10 Things That Surprised Us Most About Cruising with Marella
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated: 15 August 2026
Tom and Dom posing with the iconic pink llama mascot onboard Marella Discovery!
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When we booked our first Marella cruise, we were not entirely sure what to expect. It was only our second cruise ever, so we did what most people do and started researching. We found plenty of reviews, with some cruisers leaning more towards the newest mega ships at sea, while others recommended Marella because this line offered some of the best value around.
Several cruises later, including sailings on Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, Marella Discovery and Marella Voyager, we can safely say we have become big fans. Marella Cruises is part of TUI Group, and it is the third largest cruise line in the UK, so we are clearly not the only ones who have been won over.
If you are wondering whether a Marella cruise is right for you, here are the ten things that genuinely surprised us.
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Our FULL Marella Voyager SHIP TOUR – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
This is our full and complete Marella Voyager Ship Tour. We sailed on Marella Voyager for a 7 night Mediterranean cruise which visited ports in France, Italy and Spain. We have put together this ship tour and guide that is deck by deck covering all venues and areas onboard. We have also included our top hints and tips to help you navigate the ship.
Watching the energetic Coney Island production show inside the Broadway Show Lounge onboard Marella Voyager
1. The Entertainment Really Is That Good
We have sailed with plenty of different cruise lines over the years, from premium brands to some of the biggest ships in the world, yet Marella consistently delivers some of the best entertainment we have experienced. The production shows in the Broadway Show Lounge are polished, the singers are talented, and Marella works with entertainment specialists RWS Global to create shows exclusively for the fleet, with up to 12 full scale performances on a 14-night itinerary.
We also love the variety across the ship. One night you might catch a West End-style production, the next you are laughing through a pub quiz in the Squid & Anchor, then relaxing to live music with a cocktail. Not all the fun happens indoors either. If the weather is good, expect a great atmosphere around the pool, complete with quizzes, live music and the famous sail away parties. In the event of not-so-good weather, these activities are still available, they just simply move to a venue inside. We have a full guide to Marella entertainment HERE if you want to dig deeper.
2. Everything Feels So Easy
Cruising is designed to feel effortless, and Marella seems to understand that better than most. From the moment you arrive at the airport, everything feels straightforward. Flights and overseas airport transfers are organised for you as part of the package. Luggage is generally taken care of too, depending on your itinerary (on some sailings, you may briefly collect it from the carousel before placing it on the transfer coach).
Once onboard, it is just as simple. Want a drink? It is included. Fancy a snack? Go for it. Looking for evening entertainment? You can simply turn up and enjoy – there’s no need to book. It is one of the simplest ways to holiday from start to finish, particularly for first-time cruisers.
3. The Drinks Package Is Better Than We Expected
Before our first Marella cruise, we assumed the included drinks would be fairly basic, much like our experience with some all-inclusive resorts. We could not have been more wrong. The standard all-inclusive package includes a genuinely wide choice of selected beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, tea and coffee, more than enough that you could try something different every time you order at the bar. There is enough variety that plenty of guests never feel the need to upgrade.
If you do want more choice, Marella offers a Premium All Inclusive upgrade, typically priced from around £12 to £14 per person, per day, giving guests a wider range of beers, premium spirits and upgraded cocktails. We think it represents good value if you like to try a bit of everything. For a full breakdown, take a look at our drinks guide HERE.
Tom posing with the brilliant restaurant crew inside Silver Fork speciality restaurant onboard Marella Voyager
4. The Crew Make You Feel Like Family
We have always believed that great service can transform a cruise, and Marella's crew are among the friendliest we have met at sea. By the second or third day, bartenders often remember your favourite drink and restaurant staff recognise you by name.
Cabin stewards seem to know the perfect time to service your room, all while remembering little details from a conversation you had on day one. We have often sat in a bar and watched the entertainment team work the room, chatting with guests and encouraging them to join in. Take part in a few activities during your cruise and you will likely leave with a whole host of new friends. Those small touches make a big difference to the atmosphere onboard.
5. Food-wise, you’ll be spoilt for choice
We have enjoyed some excellent meals in the main dining rooms, and Marella has plenty of complimentary options beyond the traditional menus. Piccadilly's, Marella’s take on a British gastropub, serves up modern takes on pub classics, while Kora La, a speciality dining venue brings a pan Asian menu to every ship in the fleet. Depending on which ship you sail on, you will also find an Italian venue, such as Gallery 47° on Marella Discovery and Discovery 2, or Nonna's on Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager.
