Cruise the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua & Dominica with your fellow solo travellers aboard the adults-only Marella Explorer 2. This adults-only ship flaunts a range of exciting facilities, from a large spa to a chic bar-club-casino space, nine bars and nine restaurants. Top spots include ‘The 19th Hole’ – a golf-themed bar with a golf simulator, ‘Flutes’, where you can sip Champagne* or Prosecco to the sounds of a pianist, and ‘Beach Cove’ – a relaxed restaurant with barbecue-inspired menus and quirky swinging seats. Not to mention the outdoor spaces, such as the Veranda, where you can enjoy far-reaching sea views. A superb Caribbean cruise for singles looking to enjoy a group cruise.
PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO AVOID PRICE INCREASES!
Depart the UK for Dominican Republic where you will board the Marella Explorer 2 for this fabulous cruise.
Samana is a rustic town perched on the edge of a peninsula that pokes out of the Dominican Republic’s north-east coast.
The first thing you’ll notice is that it hasn’t lost its traditional charm. Brightly coloured colonial-style houses are scattered throughout pretty public gardens. But it’s the island’s natural side that shines through from every angle. Thick rainforests full of coconut groves and waterfalls are ripe for exploring not far from the coast, which is tailor-made for lazy beach days.
Why not head out on a boat and see if you can spot some whales. The Dominican Republic is home to two humpback whale breeding grounds, so you’ve got a good chance of seeing something.
Nature’s the star attraction of Tortola. Ancient rainforests hog the limelight. Beautiful botanical gardens vie for your attention. And opal-white beaches like Apple Bay and Smuggler’s Cove really steal the show. It’s wild. It’s wondrous. It’s waiting.
Head for Road Town’s pretty Main Street. Here, you’ll find a medley of shops, museums and historical buildings. And you won’t be able to resist snapping away at the brightly-painted bungalows either.
Soak up the beauty of Sage Mountain National Park. The British Virgin Island’s highest point is an oasis of tropical vines, trees and plants. You can even saddle up and explore by horseback!
Two flags rule over this tiny isle – the French and the Dutch. Philipsburg is the Dutch capital and the place to head for a serious shopping splurge.
Marigot, meanwhile, is the French capital, where you can divide your time between bistros and boutiques. Add to the mix dreamy Caribbean coves, kaleidoscopic reefs and lashings of sunshine, and you’ve got all the ingredients for tropical bliss.
If you’re a big fan of the beach, prepare to lose your heart to this place. Antiguans like to boast they have a different one for every day of the year. Without doubt, porcelain, palm-fringed sands and calm turquoise waters are the star of this island’s show. But that’s not all Antigua’s got to boast about.
Get ready for towns in a rainbow riot of colours. Quiet countryside that slumbers in the sunshine. And cuisine as sublime as those moon-white shores.
Head out to Great Bird Island – it’s great snorkelling territory. In particular, keep an eye out for the starfish and stingrays.
Sink your toes into soft sand and wade through waters too blue to be true.
Known as the island of waterfalls, Dominica is as green as it is unspoilt. Off the tourist trail, this exotic isle is a paradise for nature lovers. In fact, it’s one of the Caribbean hotspots for rainforest trekking. And of course, it’s got some superb beaches. Not the snow-white variety you’d expect, but dramatic volcanic sweeps and secluded coves hidden by greenery. Have your camera at the ready…
Make your way through the rainforest of canopied ferns and soaring trees in Canefield and you’ll arrive at the Emerald Pool. A sparkling grotto at the foot of a 12-metre waterfall, it’s the perfect place for a cooling dip.
Leaving Roseau behind, we have a day to relax at sea whilst sailing back towards La Romana.
There is so much this ship has to offer, from the on-board shops, to the spa and gym.
Or just kick back and relax on the sun deck!
Arriving back into Montego Bay this morning, you can enjoy a leisurely morning on board until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, you may wish to take an excursion which will end at the airport.
The adults-only Marella Explorer 2 is the newest ship in the fleet.
