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A Christmas in Paradise
Marella Explorer 2, Marella Cruises
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Family run business established in 1983. ABTA & ATOL Protected.
COMPETITIVELY PRICED
We work closely with our travel partners to secure the best holiday price available.
KNOWLEDGE & SERVICE
Our extensively travelled team are here to ensure you receive the very best advice and first-class service.
Marella Explorer 2
Departure: 24/12/2026
Duration: 8 Days
Roundtrip from Bridgetown
Itinerary
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Day 1 Bridgetown, Barbados 24 Dec 2026 (Thursday)
Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
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Day 2 Castries, Saint Lucia 25 Dec 2026 (Friday)
The typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in... See moreThe typical image of a lush tropical paradise comes to life on the friendly island of St Lucia. Despite its small size – just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide – St Lucia is rich in natural splendour with dense emerald rainforest, banana plantations and orchards of coconut, mango and papaya trees. The twin peaks of Les Pitons, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site rise dramatically 2,000 feet into the sky and dominate the island. Look out for unusual birds with brilliant plumage such as the St Lucia parrot, see a surprising diversity of exotic flora and enjoy the warm hospitality of the islanders in the small villages and open-air markets. Please be aware that St Lucia is a small, mountainous island, with steep, winding and bumpy roads. Customers with back and neck problems should take this into consideration when booking an excursion.
See less - Day 4 Kralendijk, Bonaire 27 Dec 2026 (Sunday)
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Day 5 Oranjestad, Aruba 28 Dec 2026 (Monday)
Aruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only... See moreAruba's capital is easily explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). There are a lot of malls with boutiques and shops—the Renaissance mall carries high-end luxury items and designer fashions. A massive renovation in downtown has given Main Street (a.k.a. Caya G. F. Betico Croes) behind the Renaissance Resort a whole new lease on life: boutique malls, shops, and restaurants have opened next to well-loved family-run businesses. The pedestrian-only walkway and resting areas have unclogged the street, and the new eco-trolley is free and a great way to get around. At this writing, Linear Park was well and will showcase local merchants and artists. There will be activities along a boardwalk that will eventually run all the way to the end of Palm Beach, making it the longest of its kind in the Caribbean.
See less - Day 6 Willemstad, Netherlands 29 Dec 2026 (Tuesday)
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Day 8 Bridgetown, Barbados 31 Dec 2026 (Thursday)
Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
See less
What's Included:
- All Inclusive as standard, covering flights, transfers, luggage, dining, drinks, and tips.
- Entertainment options include West End-style shows, live music, and daily activities.
- Onboard facilities cater to all interests, including sports, wellness, and kids’ clubs.
- Designed to offer a stress-free and memorable holiday experience.
Suites
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Single Inside Cabin
Our Single Cabins were made for solo travellers. These ones come with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower.
Single Inside Cabin
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Single Outside Cabin
A good option for solo travellers, these ones come with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. Plus, there's the added bonus of a porthole or picture window.
Single Outside Cabin
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Inside Cabin
Decks 4/5 Inside Cabin
These cabins measure in at 16m², which means you get twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. If you go for a 4-berth cabin, you’ll get extra fold-down beds.
Decks 8/9 Inside Cabin
These cabins measure in at 16m², which means you get twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. If you go for a 4-berth cabin, you’ll get extra fold-down beds.
Decks 10/12 Inside Cabin
These cabins measure in at 16m², which means you get twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower.
Inside Cabin
Inside Cabin
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Outside Cabin
Decks 4/5 Outside Cabin
Our Outside Cabins feature either a porthole or a picture window. They're 16m² in size, with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. If you go for a 4-berth cabin, you’ll get extra fold-down beds.
Decks 8/9 Outside Cabin
Our Outside Cabins feature either a porthole or a picture window. They're 16m² in size, with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size. Plus, you'll find a WC and shower in the en suite bathroom.
