A Taste of the Tropics
Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer
April 12, 2026
A Taste of the Tropics

Marella Explorer - 4/12/2026

The April 12, 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 6 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Marella Explorer sets sail on Sunday, Apr 12th and returns on Sunday, Apr 19th.

Cruise Length
7
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Bridgetown
Barbados
Port Stops
6
Sea Days
1

Cruise Itinerary

Itinerary

Marella Explorer - April 12, 2026 - 7 Nights

DayDatePort
1Apr 12thBridgetown, Barbados
2Apr 13thAt Sea
3Apr 14thTortola, British Virgin Islands
4Apr 15thPhilipsburg, St. Maarten
5Apr 16thBasseterre, St. Kitts
6Apr 17thSt. John's, Antigua
7Apr 18thRoseau, Dominica
8Apr 19thBridgetown, Barbados

The Marella Explorer sails on April 12, 2026 for a A Taste of the Tropics. The ship will depart the port of Bridgetown, Barbados at 8:00 PM and will return to the port of Bridgetown, Barbados on Apr 19th at 8:00 PM. During the 8-day journey, the Marella Explorer will visit 5 additional ports and will spend 1 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.

Itinerary Safety Rank
70 / 100
safer than 70% of all cruises
70
7
/ 10
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown
Travelers should stay vigilant in busy areas of Bridgetown, as petty crime and scams can occur, and secure personal belongings.
7
/ 10
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Tortola
Tortola is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should stay vigilant and exercise caution, especially after dark.
7
/ 10
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Philipsburg
Philipsburg is generally safe for cruise travelers, but remain vigilant against petty theft in crowded areas and secure personal belongings.
7
/ 10
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Basseterre
Basseterre is generally safe for cruise travelers, but it's wise to stay vigilant against petty theft and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
7
/ 10
St. John's, Antigua
St. John's
St. John's is generally safe for travelers, but vigilance is advised due to potential petty theft and risks in certain neighborhoods after dark.
7
/ 10
Roseau, Dominica
Roseau
Roseau is generally safe for cruise travelers, but it's important to stay vigilant in crowded areas and secure your valuables.

Cruise Ship

Marella Explorer

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

Day1
APR 122026
D:8:00 PM

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)

Day2
APR 132026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day3
APR 142026
British Virgin Islands
A:8:00 AMD:6:00 PM

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)

Day4
APR 152026
Netherlands Antilles
A:8:00 AMD:6:00 PM

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)

Day5
APR 162026
St Kitts And Nevis
A:8:00 AMD:6:00 PM

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)

Day6
APR 172026
A:8:00 AMD:6:00 PM

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)

Day7
APR 182026
A:8:00 AMD:6:00 PM

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)

Day8
APR 192026
A:8:00 PM

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)