Fancy a treat? The speciality restaurants carry a small extra charge and cover everything from steaks at Surf & Turf Steakhouse to sushi, so there is something for most tastes. The buffet offers plenty of variety throughout the day, and we particularly like how easy it is to grab something quick between excursions, plus it is well worth popping in for afternoon tea. For a quicker bite, the aptly named Snack Shack on the pool deck has you covered, and if hunger strikes late at night, there is a selection of food available in the buffet or from the room service menu.
6. You Do Not Need a Giant Ship for a Great Cruise
While many cruise lines continue to introduce bigger and bigger ships, Marella proves that having mid-size ships is the way forward with them being much easier to navigate. There’s no need to walk miles to reach dinner, trust us, we have experienced that elsewhere, and finding a sunbed is generally far easier too. It all adds up to a more relaxed experience.
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Tom taking a local tender boat ashore in Villefranche, with Marella Voyager anchored in the bay behind!
7. The Atmosphere Is Incredibly Friendly
One thing we have noticed on every Marella cruise is just how sociable everyone is. People chat in lifts, you will often find yourself talking to other guests around the pool, and quiz teams happily invite newcomers to join. There is a lovely community feel onboard that reminds us of cruising years ago. Whether you are travelling as a couple or solo, it is incredibly easy to meet people.
8. The Itineraries Offer Brilliant Value
Marella, as part of the TUI Group, flies from more than 21 UK regional airports, making it easy to avoid the hassle of travelling to major hubs before your holiday even begins. We have flown from airports much closer to home, which saves both time and stress.
The itineraries themselves are often excellent too, with plenty of interesting ports and longer days ashore than we expected. Marella often builds in just one sea day per week, meaning it maximises the number of places you actually get to visit. For many British travellers, that is a huge selling point.
9. The Dress Code Is Much More Relaxed
Not everyone enjoys packing tuxedos and evening gowns. Marella takes a far more relaxed approach. Yes, plenty of guests enjoy dressing up for Dress to Impress night, but just as many choose smart casual clothing and fit in perfectly. There is no pressure either way. On previous Marella cruises, we have happily worn chinos and a nice shirt to dinner. You can enjoy a lovely meal without feeling overdressed or underdressed, which makes for a much more comfortable atmosphere throughout the ship.
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Tom and Dom enjoying evening drinks in the main Atrium on board Marella Discovery, dressed in smart casual attire
10. We Kept Wanting to Book Another Cruise
Perhaps this is the biggest surprise of all. After our first Marella cruise, we assumed we would tick it off the list and move on to another cruise line. Instead, we found ourselves looking at the next itinerary before we had even unpacked our suitcases.
There is something about the combination of friendly service, great entertainment, all-inclusive value and a relaxed atmosphere that keeps drawing us back. Marella has consistently delivered holidays that we have genuinely enjoyed, which is why we have now sailed with them multiple times and continue recommending them to friends, family and readers looking for a relaxed, great value cruise holiday.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a Marella Cruises holiday, we would encourage you to focus on what really makes a holiday memorable. For us, cruising has always been about the overall experience rather than whether a ship has the newest rollercoaster or the biggest waterpark. Marella gets the important things right: friendly crew, excellent entertainment, good food, great value and a holiday that helps remove the usual uncertainties of a first-time cruise. Sometimes, those are exactly the things that matter most.
Where will your next horizon take you? Discover your Marella Cruise today!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marella Cruises good value for money?
Yes, Marella Cruises is generally considered good value, particularly because flights, overseas airport transfers, meals, entertainment and a wide selection of drinks are all included as standard, with regional UK departure airports adding extra convenience.
What is included in the Marella Cruises all-inclusive drinks package?
The standard all-inclusive package includes a wide range of selected draught beers, and ciders, plus bottles and cans. Wines, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Whilst a Premium All Inclusive upgrade is available for guests who want premium coffees and teas from The Coffee Port, upgraded cocktails, premium spirits, and a wider range of beers, wines and ciders, plus soft drinks in cans.
Are Marella Cruises ships old?
Whilst Marella's ships may not be the newest in the industry, they are regularly refurbished and the fact that they are mid-sized makes them easier to Navigate, with less walking between venues and shorter queues.
What is the dress code on Marella Cruises?
Marella takes a relaxed approach to dress code. Smart casual clothing is welcome most evenings, and while many guests dress up for Dress to Impress night, there is no strict requirement to do so.
Do Marella Cruises fly from regional UK airports?
Yes, as part of the TUI Group, Marella flies from a wide range of UK regional airports, making it easier for many British travellers to reach their cruise without a long journey to a major hub.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.
