Adriatic Coast Cruise with Marella Cruises – An Unforgettable Journey

In 2022, we embarked on the most incredible holiday—a stunning Adriatic Coast cruise with Marella Cruises aboard the Explorer 2, an all-inclusive, adults-only ship that promised relaxation, adventure, and new friendships. Our journey began in Dubrovnik, where we flew in with TUI Airways, and from there, we set sail to the beautiful destinations of Split, Rijeka, and Koper. From the moment we arrived, we were hooked on this wonderful cruise experience.

Dubrovnik – A Stunning Start

Dubrovnik, often known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” greeted us with its breathtaking beauty. As huge fans of Game of Thrones, it was a dream come true to visit the very city where some of the most iconic scenes were filmed. We wandered through the medieval streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before heading to the city walls. The views from atop the ancient fortifications were nothing short of jaw-dropping, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and the red-tiled roofs of the old town. After our day of exploration, we boarded Explorer 2 and set off on our adventure, eagerly anticipating the week ahead.

First Day at Sea – A Cruise to Remember

Once aboard, the Marella team made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. From the moment we stepped on the ship, we knew we were in for a treat. The food was first-class, with endless options, and the entertainment onboard was absolutely top-notch. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier, making the experience even more special. As we sailed away from Dubrovnik in the evening, the coastline views were spectacular, and the serene beauty of the Adriatic was the perfect backdrop to our cruise.

Rijeka – A Charming Day Out

Our first port of call was Rijeka, a city we had the pleasure of spending an entire day exploring. We decided to take the road train up to the cathedral, which perched above the town. The views from the top were simply amazing. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side—the road train broke down at the top, leaving us to walk back down into the town. But even with this minor setback, it was a lovely walk, and we were still able to take in the gorgeous vistas of the town and coastline. Rijeka’s charm is in its laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day.

Koper – Exploring a Quiet Port

Next, we docked in Koper, Slovenia. It was a Sunday, and the town had a quiet, almost serene feel to it, as many of the shops were closed. However, we still had a delightful time wandering through the picturesque streets, exploring the charming town centre, and taking in the beautiful views of the harbor. In the afternoon, we embarked on a coach trip to the incredible Postojna Caves. This was one of the highlights of the trip! The underground train ride to the heart of the caves was an adventure in itself, but when we arrived in the central caves, we were completely awestruck. The stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years, were truly otherworldly. It was an experience none of us would ever forget.

Split – A Roman Adventure

Our final stop before returning to Dubrovnik was Split, a city that quickly became our favorite destination on the trip. Split is a wonderful blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, with its narrow streets, ancient Roman ruins, and vibrant market squares. We had a fantastic time strolling through the old town, where we found ourselves taking photos with Roman guards (more than once!). The highlight for us was visiting Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman palace that now serves as the heart of the city. The rich history of Split was fascinating, and it was easy to get lost in the charm of its cobbled streets.

Returning to Dubrovnik – Until Next Time

After an unforgettable week of exploration, entertainment, and making new friends, we sailed back into Dubrovnik to start our journey home. The memories we made on this cruise will stay with us forever—whether it was the stunning Adriatic coastline, the incredible sights, or simply the great times spent with new friends we met on board. Our time aboard the Explorer 2 with Marella Cruises was everything we had hoped for and more. It was a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration, with wonderful food, excellent service, and so many unforgettable moments.