots of seating. There is also a smaller bar called the Gin & Whisky Tasting Bar, which just serves those spirits. The "tasting" as it is, allows you to choose various gins and mixers and sample and discuss it with the bartender. You just have to book as it's included. At one end is a stage for karaoke, live bands and when the live band is not playing, a screen showing a virtual band. The screen also shows sporting events such as big football matches. You'll also find quiz nights taking place in here.
Apertif (Deck 7): More of a space than a room, this is an ideal spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink as it's just outside Kora La and Surf & Turf. There is a bar itself just outside the two restaurants and lots of seating space beside the windows all along the corridor leading to it. There is also a large raised table where wine tasting takes place.
Mediterranean Bar/Mediterranean Terrace (Deck 11): This bar serves the Mediterranean Restaurant and is both indoor and outdoor, with plenty of seating.
Pool Bar (Deck 11): The pool deck bar serving cocktails, beers and wine, or you can just grab a cold one from the buckets nearby.
The Shack (Deck 12): A deck bar (above the main pool deck), serving frozen cocktails.
Indigo Bar, Club and Casino (Deck 12): This is a huge bar slash casino slash nightclub right up on the top deck, taking up most of the front of the ship. The main bar serves up some very inventive cocktails -- G & Tea Time (gin and tonic served in a tea cup and saucer), Great Balls of Fire (a whisky served in a smoke-filled box), and Nagasaki Sour, an electric yellow drink served in a huge glass. The bar also hosts cocktail-making classes with the help of Britain's Got Talent runners-up, The Bar Wizards (who came up with the menu). It's a great spot, always buzzy, with plenty of seating all around the outside. In the centre, you'll find the dance floor with a raised stage for The Emulator, an interactive touch screen DJ deck. There is also a smaller bar here. Once a cruise you can take part (or just watch) the silent disco. And on the port (left) side is a small casino with slot machines, roulette and card tables.
Pools. There are just three pools, two main ones on the Pool Deck and a third kids-only splash pool at the aft of Deck 9. The two main pools are both saltwater and unheated. One is adults only. Both are a decent size and quite deep, with shallow sides. There are no lifeguards on duty. There are three hot tubs at one end and a central podium in the centre, where entertainment staff do their thing.
Deck space fills up quickly, with people grabbing their poolside deck chair early. This whole area is jam-packed on a sea day and when everyone is back from excursions. There is music, entertainment and live music on and off all day. Plus, the outdoor screen is here, showing movies during the day and in the evening.
On Deck 12, which overlooks the Pool Deck, you'll find more deck chair space, but note that the jogging track is here too, which is not ideal for either joggers or sunbathers.
The splash pool is just behind the kids club, but is not run by the kids club. It is a small freshwater pool with a little slide and can be used by kids under supervision only.
Recreation is a little limited for a ship this big, wth really just two spots -- a sports court and mini-golf. You'll find both on Deck 12 on the "Family Deck". The former is a basketball court, where you can also play mini-football and is also used by the M Club for organised kids activities. The latter is a seven hole putting course on the opposite side. You'll also find a ping pong table up here.
Sun Decks. There is an adults-only sun deck on Deck 14 at the front, The Veranda, which is free. There are plenty of sun loungers with call buttons to order your drinks and it's a lot quieter up here (you can still hear the music, but it's not as loud). In addition, there are a number of couples' cabanas which you can rent for £99/day (£289 for seven days). Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Services. Everything you'll need in terms of services is on Deck 5 midships, and the decks directly above. Deck 5 has Reception and the Shore Excursions office. Deck 6 has Future Cruise Sales, the Photographers Gallery and the Photo Studio. Deck 7 has the Broad Street shops, where you'll find an essentials shop, a logo shop, duty free, handbags and watches. And on Deck 8 you will find a small library, with a limited supply of books. There are no self-service laundry rooms on Explorer, but a bag of clothes washed and folded and back the next day will set you back £14.95. The Medical Centre is on Deck 4. Explorer has bow to stern Wi-Fi which is fast and reasonably priced (for longer packages). 1 hour = £8; 1 day = £15; 3 days = £25; 1 week = £49; 2 weeks = £90.
