Boasting an incredible selection of international itineraries, Marella Cruises is a fantastic option for families, friends, and solo travellers alike, delivering unbeatable value to destinations the world over. With all-inclusive packages to take advantage of, you can cruise safely in the knowledge that you won’t have to worry about a thing.
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Marella Cruises
Dining
Marella Cruises' dining options
Marella Cruises offers a wide range of cuisine throughout their fleet, with the likes of Mexican, Italian and British fare on offer to satisfy all palates. From casual eateries to speciality restaurants, no matter what type of meal you're looking for, you'll find it onboard. In addition, if you find yourself feeling peckish between meals, there's no need to worry about going hungry as there are snacks available all day long.
While the main restaurants are included in your fare, the speciality options which cost a little extra, are perfect for special occasions. Featuring experienced and passionate chefs that are ready and waiting to delight you with their incredible dishes, you're guaranteed an unforgettable meal.
Special diets on Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises want to make sure that every cruiser can enjoy their onboard food, which is why they are happy to cater to special diets. Simply inform them of your requirements when you book and their chefs will be happy to adapt their dishes to meet your needs.
Entertainment
Entertainment onboard Marella Cruises
Each evening features first-class entertainment with shows, singers and comedians, as well as a range of different bars and lounges where you can relax and make the most of your Marella cruise. From feather-plumed dancers one evening to a Queen tribute act or West End-style musical the next, no night on a Marella cruise ship will be the same as the last. Alternatively, cabaret shows and live music pop up across the night, making your cruise experience that little bit more unique.
However, if you're not looking for something quite so lively, there are plenty of cosy bars and lounges serving some of the best beers, wines, spirits and cocktails at sea. There's even an onboard casino for anyone whose holiday has them feeling lucky enough to try to hit the jackpot on the slot machines or at the games tables.
Additionally, most drinks are included as part of Marella Cruises' All Inclusive package, so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday with no bar bill. Although you can still book their Premium All-Inclusive drinks package if you'd prefer upgraded spirits, speciality coffees, and more without the rest of what the All-Inclusive package offers you. For more information about Marella drinks packages, check out our blog - A Guide to Marella Cruises Drinks Packages.
Family
Are Marella Cruises good for families?
Marella Cruises are great for the whole family with daytime entertainment, a selection of different activities and children's clubs onboard, plus specially chosen children's menus for junior diners and interconnecting staterooms to make nights that little bit easier. However, please keep in mind that two ships in Marella Cruises' fleet are adults-only each season.
Marella Cruises' kids clubs
Thanks to the accredited staff at the Marella Cruises' Kids Clubs, even the youngest guests will be spoilt for things to do. Ranging from arts and crafts to movie nights and meet and greets with the captain, it's bound to be a holiday to remember. Access to this incredible experience is also included in your cruise fare, making it even easier for families to enjoy.
As well as the kids' clubs, there are teen-only spaces where young adults can escape their parents, while the mini golf course and climbing wall are guaranteed to bring everyone back together again.
Marella Cruises' kids dining
Luckily, dining can be as laid-back and relaxed as you need it to be. Thanks to the huge choice of dishes available across the restaurants onboard, mealtimes with Marella Cruises will be as stress-free as you can imagine.
Destinations
Which destinations do Marella Cruises sail to?
With their impressive array of itineraries, Marella Cruises gives guests the chance to sail to more than 100 different destinations across the world. Top destinations include the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, where you can choose from both family-friendly and adults-only getaways. Regardless of where you sail to onboard Marella Cruises, you're guaranteed a holiday that you will never forget, filled with adventure, fun and memories.
Things to do
Things to do onboard Marella Cruises' Ships
A cruise onboard a Marella cruise ship is all about having fun, which means that there are a whole host of activities to enjoy when you're not off exploring the amazing destinations.
For sports lovers, there's plenty of opportunity to get active (and even a little competitive) on the sports court (available aboard Marella Explorer and Marella Voyager), as well as fitness classes such as yoga and Zumba. There's even a gym for the real fitness enthusiasts out there who don't want to skip a workout when they're at sea.
