Check out the same cruise in November, it's £550 including flights from the UK. Not bad at all. (affiliate) tui-uk.7cnq.net/R5k3vb 😇🥳 I tried the river cruise version of this trip, check that out here: ruclips.net/video/7o_-bPhPYLs/видео.htmlsi=PyfXaLP-zu8-vpRT Wondering what a themed cruise would be like? Here's my 90s cruise: ruclips.net/video/_av3QfATpCE/видео.htmlsi=bKTa7tb1MOlziP3h 🥰😎
Hi Emma thank you for the great content as always. I have a question and I’m sorry I’m sure you have been asked this a million times before,,,,,do you have an insurance company that you would recommend for cruisers? I have been using the same one for years and never had to claim but we have been cruising now for the past 4 years and after a quick conversation with the company I realised they don’t cover any cruising issues.
@@dexdexter65 Hellooooo, my cruise travel insurance guide (including recommendations and step by step instructions) is here: emmacruises.com/cruise-travel-insurance-why-you-need-it-and-how-to-get-it-step-by-step-guide/ 🥳🥳
Is there anything similar that would be suitable for somebody who uses a heavy, non-folding powered wheelchair that can't (usually) get onto a coach for transfers etc?
Emma, thank you for being one of the very few RUclipsrs creating original content instead of recycling 25 things to buy on Amazon before your cruise, or sensationalized bad things happening to cruisers.
I like that Emma does cruises that are accessible to the every day person. Not “I go in the worlds most expensive cruise”. Thank you Emma, love your channel!
My husband and I had our honeymoon on this ship. We both work in education so adult only was a real bonus for us. Had a great time sailing around Italy and Croatia.
“I don’t want to win the game I am playing because that would involve public recognition” might be the most British thing I’ve ever heard. Thanks Emma! This ship reminds me of Norwegian’s Jewel class.
We went on Celebrity Century when it was one of the older ships in Celebrity’s fleet. It’s a small but very well designed ship and we really loved it. I am thrilled to see her again; thank you!
Emma, I find you to be an excellent guide. Your speech is descriptive in a brisk manner. You also have a lovely voice. Hope you can find a position that enables you to continue cruising in the manner you wish to become accustomed to. God’s blessings
You are probably the best, most real-deal, authentic and value-adding travel channel out there. Seriously, you put in the miles and you show it all. I feel as if I took a 3 credit semester course each time I consume one of these cruise reviews. And I also love me some mini-golf.
It's REALLY impressive the amount of work you put into actually DOING these cruises, clearly and beautifully filming what we want to see and what you want to show off, and editing it all into a video that gives plenty of all-inclusive information that helps us both understand each ship/company's offerings and an understanding of your own perspective and preferences. They're informative for people looking to GO on a cruise soon, while also entertaining for those of us who don't but are curious.
Butlins! I remember Hi-de-Hi! (1980-?). What flummoxes me most is the lack of a proper 'Promenade' deck, not high up that wraps around an entire ship. Older ships have them, and it's those ships I had the most fun on. And the fact that the number of passengers are low is a bonus. I detest the 'block of floating apartments' of mega ships.
Ho-de-ho!!! Emma is probably too young to remember the escapades of the "Maplins" Yellowcoats and Peggy! A Butlin-esque cruise sounds like a winner for me and Emma has me intrigued to find out more!
I am glad you had a lovely time. If I ever go on a cruise, the most important thing I have learnt from RUclips cruise channels is to be cautious about my cabin location to avoid noise! Thank you for the video!
I remember the Century from a couple of cruises we took on the ship. They were one of the reasons I’ve always thought highly of Celebrity cruises. It was a good ship then and I’m glad the old girl is still sailing. Usually, if a company is willing to keep the maintenance up to date, these ships last until a change in the Safety of Life At Seas (SOLAS) regulations that demand major, expensive improvements. Since she still has classic shaft propellers and not Azipods, her life span can be extended a little longer.
When you said that older ships seem to have more outdoor space per person it really clicked with me. All the new ships seem to sacrifice communal spaces for these up charge higher tier amenities. It's kinda sad to see that trend. I mean Norwegian has a literal ship in the ship as it's top tier. So the experience for the non premium cruiser gets actually worse.
@@looloo4029 haha it means that the big modern ships seem to follow the trend of sacrificing spaces open for everyone for spaces that can only be accessed by guests booking the higher tiers. So the spaces accessible for the regular passenger are less even tho the ship is bigger.
@@HoJSimpson thats what they might call it, but at the end of the day its basically the class system making a comeback where if you aint want to spend the money you aint welcome with the " rich " folk.
For Norwegian, especially the Prima class, I totally agree ! But for the biggest ships, like the Icon and Oasis class, I believe you have a lot of free outdoor space, but these ships definitely aren’t for everyone…
For an older cruise ship it looked like it was well maintained like you said it was too short of a cruise only 4 days isn't long enough to enjoy yourself... Another fantastic tour and as always you look marvelous Emma...
I sailed on her twice when she was still with Celebrity near the turn of the 21st Century and I have to tell you that based on your video she has been beautiful maintained. I found her beautiful then and she appears to have aged like a very fine wine. I went on my very first cruise back in 1985 with my family and the first two ships I went on were less than a quarter of the size of this ship so I've never understood the modern cruise travelers that refer to ships this size as tiny. In my experience she is more than large enough and in fact she has far more public space available to a passenger than a ship like Queen Elizabeth or SS France from the golden age of ocean liners. It seems like modern cruisers have become obsessed with size whether they think a ship this size is too small or they are convinced that the largest ships are too big.
Thanks for your comment! I just remarked similarly, that we went on her as the Century and absolutely loved the size and design of the ship and public spaces. I’m thrilled to see her again, and glad she still looks nice!
