Side-by-side cruise ship comparison · Updated January 2026
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across 5 categories
Size
Based on gross tonnage and length
Capacity
Based on passengers and crew
Modernity
Based on year built
Service
Based on passenger-to-crew ratio (lower is better)
Spaciousness
Based on gross tonnage per passenger (higher is better)
Marella Discovery
Marella Explorer 2
Gross Tonnage
Marella Discovery
69,472 GT
Marella Explorer 2
71,301 GT
Length
Marella Discovery
264 m
Marella Explorer 2
264 m
Beam
Marella Discovery
32 m
Marella Explorer 2
32 m
Passengers
Marella Discovery
1,830
Marella Explorer 2
1,814
Crew
Marella Discovery
720
Marella Explorer 2
726
Decks
Marella Discovery
—
Marella Explorer 2
—
Year Built
Marella Discovery
1,995
Marella Explorer 2
1,997
Space Ratio
Marella Discovery
38.0 GT/pax
Marella Explorer 2
39.3 GT/pax
Passenger:Crew Ratio
Marella Discovery
2.54 :1
Marella Explorer 2
2.50 :1
| Specification | Marella Discovery | Marella Explorer 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Cruise Line | Marella Cruises | Marella Cruises |
| Class | Century Class | Galaxy Class |
| Status | active | active |
| Year Built | 1,995 | 1,997Winner |
| Dimensions | ||
| Gross Tonnage | 69,472 GT | 71,301 GTWinner |
| Length | 264 m | 264 m |
| Beam | 32 m | 32 m |
| Draft | 14 mWinner | |
| Capacity | ||
| Passengers | 1,830Winner | 1,814 |
| Crew | 720 | 726Winner |
| Key Ratios | ||
| Space Ratio | 38.0 GT/pax | 39.3 GT/paxWinner |
| Passenger:Crew Ratio | 2.54:1 | 2.50:1Winner |
| Build | ||
| Builder | Meyer Werft | Meyer Werft |
| Flag | Malta | Malta |
| IMO Number | 9070622 | 9106310 |
Marella Discovery
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Marella Explorer 2
Comfortable atmosphere for two
Well-suited for cruise newcomers
Good value for money
Good range of onboard options
Free cancellation on most rooms
Bundle & save on your cruise trip
Medical, trip cancellation & luggage cover
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7.5 m |
| Decks | — | — |
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