Thinking about booking a Marella cruise? I recently sailed the Canary Islands on the Marella Explorer, and in this review series, I’ll walk you through everything — the highs, the quirks, and how it stacks up against other cruise lines.
Let’s start from the very beginning of the journey.
Flying to Start the Cruise
Our adventure kicked off in Tenerife, one of Marella’s regular departure ports. Since Marella doesn’t offer departures from the UK itself, all their cruises come bundled with return flights from over 25 airports across the country — a huge plus for convenience.
We flew from Bristol, which was super easy logistically. Each of us had a generous luggage allowance: 20kg for checked bags and 10kg for carry-ons. Honestly, we didn’t even come close to using it all!
The flight itself was uneventful and quick — just the way you want it. As soon as we landed, we spotted the TUI coach waiting for us outside the airport.
No long queues or confusing transfers — we simply left our luggage on the coach and hopped aboard. The next time we saw our bags? Already waiting outside our cabin. Seamless.
Boarding the Ship
Check-in was impressively smooth. Because Marella flights arrive throughout the day, we missed the typical port crowds. Within minutes of flashing our passports, we were walking aboard the ship.
One of the best things about this Marella package? You don’t need to fly in a day early and pay for an overnight hotel — something often necessary with other cruise lines, especially if sailing from Southampton.
We left home at 8 a.m. and were having dinner on the ship that same evening. That’s efficiency done right.
Also, since TUI owns both the planes and the ships, you don’t need to worry about delayed flights ruining your cruise — they coordinate everything so that doesn’t happen.
First Impressions: Marella Explorer
I knew going in that Marella Explorer was around 30 years old — previously sailing for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises — but I was genuinely surprised by how modern and refreshed it felt.
Unlike some other ships of the same era, this one didn’t have that “vintage cruise ship” vibe. Quite the opposite.
Public spaces looked fresh, sleek, and welcoming. We strolled through the atrium, grabbed lunch at the buffet, and relaxed with a drink — and I immediately felt at home.
The ship accommodates around 2,000 guests, which I think is the sweet spot. It’s big enough to offer plenty of dining and entertainment options, but small enough to feel cozy and easy to navigate. You’re never too far from anything.
Here’s a quick comparison table for context:
| Cruise Line | Ship Name | Year Built | Refurbished | Guest Capacity | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marella Cruises | Marella Explorer | 1995 | Multiple (latest in 2018) | 1,924 | Relaxed, British-style, cozy |
| Royal Caribbean | Grandeur of the Seas | 1996 | 2017 | 1,992 | Classic & traditional |
| Carnival | Carnival Elation | 1998 | 2020 | 2,130 | Fun, lively, colorful |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Century (retired) | 1995 | 2015 | 1,814 | Premium and elegant |
So if you’ve cruised on older ships before and felt underwhelmed, don’t let Marella Explorer’s age fool you — she’s in top shape.
Our Cabin: Ocean View Comfort with a Few Surprises
On this trip, we decided to upgrade from our usual inside cabin to an Ocean View stateroom — and honestly, it was a great call.
The price difference was minimal, and waking up to natural light and views of the sea was totally worth it.
One thing to note about Marella Explorer: because it’s an older ship, balcony cabins are limited — only four of the ten passenger decks offer them.
So, if you’re usually a balcony-or-nothing type, don’t overlook the window options here. They often provide better value without sacrificing comfort.
Our cabin could sleep four, so it came with Pullman beds that pulled down from the ceiling. While practical for families, the setup wasn’t our favorite.
The ladders meant my husband and I had to sleep in separate twin beds, which felt a bit like being at summer camp. We usually prefer a double bed and separate bunks for the kids, but it worked.
Dealing with the Air Conditioning Issue
Now, while the layout wasn’t ideal, everything else about the room made up for it. It was spotlessly clean, spacious enough, and cleaned twice daily.
And the towel animals? Absolute masterpieces! The room stewards clearly took pride in their work and even left chocolates on our pillows each evening — a small touch that goes a long way.
We did run into one small hiccup early on: the air conditioning wasn’t cooling properly. But this is where Marella’s service shone.
I called guest services, and within minutes, an engineer arrived and fixed it on the spot.
A massive improvement over a similar issue we had on a previous Celestyal cruise, where it took the entire week (and several sweaty nights) to resolve.
