Overview
About
Passengers: 1,814 | Crew: 780
Passengers to crew: 2.33:1
Passengers to space: 0.03:1
Launched: 1995 | Refurbished: 2019
Cabins
Balcony
Cabin size: 172 - 172 sq. ft.
Connected rooms: 0
Accessible rooms: 0
Maximum passengers: 2
Number of cabins: 0
Reviews
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Reading reviews before we went on our 1st cruise, was a little concerned about some of the "Butlins" comments - Our journey, flight was very comfortable (premium economy) staff were lovely, plenty of refreshments .... landing in Barbados we were whisked off to our transport, which I have to say was an awful journey to the boat the bus was so cramp and uncomfortable - got processed very quickly to get on the boat (no covid testing done end Feb 23) took our hand luggage to our suite (ALOT smaller than expected - bathroom tiny) our luggage arrived around 2 hours later - If you were round the pool during the day there wasn't a huge amount of peace, some days it was like a 18-30's booze cruise with older people ...... We went to the Squid & Anchor on our 1st night for a quiz, reminded me of a holiday camp vibe .... Food wise ~Latitude was nice for brekkie ~(~Staff were brill) dinner was "fine" quite samey, although all cooked and presented nicely it needed an injection of flavour ie: Garlic / Spice AND green beans with everything - the Italian was really nice, Nona's pizza place made a nice change but the venue is far too small and so understaffed (the poor staff didn't get 2 seconds to breath! We had a meal in both Surf & Turf & the Asian fusion (additional cost) but both worth it - Day time snacks by the pool again fine but the same every day, waiters round the pool were brilliant and worked so hard all day! Market place, plenty of choice for brekkie & lunch (didn't do dinner) but reminded me of any European buffet of what they think English people eat and ALWAYS CHIPS - British ship, where were the choice of potato's - Jacket, roast, mash - afternoon tea was served and there was a reasonable choice "thou" a bucket load of mayo in everything. We had a pack up one day for a trip the egg sandwich was 90% mayo you couldn't taste the egg at all, cheese & tomato was a slice of BURGER CHEESE which was awful! Night time entertainment hmmmm a couple of reasonable evenings but I think this can be referred to as Butlins (If I was at butlins its what I would have expected) I was expecting acts that were brought in (as friends had on a previous TUI cruise) Indigo bar was nice, couple of live group (some sung round the pool during the day or at the Squid & Anchor) CASINO - our fiends casino regularly at home, the tables were 100% for the house and the Lady dealer on the poker table was not professional and quite rude - Poker games whilst the boat was at sea $30 entry and 30% went to the house for an event that cost them nothing to put on ........ Trips we went on quite a few, Guadaloup waterfalls if you pick this trip wear trainers /closed in shoes as underfoot was uneven cobbles & slippery ALSO took us about 1/2 to walk down & 1/2 to walk up from waterfall so if you are unfit / have mobility issues it may not be for you - Beach extravaganza, to be honest grab and cab and do your own thing - Aruba / Barbados / St Kitts / St Maartin were our favs for beach - Grenada Choc trip is worth it, we had a great knowledgeable guide ...... Id recommend the washing service if you want to pack light, a laundry bag cost £17 - What makes your trip and I can not praise highly enough are the Staff, they are brilliant SOOO for our 1st Cruise it didn't leave a good impression, for spending towards 10k I expected so much more for our money - I would not be in any rush to book again…
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We did the 1 week Paradise Island Cruise at the end of Feb. Following some of the reviews on here we were a little apprehensive but we did not experience anything negative and fully enjoyed our week away. Our expectations were realistic though. Although not cheap and not the height of extreme luxury it was good value for what we paid and more than acceptable. We liked the fact that it was not massive like some other cruise ships that we saw. We always try to give a fair and balanced opinion. Flights and transfers – both ways ok and great that our cases and us were transported straight to the ship from leaving the plane. We were in our room and exploring the ship within about 1 hour or so of landing. The cases were taken during the night before we flew back and we had to vacate our room by 8:30am to leave the ship by 3pmish. We could still use the ships facilities before disembarking the next day, go off on trips or walk into Bridgetown and with some rooms made available to change and freshen up in and also the Indigo Bar was used for safe storage of our hand luggage. Room – we had room 8076 which was a balcony room. Well located and plenty of room inside and on the balcony which had 2 chairs and a table. Loads of storage space, mirror with chair in front, small sofa, balcony