Marella Explorer - 1/4/2026
The January 4, 2026 cruise on the Marella Explorer departs from Bridgetown, Barbados. On this Adriatic Explorer followed by Iconic Islands sailing, the ship will visit a total of 11 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Marella Explorer sets sail on Sunday, Jan 4th and returns on Sunday, Jan 18th.
Cruise Itinerary
Itinerary
Marella Explorer - January 4, 2026 - 14 Nights
| Day | Date | Port |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 3rd | Bridgetown, Barbados |
| 2 | Jan 4th | At Sea |
| 3 | Jan 6th | Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
| 4 | Jan 7th | Philipsburg, St. Maarten |
| 5 | Jan 8th | Basseterre, St. Kitts |
| 6 | Jan 9th | St. John's, Antigua |
| 7 | Jan 10th | Roseau, Dominica |
| 8 | Jan 11th | Bridgetown, Barbados |
| 9 | Jan 11th | At Sea |
| 10 | Jan 13th | Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe |
| 11 | Jan 14th | Castries, St. Lucia |
| 12 | Jan 15th | St. George's, Grenada |
| 13 | Jan 16th | Scarborough, Tobago |
| 14 | Jan 17th | Bequia, Grenadines |
| 15 | Jan 18th | Bridgetown, Barbados |
The Marella Explorer sails on January 4, 2026 for a Adriatic Explorer followed by Iconic Islands. The ship will depart the port of Bridgetown, Barbados at 7:00 PM and will return to the port of Bridgetown, Barbados on Jan 18th at 7:00 AM. During the 15-day journey, the Marella Explorer will visit 10 additional ports and will spend 2 days at sea.
Itinerary Safety Score
Based on my comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.
Cruise Ship
Marella Explorer
TUI Marella Cruises
The Marella Explorer was built in 1996 and is among TUI Marella Cruises's 11 ships in its fleet. The Marella Explorer is included in the cruise line's Century class. In the cruise ship stats below, you'll find the Marella Explorer vs all other TUI Marella Cruises ships.
Cruise Ports
Bridgetown, Barbados, offers docking at Bridgetown Port. Travelers explore Harrison’s Cave and Bathsheba Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Carlisle Bay. Local markets sell flying fish cutters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures limestone caves and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cou-cou, a Bajan favorite. Souvenirs, like rum crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bajan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Bridgetown’s vibrant charm offers a lively Barbadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic beaches, making Bridgetown an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Tortola, British Virgin Islands, offers docking at Road Town Port. Travelers explore Sage Mountain and Cane Garden Bay. Excursions include snorkeling at The Baths. Local markets sell painkillers. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic hills and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes roti, a BVI favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arawak history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Tortola’s island allure offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and marine adventures, making Tortola an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, offers docking at Philipsburg Port. Travelers explore Front Street and Maho Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Cupecoy Bay. Local markets sell guavaberry liqueur. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures plane landings and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes callaloo soup, a St. Maarten favorite. Souvenirs, like Dutch crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Arawak history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Philipsburg’s vibrant charm offers a lively stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of bustling markets and scenic beaches, making Philipsburg an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Basseterre, St. Kitts, offers docking at Port Zante. Travelers explore Brimstone Hill Fortress and Romney Manor. Excursions include snorkeling at Shitten Bay. Local markets sell johnnycakes. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes goat water, a St. Kitts favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Basseterre’s historic charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO fortresses and scenic beaches, making Basseterre an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
St. John’s, Antigua, offers docking at St. John’s Port. Travelers explore Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights. Excursions include snorkeling at Cades Reef. Local markets sell fungi. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial docks and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes pepperpot, an Antiguan favorite. Souvenirs, like batik crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. St. John’s vibrant charm offers a lively Antiguan stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic dockyards and scenic beaches, making St. John’s an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Roseau, Dominica, offers docking at Roseau Port. Travelers explore Trafalgar Falls and Morne Trois Pitons. Excursions include snorkeling at Champagne Reef. Local markets sell callaloo soup. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rainforests and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes mountain chicken, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like basket crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance waterfall hikes. Roseau’s natural charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of lush rainforests and marine adventures, making Roseau an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Bridgetown, Barbados, offers docking at Bridgetown Port. Travelers explore Harrison’s Cave and Bathsheba Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Carlisle Bay. Local markets sell flying fish cutters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures limestone caves and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cou-cou, a Bajan favorite. Souvenirs, like rum crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bajan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Bridgetown’s vibrant charm offers a lively Barbadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic beaches, making Bridgetown an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, provides docking at Pointe-à-Pitre Port. Travelers explore La Soufrière volcano and Memorial ACTe museum. Excursions visit Marie-Galante’s beaches. Local markets sell accras. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for island tours. Photography captures volcanic landscapes and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes colombo, a Guadeloupean curry. Souvenirs, like rum bottles, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Creole history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Pointe-à-Pitre’s vibrant island allure offers a dynamic Guadeloupean stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and scenic beaches, making Pointe-à-Pitre an engaging destination for exploring Guadeloupe’s Caribbean beauty and history.
Castries, St. Lucia, offers docking at Castries Port. Travelers explore Pigeon Island and Sulphur Springs. Excursions include snorkeling at Anse Chastanet. Local markets sell green fig salad. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Piton peaks and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes callaloo soup, a St. Lucian favorite. Souvenirs, like cocoa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Castries’ vibrant charm offers a lively St. Lucian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and marine adventures, making Castries an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)
St. George’s, Grenada, offers docking at St. George’s Port. Travelers explore Grand Anse Beach and Fort George. Excursions include snorkeling at Moliniere Sculpture Park. Local markets sell oil down. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures spice markets and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes callaloo soup, a Grenadian favorite. Souvenirs, like nutmeg crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Carib history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. St. George’s vibrant charm offers a lively Grenadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and cultural heritage, making St. George’s an engaging destination. (126 words)
Scarborough, Tobago, offers docking at Scarborough Port. Travelers explore Fort King George and Pigeon Point Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Buccoo Reef. Local markets sell curry crab. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes roti, a Tobagonian favorite. Souvenirs, like cocoa crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Trinidad and Tobago history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Scarborough’s island allure offers a vibrant Tobagonian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and marine adventures, making Scarborough an engaging destination for exploration.
Bequia, Grenadines, docks at Port Elizabeth, a 5-minute walk to the town center, population 5,000. Travelers visit the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, 10 minutes north, for hawksbill turtle conservation. Princess Margaret Beach offers snorkeling. Local markets sell breadfruit chips. Excursions to Mustique, 30 minutes by ferry, explore Britannia Bay. Peak season December to April; taxis 10-20 XCD. Dining includes lobster pizza at harbor cafes. Souvenirs feature model boats.
Bridgetown, Barbados, offers docking at Bridgetown Port. Travelers explore Harrison’s Cave and Bathsheba Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Carlisle Bay. Local markets sell flying fish cutters. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures limestone caves and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes cou-cou, a Bajan favorite. Souvenirs, like rum crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Bajan history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Bridgetown’s vibrant charm offers a lively Barbadian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and scenic beaches, making Bridgetown an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)