I was on her in February and i thought she was in good condition. i like the smaller ships. one of my favourits was P&O's Oceana, i was on her last full cruise before covid struck.
My parents cruised several times in the 1980s and I miss the smaller cruise ships. They still looked like ships, and you weren’t crowded in with thousand and thousands of people. If there was still an option for that size of ship, my husband and I might try a cruise. Neither of us likes massive crowds and I like ships that look like ships, rather than a massive floating block. We don’t need a ton of amenities and amusements.
@@CatMom-uw9jl if there was a market it for them they would build them that way. Sadly economy of scale and the demands of today's vacationers simply make ships of that type unprofitable. People demand balcony cabins, people demand half a dozen or more dining options and all types of entertainment and they want it all for a bottom dollar price tag. The only small ships left are ultra luxury lines that the majority of people can't afford.
I worked on a cruise ship, a large one, Royal Caribbean . I always found it weird how passengers have no idea how big the ship is bellow the deck where all the staff members live. It's almost as big as the rest of the ship where all the passengers sleep and eat. We had our own restaurant, our own bars , rooms, showers and more.
You were?! Oh my amazing, that was so funny to me because the people there hadn't come to see me they'd come to see the show, so they were looking at me like x_O. ha ha, thank you!!
We just did our 1st cruise with Tui Marella Explorer corfu, Croatia and Montenegro. Didn't know what to expect, but not disappoint. Staff really friendly, boat spotless, restaurants and bar menus brilliant. Like you said smaller boats, about 2000 people, but you would think that wondering around the 12 decks. Definitely be doing another
Great video Emma! I remember when that ship was owned by Celebrity. It was maintained superbly. It was spotless. Easy to see how it's still here 30 years later. Travel safe, God Bless!
"This one looked a little rude, but it was tasty"😂😂😂😂😂😂You never fail to crack me up at least once per video!!! You are hilarious 😅. I always have a smile on my face after watching your videos. Thank you, Emma!!! My Emma has the same spirit & sense of humor ❤.
On my cruise from Australia to New Zealand, they had music trivia BINGO (no entry fee). They'd play a song, and you had to identify it (or wait several minutes for the name to be displayed, after which several other songs had played, so you were behind). Four rounds in one game show. I enjoyed it, even though I lost a BINGO because I took a second longer to shout it out than somebody else. It might be the one time in my life I'd have the win, only to lose out like that. I don't play regular BINGO.
Been watching/ subscribed to you since way before your 'head shave'! You did a brilliant job! Did our first Marella in January (Canaries on Explorer) we were very impressed with how easy everything was & how lovely & friendly all the crew were including the Officers & Captain! Very large outside Cabin, on the side right under the bridge, really comfy & 'homely'. Would rather have the 'shabby chic' & friendly & 'all in' than the 'glitz & glamour' of MSC (lovely room stewards & wait staff but arrogant officers!) where everything is extra! Thank you for getting us into cruising Emma! ( YES! all your fault! now done eight and addicted!) Keep up the good work!
Nice review. It may be an old ship, but it looks good enough for me. Loved the "in true Brit style, the dumped the casino and turned it into.... a pub!!"
My husband and I have just finished our first 2 week cruise on the Marbella explorer 2. Greek mystic and Adriatic delight. We were very impressed and spoke to many other passengers and not one negative view. Most of the people we spoke to had had many previous cruises with Marella. I would definitely do it again and plan to. Staff and entertainment crew were excellent and very friendly. We didn’t upgrade drinks package and were very satisfied with the drinks and food. We did a couple of speciality restaurant meals which you had to pay a bit extra for but well worth it. Would definitely recommend especially if it’s your first. Obviously nothing to compare it to but I liked the fact it was not too formal and was relaxed. Looking forward to the next one!
Our first cruise ever was onboard the Celebrity Century back in 1996. We've been hooked on cruising since but it still remains one of our favorites. When you mentioned miniature golf as being totally '90s, I was able to do something on the Century that would be unheard of today. I did skeet shooting with a shotgun off the rear of the deck. Also, we were in Cabin 8186 which at the time was an oceanview window. All those balconies (except where you were) were added afterwards...
I don't drink or cruise but this sounds a lot more inviting and comfortable then the huge cruise ships that feel like a new museum or an amusement park. It seems like it would be more like visiting an old friend where you can just kick off your shoes and relax.
My dad won't cruise with any other line. He's been to the med, Caribbean, South America and a few more over the years, he's even been in the hospital on occasion onboard and loves TUI. He's 89!
This video appeared in my queue today, and I decided to watch it because I have seen (and loved) so many other of your videos. As a novice to cruising, I have learned so much from you! Thank you for sharing your content with the world. People are so weird, and I truly hope that you let the mean comments fall right off of you.
Seems like a tastefully done cruise that was relaxing. The ship kept things simple and stuck to its strengths, did the little things right: food, entertainment, cleanliness, layout, all inclusive. Like a B&B version of a cruise.
Stayed in those exact rooms at the back of the ship. Put up with the noise from the Squid and Anchor, the engine's and the vibrations for 3 nights then asked to move as we were on there for 2 weeks. They put us in a balcony room mid ship with no issues. Very good
I find I enjoy the older ships. I'm making a point of sailing on each of Carnival's last two Fantasy class ships, before they decided to take them out of service. Cheers, Emma 🥂
Fantastic video as always. You and and Ben and David are my favorite cruise bloggers. I get all the cruising that I want watching you guys. I love to see your cat and his cattitude. If I ever cruised, I would worry if my cabin was over the smoking "lounge". I'd worry about smoking odors drifting onto the balcony. Thank you.
