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Explora Journeys • EXPLORA III
Sep 17, 2026
Caribbean
$15,645/person
View Deal →EXPLORA III vs Marella Explorer 2
Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
Marella Explorer 2 is the larger vessel at 71,301 GT, 11% more than EXPLORA III's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA III offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 39.3. Built in 2026, EXPLORA III is 29 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
Score: 3 – 4
Quick Compare
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Category
EXPLORA III
Marella Explorer 2
Size
64,000 GT
71,301 GT
Passengers
922
1,814
Year Built
2026
1997
Crew Ratio
1:1.4
1:2.5
Space Ratio
69.4
39.3
Decks
—
—
Length
248m
264m
From Price
$6,700/pp
—
Comparison Verdict
Marella Explorer 2 is the larger vessel at 71,301 GT, 11% more than EXPLORA III's 64,000 GT. EXPLORA III offers more personal space with a space ratio of 69.4 GT per passenger versus 39.3. Built in 2026, EXPLORA III is 29 years newer, an advantage for travellers seeking modern amenities and design.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Size | Marella Explorer 2 |
| Capacity | Marella Explorer 2 |
| Modernity | EXPLORA III |
| Service | EXPLORA III |
| Spaciousness | EXPLORA III |
| Decks | Tie |
| Length | Marella Explorer 2 |
| Fleet Power | Marella Explorer 2 |
Bottom line: Marella Explorer 2 leads 4–3 across our categories, strongest in Size. Choose Marella Explorer 2 for overall superiority; pick EXPLORA III if Modernity matter more to you.
Which Ship Is Right for You?
Choose EXPLORA III if...
- You want the newer ship (built 2026, 29yr newer)
- Better service ratio (1.4:1 crew ratio)
- More space per guest (69.4 GT/pax)
Choose Marella Explorer 2 if...
- Size matters to you (71,301 GT)
- More onboard variety (1,814 guests)
You've compared the ships. Now see what they cost.
See Current Prices
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Sailing Prices
| EXPLORA III | Marella Explorer 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | $6,700 pp | — |
| Departing | Sep 17 | — |
| Duration | null nights | — |
| View Deal |
Prices from Cruisebound. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Deep Dive
Upcoming Sailings
Upcoming Sailings on EXPLORA III
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the comparison score calculated?
We compute scores across 8 categories using real spec data: gross tonnage, passenger capacity, crew capacity, year built, length, deck count, space ratio, and fleet power. Each category awards one point to the winning ship.
What is the space ratio and why does it matter?
Space ratio is gross tonnage divided by passenger capacity. A higher number means more space per guest. Luxury lines typically score above 40; mass-market ships often fall in the 30-40 range.
What does the passenger-to-crew ratio mean?
Passengers per crew member. Lower is better, more staff per guest means better service. Luxury lines aim below 2:1; large mainstream ships may be 3-4:1.
Are the prices shown accurate?
Prices are sourced from Cruisebound and reflect real-time availability. They may change based on cabin type, date, and demand. Click through to see the latest fares.
Can I compare more than two ships?
Yes, up to four ships. Use the search tool on the compare hub page to add additional ships.
How current is the ship data?
Specifications come from our database of 380+ vessels, revalidated every 5 minutes via ISR. The "Updated" timestamp shows when records were last modified.