One Unexpected Bonus
One unexpected bonus? There was a kettle in the room! As a tea-loving Brit, this made me genuinely happy. Most cruise lines, especially American ones, skip this detail. Marella nailed it.
Another unique perk: a water fountain right outside our door, and a lovely glass carafe provided in-room to refill as needed.
I’d recommend checking Marella’s deck plans for the raindrop symbol — it marks water stations, and being nearby is a big win for convenience.
Dining: Casual Variety with British Comforts
Dining on Marella Explorer was one of the highlights of our cruise. The variety of complimentary dining options was genuinely impressive, especially compared to other cruise lines where you often have to pay extra for anything beyond the buffet and main dining room.
Here’s what was included at no extra charge:
- Main Dining Room – Classic three-course meals, table service
- Buffet Restaurant – Daily themes with live cooking stations
- Italian Restaurant – Pizza, pasta, and more
- Tapas Bar – Small plates for sharing
- Poolside Snack Shack – Burgers, sandwiches, and fries
- Pizza & Pasta Café – Quick, delicious bites throughout the day
The buffet was particularly good. Each day brought a new theme — think Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian — and the food quality was consistent.
I especially enjoyed the live stations where chefs whipped up stir fry or fresh pasta on demand.
That said, not everything was a hit. I once ordered a vindaloo expecting a spicy kick, but what I got was more like a mild vegetable stew.
When I asked, the server explained, “Not everyone likes spicy food.” Fair enough — but maybe skip calling it a vindaloo then!
Dietary Needs: Easy-to-Read Labels for Everyone
If you’re someone with dietary restrictions, Marella is great about labeling food. Vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-free options were clearly marked in both the buffet and main dining room, making life so much easier.
I didn’t have to ask a single question about ingredients all week — that’s rare.
Kids are well looked after too, with a dedicated kids’ buffet section and plenty of family favorites like chips, pasta, and nuggets, along with healthier choices.
The kids’ menu in the main dining room also had a solid variety, including vegetarian picks.
We didn’t try any of the specialty dining options, like the steakhouse or Asian fusion restaurant. Honestly, the included meals were so satisfying, we didn’t feel the need.
But if you’re celebrating something special or want an elevated experience, those are available at a modest extra charge.
All-Inclusive Drinks That Actually Feel All-Inclusive
Let’s talk about one of Marella Cruises’ biggest selling points — the included drinks package. It’s not a gimmick. You really do get unlimited access to a solid range of drinks, including:
- Draft and bottled beers
- House wines
- Well-known spirits
- Cocktails (yes, actual cocktails!)
- Mocktails, soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee
Most cruise lines charge hundreds for a drinks package — and even then, it often comes with fine print like drink limits or exclusions.
But Marella keeps it simple. Everyone gets the basic package, no upcharge needed.
Bar Service: Fast, Friendly & Always Nearby
I was particularly impressed with the cocktail selection. Each bar had at least five to choose from, and they weren’t weak, watered-down versions either.
One afternoon, I couldn’t decide what to try next, and the bartender surprised me with a tray of three cocktails to sample. Not bad, right?
You’d think service might be slow with everyone drinking for “free,” but that wasn’t the case at all. Bar staff were fast, friendly, and ever-present.
Waiters constantly circulated the pool deck, handing out pre-made drinks or taking fresh orders. No waiting, no frustration.
At big events like the sailaway party or theatre shows, they even had tables set up with glasses of prosecco and cocktails already poured — just grab and go. It felt luxurious without the luxury price tag.
If you’re someone who enjoys premium spirits or wine, you can upgrade to the premium drinks package for an extra fee.
But here’s a tip: if you only want a top-shelf drink now and then, you can just pay for it a la carte. Prices were more reasonable than I’ve seen on most other cruise lines.
| Cruise Line | Drinks Included | Cocktails | Premium Upgrade Option | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marella Cruises | Yes (standard package) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Optional & affordable | All guests included automatically |
| P&O Cruises | No (pay per drink) | ✅ Yes | ✅ But pricey | Tea/coffee in cabins only |
| Royal Caribbean | No (paid package only) | ✅ Yes | All guests are included automatically | Limited free drinks |
| Celebrity Cruises | Some promos include drinks | ✅ Yes | ✅ But higher base price | Often bundled in fare |
Activities & Entertainment: Packed Days and Lively Nights
Whether you’re a trivia junkie, a dance floor regular, or just love a good theatre show, Marella does a solid job keeping you entertained.
