11 Things Marella Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines

One thing that really stood out to me on my Marella cruises was how relaxed everyone seemed. I don’t remember hearing a single complaint from another guest on board. Weird, right?

That’s quite a contrast to what I’ve experienced on some other British cruise lines over the years. It even made me question the idea that Brits are a nation of moaners.

After cruising with most of the mainstream cruise lines, it’s clear to me that Marella gets a lot of things right. From the atmosphere on board to the overall experience, there are several areas where this cruise line really stands out.

1. So Much Is Included in the Cruise Fare

Usually, when you take a cruise, the price of your cruise ticket is just a fraction of the overall cost of your holiday.

You’ll also need to consider your flights and transfers to the cruise port, a pre-cruise hotel, gratuities for the crew members, drinks and much more. Many of the American cruise lines also don’t include port fees and taxes in the upfront price.

However, Marella is different. The cruise fare includes all of that. And because everyone on your ship is flying in with TUI, you don’t need a pre-cruise hotel, as you can be sure that they won’t let you miss the ship.

Check out this full list of everything that’s included in a Marella cruise. I’m sure you’ll agree, the only other cruise lines to include this much are the ultra-luxury lines. (Where you’ll pay 10X as much anyway!)

2. There’s a Great Choice of Included Drinks

Whether you like to drink alcohol a lot, a little, or not at all, I’m sure you’ll be impressed with the drinks that are included in your Marella cruise.

Every passenger receives a drinks package, which includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the package is valuable. My husband, who doesn’t drink, enjoyed the mocktails.

There’s always a selection of different cocktails available at each bar, and I loved the Mediterranean bar that serves different kinds of Sangria. You can grab a drink from a table before heading into the theatre, and the crew members regularly walk around the pool with trays of drinks to tempt you.

If you like certain drinks like Champagne or fine wines, there’s the option to upgrade to Marella’s Premium drinks package. Take a look at my guide to Marella drinks packages if you need any help with figuring out which one is best for you.

3. Diverse Dining Options

Marella Cruises has a much larger selection of included food venues than you’ll typically find on a cruise.

Me enjoying the food on a Marella cruise

Alongside the main dining room and buffet, you’ll find relaxed options like Italian restaurants, pizza and pasta spots, and tapas-style eateries included in the fare. By the pool, there’s also the Snack Shack, which is perfect for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads and other grab-and-go bites during the day.

You know those little pots of fruit that usually cost about £5? On Marella, they’re free. As are the cookies, cakes and other sweet treats dotted around the ship.

The buffet changes theme each night too, so as well as international favourites you might enjoy Mexican one evening and Indian the next. Marella has also refreshed its dining line-up in recent years, including the newer gastropub concept Piccadilly’s, which serves comforting British classics in a relaxed, walk-in setting.

Special dietary requirements are well catered for, with clear labelling and plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians and those with intolerances. There’s also a dedicated area with kids’ favourites, which makes mealtimes much easier for families.

4. Exceptional Crew Members

The crew on Marella Cruises truly stand out. They are friendly, attentive, and genuinely interested in making your experience enjoyable.

Simple gestures, like asking how your day was or fulfilling special requests, go a long way. For example, when my son wanted chocolate sauce for his pancakes, the crew went out of their way to find it. Their willingness to help is a testament to the excellent training and culture on board.

5. Affordable Shopping Onboard

Shopping on cruise ships can often be expensive, but Marella’s shops have very reasonable prices.

There are several different sales and shopping events during your cruise. I took advantage of a 50% off handbags day and bought myself a beautiful Nine West bag for £30. We also bought pens as souvenirs in the gift shop and got 4 for the price of 3.

6. Unique Activities

There is so much to do on a Marella cruise, you certainly will never be bored. One standout experience is having your iris photographed, which is a fun activity for all ages. The onboard photographer was lovely, making it an enjoyable experience for all.

There are lots of free activities too. The kids loved the Funfair games that popped up by the side of the pool one day. And the miniature golf was great too.

7. Affordable Spa Services

The spa on Marella Cruises is another highlight, with a thermal suite, sauna, steam rooms and relaxation areas. Day passes typically start from around £29, which is significantly less than you’ll pay on many other cruise lines and a great way to unwind on sea days.

Treatments like massages and facials are available at extra cost, with a range of options to suit different budgets.

8. Reasonably Priced Excursions

Marella’s excursions are not only fun but also priced competitively. I found that booking an excursion through the cruise line often costs the same or less than arranging it independently.

The convenience of stepping off the ship and onto the coach is a bonus, and you can trust that you’ll be brought back on time. Plus, if there are any changes to your itinerary, Marella takes care of rebooking your excursions without hassle.

9. Perfect Ship Size

In my opinion, the size of Marella ships is ideal, each accommodating around 2,000 guests. This size strikes a perfect balance between having enough amenities and activities without feeling overcrowded.

We sailed on Marella Explorer, which has 12 decks, making it easy to navigate and find your way around. The layout is cleverly designed with different colours of carpet next to elevators, so you never lose your way.

10. Family-Friendly Gaming Options

For families, Marella offers a space with Xbox consoles available for use. This is a fantastic option for kids who may not want to join the kids’ club but still want to engage in fun activities. The accessibility of gaming options allows for quality family time and also encourages older kids to make new friends.

11. A Relaxed Atmosphere

The atmosphere on Marella Cruises is notably friendly. Passengers are generally upbeat and sociable, creating a lovely environment.

Marella Cruises offers a relaxed dress code. There are no enforced formal nights, which is a refreshing change for those who prefer a more casual cruising experience. While some guests still choose to dress up for special occasions, the overall vibe remains relaxed and enjoyable.

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To Conclude

If you’re considering a Marella cruise or already have one booked, I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. With so much included, a relaxed atmosphere, and a really easy, stress-free way to cruise, it’s easy to see why Marella works so well for so many people.

If you’d rather see what a Marella cruise is really like instead of just reading about it, I’ve shared my honest thoughts and experiences in the video below, including what surprised me most on board.