Marella Explorer - 1/18/2026
The January 18, 2026 cruise on the Marella Explorer departs from Bridgetown, Barbados. On this A Taste of the Tropics sailing, the ship will visit a total of 5 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Marella Explorer sets sail on Sunday, Jan 18th and returns on Sunday, Jan 25th.
Cruise Itinerary
Itinerary
Marella Explorer - January 18, 2026 - 7 Nights
| Day | Date | Port |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 17th | Bridgetown, Barbados |
| 2 | Jan 18th | At Sea |
| 3 | Jan 20th | St. John's, Antigua |
| 4 | Jan 21st | Basseterre, St. Kitts |
| 5 | Jan 22nd | Philipsburg, St. Maarten |
| 6 | Jan 23rd | Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
| 7 | Jan 23rd | At Sea |
| 8 | Jan 25th | Bridgetown, Barbados |
The Marella Explorer sails on January 18, 2026 for a A Taste of the Tropics. The ship will depart the port of Bridgetown, Barbados at 7:00 PM and will return to the port of Bridgetown, Barbados on Jan 25th at 7:00 PM. During the 8-day journey, the Marella Explorer will visit 4 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!
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)
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)
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)
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)
Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!
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)