It is so strange for me as an American (who dated a Brit and lived in the UK for several years) to feel my heart melt and body relax when you say Weatherspoon’s. Like there is no comfort quite like my strongbow or fosters and chips and sausages that I can’t quite find anywhere back here in the US. And no matter which village I went to or how far I roamed.. that stupid menu with its reliable mediocre deliciousness when it popped up under the sign of a pub. Sigh. Nothing quite like that feeling
Good and fair video…we sailed on Explorer 2 in 2023…our first cruise and we loved it…so much so that in September 2024 we are going on the Discovery for our second cruise 👍😎
Emma, I always enjoy your cruising adventures! Your winning personality and information-packed videos always make you a pleasure to watch. Thank you for taking along with you on your trips!
Good luck with your ship halfway into the holliday. The ship ran out of fuel ⛽️ 😳 😫 and we got vouchers to spend on board, and that it ...😊 so I took them to court and got half of my holliday back. 🎉Never again, will I go with them again.
Sailed transatlantic Malaga to Barbados relocation on this ship late 2022, it was a great deal and a nice, long cruise to just chill out on - endless seas in every direction worked for me. This older ship is smaller than the mega-sized ships around and IMHO much the better for it having been on the MSC Virtuosa last year with 5000 other travellers. Passengers were a mixed bunch though and I agree with the "Butlins" comment. We had a balcony midship on the South facing side of the ship - always important to check where your sun is going to be!. With doing that, we never had to fight for a seat on the deck, the balcony was huge and very private to sunbathe on. Food was hit and miss, breakfast was an experience and we soon learned how to work the system. Coffee brought to the table - nope - it's generally stewed. Ask for a cappuccino, it gets freshly drawn from the nearest machine. Lunch was generally in the mad mess called the buffet, until we decided Nonnas was pretty good and much less stressful as there was only space for a limited number of diners. Dinner - yes, slow but sure and portions were just about enough. Decent wines too but again you needed to be clued up on what to look for, and engage with the friendly wait staff to offer the good stuff! Overall, good value, good fun and would do a relocation again.
I have sailed with Marella twice, once on the Discovery, and once on the Explorer 2 and both times had a fantastic time and would gladly go again. I am Canadian so we booked through Sunwing over here which includes our airfare and transfers to and from the ship and starting this year they are departing from Dominican Republic so looking forward to my next adventure with them. Great review and happy sailing
Love that you mentioned 'Spoons' as, after our last Marella cruise, I described it to a non-cruising friend as 'Wetherspoons at Sea'. Not meant to be a criticism, just a way to put it in context.
We did a similar cruise in April, but a week. What an improvement on previous cruises on big ships. The buffet is as big as you'd get on certain liners of twice the passenger numbers, so it never felt busy and crowded, as it does on Iona, for example. And no ankle-biters running round the restaurant and having nothing to do in the bars at 10pm, while their parents and grandparents chat and lose interest in them. The draught wine and beer in the buffet and in the restaurants just made it feel like eating at home, without having to stay sober. Our kind of ship, though we aren't actually drinkers. OK, just one, please, no a large one... And, though it's a cruise thing anyway, not having to stay utterly sober to take the grandchildren home, and nobody phoning "Dad, can you just pop round and bring your toolbox and can Grandma mind the children while we just mend the shed/sockets/lights..." We had an inside cabin, and you really need to be a deep sleeper for some of these, as they are often over bars or right next to crew corridors and those guys move trolleys of towels and stuff around until about 4am. Balcony next time, at least the pub goes quiet around midnight!
Yet another great video from Emma. Even if you don't like boats and ships much, these videos are still worth a watch regardless. These are also broadcast quality showings so this channel is the one to watch.
I so enjoyed this review -- I enjoy ALL of your videos, since you're so much fun to watch and listen to (I need a to take a speed-listening course to keep up, though). As a long time Celebrity cruiser, the ship did look familiar, though I was never aboard that one. Much more colorful than Celebrity. The price is pretty amazing with included drinks and air travel. I don't think I'd ever find that kind of deal in the US.
We love marella ships easy going crew fantastic unlike the other brands which hold out there hands for tips food very good cabins excellent we done a stay and cruise from barbados brilliant 😊
Wow what a surprise! I've been on about 20 cruises give or take, mostly on NCL, but also a few on Carnival and Holland America, and I think this ship is one of the nicest I've seen! I love the modern decor, the colors, it seems bright and cheery. I'm also a fan of smaller ships, which are harder to find it seems unless you book with a company like Viking, which I can't afford. But I would LOVE cruise on a ship like yours! Really great video, I always enjoy watching your content. Cheers from NYC.
I love the Century-Class ships! Especially Mercury/Old Mein Schiff 2/Mein Schiff 💙/ Marella Voyager. Hoping Emma might take a trip on her too. Would love to see what Marella changed.
Emma, I need a suggestion or two. Wife and I would like to go on a cruise, but we don't care where we go. We don't plan on getting off the ship. Eat, drink, read, nap, look at water...that's all we're interested in for a couple weeks or so. Suggestions?
Hellooo! If you go to EmmaCruises.com and download my free guide it compares all major cruise lines on things like dining, entertainment etc. That should give you an idea on where to start, my free emails will then talk about how to book, what to do onboard etc. 👍🏼
I do have one! The 'best' is a tricky one to answer though ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼 emmacruises.com/which-cruise-lines-have-the-best-cookies-11-cruise-lines-compared/
Cruise tip: get used to sleeping with a noise making machine. Then take it on your cruise. Game changer for me. Kids were very loud in the next cabin, but i just had my river flowing. lol
Glad you had a nice time. I once nodded off during a Bingo game but I didn't miss any of my numbers, largely because I was the bingo caller. Yeah, that's a Noel Coward joke I believe but I do find bingo boring. Happy cruising everyone.
Great to hear that Americans can start to book Marella now! If we (Americans) wanted to book do we need to go through your UK rep Emma or could we use your US rep Dan? Thanks!