Spa. Marella has teamed up with one of the UK's best-known spa brands, Champneys, to offer the first Champneys at sea. The spa and gym take up the whole of the front of Deck 11.
The spa was largely inherited from TUI Cruises, but Champneys have put their own stamp on it and, of course, given it a complete refresh. And the vast thermal suite is quite simply, one of the best at sea -- both in terms of facilities and size. There are 13 treatment rooms, including two couples' treatment rooms, some with sea views. There is also a salon for hair, nails and beauty treatments. The lowest-priced treatments are £45 for a body exfoliation, but they are just 25 minutes long. Most of the 55-minute treatments start at £75 and will include a lava shell massage and a Thai massage. The signature £99 Marella massage comes in at 80 minutes. There's a wonderful hammam massage available for £75 for 50 minutes. (It's worth noting that what you see is what you get in terms of price, unlike most US lines where you'll get a service charge and space for an additional tip slapped on). The couples' rooms cost £389 for the day which includes four treatments or £249 for a half-day. There are two, both with floor-to-ceiling windows, a large circular couch, a private sauna and even a small balcony overlooking the bridge!
The main thermal suite has a central shower area with different types of showers (rain showers etc.), two steam rooms -- one dark, one salt; a herbal sauna; two hammam rooms, a rasul room; a dunk bucket room with ice; a relaxation room bathed in blue light and plenty of warmed, tiled seating, including basins for feet bathing. Right across the corridor is the piece de resistance -- an enormous sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows affording beautiful views. Next door is an open air relaxation room (a Champneys additions) with swinging basket chairs and a bit further along, yet another relaxation room, with loungers, waters and teas. It really is outstanding, and extraordinary value and rarely full. The only thing missing -- and it is a big miss -- is the lack of a pool of any sort, thalassotherapy or otherwise. Apparently it was too complicated to install. The thermal suite costs £15 per day (£10 if you are having a treatment) or £77 a week. The spa is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fitness. The fitness centre is on the port side, accessed separately from the spa. It's a good-sized space with six bikes (three recumbent) and six treadmills. There is also a space for weights and a separate room for classes. Classes are all £7 an hour and include "jumpga", freestyle yoga and indoor cycling. Personal training, private Pilates and private yoga sessions are all £65 for 55 minutes. There are free sessions most mornings at the gym, including a sunrise walk and a wake-up workout (consult your Cruise News). There is a jogging track on Deck 12 (11 laps = 1 mile), but you'll have to weave between the deck chairs.
The quality of dining varies considerably. In terms of included restaurants, some of the best food can be found in the buffet and The Mediterranean, while the food in Latitude 53 is variable at best. However, Vista, which adjoins the MDR and specializes in Italian food, is superb. In terms of speciality restaurants, in general they are both good quality and good value, with one exception -- The Dining Club (the most fancy and expensive). There are a number of places you can grab breakfast and lunch including The Mediterranean and the main dining room. Waiters make a point of always asking about dietary needs before every meal and menu items are highlighted.
Latitude 53 (Decks 5 and 6): The Main Dining Room (so called because the latitude is where the ship was constructed, in Papenburg, Germany), is a traditional, double-deck space with a grand, sweeping staircase and lovely big windows at the aft, which flood the space with light. However, it is not traditional in the sense that there are no fixed times and although you can make a reservation, otherwise you just turn up when you want and sit where you want. There are a wide variety of tables, with plenty of two-tops should you not wish to sit with anyone.
In terms of dietary restrictions, there are always vegetarian and gluten-free dishes available, and wait staff always ask ahead of your meal. Service is attentive, but not hugely knowledgeable in terms of food and wine queries, but this may improve with time.
It's open for breakfast, some lunches (check Cruise News, but more often than not it is closed on a sea day) and dinner.
Breakfast: This is sit-down, waiter service. You can opt for a traditional English, with eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, grilled tomato and toast; an omelette, plain or with cheese; or an Express Breakfast, which is a smaller version of the English. In addition there are daily specials such as buttermilk pancakes and poached kippers. There are also juices, freshly baked pastries and cold cuts plus speciality coffees for a fee.
