The affordable all-inclusive cruise line that’s more British than a stick of rock
As the sea-going arm of the TUI Holidays giant, it’s not surprising that Marella Cruises carries much the same vibe – giving it a slightly different feel to regular cruise brands.
The five-strong fleet of ships comes with a fun and sociable resort-style ambiance, similar to its parent company’s mass market package holidays, with an emphasis on friendly and efficient service, good food and lively entertainment delivered with a suitably British flourish.
Having come into existence as part of the much-beloved Thomson Holidays in 1995 when it was known as Thomson Cruises, the line became Marella (Celtic for “shining sea”) in 2017 when Thomson adopted the name of its German parent company TUI.
Since then, the cruise brand has continued to build on its base of wrap-around holidays largely based on flights with the conglomerate’s in-house airline TUI Airways and its own hotels to offer an extensive programme of cruises and stays.
Unusually for a British line, Marella does not sail from UK ports, preferring instead to focus on cruises with ships based in a varied line-up of popular destinations from the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands to the Red Sea and Florida.
It has established a reputation, mirroring its parent company, for good value flight-inclusive packages with prices encompassing traditional cruise extras, such as gratuities and drinks.
Onboard prices (all in Sterling), for speciality dining are lower than US counterparts, although the cost of spa treatments has risen in recent years and is now more on a par with American lines.
Marella’s ships are generally older, having come from other cruise lines rather than being newly-built. This means they can feel a little dated, but refurbishments help to bring a fresher feel with innovative touches – like balcony hammocks – and are complemented by excellent crews that stand out for their friendliness and exemplary service.
Where does Marella cruise?
The Mediterranean has long been Marella’s summer mainstay while the Canaries, Caribbean and the Red Sea are established winter haunts.
In 2023, Marella launched its extended foray into US waters with a ship based at Port Canaveral for the first time, debuting three new itineraries that feature New York and South Carolina, Florida and the Bahamas, and Florida and the Caribbean.
The line tends to base ships in specific regions for a season, either for a programme of identical sailings or differing itineraries on a one or two-week rotation.
Summer often sees Marella ships based in Palma, Dubrovnik and Corfu Town while in winter they can usually be found in Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Aqaba in Jordan, plus Jamaica and Barbados, from where they also sail to Central America.
This winter has marked the return of the line’s Asia cruises, with Marella Discovery 2 based in Singapore and offering sailings to Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. There are also departures from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo and Oman’s Muscat, visiting ports in India and Indonesia among others.
A key Marella focus is its cruise-and-stay programme, featuring more than 200 TUI hotels across eight destinations, ranging from the premium Platinum collection to their more authentic “Small and Friendly” properties, with the variety of choice being ramped up for 2024.
Who does it appeal to?
Marella’s British essence runs through it like a proverbial stick of rock, from in-cabin tea-making supplies complete with kettles and Yorkshire tea bags, to roast dinners and Indian curries with entertainment (bingo anyone?) designed to tickle British fancies.
Not surprisingly, the line’s guests mostly hail from the UK, with more than half migrating from TUI’s package holidays, safe in the knowledge that Marella Cruises will contain the same reassuringly comforting features. Within this cohort are first-time cruisers who see Marella as the springboard to ocean-going holidays, either sticking with the line or experimenting with other cruise brands once they gain their sea legs.
Families and older couples make up the bedrock of Marella’s customers. Its fleet reflects this make-up with four family-friendly ships and one adults-only; although specific adults-only sailings are offered across its entire fleet. Solo travellers are also catered for with dedicated cabins.
The ships are relatively small in size, with each carrying less than 2,000 passengers. This attracts customers deterred by the new breed of mega-ships hosting 5,000 passengers or more at any one time. Life aboard is relaxed and flexible and the daily programme of activities usually comprises early morning fitness classes, mini-golf, live bands, popular bingo sessions, quizzes and game shows.
Come evening, energetic stage productions and live music in the lounges keep the atmosphere vibrant. Of course, some ships also have a pub and nightclub where the beat continues into the small hours. In line with cruising traditions, there are dress codes for the restaurants and at least one gala (or “dress to impress”) evening per sailing.
Marella isn’t lacking on the technology front either. Onboard app Navigate enables guests to book services and view their accounts, while internet connectivity has been boosted with Elon Musk’s satellite system, Starlink.