Hey hey! Neither actually, well, I think my US team could help but it's actually cheaper to book direct with Marella on the website/by phone. They're the only cruise line like that that I know of, it's very weird. But I usually suggest book direct because it's a package anyway. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Oh yeah, best thing is to phone them although I think you can book cruise only on the website? This is why I usually like to recommend travel agents but they make it difficult ha ha.
We did a family cruise on this ship when it was the Celebrity Century " in 2011! Certainly looks very different now! Even then some people said it was an old ship. They certainly gave it a great new look.
Always a fun and groovy episode with you Emma. Once again, this video was very informative, as well as helpful. The overall prices to enjoy this trip was very fair. This boat cruise seems like it would be a gas if one wasn't too needy. Thanks for your groovy review.
Great and honest review! Look forward to watching your others! We've got a Marella Cruise booked for our honeymoon next year, but it's on Voyager instead. Also - totally agree with the hop on hop off buses in Barcelona! We used the BusTuristic ones thankfully and they did stick to the map lol
Me and my good lady have cruised several times with different companies and I've got to be honest the most enjoyable cruises have been on marrella even on the dream which was scrapped in 2020 I like the easy flow of them not having to pre book things
Love your videos. I hear a lot that comment on noise. We use a white noise machine and you would be amazed just how much outside noise is cancelled by them.
Can’t wait for our first Marella cruise on Discovery 2. My partner is a teacher and we didn’t realise there was an adults only ship until after we’d booked 😭.
The casino was in the dome at the top on the ambassador ship when it was a princess ship, P&O moved it to what used to be the night club. When it was in the dome it was big and very busy.
I went on Murella Explorer 2 for a Caribbean cruise in February this year. I sailed from Montego Bay to Cozumel, then Havana and Grand Cayman, before returning to Montego Bay.
Mentioning Butlins reminded me of the British TV sitcom called Hi-de-Hi from the early 80's. Same idea of an organised/scheduled holiday park. But not on the sea. Now I feel a bit old :)
When we were on Anthem last week, they played a little tune before entertainment announcements. I kept expecting them to say "Morning campers.." - but Emma and everyone else was too young to understand the reference! 😂
I've only been on 2 cruises, the first, about 5 years ago was on the smaller Tui ship, it was its last voyage before being taken out of service. I loved it, it was like being in a 1980's wine bar, way outdated but fun. I went on the PO lona this February & loathed every day on it, way too big, totally impersonal (even the staff said that) and like being trapped in a Wetherspoons. Smaller is better IMO.
Check out the same cruise in November, it's £550 including flights from the UK. Not bad at all. (affiliate) tui-uk.7cnq.net/R5k3vb 😇🥳
I tried the river cruise version of this trip, check that out here: ruclips.net/video/7o_-bPhPYLs/видео.htmlsi=PyfXaLP-zu8-vpRT
Wondering what a themed cruise would be like? Here's my 90s cruise:
ruclips.net/video/_av3QfATpCE/видео.htmlsi=bKTa7tb1MOlziP3h 🥰😎
In your other video you asked what the ◇ icon meant on the room layout.
On other ship layouts it seems to signify 6 berth so * ◇ would be 4-6 berths?
Hi Emma thank you for the great content as always. I have a question and I’m sorry I’m sure you have been asked this a million times before,,,,,do you have an insurance company that you would recommend for cruisers? I have been using the same one for years and never had to claim but we have been cruising now for the past 4 years and after a quick conversation with the company I realised they don’t cover any cruising issues.
@@dexdexter65 Hellooooo, my cruise travel insurance guide (including recommendations and step by step instructions) is here: emmacruises.com/cruise-travel-insurance-why-you-need-it-and-how-to-get-it-step-by-step-guide/ 🥳🥳
I remember the head shave and the grow back!
Is there anything similar that would be suitable for somebody who uses a heavy, non-folding powered wheelchair that can't (usually) get onto a coach for transfers etc?
Emma, thank you for being one of the very few RUclipsrs creating original content instead of recycling 25 things to buy on Amazon before your cruise, or sensationalized bad things happening to cruisers.
Ha ha, thank you! Theres definitely a place for that kind of content but it isn't very me. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Yessssss this!!!
I second that! I booked a cruise because of your channel and I can’t wait!
Agree!!! Like: pack clothes...!
So true!
I like that Emma does cruises that are accessible to the every day person. Not “I go in the worlds most expensive cruise”. Thank you Emma, love your channel!
Thank you! 😁❤️
My husband and I had our honeymoon on this ship. We both work in education so adult only was a real bonus for us. Had a great time sailing around Italy and Croatia.
Ooo, that sounds amazing!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
What a great honeymoon!
An ADULTS cruse eh, hmmmm was there pineapple available
I love the idea of an adult-only cruise that includes all food and alcohol with no set dining times. I'm going to take special note of this one.
+1!
I only just learned about this after watching another YT channel mentioning Viking
“I don’t want to win the game I am playing because that would involve public recognition” might be the most British thing I’ve ever heard. Thanks Emma! This ship reminds me of Norwegian’s Jewel class.
We went on Celebrity Century when it was one of the older ships in Celebrity’s fleet. It’s a small but very well designed ship and we really loved it. I am thrilled to see her again; thank you!
Awhh, love that!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I went on it was it was maybe 5 or 6 years old and it was not considered small then. The size of ships have gotten really huge.
Emma, I find you to be an excellent guide. Your speech is descriptive in a brisk manner. You also have a lovely voice. Hope you can find a position that enables you to continue cruising in the manner you wish to become accustomed to. God’s blessings
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
You are probably the best, most real-deal, authentic and value-adding travel channel out there. Seriously, you put in the miles and you show it all. I feel as if I took a 3 credit semester course each time I consume one of these cruise reviews. And I also love me some mini-golf.
Awwwh thanks so much!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Putt-putt! My fave 🥰🥰
Well said 🎉🎉🎉🎉!
