Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises is a British cruise line operated by TUI UK, known for offering relaxed, all-inclusive cruise holidays with a distinctly British feel. Originally launched in 1995 under the name Thomson Cruises, the brand was rebranded in October 2017 as Marella Cruises, “Marella” meaning “shining sea” in Celtic.
The rebrand marked a shift in identity but retained the core approach of friendly service, value for money, and destinations that appeal especially to UK holidaymakers. Since then, the company has continued to evolve, modernising its fleet and expanding its offerings to meet growing demand.
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Marella Cruises currently operates a fleet of five mid-sized ships, which are refurbished rather than newly built, giving them a distinctive charm. Ships like Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager have all been transformed to suit the brand’s relaxed, comfortable style.
The newest ship, Marella Voyager, joined the fleet in 2023 and is considered the most modern in design, offering a wide range of restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and leisure facilities. The fleet strikes a balance between modern conveniences and a friendly, approachable atmosphere, appealing especially to guests who prefer mid-sized ships over larger, resort-style vessels.
Though Marella has traditionally used second-hand ships from other cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, they have now taken a significant step toward the future with plans for two new-build ships. These are being developed in partnership with Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, and are due to be delivered in 2030 and 2032. This move represents a major investment and a new era for Marella, signalling their long-term commitment to the cruise industry and to expanding their fleet with more sustainable and technologically advanced vessels.
Marella Cruises primarily caters to the UK market and includes flights from up to 22 regional airports across the UK as part of their cruise packages. Their itineraries cover a broad range of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Caribbean and Atlantic Islands. Mediterranean cruises are especially popular during summer, visiting destinations such as Italy, Greece, Turkey and Spain. Winter sees Marella ships heading to warmer climes, with Caribbean voyages departing from Barbados and La Romana, as well as Atlantic sailings from the Canary Islands. The company also offers themed cruises, such as the popular “Electric Sunsets,” which blend live music, DJs and nostalgia for 90s club culture, creating a lively and unique onboard experience.
Statistically, Marella has been enjoying a strong performance. In early 2025, the cruise line achieved an impressive 98% average occupancy rate and reached its highest-ever monthly bookings in January of the same year. The average daily rate per guest rose to £188, reflecting growing demand and customer confidence in the brand. Marella also recently entered into a five-year agreement with V.Ships Leisure, the world’s largest ship management company, to provide technical and crewing services across its fleet further professionalising and strengthening its operations.
Overall, Marella Cruises offers a welcoming and reliable cruise experience that combines all-inclusive value, British-style hospitality, and access to an exciting range of destinations. With ambitious plans for the future, a loyal customer base, and a well-rounded product, Marella continues to stand out as a top choice for British travellers looking for an easy, enjoyable and memorable way to explore the world by sea.
Our MUST-WATCH Marella Voyager REVIEW – What WE WISH We Knew!
This is our full and complete Marella Voyager Cruise Review. We sailed on Marella Voyager for a 7 night Mediterranean cruise which visited ports in France, Italy and Spain. We have put together this review of our experiences onboard Marella Voyager so that may give you a better insight.
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