Lunch: Lunch is not served every day (often the restaurant is closed on port days), and much of it reflects what you might find in the buffet. Starters might consist of a smoked salmon dish, a soup and a salad. Mains might consist of fish 'n' chips, beef burger, a chicken dish or a ploughman's. Desserts include mousses, fresh fruit, puddings and cakes.
Dinner: Dinner is a three-course affair, with a starter, main and dessert; however, you can always ask for an additional soup or salad. Starters might include grilled vegetables, a chicken parfait, onion soup, lobster bisque or shrimp cocktail (always available). Portions are small, so it's worth having a fourth course (or fifth). The food is uninspiring, variously described as "bland", "a bit meh" and lacking any real kick. We also question how long ago it had been prepared, as some starters were rather dry and lukewarm.
Mains will include three "always available" dishes: grilled fish of the day, grilled chicken and a vegetarian dish -- roast vegetable and goats cheese tart. The others could be beef Wellington, macaroni cheese and roast duck. Again, portions are tiny (one fillet of fish; one slice of beef), with just a few over-boiled veg, though the fish (Dory family) was tasty.
Desserts will include a mousse, crepes suzette, some lovely pastry dishes, a fruit dish, ice cream and a cheeseboard. There are also some speciality coffees and liqueurs on offer for a small charge (£2.50/£2.90).
The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced with decent wines starting at £16 a bottle; £4 a glass. You'll find plenty of different grape varietals across a number of countries, both New World and Old. Most are priced at £16 or £17 with just a small selection over £20.
Open: 8 to 10 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.
Vista (Deck 5): Vista is a separate space within Latitude 53 which serves exclusively Italian cuisine, which is exceptionally good for a free restaurant. The menu is divided into Primi Piatti (starters) and Secondi Piatti (Mains), but with lots of other options available to turn this into a multicourse meal, including salads, sides, sharing dishes and various different pasta dishes which can be served in smaller portions. Waiters make a real effort, serving extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic for dipping and a freshly made bread basket to start. They are also extremely obliging and helpful in terms of dishes, offering to serve taster and sharing portions. Starters include calamari, meatballs, prosciutto ham and melon and minestrone soup, all of which were delicious. Mains include pasta dishes and various meat dishes, such as slow-cooked lamb, Sicilian beef roll, grilled cod and saltimbocca. Veg dishes include baked aubergine. There is just one dish which has a supplement -- pappardelle carbonara -- made tableside in a giant Parmesan wheel tableside. All of these dishes were cooked to perfection, light, tasty and fresh.
Desserts include Italian classics like tiramisu and gelato as well as Marella's Italia version of bread and butter pudding, which is mouthwatering. All in all, a real treat.
Open 6 to 9 p.m.
Snack Shack (Deck 11): Popular on the previous two ships (Discovery and Discovery 2), this poolside venue serves up hot dogs, burgers and fish 'n' chips, as well as a selection of ready-made sandwiches and fruit pots. There are also the line's signature "shacks", which are brightly painted wooden structures with place names on the outside, that make a nice spot to escape from the sun.
Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Marketplace (Deck 11): The ship's main buffet serves up a solid selection of English favourites throughout the day with two serving areas either side, which mirror each other in terms of food; plus a cooking station at one end. There is plenty of seating either side, including lots of tables by the windows and sit-up tables. It's not a huge space, and the queues do build up at peak times, such as just before or after an excursion, so it's worth timing your arrival outside of these times.
For breakfast, expect bacon, scrambled eggs, poached eggs, toast, baked beans and French toast, as well as porridge, a selection of cereals and yoghurts as well as a healthy section serving fresh fruit and spreads including Marmite. The cooking station serves omelettes to order.
For lunch there is always a roast of some sort, favourites such as bangers and mash, pasta, pizza, soups, grilled fish and roast chicken. You'll also find a selection of interesting salads and cooked meats and cheeses. At the cooking station, there are made-to-order stir-fry dishes, curries or other world foods.
A full afternoon tea is served here, with scones, cakes and delicious sausage rolls!
At dinner you'll find much the same dishes, with perhaps a few slightly fancier options such as beef Wellington and steak.