It's REALLY impressive the amount of work you put into actually DOING these cruises, clearly and beautifully filming what we want to see and what you want to show off, and editing it all into a video that gives plenty of all-inclusive information that helps us both understand each ship/company's offerings and an understanding of your own perspective and preferences.
They're informative for people looking to GO on a cruise soon, while also entertaining for those of us who don't but are curious.
You're so kind, appreciate it. That's exactly my aim! :)
I love to cruise, but in between cruises I love to watch @EmmaCruises! ❤
Celebrity Century was the first cruise I ever went on in 1996 as a 6-year-old. Crazy to see it's still kicking as a Marella cruise!
Awwhh! Love that. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Butlins! I remember Hi-de-Hi! (1980-?). What flummoxes me most is the lack of a proper 'Promenade' deck, not high up that wraps around an entire ship. Older ships have them, and it's those ships I had the most fun on. And the fact that the number of passengers are low is a bonus. I detest the 'block of floating apartments' of mega ships.
Ho-de-ho!!! Emma is probably too young to remember the escapades of the "Maplins" Yellowcoats and Peggy! A Butlin-esque cruise sounds like a winner for me and Emma has me intrigued to find out more!
I am glad you had a lovely time. If I ever go on a cruise, the most important thing I have learnt from RUclips cruise channels is to be cautious about my cabin location to avoid noise! Thank you for the video!
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I remember the Century from a couple of cruises we took on the ship. They were one of the reasons I’ve always thought highly of Celebrity cruises. It was a good ship then and I’m glad the old girl is still sailing. Usually, if a company is willing to keep the maintenance up to date, these ships last until a change in the Safety of Life At Seas (SOLAS) regulations that demand major, expensive improvements. Since she still has classic shaft propellers and not Azipods, her life span can be extended a little longer.
Awwh I love that. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
When you said that older ships seem to have more outdoor space per person it really clicked with me.
All the new ships seem to sacrifice communal spaces for these up charge higher tier amenities. It's kinda sad to see that trend. I mean Norwegian has a literal ship in the ship as it's top tier.
So the experience for the non premium cruiser gets actually worse.
Ha ha, I think so too!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I don’t even know what that means! 😂😂😂 PS I have never been on a cruise 🚢.
@@looloo4029 haha it means that the big modern ships seem to follow the trend of sacrificing spaces open for everyone for spaces that can only be accessed by guests booking the higher tiers.
So the spaces accessible for the regular passenger are less even tho the ship is bigger.
@@HoJSimpson thats what they might call it, but at the end of the day its basically the class system making a comeback where if you aint want to spend the money you aint welcome with the " rich " folk.
For Norwegian, especially the Prima class, I totally agree ! But for the biggest ships, like the Icon and Oasis class, I believe you have a lot of free outdoor space, but these ships definitely aren’t for everyone…
For an older cruise ship it looked like it was well maintained like you said it was too short of a cruise only 4 days isn't long enough to enjoy yourself... Another fantastic tour and as always you look marvelous Emma...
I sailed on her twice when she was still with Celebrity near the turn of the 21st Century and I have to tell you that based on your video she has been beautiful maintained. I found her beautiful then and she appears to have aged like a very fine wine.
I went on my very first cruise back in 1985 with my family and the first two ships I went on were less than a quarter of the size of this ship so I've never understood the modern cruise travelers that refer to ships this size as tiny. In my experience she is more than large enough and in fact she has far more public space available to a passenger than a ship like Queen Elizabeth or SS France from the golden age of ocean liners. It seems like modern cruisers have become obsessed with size whether they think a ship this size is too small or they are convinced that the largest ships are too big.
Awwwh, so nice to see the ship still going I bet!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Thanks for your comment! I just remarked similarly, that we went on her as the Century and absolutely loved the size and design of the ship and public spaces. I’m thrilled to see her again, and glad she still looks nice!
I was on her in February and i thought she was in good condition. i like the smaller ships. one of my favourits was P&O's Oceana, i was on her last full cruise before covid struck.
My parents cruised several times in the 1980s and I miss the smaller cruise ships. They still looked like ships, and you weren’t crowded in with thousand and thousands of people. If there was still an option for that size of ship, my husband and I might try a cruise. Neither of us likes massive crowds and I like ships that look like ships, rather than a massive floating block. We don’t need a ton of amenities and amusements.
@@CatMom-uw9jl if there was a market it for them they would build them that way. Sadly economy of scale and the demands of today's vacationers simply make ships of that type unprofitable. People demand balcony cabins, people demand half a dozen or more dining options and all types of entertainment and they want it all for a bottom dollar price tag. The only small ships left are ultra luxury lines that the majority of people can't afford.
I worked on one of Celebrity's sister ships back when I was younger. This brings back so many memories. The stories about ship crews are true.
I worked on a cruise ship, a large one, Royal Caribbean . I always found it weird how passengers have no idea how big the ship is bellow the deck where all the staff members live. It's almost as big as the rest of the ship where all the passengers sleep and eat. We had our own restaurant, our own bars , rooms, showers and more.
We were in the audience for your 2018 charity head shave on Marella Discovery and have followed your channel since then. Best cruise videos!
You were?! Oh my amazing, that was so funny to me because the people there hadn't come to see me they'd come to see the show, so they were looking at me like x_O. ha ha, thank you!!
We just did our 1st cruise with Tui Marella Explorer corfu, Croatia and Montenegro. Didn't know what to expect, but not disappoint. Staff really friendly, boat spotless, restaurants and bar menus brilliant. Like you said smaller boats, about 2000 people, but you would think that wondering around the 12 decks. Definitely be doing another
Sold!
I've def already wanted to visit those places, but I hadn't even thought about cruising there before.
Cheers!
