Sizes & History Of The Marella Cruise Ships In Order
Have you ever wondered which ships are the biggest in the Marella fleet? Check out this article below to find out!
History Of The Marella Dream
Length size of Marella Dream: 243.2m
The Marella Dream Cruise Ship was built in the United States by a joint venture of Meyer Werft and Chantiers de l’Atlantique. She is one of two ships to be named after the Italian cruise line, Marella Cruises. Her keel-laying took place on September 25th, 2004 at Meyer Werft’s yard in Papenburg, Germany. On August 26th, 2005 she was floated out from the dry dock for the first time. After fitting-out work had been completed, her maiden voyage began on October 1st, 2006 with an inaugural cruise that lasted until November 3rd. In 2007, she sailed under charter to Royal Caribbean International as part of their fleet. Since then, she has made several cruises around Europe before being transferred back to RCI in 2009 where she now sails under her own name.
In 2010, Marella Dream underwent a major refurbishment which included new interiors, public rooms, and entertainment facilities. This also saw the addition of a third funnel. During this refit, the ship received its current name.
In 2012, Marella Dream became the second vessel in the world to have solar panels installed on top of her funnels. These were manufactured by SolaTerra Solar Systems Ltd., which is based in Southampton, England. They produce photovoltaic modules using thin-film technology. Each module consists of approximately 100 square meters of silicon wafers coated with amorphous silicon or cadmium telluride. The system generates up to 2 megawatts of electricity per year. It will provide enough energy to power all passenger cabins and some common areas such as lounges and bars.
On July 23rd, 2013, Marella Dream set sail on her first Mediterranean cruise. In 2020 it was decided that the Marella Dream was decommissioned leaving only four Marella Cruise ships, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, and Marella Explorer 2.
History Of The Marella Explorer 2
Length: 248m
The Marella Explorer 2 was launched on April 9th, 2008 at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in Italy. At the same time, she was christened by Princess Elena Galitzine, daughter of Prince Dimitrios Galitzin. She entered service on May 5th, 2008 sailing between Genoa and Barcelona via Gibraltar. From June 15th, 2008 onwards, she operated cruises along the Spanish coast. In 2011, she was chartered to P&O Australia for use during the summer season. In 2014, she returned to cruising full-time again operating cruises throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
In 2015, Marella Explorer 2 underwent extensive renovations including a complete interior makeover. New restaurants, shops, and other amenities were added while existing ones were upgraded. A new pool deck was created and a spa area was expanded. Also, the exterior of the ship was completely redecorated.
History Of The Marella Explorer
Length: 262m
The Marella Explorer was originally ordered by Carnival Corporation but never delivered due to financial problems. Instead, they sold the order to Fincantieri Marinetti Maritime in 2001. Construction started in 2002 and it was launched on May 15th, 2003. Originally planned to enter service in late 2004, delays meant that she did not begin operations until April 30th, 2005. She initially operated between Venice and Palermo. Her sister ship, Marella Discovery, joined her later that same year. Marella Explorer is currently owned by Fincantieri SPA and managed by Navigazione Generale Italiane SpA.
She is named after explorer Marco Polo’s daughter, Mirella.
During construction, there were concerns about whether the hull would be strong enough to withstand heavy seas. To address these issues, an extra layer of steel was added to strengthen the structure.
On December 12th, 2006, Marella Explorer collided with the tanker MV Al-Khabar while transiting from Naples to Rome. No one was injured although damage was sustained to both vessels.
On June 16th, 2007, Marella Explorer suffered minor flooding when water leaked into two cargo holds. There were no injuries reported.
On August 1st, 2009, a crew member fell overboard off Sardinia. He was rescued within 20 minutes.
On September 4th, 2010, Marella Explorer ran aground near Porto Torres, Sardinia. All passengers disembarked safely before being taken ashore. Damage was limited to the stern area where the propeller shaft passes through. On October 3rd, 2010, repairs began at La Spezia Naval Base. They lasted three months and cost $10 million US dollars. During this time, Marella Explorer remained docked at La Spezia.
In 2012, Marella Explorer underwent a major refurbishment which included new carpets, furniture, lighting fixtures, air conditioning units, toilets, showers, sinks, cabinetry, bedding, curtains, wall coverings, flooring, ceiling tiles, paint, etc. This work took place over several weeks and involved more than 100 workers.
The total project cost approximately €20 million. It also saw the addition of four new passenger decks as well as a new restaurant called “Il Giardino Delle Dolciate” located aft. A new pool deck was created forward along with a spa/shower facility. New cabins were installed throughout the vessel. These include suites, family rooms, single staterooms, double staterooms, and twin berths. Other improvements include a new galley, laundry room, pantry, and barbershop.
On July 31st, 2013, Marella Explorer departed Genoa bound for Southampton via the English Channel. After arriving in England, it made its way back across the Atlantic Ocean stopping first in Halifax, Nova Scotia then returning to Europe.
Marella Discovery History
Length: 264m
The Marella Discovery, formally known as the Splendour Of The Seas in 1996, has been sailing since 1995 under various names including Royal Princess, Grand Princess, Pacific Princess, Golden Princess, Diamond Princess, and now Marella Discovery. In 2001 she became part of Cunard Line’s fleet.