There are self-serve wine (red and white) and beer dispensers at the drinks stations.
Open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Mediterranean (Deck 11): This is a bit like an extension to The Marketplace buffet, reached just across the lift lobby. It serves a few alternative dishes to the buffet, and provides a much quieter area to eat. It has a glass roof, and on most ships this is likely where the indoor solarium would be. It leads out onto a large outdoor dining space, with a bar. The decor is all primary colours -- reds, blues, greens, yellows -- giving the room a fresh, contemporary feel. The Mediterranean refers to the fact that on one side you'll find fresh pizza slices and cooked-to-order pasta, and on the other is tapas of sorts. The tapas is more of a deli-type serving area, with sandwiches, wraps, small dishes and perhaps one "tapa" in the traditional sense, often paella. All of this is free, though you can, if you wish, order "espetadas", which are Portuguese-style meat skewers for £9.95.
Open: 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Fee Dining
The Dining Club (Deck 5); £34.95/£45: This is the ship's upmarket restaurant, which aims to be gourmet-style dining with a touch of "molecular gastronomy", but unfortunately, though it has all the trappings of this type of cuisine -- playful food presentation, exceptional service, wine pairing -- it doesn't succeed. The food is just not that great; it just doesn't sing and really only surprises with its mediocrity.
The room is just off the main Reception area, and done out in browns and golds and blacks, giving it an elegant look and feel. There are windows running all along one side, with fine views. There are lots of different table sizes and banquette seating, with most of the two-tops alongside the windows.
The lower price is just the food, the higher price is with wine pairing, which is offered on Dress to Impress night only.
It is effectively a three-course menu, not including desserts or amuse-bouche or a palate cleanser.
You choose from the following: warm crawfish gratin or scrambled eggs and caviar. Then it's a soup or salad. Then three main choices: lobster, lamb or a souffle.
The crawfish gratin was hard going: stodgy and salty, it was more like a solidified mousse. The scrambled egg was presented as a hard-boiled egg (that's the twist) with orange "caviar" on top. The caviar was not, rather fish roe -- giant beads that popped full of sea water.
The mushroom soup was beautifully presented, with a dollop of foam and then the soup poured around the bowl. The salade gourmande was a mess: great pieces of tough, overcooked duck in a fragile papery case, with no real evidence of salad at all. This was a huge missed opportunity: a few slices of tender, rare roast duck and some actual greens would have transformed this dish.
For the mains, the lobster a la nage was tasty, but again, lost in the leeks and spinach; the lamb was encrusted in so much pepper it was inedible.
Desserts consisted of The Igloo, a block of ice with a tiny vanilla pineapple pot in the centre; and the Explorer Sensation, which was a lot of small tasting pots and some cut fruit. A cheese board followed.
All the trappings were there (minus the dry ice), but the cooking could not live up to it.
Open: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Coffee Port (Deck 6); a la carte: Coffee shop serving excellent speciality Lavazza coffees at very reasonable prices (£1.35); soft drinks and sparkling water; as well as lovely handmade chocolates (0.95 pence) and brownies (£1.95). Lots of seating in and around here and against the windows, looking out to the promenade.
Open: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Surf & Turf Steakhouse (Deck 7); £28.95: This is the standout speciality restaurant onboard, and worth the cover charge. Reservations are recommended, but not essential.
It's located right beside Kora La, off the main corridor and the Apertif Bar. Decor is mainly dark woods, and there are a row of windows on one side. The open kitchen is fabulous, really adding a bit of theatre to the occasion.
It's a pretty straightforward menu -- you start with a choice of appetisers, which might include prawn cocktail, scallops or a sharing board.
Then you move onto prime cuts of Angus steak, such as sirloin, filet and porterhouse, as well as other meats, such as lamb, beef short rib and tuna steak. There is even a vegetarian option -- a vegetable and chestnut pithivier (a short crust pie). These can be paired with surf, such as lobster tail or salmon. But sometimes "straightforward" can be tricky to pull off, as there is nowhere to hide when it's all about the cut of meat. This place doesn't need to -- the steak is outstanding (we had the porterhouse) -- juicy, thick and cooked exactly to order. Service to match -- attentive and knowledgeable.