Great video Emma! I remember when that ship was owned by Celebrity. It was maintained superbly. It was spotless. Easy to see how it's still here 30 years later. Travel safe, God Bless!
"This one looked a little rude, but it was tasty"😂😂😂😂😂😂You never fail to crack me up at least once per video!!! You are hilarious 😅. I always have a smile on my face after watching your videos. Thank you, Emma!!!
My Emma has the same spirit & sense of humor ❤.
Thanks so much 🥹❤
On my cruise from Australia to New Zealand, they had music trivia BINGO (no entry fee). They'd play a song, and you had to identify it (or wait several minutes for the name to be displayed, after which several other songs had played, so you were behind). Four rounds in one game show.
I enjoyed it, even though I lost a BINGO because I took a second longer to shout it out than somebody else. It might be the one time in my life I'd have the win, only to lose out like that. I don't play regular BINGO.
Ahh stressful!! Ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Been watching/ subscribed to you since way before your 'head shave'! You did a brilliant job! Did our first Marella in January (Canaries on Explorer) we were very impressed with how easy everything was & how lovely & friendly all the crew were including the Officers & Captain! Very large outside Cabin, on the side right under the bridge, really comfy & 'homely'. Would rather have the 'shabby chic' & friendly & 'all in' than the 'glitz & glamour' of MSC (lovely room stewards & wait staff but arrogant officers!) where everything is extra! Thank you for getting us into cruising Emma! ( YES! all your fault! now done eight and addicted!) Keep up the good work!
So glad you had a lovely time! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Thank you so much for posting this. Polite, yet honest, I love your way of describing the ‘events’. And your videos are simply fun to watch.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
My mum recognizes some of the spaces on the ship from over 20 years ago 🤭
She's surprised they were able to renovate it to this level
They really did renovate it top to bottom! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Nice review.
It may be an old ship, but it looks good enough for me.
Loved the "in true Brit style, the dumped the casino and turned it into.... a pub!!"
I sailed on this ship when it was Celebrity Century when I was 10 years old in 2005! It was my first ever cruise. Love seeing this ship again!
Awwwh!! So cute. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
My husband and I have just finished our first 2 week cruise on the Marbella explorer 2. Greek mystic and Adriatic delight. We were very impressed and spoke to many other passengers and not one negative view. Most of the people we spoke to had had many previous cruises with Marella. I would definitely do it again and plan to. Staff and entertainment crew were excellent and very friendly. We didn’t upgrade drinks package and were very satisfied with the drinks and food. We did a couple of speciality restaurant meals which you had to pay a bit extra for but well worth it. Would definitely recommend especially if it’s your first. Obviously nothing to compare it to but I liked the fact it was not too formal and was relaxed. Looking forward to the next one!
Our first cruise ever was onboard the Celebrity Century back in 1996. We've been hooked on cruising since but it still remains one of our favorites. When you mentioned miniature golf as being totally '90s, I was able to do something on the Century that would be unheard of today. I did skeet shooting with a shotgun off the rear of the deck. Also, we were in Cabin 8186 which at the time was an oceanview window. All those balconies (except where you were) were added afterwards...
This was a well spoken, interesting video on a subject I always said I'd never do! I intend to try it very soon. Thank you for posting.
I don't drink or cruise but this sounds a lot more inviting and comfortable then the huge cruise ships that feel like a new museum or an amusement park. It seems like it would be more like visiting an old friend where you can just kick off your shoes and relax.
Love to hear your perspective!
My dad won't cruise with any other line. He's been to the med, Caribbean, South America and a few more over the years, he's even been in the hospital on occasion onboard and loves TUI. He's 89!
Wow. So many words in 17 minutes and 51 seconds. Very thorough!
too many ?
This video appeared in my queue today, and I decided to watch it because I have seen (and loved) so many other of your videos. As a novice to cruising, I have learned so much from you! Thank you for sharing your content with the world. People are so weird, and I truly hope that you let the mean comments fall right off of you.
Thanks so much, you are very kind. Try to! :) Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Seems like a tastefully done cruise that was relaxing. The ship kept things simple and stuck to its strengths, did the little things right: food, entertainment, cleanliness, layout, all inclusive. Like a B&B version of a cruise.
Stayed in those exact rooms at the back of the ship. Put up with the noise from the Squid and Anchor, the engine's and the vibrations for 3 nights then asked to move as we were on there for 2 weeks. They put us in a balcony room mid ship with no issues. Very good
I find I enjoy the older ships. I'm making a point of sailing on each of Carnival's last two Fantasy class ships, before they decided to take them out of service. Cheers, Emma 🥂
I rate Emmas videos in how long it takes her to find the cookies :)
Ha ha, I should have a countdown! My last cruise was about 20 minutes maybe so that's good, lolol. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
When Emma visits the website to book a cruise, I wonder if she gets excited when she clicks the 'Enable Cookies' button!😊
Ah, I really do love Marella Cruises - I find their fares are SUCH good value!
Marella-ella-ella-ay-ay-ayyyyyy, under my Marellaaa. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Me too
Really? I think they are not as reasonable as they used to be.
I went on this ship for my first (and will be only) cruise around the Caribbean in December 2023. Absolutely hated it
Fantastic video as always. You and and Ben and David are my favorite cruise bloggers. I get all the cruising that I want watching you guys. I love to see your cat and his cattitude. If I ever cruised, I would worry if my cabin was over the smoking "lounge". I'd worry about smoking odors drifting onto the balcony. Thank you.
It is so strange for me as an American (who dated a Brit and lived in the UK for several years) to feel my heart melt and body relax when you say Weatherspoon’s.