The Marella Cruises fleet
Marella Voyager
The newest addition to the fleet set sail in June 2023. Marella Voyager was originally built for Celebrity Cruises and launched in 1997 before joining TUI Cruises to cater for the German market.
Interiors are vivid and colourful with standout features including the humongous spa (a lush legacy of its German heritage). Voyager’s line-up of main and speciality dining venues includes established favourites from its sister ships, plus new options such as Mexican diner Abuela’s and gourmet spot Silver Fork serving British favourites with a modern twist.
The biggest change is The Kitchens food hall, replacing the traditional buffet, with eight dining stations serving roasts, curries, pies and salads among others.
Voyager shares a number of similarities with Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2 as they are also both former Celebrity and TUI ships.
Number of passengers: 1,912
Marella Explorer
Debuting in 1996 as Galaxy for Celebrity Cruises, this ship was the backdrop for the BBC television show The Cruise, which propelled singer Jane McDonald to stardom. Its move to TUI Cruises in 2009 saw the spa expanded to cater for its wellness-loving German clientele, matching the one on Voyager.
Explorer joined the Marella fleet in 2018, featuring headline attractions such as Indigo – a bar, club and casino combo – and the upscale Dining Club restaurant, serving French cuisine. Also new was the Vista section of the main Latitude 53 restaurant, offering Italian fare, and the Umi Sushi bar. It was the first Marella ship to have a pub, The Squid and Anchor, which has since been replicated across the fleet.
Number of passengers: 1,924
Marella Explorer 2
The former Celebrity Cruises ship, dating from 1995, joined Marella in 2019 as the line’s first adults-only ship. Explorer 2 debuted Nonna’s pizzeria and Flutes Champagne bar (replicated on Voyager), which has a button that guests can press to call for champagne.
By not catering to families, the ship was allocated more space for adult-focused amenities; Explorer 2 has a heady mix of 18 bars and restaurants, including Asian speciality Kora La and steakhouse Surf & Turf, both available for a supplement.
Like other Marella ships, Explorer 2 has a large pool on the main deck, bordered by whirlpools and private cabanas that can be hired for the day or the week.
Number of passengers: 1,814
Marella Discovery
The five-storey atrium with glass lifts and an on-deck rock climbing wall hints at Discovery’s pedigree as a former Royal Caribbean International ship.
Having been built in 1995, it joined what was then Thomson Cruises in 2015, ushering in a new era of more modern vessels for the line with an increased range of facilities and dining choices. The Glass House conservatory area, where the indoor pool is housed, serves Spanish-style tapas and hosts a hot-stone dining experience.
Discovery was the line’s first ship with a rock-climbing wall and open-air cinema screen overlooking the outdoor pool. It also debuted the line’s first break-out and escape rooms.
Number of passengers: 1,830
Marella Discovery 2
A direct sister to Marella Discovery – with much the same feel – Discovery 2 was also built for Royal Caribbean International in 1995 before joining the Thomson Cruises fleet in 2017.
While the layout and facilities are essentially the same, there were a few small tweaks following customer feedback; the break-out and escape room was replaced by the line’s first virtual reality experience.
There’s an evocative feel of Twenties-style glamour in the 800-guest Broadway Show Lounge, which is the ship’s main theatre, and, as this is a family ship, there’s the Hideout, a teen hang-out spot, as well as a kids’ club with Babytainment classes for parents and little ones.
Number of passengers: 1,836
Only with Marella Cruises
As part of the TUI Group, Marella can fly guests to its ships on in-house airline TUI Airways from 21 regional airports.
It features more than 200 TUI Group hotels in its cruise-and-stay packages.
The Exchange – an adults-only speakeasy bar on Marella Voyager – offers two immersive entertainment skits led by professional actors called The Lock-In and The Heist.
Three classic Marella cruises to book now
Eastern sights
A 14-night voyage from Singapore to Sri Lanka on Marella Discovery 2, including Phuket in Thailand and Penang in Malaysia, departs March 28. From £2,056pp all inclusive; flies from Birmingham.
Paradise isles
A 14-night round-trip cruise from Barbados on Marella Voyager, including the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Dominica, departs November 28. From £1,527pp all inclusive; flies from Gatwick.
Adriatic adventure
A one-week round-trip voyage from Dubrovnik on Marella Explorer 2, including Sicily, Malta and Corfu, departs Aug 22. From £1,394pp all inclusive; flies from Leeds.
See tui.co.uk/cruise or call 0203 451 2688