Daytime Fun
Every day was packed with activities:
- Bingo
- Dance classes
- Arts and crafts
- Table tennis tournaments
- Deck games
- Live music
- Cinema screenings
I appreciated how there was always something low-key and something lively going on. You could join in a game of shuffleboard or just sip cocktails during an acoustic set.
The cinema was a hidden gem. We caught a couple of new releases while enjoying popcorn and a break from the sun. It’s a great rainy day or sea day fallback.
Evening Entertainment
Evenings centered around the theatre shows, which were genuinely impressive — we’re talking West End-style productions with high-energy dancers and live singing.
Shows were held twice nightly (8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.), so there was no need to book ahead or stress about getting a seat.
After the theatre, everyone seemed to funnel into the Squid and Anchor, the ship’s pub-style lounge. This was the spot for interactive game shows, quiz nights, and late-night fun.
Just a heads-up — it gets busy fast! If you want to do both the theatre and the pub games, you’ll need to move quickly between them.
The only downside? After a few nights, the entertainment lineup started to feel a bit repetitive.
I would’ve loved to see a magician, stand-up comedian, or even a ventriloquist thrown into the mix.
A few themed nights or surprise guest acts could go a long way in mixing things up.
Family-Friendly… with a Few Tweaks Needed
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to know how the cruise line stacks up in terms of family features, and Marella mostly delivers, though a few things could be improved.
The Kids’ Club
Marella offers a Kids’ Club for ages 3 to 11, and my children attended a few sessions. Their verdict? It was “okay” — not amazing, but not bad either.
The staff were friendly and the activities were well-organized, but it lacked the wow factor of bigger American ships.
One issue was the grouping of age ranges. Sometimes all the kids were lumped together (ages 3 to 11), which meant activities skewed younger and left older kids feeling bored.
Other times, they split the group into two: 3–7 and 8–11. That’s better, but it created scheduling problems.
Each group had different session times, which got tricky for families (like us) with one child in each group.
And unlike some cruise lines that let you book kids’ club slots through an app, Marella uses an old-school method: you write your child’s name on a paper schedule 24 hours in advance, pinned up outside the club room.
While it’s simple, it’s not ideal for families who prefer to go with the flow.
Fun Beyond the Club
Now, here’s where Marella really shines — outdoor and unsupervised fun. My kids loved:
- The football pitch, where a constant stream of kids were kicking about from morning to sunset.
- Mini golf and table tennis.
- The Gamer Zone, which featured six Xboxes and was open to everyone.
These casual spaces were a huge hit and often more exciting than the kids’ club itself.
Older kids (12 to 17) have access to The Hideout, a teen-only hangout with unlimited air hockey, table tennis, and chill-out areas. Scheduled events were a bit limited, but the space gave teens some independence, which they seemed to love.
Itinerary: Winter Sun and Smooth Changes
We chose a Canary Islands itinerary, and it turned out to be a brilliant winter escape.
Even in February, we enjoyed sunshine and 20–25°C temperatures — perfect for sunbathing, walking around port towns, or relaxing on a beach.
Marella’s Canary Islands cruises are typically port-intensive, which I love. We only had one sea day and got to visit a new island almost every day.
Compare that to a Southampton-based Canary Islands cruise, where you lose several days to travel — Marella’s fly-cruise model lets you maximize your time in the destination.
Smart Handling of Weather Changes
Mid-cruise, the captain announced some rough seas near Madeira, so they made the call to skip that port.
Instead, we were rerouted to a different destination, and the order of the other ports was shuffled.
How was it handled? Flawlessly. Because we’d booked our shore excursions directly through Marella, we didn’t need to lift a finger.
New tickets were printed and sent to our cabin with revised times — zero stress, no queuing at the desk, no confusion.
This is one of the best arguments for booking excursions directly with your cruise line. When plans change (and they sometimes do), you’re covered — no hassle, no missed tours, and no lost money.
Value for Money: Don’t Judge the Price Too Fast
At first glance, a Marella cruise might seem pricier than some other options, especially for families.
But once you actually break down what’s included — flights, transfers, accommodation, tips, drinks, and meals — it starts to look like a seriously good deal.
Let’s be real — most cruise lines lure you in with cheap fares, then stack up the extras: drink packages, service charges, airport transfers, etc.
With Marella, you can pretty much lock in your total cost from the start and leave your wallet in the cabin for most of the trip.