Like there is no comfort quite like my strongbow or fosters and chips and sausages that I can’t quite find anywhere back here in the US. And no matter which village I went to or how far I roamed.. that stupid menu with its reliable mediocre deliciousness when it popped up under the sign of a pub. Sigh. Nothing quite like that feeling
Haha, yeah I'd miss spoons so so much if ever I left. Can't beat those pints of Pepsi!! ❤️❤️❤️
Good and fair video…we sailed on Explorer 2 in 2023…our first cruise and we loved it…so much so that in September 2024 we are going on the Discovery for our second cruise 👍😎
Emma, I always enjoy your cruising adventures! Your winning personality and information-packed videos always make you a pleasure to watch. Thank you for taking along with you on your trips!
You're so kind, Thanks so much 🥹❤️
Good luck with your ship halfway into the holliday. The ship ran out of fuel ⛽️ 😳 😫 and we got vouchers to spend on board, and that it ...😊 so I took them to court and got half of my holliday back. 🎉Never again, will I go with them again.
Sailed transatlantic Malaga to Barbados relocation on this ship late 2022, it was a great deal and a nice, long cruise to just chill out on - endless seas in every direction worked for me. This older ship is smaller than the mega-sized ships around and IMHO much the better for it having been on the MSC Virtuosa last year with 5000 other travellers.
Passengers were a mixed bunch though and I agree with the "Butlins" comment.
We had a balcony midship on the South facing side of the ship - always important to check where your sun is going to be!. With doing that, we never had to fight for a seat on the deck, the balcony was huge and very private to sunbathe on. Food was hit and miss, breakfast was an experience and we soon learned how to work the system. Coffee brought to the table - nope - it's generally stewed. Ask for a cappuccino, it gets freshly drawn from the nearest machine. Lunch was generally in the mad mess called the buffet, until we decided Nonnas was pretty good and much less stressful as there was only space for a limited number of diners. Dinner - yes, slow but sure and portions were just about enough. Decent wines too but again you needed to be clued up on what to look for, and engage with the friendly wait staff to offer the good stuff!
Overall, good value, good fun and would do a relocation again.
We sailed Celebrity Century in1999 and had a great time. Glad to see she's still afloat!
Superb video. Beautifully produced. Cleverly written. Brilliantly presented. Thank you.
Thank you! 😁❤️
one benefit of boarding so late on day#1 is that your room is for sure ready when you get onboard. 😂
Thats true!! ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I have sailed with Marella twice, once on the Discovery, and once on the Explorer 2 and both times had a fantastic time and would gladly go again. I am Canadian so we booked through Sunwing over here which includes our airfare and transfers to and from the ship and starting this year they are departing from Dominican Republic so looking forward to my next adventure with them. Great review and happy sailing
I remember when you shaved your head! What a kind gesture. I enjoy your channel Emma! Keep it up!
Thanks so much for watching and your kind words! I appreciate it 😀❤️
Adult only is the way to go. We need more of that in the US.
You are really great at explaining the tour of the ship. Really great tour! Thanks!
Me and the boys on our way to be the first ones boarding the spoons cruise 🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻
Ha ha, lets go!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
... American here. "Spoons" like the card game? Or is this something else?
@@kontzel It's a restaurant chain in the UK.
@@cookiehuntress4173 Restaurant? mmmm....I don't think so
@@cookiehuntress4173Think this is the first time I've heard of spoons referred to as a "restaurant chain" 🤣
Love that you mentioned 'Spoons' as, after our last Marella cruise, I described it to a non-cruising friend as 'Wetherspoons at Sea'. Not meant to be a criticism, just a way to put it in context.
Yes ha ha!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
I’ve been on 3 Marella cruises including onboard this ship, love them
We did a similar cruise in April, but a week. What an improvement on previous cruises on big ships. The buffet is as big as you'd get on certain liners of twice the passenger numbers, so it never felt busy and crowded, as it does on Iona, for example. And no ankle-biters running round the restaurant and having nothing to do in the bars at 10pm, while their parents and grandparents chat and lose interest in them.
The draught wine and beer in the buffet and in the restaurants just made it feel like eating at home, without having to stay sober. Our kind of ship, though we aren't actually drinkers. OK, just one, please, no a large one... And, though it's a cruise thing anyway, not having to stay utterly sober to take the grandchildren home, and nobody phoning "Dad, can you just pop round and bring your toolbox and can Grandma mind the children while we just mend the shed/sockets/lights..."
We had an inside cabin, and you really need to be a deep sleeper for some of these, as they are often over bars or right next to crew corridors and those guys move trolleys of towels and stuff around until about 4am. Balcony next time, at least the pub goes quiet around midnight!
The Century was the very first cruise Skylar and I went on together! It was fun to see its new life with Marella.
Mini golf is exciting! 🥰✨
Always!!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
There used to be driving ranges off the aft of the ship.
Skeet shooting too. Open bar. What can go wrong?
the all inclusive is very appealing! I don't want to worry about paying extra for food and drinks when I'm supposed to be relaxing on a cruise!
Yet another great video from Emma. Even if you don't like boats and ships much, these videos are still worth a watch regardless. These are also broadcast quality showings so this channel is the one to watch.
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
I so enjoyed this review -- I enjoy ALL of your videos, since you're so much fun to watch and listen to (I need a to take a speed-listening course to keep up, though). As a long time Celebrity cruiser, the ship did look familiar, though I was never aboard that one. Much more colorful than Celebrity. The price is pretty amazing with included drinks and air travel. I don't think I'd ever find that kind of deal in the US.
Ha ha, I love that. Thanks so much!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
We love marella ships easy going crew fantastic unlike the other brands which hold out there hands for tips food very good cabins excellent we done a stay and cruise from barbados brilliant 😊
We have so many good memories of Century...she was a proud and classy ship in an era when Celebrity actually had some class.
This looks like a very nice cruise at a good price. Thank you for sharing❤
Wow what a surprise! I've been on about 20 cruises give or take, mostly on NCL, but also a few on Carnival and Holland America, and I think this ship is one of the nicest I've seen! I love the modern decor, the colors, it seems bright and cheery. I'm also a fan of smaller ships, which are harder to find it seems unless you book with a company like Viking, which I can't afford. But I would LOVE cruise on a ship like yours! Really great video, I always enjoy watching your content. Cheers from NYC.