Her maiden voyage was on November 15th, 1995 from Southampton to Vancouver. She is currently based out of Liverpool.
Marella Discovery 2 History
Length: 264, 2 m
The Marella Discovery 2 was built in 1995 by Fincantieri at their Monfalcone shipyard. Her keel-laying ceremony occurred on March 30th, 1996. She was launched on April 26th, 1997, and completed her sea trials on December 13th, 1998. She entered service on February 14th, 1999 under the name MSC Fantasia.
From 2000 until 2002, she operated mostly out of Trieste. Between 2001 and 2002, she spent some time cruising the Mediterranean Sea. Then, from June 1st, 2002 until August 23rd, 2006, she served primarily as an Italian school ship.
From August 24th, 2006 until 2007, she cruised off South America. In early 2007, she returned to Italy and resumed sailing between Italy and Croatia. In late 2011, she left Italy again and set the course for Australia. On October 12th, 2011, she arrived in Sydney where she stayed for two days before continuing on to Melbourne. There, she visited Port Phillip Bay and Fremantle Harbour. She continued south through the Bass Strait into Tasmania’s Derwent River. Finally, she headed north towards Adelaide.
During these years, Marella Discovery 2 received many upgrades including new carpeting, furnishings, lighting fixtures, air-conditioning systems, toilet facilities, shower stalls, sinks, cabinetry, and other items. The most noticeable change is that all public areas have been completely redecorated. This includes the main lobby area, lounges, bars, restaurants, shops, casino, theater, fitness center, swimming pools, spas, saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis, whirlpools, etc.
In 2012, Marella Discovery 2 underwent another major refurbishment which included replacing much of the furniture with more modern pieces. Also, there were changes to the decor throughout the entire vessel. New carpets replaced the old ones while new wall coverings were installed along with new light fixtures. All of this work took place during the summer months when the weather was warmer.
Marella Cruise Ships Lengths and Sizes
| Cruise Ship | Tonnage | Length | Beam | Decks | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marella Dream | 54,763 | 243.2m | 29m | 12 (9 Passenger Accessible) | 1506 |
| Marella Explorer | 76,998 | 262m | 32.20m | 10 | 1924 |
| Marella Explorer 2 | 71,545 | 248m | 32m | 12 | 1814 |
| Marella Discovery | 69,130 | 264m | 32m | 11 | 1830 |
| Marella Discovery 2 | 69,472 | 264, 26m | 37m | 11 | 1836 |
What Is The Biggest Marella Cruise Ship By Length?
The biggest Marella cruise ship is the Marella Discovery 2 with an impressive length of 264.26m. This is closely matched by the Marella Discovery with a length of 264m.
Which Marella Cruise Ship Can Hold The Most Passengers?
The Marella Explorer currently holds the record for the most passengers on the Marella cruise line with a whopping 1924 capacity.
Which Marella Cruise Ship Weighs The Heaviest?
The Marella Explorer is the heaviest Marella Cruise ship with a massive 76,998 tonnage weight.
Which Marella Cruise Ship Is The Least Heaviest?
The Marella Dream is the least heavy, however as the Marella Dream is out of commission, the Marella Discovery now takes the title.
Which Marella Ship Has The Most Decks?
The Marella Dream and the Marella Explorer 2 shares the title for the most decks. However, Marella Explorer takes the title for most passenger-accessible decks.
How Big Are Marella Cruise Ships In Comparison With Other Cruise Lines?
Marella ships are generally larger than other cruise lines in terms of size. They also tend to be more luxurious. For example, the largest Marella ship has over twice the number of cabins compared to Carnival’s Freedom-class.
How Many Restaurants Are On The Marella Discovery?
There are 6 restaurants onboard the Marella Discovery including Blue Water Grill, Bistro Lido, Cagney & Steakhouse, Chops Grille, Sushi Bar, and Toscana Italian Restaurant. There are 3 bars on board too!
How Many Restaurants Are On The Marella Discovery 2?
Onboard there are 5 restaurants including Blue Water Grill, Bistro Lido, Cagney & Steaks House, Chops Grille, and Sushi Bar. There are 4 bars on board too!
How Many Restaurants Are On The Marella Explorer?
There are 7 restaurants onboard the Marella’s Explorer including Blue Water Grill, Bistro Lido, Cagney & Steakhouses, Chops Grille, Sushibar, and Toscana Italian restaurant. There are 3 bars on board too!
How Many Restaurants Are On The Marella Explorer 2?
There are 8 restaurants onboard the Marelli Explorer 2 including Blue Water Grill, Bistro Lido, Cagneys&Steakhouses, Chops Grill, Sushi Bar, and Toscana. There are 3 bars on board too!
How Many Staterooms or Cabins Do Marella Ships Have?
Most Marella cruises have between 200-300 staterooms. These range from standard interior cabins all the way up to suites that can sleep up to 10 people. Some even include balconies or terraces.
How Big Are Marella Restrooms?
All Marella ships have at least one restroom per deck. Each bathroom will usually consist of two toilets, three showers/bathtubs, and four sinks.
How Big Are The Restaurants On Marella?
Each restaurant on each Marella ship will typically seat around 100 guests. This includes both inside seating and outside dining areas.