Marella Explorer Two Celebrates Thirty Years of Evolution, From Celebrity Cruises to British Market Icon, Unveiling Exciting New Voyages

Published on December 22, 2025

Marella Explorer Two is celebrating thirty years of remarkable evolution, transforming from its origins with Celebrity Cruises into a cherished British market icon. This transformation reflects the ship’s adaptability and growing appeal, as it now offers fresh, exciting new voyages that cater to the tastes of today’s cruisers. From its early days as the Century to its current role with Marella Cruises, the ship continues to evolve, ensuring a unique and unforgettable cruise experience for travelers worldwide.

The Beginning: A Premium Line Addition

Built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, the 70,000-ton vessel was initially ordered by Celebrity Cruises and named Century. This ship was the third in a series of new ships introduced by the line, following Horizon and Zenith. With the capacity to accommodate 1,750 guests, the Century launched its maiden season offering year-round cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The itineraries alternated between weeklong voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, becoming a sought-after option for travelers seeking luxury cruising.

For nearly two decades, Century proudly sailed under the Celebrity Cruises banner. Known for its sleek design and premium service, the ship quickly gained popularity among cruisers. It was renowned for its top-tier amenities, varied dining options, and entertainment offerings, establishing itself as a key player in the fleet. The ship’s elegance and attention to detail made it a favorite among both seasoned cruisers and first-time passengers.

A New Chapter: From Celebrity to China

In 2015, after almost 20 years of service with Celebrity Cruises, the Century was scheduled for a transition to Croisières de France, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean. However, this move was eventually canceled, and the ship was sold to Ctrip, a leading Chinese online travel agency. Ctrip, in collaboration with Royal Caribbean, launched a joint venture aimed at capturing the booming Chinese cruise market. As part of this new initiative, the Century was renamed SkySea Golden Era, and for the next three years, it sailed in China, offering cruises aimed at the rapidly expanding middle class.

During this time, the Golden Era catered to Chinese travelers, offering itineraries in regional waters and providing an exciting introduction to cruising for a new demographic. However, SkySea ceased operations in 2018, and the ship returned to Europe, where it underwent significant renovations.

Rebirth as the Marella Explorer 2

In early 2019, after a complete overhaul, the vessel emerged as the Marella Explorer 2, marking the beginning of a new era with Marella Cruises. With a fresh new look and upgraded amenities, the ship was introduced to the British market, where it became a prominent part of the brand’s fleet. As part of Marella’s fly-cruise offering, the ship allowed guests to fly to various departure ports in North America and Europe, giving passengers a flexible and seamless cruising experience.

The Marella Explorer 2 now serves as a popular choice for British travelers, offering an all-inclusive cruising experience where everything from meals to entertainment and gratuities are included. The ship’s modernized interiors and enhanced facilities have made it a hit among those seeking both comfort and adventure, with a wide range of itineraries to choose from.

The Ship’s Upcoming Adventures

Looking to the future, the Marella Explorer 2 has several exciting plans lined up for 2026. After a scheduled drydock, the ship will operate in the Canary Islands during the early part of the year, offering guests a chance to explore the sun-soaked archipelago. Following the winter season, the vessel will spend the spring in the Western Mediterranean, offering cruises that will take guests to iconic European destinations.

In late spring and summer, the ship will offer weeklong cruises to the Adriatic and Greek Isles, departing from Dubrovnik, Croatia. This provides passengers with an opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful coastal regions in Europe, from the ancient ruins of Greece to the pristine beaches and charming towns of the Adriatic.

Later in 2026, the Marella Explorer 2 will reposition to the Caribbean, where it will begin offering a series of cruises departing from Barbados. This will allow the ship to once again cater to travelers from North America, offering a range of tropical itineraries that showcase the best of the Caribbean islands, from the vibrant culture of the Bahamas to the stunning beaches of Saint Lucia.

A Legacy of Adaptability and Endurance

The journey of the Marella Explorer 2 is a testament to the adaptability and enduring appeal of this vessel. From its origins with Celebrity Cruises to its time in China with SkySea and now with Marella Cruises, the ship has navigated changing markets and customer needs. Its ability to reinvent itself time and time again highlights the lasting value of this 30-year-old ship, which continues to be an essential part of Marella Cruises’ fleet.

The Marella Explorer Two celebrates thirty years of evolution, transitioning from Celebrity Cruises to a British market icon, now offering exciting new voyages that continue to captivate travelers.

With its future voyages to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and beyond, the Marella Explorer 2 is set to continue offering unforgettable cruising experiences for years to come, ensuring its place in the hearts of travelers worldwide.