I love the Century-Class ships! Especially Mercury/Old Mein Schiff 2/Mein Schiff 💙/ Marella Voyager.
Hoping Emma might take a trip on her too. Would love to see what Marella changed.
Emma, I need a suggestion or two. Wife and I would like to go on a cruise, but we don't care where we go. We don't plan on getting off the ship. Eat, drink, read, nap, look at water...that's all we're interested in for a couple weeks or so. Suggestions?
Hellooo! If you go to EmmaCruises.com and download my free guide it compares all major cruise lines on things like dining, entertainment etc. That should give you an idea on where to start, my free emails will then talk about how to book, what to do onboard etc. 👍🏼
Nice clear commentary, well done.
Too shy to shout out BINGO... thats adorable!
It sounds like it passed the cookie test and scored pretty good on the cookie meter. Need to start a cookie rating for cruise ships 🍪 😉
I do have one! The 'best' is a tricky one to answer though ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼 emmacruises.com/which-cruise-lines-have-the-best-cookies-11-cruise-lines-compared/
😊
Cruise tip: get used to sleeping with a noise making machine. Then take it on your cruise. Game changer for me. Kids were very loud in the next cabin, but i just had my river flowing. lol
Glad you had a nice time.
I once nodded off during a Bingo game but I didn't miss any of my numbers, largely because I was the bingo caller.
Yeah, that's a Noel Coward joke I believe but I do find bingo boring.
Happy cruising everyone.
Ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
@@EmmaCruises You're welcome, I may not be the cruising kind of person but its always fun to see people finding joy in what they love.
I went on this cruise for my honeymoon round the Caribbean. It was our first cruise so nothing to compare but we absolutely loved it
Love it!! 🥰❤️
Great to hear that Americans can start to book Marella now! If we (Americans) wanted to book do we need to go through your UK rep Emma or could we use your US rep Dan? Thanks!
Hey hey! Neither actually, well, I think my US team could help but it's actually cheaper to book direct with Marella on the website/by phone. They're the only cruise line like that that I know of, it's very weird. But I usually suggest book direct because it's a package anyway. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
@@EmmaCruisesI tried but I only saw ones that included flight packages from UK
Oh yeah, best thing is to phone them although I think you can book cruise only on the website? This is why I usually like to recommend travel agents but they make it difficult ha ha.
We did a family cruise on this ship when it was the Celebrity Century " in 2011! Certainly looks very different now! Even then some people said it was an old ship. They certainly gave it a great new look.
Always a fun and groovy episode with you Emma. Once again, this video was very informative, as well as helpful. The overall prices to enjoy this trip was very fair. This boat cruise seems like it would be a gas if one wasn't too needy. Thanks for your groovy review.
9:11 Very much a British cruise ship. Where else in the world starts their dessert menu that way.
So true!! Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Butler in the Butlin 🤔😅🤨 😂🤣
8:42 A what?? 😅😅 weather spoons??
Ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
^_^/@@EmmaCruises
Looks like a great ship, Emma! And that's a great price for what you get! I would definitely take this cruise!
Amazing video as always Emma 🎉
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
This makes me want to go. Older style ship...love it. Really cool. Thanks for the insight.
Great and honest review! Look forward to watching your others! We've got a Marella Cruise booked for our honeymoon next year, but it's on Voyager instead. Also - totally agree with the hop on hop off buses in Barcelona! We used the BusTuristic ones thankfully and they did stick to the map lol
Never been on a cruise and never want to !! BUT this was an amazing review professionally presented by the lovely Emma 👍
Thanks so much 🥹❤️
Thank you Emma 😊
Looks like confined holiday hell plus sea sickness thrown in ! Cheesy working club vibs 😂
Thanks Emma. It looks very nice. Better than the new monsters now.
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
Me and my good lady have cruised several times with different companies and I've got to be honest the most enjoyable cruises have been on marrella even on the dream which was scrapped in 2020 I like the easy flow of them not having to pre book things
Thanks again for such great information, as usual. Have been watching your posts for years. Keep on cruising!
Only done one cruise. Tui. Loved it, planning on using them next year. Casinos? Who wants to lose all their money? GO THE PUB❤❤❤❤
Love your videos. I hear a lot that comment on noise. We use a white noise machine and you would be amazed just how much outside noise is cancelled by them.
Can’t wait for our first Marella cruise on Discovery 2. My partner is a teacher and we didn’t realise there was an adults only ship until after we’d booked 😭.
'Spoons' on a cruise ship!
I bet there's masses of people that would go for that! 😂 😂
The casino was in the dome at the top on the ambassador ship when it was a princess ship, P&O moved it to what used to be the night club. When it was in the dome it was big and very busy.
I went on Murella Explorer 2 for a Caribbean cruise in February this year. I sailed from Montego Bay to Cozumel, then Havana and Grand Cayman, before returning to Montego Bay.
Mentioning Butlins reminded me of the British TV sitcom called Hi-de-Hi from the early 80's. Same idea of an organised/scheduled holiday park. But not on the sea. Now I feel a bit old :)
Yes! ha ha. Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
When we were on Anthem last week, they played a little tune before entertainment announcements. I kept expecting them to say "Morning campers.." - but Emma and everyone else was too young to understand the reference! 😂
I've only been on 2 cruises, the first, about 5 years ago was on the smaller Tui ship, it was its last voyage before being taken out of service. I loved it, it was like being in a 1980's wine bar, way outdated but fun. I went on the PO lona this February & loathed every day on it, way too big, totally impersonal (even the staff said that) and like being trapped in a Wetherspoons. Smaller is better IMO.