And don’t worry if you’re not a drinker. The all-inclusive package still makes sense with unlimited:
- Soft drinks and juices
- Mocktails
- Coffee and tea
- Bottled water refills from water stations (carafes in your room!)
Also, with tipping included, there’s no awkwardness at the end of the cruise or extra budget surprises.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of what’s included with Marella vs. other popular cruise lines:
| Feature | Marella Cruises | Royal Caribbean | P&O Cruises | Celebrity Cruises |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return Flights Included | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes |
| Transfers Included | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes |
| Drinks Included | ✅ Yes (standard) | ❌ No (paid package) | ❌ No | ✅ With some fares |
| Gratuities Included | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Sometimes |
| Tea/Coffee in Room | ✅ Yes (with kettle) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Port-Intensive Itineraries | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Varies | ⚠️ Varies | ✅ Yes |
| Water Stations | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
When you look at it this way, Marella’s cruise fares aren’t just competitive — they’re packed with extras that would cost hundreds more on other lines.
The Bottom Line: Is Marella Cruises Worth It?
After a week aboard the Marella Explorer, I totally get why this cruise line has such a loyal following. It’s not trying to be a flashy American mega-ship — and that’s exactly its charm.
Here’s who I think Marella Cruises is perfect for:
- UK travelers looking for a stress-free fly-cruise with no fiddling around with hotels, transfers, or airport chaos.
- Families who want good kids’ facilities without the overwhelming size (or cost) of bigger ships.
- First-time cruisers who appreciate the simplicity of “everything included”.
- Couples and retirees who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, and British-style touches (like crisps in the pub and Yorkshire puds in the buffet).
If you’re expecting huge water parks, zip lines, or celebrity chef restaurants, Marella isn’t that kind of cruise. But if you want:
- A well-run, mid-sized ship
- Delicious food (with lots of choice)
- Thoughtful service
- And an easy-going vibe…
…then yes, Marella delivers big time.
Would I sail with Marella again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m already eyeing up their Adriatic and Greek Isles itineraries for next year.
Marella Cruises Feature Comparison Table
| Category | Marella Cruises – What You Get |
|---|---|
| Getting There | • Quick and crowd-free • No long queues at the port • Bags delivered directly to the cabin |
| Check-In Process | • Ocean View, Inside, Balcony (limited) • Pullman beds for families • Daily cleaning & towel animals • In-room kettle and tea/coffee • Nearby water stations are marked on deck plans |
| First Impressions | • Ship refurbished and modernized • Cozy 2,000 guest capacity • Fresh public areas, not dated |
| Cabins | • West End-style shows (2 shows/night) • Live music, game shows, cinema, quizzes • Packed daily schedule: bingo, crafts, classes • No reservations needed for the theatre • Some repetition in nightly acts (mostly singers/dancers) |
| Dining | • Main Dining Room + Buffet included • Themed buffet nights + live cooking • Italian, Tapas, and Pool Grill options at no extra cost • Great food labeling for vegans/allergies • Kids’ menu & buffet corner • Optional specialty restaurants (paid) |
| Drinks Package | • Standard drinks included (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails) • Mocktails, soft drinks, juices • No need to upgrade unless you want premium brands • Waiter service & cocktail trays around the pool and events |
| Entertainment | • Port-intensive cruises (1 sea day) • Winter sun destinations like the Canary Islands • Weather-based port changes handled smoothly • Excursion rebooking is done automatically if booked via Marella |
| Activities | • Port-intensive cruises (1 sea day) • Winter sun destinations like the Canary Islands • Weather-based port changes handled smoothly • Excursion rebooking done automatically if booked via Marella |
| Family Facilities | • Pool games, dance classes, table tennis, mini golf • Gamer Zone with Xboxes • Cinema for movie nights • The football pitch is always busy with kids |
| Itinerary | • Port-intensive cruises (1 sea day) • Winter sun destinations like the Canary Islands • Weather-based port changes handled smoothly • Excursion rebooking is done automatically if booked via Marella |
| Value for Money | • Flights + transfers + tips + drinks + meals all included • Excellent cost efficiency • Optional upgrades, but not needed to enjoy the cruise fully |
Final Tip: Keep an eye out for Marella’s seasonal offers and last-minute deals — sometimes you can snag a week in the sun, all-inclusive, for less than a UK hotel stay!