was great to sit out on especially first thing in the morning having a cuppa and watching us approaching and docking at the next island. Only gripe would be that the water pressure from the shower was quite weak, but acceptable, and which we only found out was not typical to all rooms on our last day. Trips and Tours – All the islands are beautiful, if not somewhat economically poor in some areas. We went on several of the pre-arranged Marella Tours which were all ok and reasonable value for money. Went on the Atlantis submersible trip in Barbados on the last morning which was amazing. There were plenty of locals touting for business to take you on a trip outside of the Cruise Terminal if you preferred to do your own thing. Food and drink – we felt no need to upgrade. All the inclusive drinks were more than acceptable and a good selection available from the beers, wine, spirits, cocktails, to sodas and coffee/teas. Service not an issue and if busy going to the bar ensured you could get one. The water fountains were okay to use to fill up the carafe provided in the room and keep cool in the fridge. Same with food which was always plenty warm enough, good quality, and reasonable size portions. We had breakfast everyday off the a la carte in Latitude which had a special every day. We lunched outside on the terrace at the back off the Market Place taking in the views and the same for afternoon tea. The odd time we had something on our own balcony from the snack shack. Every evening we went to Latitude and Vista which always provided good food, wine, and service and more often than not good company with the people sat next to us. Entertainment - we only ever walked through the pool area so never really experienced what was going on there. We would do the afternoon quiz in the Squid and Anchor, mainly used the 19th hole and Indigo bars (live music from band there was always good) and always went to the evening show in the theatre area which was always entertaining, especially the Elvis show. Staff – all the staff, room stewards, bar staff, cleaners, waiters, entertainment, chefs and kitchen staff all worked tirelessly and provided a great and friendly/happy service. Everywhere was always spotlessly clean. They are a credit to Marella, their families, and themselves.…
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Brill cruise 5th march from Barbados to 19th on explorer 2. Indigo bar team all the guys Ajay Juan and the rest fab very friendly fun and efficient 😁👍. Deck 12 daytime Wayan looked after us and lovely guy. Squid and Anchor team great guys very friendly and helpful. We are booked for 24th August to be again with explorer 2 for 2weeks to meet up with all the friends we made on this holiday. 😁😁😎😎👍👍🍻…
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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7 days of he'll in cabin noise from 3am to 7am when we docked the reception are stupid and act stupid and lie to your face .spent so much time at reception it cut short My time to relax then comes the beds that you would be better off sleeping on the floor it's so hard that it gives you pain you never had before and as for putting extra blankets on it to try and soften it is just a joke .I paid extra for a balcony and it seems that's all I got a view and a bed from he'll.then when you do get out no beds just lots and lots of towels. Then comes the bar staff Juan and valentine are so rude and racist they serve every and anybody then when they can't serve anybody else then turn to you and say oh I did not see you their ???. Then comes the drinks paid for upgrade to premium drinks and only got watered down drinks I kept asking for premium drinks it seems paying the £160pounds for premium drinks is such a rip off they don't even give you a full measure of drinks just fill your glass with ice and I'm sure they don't use bottled water . Just so funny to watch how people who are tipping get their drinks served what a shame .no point going to reception as no matter what you say to them the language barrier comes in to force no help whats so ever. Took me a week to make them understand about the noise in cabin at 3am to 7am even then they said can we come tomorrow at 4pm to listen to the noise??? I will never do this again never…
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+1
We booked cabin 9225 but 3 days before cruise was told cabin no longer available they put us in cabin 9237, the first morning was worken very eary by vibration engine noise this went on for over an hour till the ship docked,then again at night when leaving port this was every time we went in Port, could be felt all over the stern of the ship .The Broadway show was very good when they had a Guest Act on but when it was the ships own show cast not very good the food is very good ,the ship is very clean and the staff are great pity about the Vibration and when you pre book your cabin you may not get that cabin…
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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