The desserts are sublime, the best on the ship: a trio of lemon dishes, which fairly zinged on the palate and the best New York cheesecake we have tasted on a ship.
Open: Sea days for Brunch (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and every evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Kora La (Deck 7); £22.95: A popular venue introduced on the line's two previous ships, Kora La is a pan-Asian restaurant launched by Chef Ian Pengelley, who runs a restaurant called House of Ho in London.
The setting is lovely, all gold, blacks and reds, with trellis windows, banquette seating and tables for two. It's a small space and reasonably priced, so it's worth making a reservation.
It's a small menu with just four starters -- chicken tempura, dumplings, trout and mango salad, and a Japanese green salad. Mains include Chilean sea bass, teriyaki salmon and shaking beef. There are also four curry dishes. The food is good rather than knock-your-socks-off outstanding. There is an amuse-bouche to start with (shrimp popcorn), which was tasty, but starters are variable -- while the scallop and crab dumplings were delicious, the tempura chicken was rather dry and salty. Mains too, varied tremendously, with the Chilean sea bass just on the right side of cloying and sweet, but the shaking beef a deep disappointment. The meat was OK, but that's all there was -- piled high with no sauce, no dressing and no accompaniments. Desserts were delicious, however, particularly the Korean pancakes, the mango crumble and the kue ruwok, layers of custard and meringue, the latter of which was so tasty we were tempted to order a second helping.
Open 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Umi Sushi (Deck 7); £9.95: This is a quiet spot which you could walk through (it's not so much a room as an area) and probably not even realise was a restaurant. There is a sushi counter which you can sit up at, and plenty of seating all around. You'll find expertly prepared sushi, sashimi and nigiri rolls prepared as you watch, as well as dim sum and teriyaki chicken, miso soup and duck spring rolls. Delicious and inexpensive, and well worth it.
Open 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Scoops (Deck 11); £2: Ice cream cart on the Pool Deck serving two scoops of ice cream for £2.
Room Service: Continental breakfast is charged at £4.95 and if you want an omelette, it will be a further £4.95. All day food includes soups, sandwiches and salads which start at £2 for soup; desserts, soft drinks and wine from £15 a bottle.
Each cabin has a safe, mini-bar, hair dryer, flat-screen TV, two single beds that can be turned into a double, a writing desk/vanity with drawers, two bedside tables and a double wardrobe with a third door that includes drawers (and the safe).
Bathrooms each offer a shower stall with glass doors that open in and out, a toilet and a basin. (The higher category cabins have twin basins.) There are shelves above the basin and small cupboards below, including one where you'll find the bin. All bathrooms have a pretty ceramic dispenser hanging on the wall with body wash.
Marella Explorer has introduced a new Family Balcony cabin type and also has designated single cabins (both inside and outside), as well as a number of accessible cabins all on Deck 5, near reception and the lifts. It's worth noting that the corridor immediately leading to the reception is exceptionally wide -- ideal for wheelchairs. There are also interconnecting cabins across all decks and cabin categories.
All the cabins enjoyed a complete refurb when the ship became Marella Explorer, with new carpets, curtains, furniture, fixtures and fittings, so the cabins are, for all intents and purposes, brand new. The line has gone for an understated look and feel, with light browns, beige and burnt orange colour palette throughout. The result is elegant and stylish. The ship also, possibly to do with its age (22 years), is extremely generous with balcony sizes; in fact these are the biggest non-suite balconies we have seen on a ship.
Interior: Each inside cabin has a bed against the far wall with either a painting above or a mirror, as well as a large mirror on the wall. The wardrobe is to the left as you enter, with a vanity in the corner. There are 291 across the ship on all cabin decks. A number are configured as four-berth with Pullman beds. They are all 16 square metres. Marella has designated 15 of these on Decks 4 and 5 as solo cabins, which are, in fact, the same size and have the same layout and design, including two beds that can be converted into a double. These are liable to a supplement, but a reduced one.