Decks 8/9/12 Outside Cabin
Our Outside Cabins feature either a porthole or a picture window. They're 16m² in size, with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. If you go for a 4-berth cabin, you’ll get extra fold-down beds.
Outside Cabin
Outside Cabin
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Balcony Cabin
Deck 12 Balcony Cabin
You can admire the horizon from your own furnished balcony with these cabins. They make the most of the 16m² of space with a queen-size bed. And the en-suite bathroom packs in a shower and a WC. Our 3-berth cabins have a sofa bed or extra fold-down bed. Just so you know, balcony cabins on deck 12 have an obstructed view from the balcony.Decks 9/10 Balcony Cabin
You can admire the horizon from your own furnished balcony with these cabins. They make the most of the 16m² of space with a queen-size bed or twin beds that convert to a queen-size. And the en suite bathroom packs in a shower and a WC. Our 3 and 4-berth cabins have a sofa bed or extra fold-down bed.
Deck 8 Balcony Cabin
Please amend to...You can admire the horizon from your own outdoor area with these cabins. The 16m² of indoor space is extended with a 3.7m² balcony. Inside, you've got twin beds that can join to make a queen-size, and an en suite bathroom that ticks off a shower and a WC. Our three and four-berth cabins have a sofa bed or an extra fold-down bed. Please note, some cabins on Deck 8 have a different layout with a fixed double bed against the wall - see our deck plan for the cabin numbers.
Balcony Cabin
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Deluxe Balcony Cabin
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Our 19m² Deluxe Balcony Cabins do exactly what they say on the tin. You'll get a furnished balcony, plus a queen-size bed, a double sofa bed and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. Please note, on Deck 9, these cabins come with a fixed double bed against the wall and a partition door that leads to a living area with a double sofa bed. Our Deck 10 cabins, meanwhile, don't feature a partition door, and come with two single beds that can be pushed together to form a queen-size bed. The above image is of a cabin on Deck 9. Please see our deck plan for cabin numbers.
Deluxe Balcony Cabin
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Junior Suite
Junior Suite Cabin with Balcony and Suite Service
Book one of our Junior Suites and you'll get to enjoy the views from your furnished balcony. These 23m2 suites are found on Deck 10 and 12, near the top of the ship which means you get a great vantage point. Inside, you've got twin beds that convert into a queen-size, a sitting area with a double sofa bed and an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower over a bath. Please note cabins 1200 and 1201 do not have a bath, and cabins 1202 and 1203 have a smaller balcony. When you book a cabin with Suite Service included, you can look forward to one continental breakfast in bed per person per week, and a free pressing service for up to three items during your stay. On top of that, you’ll have a coffee machine, slippers, a dressing gown, upgraded toiletries and pillows to best fit your comfort needs.
Junior Suite
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Executive Suite
Executive Suite Cabin with Balcony and Suite Service
The Executive Suites live up to their name, with separate living and sleeping areas. The 46m² suites come with twin beds in the bedroom, which you can convert into a queen-size. There's a double sofa-bed in the separate lounge, too. In the en suite bathroom, meanwhile, there's a bath, as well as a walk-in shower and a WC. And a furnished balcony rounds things off nicely. When you book a cabin with Suite Service included, you can look forward to one continental breakfast in bed per person per week, and a free pressing service for up to three items during your stay. On top of that, you’ll have a coffee machine, slippers, a dressing gown, upgraded toiletries and a choice of pillows to best fit your comfort needs.
Executive Suite
Executive Suite
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Royal Suite
Royal Suite Cabin with Balcony and Suite Service
Our Royal Suite is the crème de la crème of cabins. Not only does it line up a bedroom with a king-size bed, but it also packs in a separate living area with a sofa bed, a dining area and a dressing area. You've also got an en suite bathroom with a shower, a WC and a tub, plus a big balcony with a whirlpool. And all this measures up at a sizeable 94m². When you book a cabin with Suite Service included, you can look forward to one continental breakfast in bed per person per week, and a free pressing service for up to three items during your stay. On top of that, you’ll have a coffee machine, slippers, a dressing gown, upgraded toiletries and a choice of pillows to best fit your comfort needs.
Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Royal Suite
Restaurants
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Nonna's
You can make your own pizza and pasta dishes from scratch at this laidback pizzeria, which is open for lunch and dinner. There's a casual dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Pasta and Pizza Options
- Open for lunch and dinner
- Included
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Latitude 53
The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, you can expect traditional dishes with a modern twist. There's a casual dress code here during the day, and smart in the evening. 'Keep an eye out our new "Treat Yourself" dishes - these cost a little extra and include things like steak and lobster.
Fast Facts:
- Serves Breakfast
- Lunch & Dinner, Waiter Service
- Included.
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Piccadilly's
Piccadilly's is our brand-new British restaurant, sat in the main dining room on all ships. The menu serves up a little slice of home, with a side order of sea views.
Fast Facts- Open for dinner
- Waiter service
- Included
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Vista
You’ll find Vista – our resident Italian restaurant – on Deck 6, on the second floor of the ship’s main dining room, Latitude 53. It serves regional Italian favourites made with authentic ingredients – think creamy pastas and colourful salads. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Italian Restaurant
- Serves Dinner
- Included
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The Market Place
You can watch chefs whip up dishes from around the world at this buffet restaurant. It's made up of lots of different food stalls, hence its name. You can pick up fresh-out-the-oven pizzas, grilled-to-order paninis and sandwiches at lunchtime, and there's a design-your-own station every night, where you can choose all your ingredients for dishes like stir-fries. There's a casual dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Buffet Restaurant
- Themed Dinners
- Included
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Snack Shack
Food stalls, beach huts and oversized deckchairs set the scene at this laidback eatery. As such, you can look forward to grab ‘n’ go lunches and snacks. There’s a drinks station on hand, too. Feel free to wear your beachwear here.
Fast Facts:- Grab and Go Food
- Beach hut seating
- Included
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The Dining Club
The Dining Club, tucked away on Deck 5, rustles up French contemporary food with a modern twist. We’ve taken French staples up a notch – you'll start your dining experience with seared scallops in Champagne butter, or chicken liver and truffle crème brûlée. Then, for the main course, you can pick from a rich chateaubriand for two, tender lamb, or lobster. You’ll end your meal with something sweet – a peach soufflé and an indulgent chocolate dish are on the menu. Or, you could opt for a curated selection of British and French cheeses.
It also hosts The Great Musical Afternoon Tea. This weekly event brings the West End to Marella Cruises, with dishes inspired by famous musicals – like the ‘Vietnamese Melody’ beef tenderloin yakitori and the ‘On My Own’ Petit choux. There are six teas to choose from, as well as a cocktail of your choice. Plus, the whole place is decorated with show posters and memorabilia. Just so you know, The Great Musical Afternoon Tea is a chargeable event.
Tasting Menu with Wine Pairing (Dress to Impress night)
On Dress to Impress night, you’ll have a seven-course dining experience, each course expertly paired with its own wine. You’ll be treated to gourmet dishes like warm crayfish gratin, creamy mushroom soup, watermelon fizz granita, tender lamb noisettes and a dessert that's perfect for sharing. Your evening ends with a selection of British and French cheeses and handmade truffles.
Fast Facts:- Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available
- Dress Code: Smart.
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Surf & Turf Steakhouse
This place does what it says on the tin, specialising in all things meat and fish. The menu stars various cuts of steak, including the Porterhouse for two – and you can watch the chef cook yours on the open grill. Or you can create your own surf and turf with a selection of meats and seafood. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Steakhouse
- Pre-Bookable
- Chargeable
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Kora La
You’ll feel like you’ve switched continents when you dine at this restaurant. It offers a pan-Asian selection of curries and noodle dishes, a separate sushi menu, plus bespoke dishes created by master chef Ian Pengelley exclusively for Marella Cruises. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance. There's a smart dress code here.
