The Final Countdown - Seven Days Until We Sail

There is something special about the final week before a cruise. The excitement

Suddenly becomes very real. After months of planning, researching ports and counting down the days, we’re now just seven days away from stepping on board Marella Explorer 2 and beginning our new adventure.

This is the week where the holiday officially begins - at least in our minds.

Seven days to go.

The countdown is on, and the checklist comes out. It’s time to make sure everything is ready before we head off. Passports are checked (several times!)cruise documents are printed and our packing list is growing by the day.

One of my favourite parts of the build-up is doing a little last minute shopping. Somehow, no matter how much holiday clothing I already own, there always seems to be room for “just one more” t-shirt, pair of shorts or evening outfit. A wander around the shops always helps get us in the holiday mood, and picking up a few new pieces makes sailing away feel even more exciting.

Holiday Essentials

No cruise countdown is complete without collecting some Euros. It’s one of those little jobs that makes the holiday feel close enough to touch. Having some cash ready for the ports means one less thing to think about once we’re away.

Then comes the practical side - getting a fresh haircut, stocking up on toiletries, charging cameras and power banks, and making sure all those little travel essentials are packed.

Packing - Again!

Packing always starts with good intentions.

Everything is neatly laid out on the bed before somehow expanding to fill the entire room! There are decisions to make about formal evenings, swimwear, comfortable shoes for exploring, and of course, something warm just incase the evenings become a little breezy.

Will we overpack? Almost certainly!

Buts that’s all part of the fun.

Looking Forward to Marella Explorer 2

This cruise will be our first with Tui Marella, and we are looking forward to relaxing, enjoying fantastic food, wake up in beautiful destinations and watch the world drift by from the top deck.

The Countdown Continues….

Over the next week I’ll be sharing the final preparations, packing updates, embarkation day and ,once we’re on board, plenty of photos, tips and honest reviews from around the ship and every destination we visit.

If you love cruising, camping and city breaks, you’re in the right place. Thanks for following along - our next adventure is about to begin.

Only seven days to go…..let the countdown begin!

H&M