Marella Cruises Tips, Tricks & Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail

If you're considering your first cruise with Marella Cruises, there's a good chance you're wondering how it compares to the larger American cruise lines that dominate social media and travel websites.

Having sailed with Marella on multiple occasions, we can confidently say that the line offers something many of its competitors struggle to match: simplicity.

From flights and transfers to drinks and dining, Marella takes much of the stress out of cruising. That's one of the reasons the line remains incredibly popular with British holidaymakers looking for a relaxed and affordable way to explore multiple destinations in one trip.

Whether you're already booked or simply researching your options, here are our top tips, tricks, and everything we think you should know before stepping onboard a Marella cruise.

What Makes Marella Different?

One of Marella's biggest selling points is its package-holiday approach to cruising. Unlike many cruise lines where flights, transfers, drinks, gratuities, and extras can quickly add up, Marella bundles much of the experience into a single upfront price.

For many guests, that means:

• Return flights from the UK

• Airport-to-port transfers

• Checked luggage

• Accommodation

• Dining

• Drinks

• Entertainment

• Gratuities

  
  

While the exact inclusions can vary depending on your booking, it creates a genuinely hassle-free holiday experience.

For first-time cruisers especially, this simplicity can remove a lot of the uncertainty often associated with cruise holidays.

Arrive Ready to Relax

One of the things we consistently appreciate about Marella is how straightforward embarkation tends to be. From the moment you arrive at your departure airport, much of the journey is carefully coordinated. Transfers are typically well organised, and once you arrive at the cruise terminal, the check-in process is usually quick and efficient.

Our biggest piece of advice is simple: keep all your travel documents easily accessible and trust the process. Marella handles thousands of guests every week and generally does an excellent job moving people from airport to ship with minimal fuss.

Choosing the Right Cabin

Marella offers a wide range of accommodation options, from Inside Cabins through to Suites. If budget allows, we always recommend considering a balcony cabin. There is something special about having your own private outdoor space for morning coffee, sailaways, and scenic cruising days.

However, one of the pleasant surprises on many Marella ships is how well-designed even the standard cabins feel. Storage is generally excellent, beds are comfortable, and the cabins are designed with practicality in mind.

For many guests, you'll spend surprisingly little time in your room anyway.

Understanding What's Included

One of the biggest advantages of sailing with Marella is that many of the extras that cost additional money elsewhere are already included.

Most sailings include:

• A selection of restaurants

• House wines

• Draught beers

• Spirits and mixers

• Soft drinks

• Tea and coffee

• Entertainment

• Gratuities

This all-inclusive model can make budgeting significantly easier. Rather than constantly checking your onboard account, you can simply relax and enjoy your holiday.

Make the Most of Included Dining

Food is often one of the highlights of any cruise, and Marella offers plenty of choice.

Across the fleet you'll find a mix of:

• Main dining restaurants

• Casual dining venues

• Poolside snack options

• International cuisine

• Buffet-style and served dining

One of our favourite tips is to avoid eating in the same venue every day. Many guests discover a favourite restaurant early in the cruise and never venture elsewhere. Instead, take advantage of the variety available. You'll often find hidden gems that become some of your favourite meals of the entire holiday.

Breakfast is also worth exploring beyond the buffet. Main dining rooms frequently offer a quieter and more relaxed start to the day.

Are the Specialty Restaurants Worth It?

Marella includes plenty of dining options within the cruise fare, but you'll also find specialty restaurants available for an additional charge. Whether they're worth the extra money depends on your personal preferences.

For us, specialty dining can be an excellent way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion.

The food is often elevated, the atmosphere more intimate, and the service particularly attentive. That said, you certainly don't need to spend extra to eat well onboard. Some of our favourite meals have come from the included venues.

The Drinks Package Question

One of the most common questions we receive is whether Marella's Premium All Inclusive upgrade is worth the extra cost. The answer depends entirely on how you drink. The standard all-inclusive package already covers a substantial range of beverages, including many beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, and hot beverages. For many cruisers, this is more than enough.