Indigo is the ship’s flagship venue. It caters for daytime drinks with a view, as well as all-night dancing. A couple of other bars sort you out for laidback drinks, such as the Squid and Anchor pub. For full-on glitz and glamour, the Broadway Show Lounge steps into view. Thanks to its location, Aperitif is a great place to go before or after a meal at one of our speciality restaurants. The Shack provides cool-down drinks in between sunbathing. You’ll find it just above Snack Shack, overlooking the pool.
There are plenty of dining options on Marella Explorer 2. And they cater for all kinds of taste buds – whether you fancy some European eats or fiery Asian flavours. Just one of the options is ‘The Dining Club’, a fine dining restaurant made for foodies. This is one of the ship’s speciality restaurants, so there’s a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.
Each day onboard Marella Explorer 2 can be different. Unwind at the spa, sunbathe by the pool or perfect your putt on the mini golf green – here are just some of the facilities on board:
Spa and Beauty Salon: At this state-of-the-art spa you can book in for treatments (charges apply), like facials, body wraps and massages, plus there’s a beauty salon. Alternatively, you can work up a sweat with the sea in sight at the gym.
Broad Street Shops: Spanning two decks, this tip-top selection of boutiques is stocked with a huge range of products and big-name brands, covering everything from everyday essentials and souvenirs to perfume and jewellery.
Indigo Casino: If you’re feeling lucky, you can try out the slot machines and card tables at the Indigo Casino.
Scoops: For those with a sweet tooth, try Scoops. This vintage-looking parlour serves up dollops of gelato in a range of flavours, and you can add toppings, too. The menu changes every day but you can expect out-of-the-ordinary options, like oreo, G&T and banoffee. The seating’s just as quirky – a collection of bike seats sit facing out to sea. A charge applies here.
Pool: The pool is split in two by a small stage in the middle, and you can look forward to daily entertainment. Four whirlpool baths bubble away by the main pool.
Latitude 53: The main waiter service restaurant is a good-looking place, with a gold-and-grey colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Inside Cabin: These cabins measure in at 16m², which means you get twin beds that can be made into a queen-size, plus an en suite bathroom with a WC and shower. (Cabins on Deck 4 or 5)
Outside Cabin: Outside Cabins feature either a porthole or a picture window. They’re 16m² in size, with twin beds that can be made into a queen-size. Plus, you’ll find a WC and shower in the en suite bathroom. (Cabins on Deck 4 or 5)
Balcony Cabin: You can admire the horizon from your own furnished balcony with these cabins. They make the most of the 16m² of space with a queen-size bed or twin beds that convert to a queen-size. And the en suite bathroom packs in a shower and a WC. Please note, some cabins on Deck 8 have a different layout with a fixed double bed against the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the event that there is no Tour Leader on board you will be looked after by the Marella Hostss who will arrange events where you can meet other solo travellers on the ship.
The Guest Experience Coordinator arranges get-togethers for solo travellers, like dinners and coffee mornings. If you’re worried about dining alone, have a chat with the ship’s restaurant manager, who’ll make sure you’re seated with other guests.
Yes. You’ll need your passport for all of our cruises. Without it, you won’t be able to board the ship.
The baggage allowance is 20kgs.
All Marella ships have a cash-free system. Everything is priced in sterling and is charged to your cabin account. At the end of your cruise, you can settle it in cash, or by credit or debit card. If you decide to settle your bill in cash, you will be asked for up to £200 deposit per cabin per week.
As Marella ships are all inclusive as standard, so selected draught beer and cider, wines by the glass, branded spirits and aperitifs, and a range of cocktails and soft drinks by the glass are all included in the price of your cruise. Solos guests have been upgraded to the Premium All Inclusive drinks package for an extra range of drinks, which are normally chargeable. These include upgraded cocktails, premium spirits, Lavazza coffee, soft drink cans and a 1.5 litre bottle of water per cabin, per day.
There are designated Wi-Fi zones onboard. Internet access is charged to your cabin account at the rate advertised onboard. Mobiles can be used – so make sure to check with your provider for charges in each country and in international waters, which applies when the ship’s at sea. There are telephones in each cabin too, so it’s easy to stay in touch with people back home.
