I just returned from a Marella Cruise and the thing that stood out to me the most was that I didn’t hear a single complaint from another guest onboard. Weird, huh?
That’s a pretty big contrast to what my experience has been on some other British cruise lines, let me tell you!
I had started to think that Brits were a nation of moaners. But this cruise showed that’s not the case. Everyone onboard the Marella Explorer had a fantastic week cruising the Canary Islands.
Full disclosure: I was invited onboard this cruise as a guest of the cruise line. All opinions are my own and the cruise line has no control over my content.
I’ve cruised with pretty much all of the mainstream cruise lines and it’s clear to me that Marella gets it right in so many ways. Here are the areas where I feel this cruise line excels.
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 ful list of everything that’s included in a Marella cruise. I’m sure you’ll agree, the only other cruise lines to include tis 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 thas a much larger selection of included food venues than you’ll typically find on a cruise.
Alongside the main dining room and buffet, you’ll find an Italian restaurant, a pizza and pasta joint, and a tapas bar.
By the pool, there’s also the Snack Shack offering burgers, hote dogs and grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. You know those little pots of fruit that cost about £5? Those are all free. As are the cookies and cakes.
The buffet changes themes nightly, so as well as the international cuisine you can enjoy Mexican food one night and Indian the next.
Special dietary requirements are also catered for, with clear labeling and multiple options for vegans, vegetarians and those with intolerances. Theres’s also an area with kids favourites.
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.
Read more: 22 Fun Things You Can Do On A Marella Cruise
7. Affordable Spa Services
The spa on Marella Cruises is another highlight. A day pass is only £29, significantly less than what you’d find on other cruise lines.
With facilities like a steam room, sauna and several relaxation areas, it’s a perfect way to unwind during your cruise. If you have the chance, definitely consider spending some time here.
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 cost 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 in 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 have one booked, I hope this overview helps you understand what to expect. With its all-inclusive packages, excellent dining options, and friendly atmosphere, Marella Cruises could be the perfect choice for your next holiday. Enjoy your journey!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