Fast Facts:- Pan-Asian Cuisine
- Pre-Bookable
- Chargeable
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Beach Cove
This place lives up to its name, with a beachy vibe, swing seats and big sliding doors that make you feel like you’re eating al fresco. For breakfast, there's a grab 'n' go option. At Lunch, you can pick from a list of sandwiches and a salad-of-the day that you can customise to your own taste. And for dinner, there’s a barbecue-inspired menu with ribs and burgers on offer. Just so you know, you need to make a reservation in advance to dine here in the evening.
Fast Facts:- Barbecue inspired menu
- Open for lunch & dinner
- Evening Meal Chargeable
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The Coffee Port
If you're in need of a caffeine boost, this place will do the trick. It's the biggest Coffee Port in our fleet, serving sweet treats courtesy of our in-house chocolatier and Lavazza coffee. After dark, you can treat yourself to one of our coffee or tea-based cocktails, like espresso martinis and green tea mojitos. Or, whip up a hot chocolate with a creamy liqueur, like Baileys Salted Caramel. Alongside this, you can make use of the books and board games, or charge up your phone with the USB points. All drinks from the menu that are served here are included in the Premium All Inclusive package only - a small charge applies for all other guests.
Fast Facts:- Premium Coffee's and Sweet Treats
- To stay or take away
- Chargeable
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Scoops
For those with a sweet tooth, try Scoops. This vintage-looking parlour serves up dollops of gelato in a range of flavours, and you can add toppings, too. The menu changes every day but you can expect out-of-the-ordinary options, like oreo, G&T and banoffee. The seating’s just as quirky – a collection of bike seats sit facing out to sea. A charge applies here.
Fast Facts:- Homemade Gelato
- Freshly made waffle cones
- Chargeable
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Room Service
Feeling peckish but don’t want to leave the comfort of your cabin? Take a look at our room service menu. You can order all sorts of snacks and drinks, from triple-stacked club sandwiches to steaming cups of hot chocolate.
Deckplans
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Deck 15
- Minigolf
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Deck 14
- The Sundeck
- The Veranda
- The Veranda Cabanas
- Running Track
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Deck 12
- Indigo Bar & Club
- Indigo Casino
- The Shack
- Junior Suites
- Balcony Cabins
- Inside Cabins
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Deck 11
- Oceans spa and Beauty Salon
- Gym
- Pool Bar
- Pool
- Whirlpools
- Snack Shack
- The Market Place
- Scoops
- The Terrace
- Beach Cove
- Nonna's
- Movies by Moonlight
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Deck 10
- Royal Suite
- Executive Suite
- Junior Suite
- Deluxe Balcony Cabin
- Balcony Cabin
- Inside Cabin
- Royal Suite
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Deck 9
- Deluxe Balcony Cabin
- Balcony Cabin
- Outside Cabin
- Inside Cabin
- Deluxe Balcony Cabin
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Deck 8
- Balcony Cabin
- Outside Cabin
- Inside Cabin
- Single Inside Cabin
- Balcony Cabin
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Deck 7
- Broadway Show Lounge
- Broad Street Shops
- The Coffee Port
- Squid & Anchor
- The 19th Hole
- Photo Gallery
- Gin & Whiskey Bar
- Atrium
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Deck 6
- Broadway Show Lounge
- Broad Street Shops
- Flutes
- Kora La
- Surf & Turf Steakhouse
- Aperitif
- Piccadilly's
- Vista
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Deck 5
- Atrium
- Reception
- The Dining Club
- Destination Services
- Latitude 53
- Cruise Holiday Store
- Bike Tours
- Single Inside Cabins
- Single Outside Cabins
- Outside Cabins
- Adapted Outside Cabins
- Adapted Inside Cabins
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Deck 4
- Medical Centre
- Photo Studio
- Outside Cabins
- Inside Cabins
Ready to Book?
For more information; please contact our Cruise specialists who will be delighted to help you plan your next holiday.
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