Is This the Ultimate Hassle-Free Cruise? Our Honest Marella Voyager Review
Marella Voyager in Villefranche, France
If you are the kind of cruiser who likes your holiday with a side of excitement, great food, and zero stress, Marella Voyager might just be your perfect match. She is the newest addition to the Marella Cruises fleet, and while she is not a brand new build, she has undergone a massive, multi-million-pound glow-up. The result? A ship that gives guests all the fun and facilities of modern cruising wrapped up in a relaxed, incredibly friendly vibe.
Marella Voyager set sail for the first time under the Marella name in June 2023, but her hull has some serious cruising heritage. Originally launched in 1997 as Celebrity Mercury, and later sailing under TUI Cruises as Mein Schiff Herz, she was given a top-to-bottom makeover before welcoming British guests. And it really shows. Think bright, fresh interiors, stylishly refreshed cabins in muted blues and taupes, and a layout that feels wonderfully easy to get around without losing that mid-sized charm.
She holds around 1,900 passengers, which places her right in that happy middle ground: big enough to offer plenty of daily activities, but small enough that you are not constantly queueing or getting lost. It is the ideal balance between entertainment and intimacy, whether you want to be on the go from dawn until dusk or do absolutely nothing at all.
Tom and Dom Travel at a Marella Sail and Shine Party
Pools, Parks, and Perks Onboard
When it comes to facilities, Marella Voyager does not hold back. You will find a roomy main outdoor pool deck complete with plenty of loungers and relaxing whirlpool baths to soak in the sunshine.
If you like to stay active at sea, there is a well-equipped gym, a running track, a full-service spa, and even a mini-golf course tucked away at the top of the ship. Families are exceptionally well catered for, too. The ship features The Hideout—a cool, dedicated hangout space for teens—alongside the M Club for younger cruisers, both of which are fully included in your cruise fare.
A Foodie’s Paradise: 17 Restaurants and Bars
Now let us talk about the food, because Marella Voyager definitely delivers on the culinary front. With an impressive selection of 17 bars and restaurants onboard, you will never find yourself short of options.
Latitude 53: This is your main dining spot, spanning two tiers with a fantastic, rotating menu. Best of all, there is no need to dress up to the nines unless you want to.
The Kitchens: A brilliant, modern concept that replaces the traditional cruise ship buffet. Imagine a stylish food court at sea, featuring eight different food stations serving up everything from fresh curries and roast dinners to build-your-own salads and Asian specialities. It is informal, incredibly fast, and seriously tasty.
Nonna's & Abuela's: Stop by Nonna's for freshly made pizza and pasta, or try Abuela's for delicious, casual Mexican eats.
Speciality Dining: If you fancy celebrating something extra special, venues like Surf & Turf, Silver Fork, and Platter offer an upscale, premium dining experience for a small extra cover charge.
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Tom from Tom and Dom Travel, in the Silver Fork on Marella Voyager for the Musical Afternoon Tea
West End Style and Secret Speakeasies
Entertainment on Marella Voyager is lively yet laid-back, perfectly adapting to whatever mood you are in.
The Broadway Show Lounge puts on high-energy, spectacular performances most nights, delivering West End-style production shows with a unique Marella twist. For a classic British evening, the Squid & Anchor pub serves as the vibrant heart of the ship, hosting live music, interactive quizzes, and crowd-pleasing karaoke nights.
If cocktails and a chic atmosphere are more your scene, you will love The Lounge—which features live piano sets in a colourful, highly Instagrammable setting—or The Electric Rooms for late-night drinks and dancing. For a truly unique night out, keep an eye out for The Exchange, a swankier, hidden adults-only speakeasy bar that you can only enter through a secret telephone box.
The All-Inclusive, Fuss-Free Vibe
Cruising with Marella Voyager is about as simple and transparent as travel gets. Marella operates on a strictly all-inclusive basis as standard. That means your drinks, onboard tips, flights, luggage allowance, and overseas transfers are all bundled into the upfront price of your holiday. There is no sudden bill shock at the end of your trip.
The vibe onboard is unapologetically relaxed, welcoming, and packed with comfortingly familiar British touches. You will find proper kettles with Yorkshire Tea in your cabin, full English breakfasts served up fresh every morning, and a crew whose friendly, down-to-earth service makes you feel right at home the second you step across the gangway.
For cruisers looking for a ship that beautifully balances fun, fabulous food, modern comfort, and a brilliant dose of sunshine, Marella Voyager is ready and waiting to welcome you onboard.
The Exchange on Marella Voyager
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the all-inclusive package on Marella Voyager?
Marella Cruises includes your flights, transfers, 20kg luggage allowance, onboard tips, and a wide selection of drinks as standard. Your standard package covers house wines, selected beers, cider, spirits, soft drinks, and a variety of cocktails. You can also upgrade to a Premium All-Inclusive package if you prefer premium brand spirits and specialty coffees.
Is Marella Voyager a brand new cruise ship?
Marella Voyager officially launched under the Marella Cruises banner in June 2023 following a multi-million-pound refurbishment. While the physical ship originally sailed as Celebrity Mercury and Mein Schiff Herz, her interior spaces, cabins, and dining venues were completely reimagined and modernised to feel like a fresh, contemporary vessel.
What is "The Kitchens" concept onboard?
The Kitchens is Marella Voyager's modern answer to the traditional cruise buffet. It is designed like a contemporary food hall, featuring eight distinct stations. Guests can walk around and choose from a massive variety of freshly prepared options, including a carvery, an Asian noodle and curry bar, a salad station, and a dedicated bakery.
Is Marella Voyager an adults-only ship?
No, Marella Voyager is a family-friendly ship that welcomes cruisers of all ages. It features excellent dedicated spaces for children, including the M Club for younger kids and The Hideout for teenagers. If you are looking for a strictly child-free experience within the fleet, you might want to look at her sister ship, Marella Explorer 2 or Marella Discovery.
Author: Tom and Dom Travel
2 Jul 2026
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