If you're all about learning something new, even when you're on holiday, this is the perfect cruise line. Featuring dance classes, talks by experts, wine tasting sessions, cocktail making workshops and towel folding classes, you'll leave your cruise armed with new skills that you can show off to your friends and family once you're back on dry land.
For something a little quieter and laid back, head to the pool where you're welcome to take a dip in the refreshing water, although nobody will judge you if you decide you'd rather just lie back on a sun lounger and watch the world go by with a cocktail in hand. Whatever you fancy doing, there's something for everyone throughout the Marella Cruises fleet.
Useful Information
Marella Cruises' dress code
Marella Cruises' dress code is casual, with a casual dress code throughout the day. And whilst the majority of restaurants allow casual wear in the evenings, select restaurants may have a stricter dress code - make sure to research this ahead of time to ensure that you pack accordingly. There's also a Dress to Impress Night on the majority of itineraries, giving you the chance to pack a smart shirt or dress for an evening of glamour.
See our blog - What to Wear on a Cruise for more information!
Enjoy a new array of sensational non-alcoholic drinks onboard
Marella Cruises’ selection of non-alcoholic drinks is expanding, with new 0% wines, low-alcohol beers and ciders, 0% ABV spirits, and specially crafted cocktails available with both the All Inclusive and Premium All Inclusive drinks packages.
Alongside 0% red, white, rose, and sparkling wines, you’ll find Heineken 0.0 and Somersby Zero, and gluten-free Estrella Beer. Guests with the Premium All Inclusive drinks package can also indulge with Lyre’s London Dry Gin, Lyre’s American Malt Bourbon, Lyre’s White Cane Rum, Lyre’s Agave Blanco Tequila, Lyre’s Coffee Originale, and Lyre’s Italian Spritz – all 0% ABV.
These spirits will also be used in a selection of 18 craft cocktails, including Grapefruit Refresher, Summer Sour, Nojito (a non-alcoholic mojito), and the Gentle Fashioned. With so many excellent new options available, everyone can enjoy an incredible array of drinks in the bars, lounges, and restaurants onboard – not just the drinkers!
Customer reviews for Marella Cruises
We had the best time on this cruise. Explorer 2 was great, took a little time to get used to the layout but we thoroughly enjoyed it. We loved the quizzes , the musicians and the staff are absolutely lovely, very warm and friendly. Would have preferred a 2-berth rather than 4-berth cabin but the location was perfect near to the aft lifts and the restaurants and bars. We only did the Rockology show but it was excellent. Would highly recommend the silent disco, such great fun. In the restaurants the food was good and well presented. The only complaint would be that the lighting was a bit bright for my liking as I like to feel like I'm out for a romantic dinner with my husband. The Adriatic itinerary was perfect for us. Can't wait to cruise with Marella again, we love it
Excellent cruise all round cruise and places to we’ve never been before made it a bit more special👍.
Enjoyed the ship. Entertainment was very good. Good choice of excursions. The captain was very informative. Ŵe liked the concept of the kitchens. Only had one meal which was not very good in picadilly. The last meal we had in the vista was exceptional. The staff were excellent and very helpful. The inside cabin we had on deck 4 directly above the engine room was very noisy at night and we could not sleep properly because of it noise and vibrations inside the room. We complained to guest services and was initially told there was no more rooms avaliable. then on the 2nd day we were told we could move to another room, which we gratefully accepted. We had no further issues.
I have now been on several / many Marella Cruises and this was one of the best. I felt that the standard of the food had gone up a notch and we loved being able to just walk into the (no extra charge) restaurant of our choice in the evening without having to book. Also the standard of the entertainment in the Broadway Show Lounge was higher. Maybe it was a genuinely more talented cast or maybe the techies had hit that sweet spot; but it seemed far less 'shouty shouty' than previously and the lyrics were much clearer. Thanks as usual go to our cabin stewards, Annas, Hasan and Karl for dealing with a few extras for us. My companion needed a mattress topper and I needed a different mattress - both were delivered (with a smile) the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessibility
Are there facilities for guests with disabilities?