There is one inside accessible cabin on Deck 5, which has a wide door, no lip, a spy hole at wheelchair level and is an L-shape. There's a bed against one wall with space either side wide enough for a wheelchair and a desk running the length of the other wall, with two double wardrobes at one end. There is also a pull-down bed. It has a bathroom converted to a wet room and includes hand rails for safety. It is close to reception and the lifts.
Oceanview: There are 202 outside cabins across Decks 4, 5, 8 and 9 that can sleep two, three or four people. They are all 17 square metres and come with a porthole or a picture window. All have two single beds that can be converted into a queen; the three-berth ones have a single sofa bed, and the four-berths have additional pull-down beds. There are also 15 designated as solos on Decks 4 and 5, which are the same size and come with a picture window.
There are seven outside accessible cabins on Deck 5, which have wide doors with no lip, a spy hole at wheelchair level, a bed below the picture window with space enough either side for a wheelchair, a pull-down bed above and bathrooms converted to wet rooms which include hand rails for safety. They are located close to reception and the lifts.
Balcony: There are two types of balcony cabins, one with a large balcony, which are new to the line and come in at 16 square metres apiece, each with a 12-square-metre balcony boasting a hammock, two loungers and a small table and two chairs. There are 178 of these cabins. The regular-size balcony cabins are a touch bigger at 17 square metres, and there are 188 of them. Some of both types sleep three people and include a sofa bed. Family Balcony cabins and above enjoy what's called Premier Service, which includes the following perks: priority check-in, free pressing service (up to three items per person in the first 24 hours) and free Continental breakfast in bed on one day of the cruise.
Family Balcony: A new category for this ship is the Family Balcony. They are 20 square metres each, with a 12-square-metre balcony. There are 14 of them on Decks 8 and 10, all at the aft of the ship, meaning they enjoy wonderful views of the wake. Their layout is as follows: a bedroom, with a double bed against the wall and a writing desk opposite with a TV fixed above. It's a snug fit, with the bed enclosed on three sides. There is a second area, sectioned off by a room divider, which includes a sofa bed and a pull-down bed with a little ladder. This area leads out onto the balcony, which has a hammock, a table and two chairs, and two loungers.
Junior Suite: There are 40 of these across Decks 10 and 12, and each suite measures 22 square metres, with enough room for three people, as there is also a sofa bed. Junior suites have a muted color palette of burnt orange curtains, light wood paneling, light coloured walls, chocolate coloured carpeting and ochre-brown furniture. The room also has a large mirror on one side of the bed. But the best thing about the design is that the beds face the balcony, rather than at right angles, so you wake to lovely views. The long desk and has two sets of drawers either side, a kettle and coffee machine, and a plug socket for European two-pin plugs, as well as a U.S. plug socket. There are two double wardrobes, one with drawers; the mini-bar is just outside the bathroom with more storage above and opposite. The balcony is vast at 18 square metres. Double sliding doors lead out to the space, which includes a hammock strung across, a small table and two chairs, and two sun loungers with a small table. The balcony sticks out of the side of the ship, so you can sunbathe on it. A small note: It is overlooked from the deck above. The Junior Suite balconies on Deck 10 have a slightly smaller square footage balcony and do not stick out. The bathroom is lovely: all grey marble and sleek silver fittings. The tap pours along an open sluice, and a blue light glows when you turn it on. There is a ceramic soap dispenser. The shower has a glass door that opens in and out, a small shelf for products and a foot rest for shaving. It also has a large Hansgrohe shower head, provided in all rooms in this category and above. Junior Suite passengers and above will also find wide-screen interactive TVs called "Navigate" which allow you to check your onboard account and book spa treatments and speciality dining. Suite passengers also get a lovely selection of Clarins toiletries in the bathroom.
Executive Suite: There are 10 of these on Deck 10, each one measuring 49 square metres with a 24-metre balcony. There are two separate rooms; as you enter, you walk into the living room area, which has the following: a dining table with four chairs; a bar area with kettle and coffee machine; and a living area with a sofa bed, two chairs and a coffee table. There are sliding-glass doors leading out onto the balcony. The bedroom has a separate door leading to the balcony, which includes a table and four chairs, as well as two loungers and a hammock. The shower room has twin basins and a large shower area.
