There are quite a few dining options on the Marella Explorer 2. The dining options below are shown as those that are included with the all-inclusive fare. The speciality dining options follow. To make a reservation for speciality dining, book through the ship app or at one of the kiosks as soon as you can once you embark, so as not to be dissapointed. We plan to eat at each and every one of these restaurants during our cruise and we will provide a. more in-depth review of each in March 2021.
A two-tier main dining room with waiter service.
Breakfast (7 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
Healthy options, Continental and A La Carte full-English with changing daily specials. Vegetarian and gluten-free options for the Snowflakes.
Lunch (11.30 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Dinner (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
Caters mainly with British staple meals with daily specials and healthy options. Busy period between 7 – 7.30 p.m. Second tables available around 8 p.m. If there are no tables available, a staff member will provide a buzzer.
An Italian restaurant on the lower deck of Latitude and separated from the Main Dining Room.
Dinner (6 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
The menu offers speciality dining (although included in the all-inclusive package) from different Italian regions such as Piedmont and Sicily.
Dishes have been described online as impressive, included; tender pork belly, crusted-roast cod served with saffron potatoes and cherry tomatoes, a huge Parmigiano wheel, which is used for a dish of hot pasta creating a delicious gooey carb fest.
A self-service buffet restaurant for informal dining. Open 17 hours-a-day!
Breakfast (7-11 a.m.) Lunch (11.30 – 3 p.m.) Dinner (6 – 10 p.m.)
Late Night Snacks (10 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
As you would imagine with a ship buffet, breakfast; fresh fruit, muesli, cereals, croissants, cold meats and cheeses and everything that makes up a full-English. Lunches and dinners offer a wide selection of hot and cold meals, plus theme nights with speciality stations. Ice creams, deserts, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drink and draft beers are always available. The Terrace Deck is a canopy covered area at the aft of the ship and you can take your meals from the Market Place here for Al Fresco dining.
Lunch (11 – 5 p.m.)
Dinner (6.30 – 9.30 p.m.)
A small and informal Italian restaurant, lunchtimes offer a choice of pizza slices, pasta and spaghetti dishes. The Dinner service offer more substantial meals where diners can make their own pizza and calzone, with pasta options and a couple of deserts.
Breakfast (8.30 – 10.30 a.m.)
Lunch 11.30 – 6 p.m.)
the new Beach Cove venue serves a continental breakfast and self-serve light lunches, with waiter service for drinks. A glass enclosed area.
Lunch (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Located on the pool deck opposite Beach Cove. This restaurant is decorated with a British seaside theme, and seaside food to go with it: Fish ‘n chips, burgers and hotdogs are the main fayre here. Eat in the beach hut styled alcoves or takeaway. Not a vegetarian in sight!
The best coffee on board from Lavazza. Plus a choice of cold drinks and handmade chocolates, created on board. Or treat yourself to coffee or tea-based cocktails, like espresso martinis and green tea mojitos. Or, Hot chocolate with a creamy liqueur, like Baileys Salted Caramel. There are books and board games and USB points
All items are chargeable from here and not included in the all-inclusive package. However, they are included with the premium drinks package.
Open 7 a.m. – 6 p.m
Homemade gelato with daily special flavours. From classic cones and cups to Knickerbocker Glory and ice-cream sundaes.
There is a charge of £1 per scoop. At the time of writing this, we are not sure if it is included with the premium drinks package and will update as soon as possible.
A vintage ice cream parlour theme.
The Dining Club is the Explorer 2’s most formal dining venue. Drawing a menu that is French focused with a smattering of European dishes , the restaurant has a high-end city restaurant feel. Situated on deck 5 next to the reception in the ships Atrium.
The menu offers wine -pairing (that is not pears in wine!) and therefore there are two prices, with or without specially chosen wine.
To give you an idea of the menu; prawns, lobster, fish and shellfish served with delicate sauces , microgreens and edible flowers. At the time of writing the star dish was Lamb Three Ways; a slow roasted saddle, glazed loin and a cassolette.
Cost: £35 per head or £45 with wine-pairing.
The Great Musical Afternoon Tea – Cost: £15 or £20 with Champagne
Available in the Dining Club restaurant, once a week, check which sea-day you want to take it and book early. The afternoon affair is themed around the biggest shows and musicals.
Each tea will feature 7 savoury dishes. White-gloved waiters serve up coronation chicken sandwich and ‘By Royal Appointment’ tiger bread to ‘Vietnamese Melody’ beef tenderloin yakitori and ‘School Lunch’ cucumber and truffle egg mayonnaise double-decker. The desserts include; ‘Naughty but Nice…’ treats like homemade scones, preserves and clotted cream. ‘I Like to be in America’ ultimate New York Cheesecake is also a must-try. There will be 6 different teas, and a cocktail of choice to complement the menu.
Dinner (7 – 10 p.m.)
Feels formal and elegant, a classy open-kitchen Steak House that would not be out of place in New York. Situated next to the Aperitif bar, benefiting from the pianist playing there.
This is a must-do for meat lovers with lots of steak options and seafood such as; aged Angus beef medallions, lobster tail, and pan-seared scallops.
You should book this as soon as you get on board as it is always busy.
Cost: £28.95 per head.
Dinner (7 – 10 p.m.)
This is the ships Asian speciality dining options and is a partnership with the famous House of HO, London restaurant of chef Ian Pengelley.
The focus is on Indian and Chinese specialities. This is the place for a great curry and the chefs will make them as you like, spicy hot or mild. Everything is made freshly on board, including nan breads and chutneys. The restaurant is located next to the Steakhouse towards the aft of the ship on Deck 6.
Cost: £24.95 per head.
Sushi at Kora La – Cost: £11.95
Watch the chefs prepare sushi platters, made to order. This is at a counter in a section of Kora La restaurant. Booking is necessary. Hot food and fish free dishes are also available.