Packing for a cruise is just like packing for any other holiday, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Hairdryers and all towels – including pool towels – are provided. And don’t panic if you forget any essentials as our onboard shops stock things like toothpaste and other toiletries. Other than that, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket with you, as there’s often a strong sea breeze.
Our dress code policy’s easily broken down into Beachwear, Casual and Smart. The first is a ‘come as you are’ affair, so bikinis and trunks get the thumbs up, plus we ask that you wear something on your feet for safety reasons. Meanwhile, Casual speaks for itself – we’re talking tops and shorts or a sundress. Then you’ve got Smart, which is when you’ll need to dress up a bit. Put your sports or swimwear away, and opt for trousers, smart tailored shorts or a skirt or dress, a shirt or polo shirt and smart shoes, so no trainers or flip flops. If you want to add a jacket or tie, that’s up to you. But our gala evenings, formal nights and dress to impress nights give you the chance to get really suited and booted. Each of our restaurants has a dress code, and this can differ depending on the time of day, but we’ll always let you know.
Finally, think about what’s suitable to wear on excursions. Some churches, for example, ask for legs and shoulders to be covered. Islamic countries have strict laws on dress, and in certain areas it will be required that you cover your shoulders and knees. When visiting Mosques or other holy sites, women may be required to cover their hair, arms and legs. Men will be required to wear long trousers and a top with sleeves.
Top tips:
• Attach a label to your hold luggage with your contact details on – this will help reunite you with your bag if it gets lost.
• Always carry valuables, medication and other essentials in your hand luggage.
You’ll normally need to leave your cabin by 8am on your last day, but you can still use all the onboard facilities until your transfer arrives. Speak to reception about a courtesy cabin so you can freshen up before you leave. Alternatively, you can organise a late check-out. Again, reception will advise on this.
Of course. If you’ve got any dietary requirements, please make sure you mention it when you book and let the restaurant manager know once you’re onboard. Marella also provides vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic-friendly options on request. There may be some requests that can’t be accommodated, so it’s important you let us know when you book your cruise. Take a look at a sample menu to see the kind of dishes on offer.
It’s up to you if you want to explore without the help of a guide. The onboard Destination Services team can give you plenty of tips. Just remember that one of the benefits of the organised excursions is that if the tour is delayed, the ship will wait. If you’re on your own and you’re not back on the ship in time, the ship won’t wait for you.
You can use either a European or a US 2-pin adaptor in the cabins.
It’s not always possible to tie a ship up at a dock. If this is the case, the ship will anchor a little way out from the shore, and use tender boats to get you to and from the ship. Tender ports are indicated in the itinerary where possible. You’ll still get plenty of time in the port, plus you can use the tender services to go back and forth from the ship as much as you like. Guests with disabilities or mobility issues will need to have some independent mobility to step in and out of the tender boat as our crew aren’t allowed to lift you.
Ask for for advice on things like ship accessibility, bringing equipment onboard, disabled facilities, and medical care. Marella has also teamed up with AccessAble, who have created detailed access guides for each ship. Visit their website to find out more. All Marella ships also have a small number of adapted cabins for less mobile passengers. Just remember to make sure one is definitely available before you book.
Making sure your wellbeing is looked after at all times while you’re onboard is really important. That’s why if you need help with daily tasks, like using the bathroom, eating, or moving around the ship, you’ll need to travel with a companion or a personal assistant who can help you. Unfortunately, the crew aren’t able to help with these kinds of responsibilities.
Each ship has a medical centre and there are English-speaking doctors and nurses on board who keep surgery hours. For emergencies, there’s always someone on call. If you need to pay for a medical procedure, the first £200 of your bill will be payable to the medical provider onboard.
All ships are non-smoking, which means you can only smoke in designated areas of the open deck. The same goes for e-cigarettes. Please note, e-cigarettes are banned in certain countries and will be confiscated at the airport. Make sure to check the Foreign Office website for the latest updates.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| February | 27 °C | 18 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
