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Marella Explorer undergoing makeover in Cadiz

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Mein Schiff 1 arrives in drydock for transformation into Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer, the latest addition to the Marella Cruises fleet, is now on the blocks in Cadiz, Spain undergoing refurbishment as the transition process of TUI Cruises' former Mein Schiff 1 begins.

Marella Explorer, the latest addition to the Marella Cruises' fleet, is now on the blocks in Cadiz, Spain as the refurbishment process begins. The ship is due to depart from Cadiz on May 13 before embarking on her first customer sailing around the Mediterranean, leaving from  Palma, Majorca on May 19.

In a four-week stint in dry dock, around 1,600 people, from partners, contractors and the Marella Cruises team, will provide over 200,000 man hours to deliver a multi-million pound makeover.

A total of 45sq km of carpet will be laid, along with over 60km of data cabling and 650 Wi-Fi access points. Ten tonnes of Marella-branded items, including uniform and 1,000 show team costumes are enroute to Spain as well as tens of thousands of litres of paint, 3km of bathroom trims and miles of fabric as part of the facelift for the 76,988gt ship.
 
At 265.5mtr long and 32.2mtr wide Marella Explorer is the biggest ship in the Marella Cruises fleet. The 1,924 capacity ship (double occupancy) boasts 962 cabins, nearly 40% with balconies, and spans 13 decks.  

First Champneys Spa at sea

Two of the new features will be Indigo - the ship’s new flagship bar, club and casino - and the first Champneys Spa at sea. Indigo, located at the top deck will be home to the longest bar on the ship - making the most of its wraparound sea views.

Champneys Spa, will offer a full-service thermal suite, treatment suites with own showers and mini saunas, a Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, and spa cabanas on the adults-only Veranda that come with thermal suite access.

It’s tradition for Marella Cruises to invite team members to become godmothers of new additions to the fleet and two have been announced for Marella Explorer:  hotel operations manager Sue Stewart and TUI retail agent Mandy Galloway, 'both chosen for their commitment to and passion for cruise, particularly around their focus and dedication to customer experience,' says the UK cruise line.