On each ship, there are a small number of accessible cabins designed for guests with mobility issues in mind. To ensure one is available for your desired cruise, you must mention any accessibility requirements at the time of booking.
Excursions
How much do shore excursions cost?
Prices for shore excursions usually vary depending on the port of call and the type of excursion chosen.
Are excursions included?
No, excursions are not included in the cruise fare.
Am I able to do my own things in port?
With Marella Cruises, you're free to spend your time as you wish when in port. So, you can explore the fantastic destinations on your itinerary independently, or book a Marella Cruises excursion if you prefer something more organised. Just be sure to be back onboard in time for the ship's departure.
What excursions are available on Marella Cruises?
Marella Cruises offers a wide variety of shore excursions. These can be pre-booked online or at the Shore Excursion desk onboard.
Families and Kids
Are babies allowed on Marella Cruises?
Yes, babies must be at least 6 months old to travel on Marella, or 12 months for more exotic itineraries and cruises with many consecutive days at sea. However, select ships in Marella Cruises' fleet are adults-only ships.
Is Marella Cruises suitable for families?
Marella Cruises is great for families, offering both family friendly and adults-only ships. On those family friendly ships, you'll find supervised kids' clubs, accommodation options designed specifically for families, and entertainment for all ages.
Food and drink
Is there water free and available regularly?
Guests can fill bottles at water dispensers found around the ship. Water is also served regularly throughout mealtimes.
What is the food and drink like on Marella Cruises?
Marella Cruises offers an all-inclusive dining and drinks experience, including fine dining venues and a wide range of beverages.
Does Marella have 24-hour restaurants?
While the Marella Cruises fleet does not have a 24-hour restaurant, guests can order room service 24 hours a day.
How much are the drinks onboard?
An impressive selection of drinks are included in your cruise fare already, however premium spirits, premium cocktails, and canned soft drinks can incur an additional charge. Guests can upgrade to the premium drinks package when booking or whilst onboard, meaning you can enjoy all of these incredible beverages without a bar tab.
Can Marella Cruises accommodate dietary requirements?
For special dietary requirements, you must mention this at the time of booking as well as inform the restaurant manager once you are onboard. Marella Cruises can cater to vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free and diabetic-friendly requirements.
General
Is Marella Cruises the same as TUI Cruises?
Yes, and no. Marella Cruises is the TUI Group's UK-focused ocean cruise line, designed specifically to give UK cruisers the best-possible travel experience, alongside the TUI Group's other brands. So, while not technically TUI Cruises, Marella Cruises is TUI's UK-exclusive cruise line, ensuring you get the best-possible experience when embarking on an adventure to some of the world's most sought-after spots.
Do Marella cruises come with flights?
Yes. Marella Fly Cruises come with flights that ensure you're flying with an experienced airline.
You can fly from over 20 regional UK airports, so there's a good chance you'll find a departure point close to home rather than facing a long drive to a single hub airport.
Regional departures typically include Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands, London Gatwick, Cardiff and Doncaster Sheffield, among others. Availability varies by itinerary and destination, so check your chosen cruise for the exact departure airports on sale.
How can I upgrade and add extras to my cruise?
If available, extras and upgrades can be booked onboard. This is also often possible to arrange earlier by contacting your cruise consultant.
Can a third person be accommodated in my cabin?
Some cabins onboard Marella ships can accomodate a third person with a sofa bed or a pull-down bed, but this should be mentioned at the time of booking.
Do I need adaptors for the cabin plug sockets?
Yes! For Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, and Marella Voyager, guests will need European adapters. Refurbished cabins on Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2, however, feature UK plug sockets.
What is the pet policy on Marella Cruises?
Only certified service animals are permitted onboard a Marella cruises. Please contact our accessibility team for requirements and documentation.
Tips
Are tips included on Marella Cruises?
Yes, tips (including gratuities) and service charges are already included in your cruise fare.
Transport
Are transfers included with Marella Cruises?
Yes, overseas transfers to and from the airport are included in your cruise fare.
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