The premium upgrade becomes worthwhile if you regularly enjoy:

• Premium branded spirits

• Higher-end wines

• Specialty cocktails

• Premium coffee options

• Certain upgraded bar menus

  
  

Before upgrading, it's worth reviewing what's already included. Many guests are surprised by just how comprehensive the standard package actually is.

Explore Every Bar and Lounge

One thing Marella consistently does well is creating welcoming social spaces.

Every ship has its own personality, but you'll typically find a mixture of:

• Live music venues

• Traditional pubs

• Cocktail lounges

• Coffee bars

• Pool bars

• Entertainment venues

  
  

Don't spend every evening in the same location. Some of the best live music and entertainment can be found in smaller venues away from the main theatre. We often discover our favourite onboard spaces completely by accident during the first few days of a cruise.

Don't Skip the Theatre Shows

Even if theatre isn't normally your thing, make time for at least a couple of performances during your sailing.

Marella's entertainment teams work incredibly hard, and production standards are often much higher than many first-time cruisers expect. Musical productions, tribute acts, comedians, guest performers, and live bands all form part of the onboard entertainment programme. Most evenings offer multiple entertainment options, so there's usually something for everyone.

Sea Days Are What You Make Them

Some passengers love sea days. Others worry they'll become bored. In reality, sea days often become some of the most enjoyable parts of a cruise.

Activities can include:

• Quiz sessions

• Dance classes

• Live music

• Cooking demonstrations

• Sports tournaments

• Spa treatments

• Movies

• Fitness sessions

  
  

Our recommendation is to balance activity and relaxation. You don't need to fill every hour with organised events, but it's worth checking the daily schedule because there are often experiences you'd never think to try at home.

Finding the Best Sun Loungers

Like most cruise ships, the most popular poolside loungers fill up quickly. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, the main pool deck is usually the place to be. However, many guests don't realise that quieter sunbathing areas often exist elsewhere around the ship. Take some time on embarkation day to explore upper decks and quieter outdoor spaces. You'll often find peaceful areas with plenty of available loungers even when the main pool appears completely full.

Shore Excursions: Book Smart

Marella offers a wide range of organised shore excursions that can make exploring destinations incredibly easy.

The advantage is convenience and security. If a ship-sponsored excursion runs late, the ship will wait.

Independent excursions can often offer better value, but they require more planning and responsibility.

Our approach is usually a mixture of both. For complicated ports or destinations far from major attractions, ship excursions can be excellent value. For walkable cities and straightforward destinations, independent exploration often works perfectly well.

Pack for More Than Just Warm Weather

Many first-time cruisers focus entirely on daytime clothing and forget about evenings. Even in warm destinations, outdoor decks can become surprisingly breezy after sunset.

We always recommend packing:

• A lightweight jacket

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Smart-casual evening outfits

• Swimwear

• A small day bag for port visits

  
  

You don't need formal attire on Marella, but it's nice to have a few smarter options for evenings and specialty dining.

Is Marella Right for You?

Marella Cruises excels at delivering straightforward, good-value holidays. If you're looking for:

• Easy fly-cruise packages

• Friendly service

• Excellent value

• British-focused entertainment

• Relaxed atmospheres

• Inclusive pricing

Then Marella is well worth considering.

The ships may not always feature the biggest water slides, largest casinos, or most extravagant attractions at sea, but they consistently deliver enjoyable holidays that offer excellent value for money.

Final Thoughts

One of the reasons we continue returning to Marella is that they understand what many cruisers actually want.

Good food. Friendly service. Great destinations. Easy travel. Fair pricing. Sometimes cruising doesn't need to be complicated.

Marella's all-inclusive approach removes many of the stresses that can make other cruise holidays feel overwhelming, allowing you to focus on what really matters: relaxing, exploring new destinations, and enjoying your time away.

If you're considering your first Marella cruise, our advice is simple: arrive with an open mind, explore everything the ship has to offer, and take advantage of the incredible value already included in your fare.

You may find yourself planning your next sailing before you've even unpacked from the first.

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