Home » CRUISE NEWS » Marella Explorer Two Celebrates Thirty Years of Evolution, From Celebrity Cruises to British Market Icon, Unveiling Exciting New Voyages Published on
December 22, 2025Marella 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 AdditionBuilt 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.AdvertisementA New Chapter: From Celebrity to ChinaIn 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.Advertisement 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 …
