TUI is one of Britain’s favourite package holiday providers and its cruise offshoot Marella is a favourite to many. In fact, it was one of their Caribbean cruises that got me hooked in the first place. Is Marella Cruises the perfect first cruise for you?
100% Package cruises
TUI are known for their package deals, where everything from flights, transfers, accommodation, food and drinks can be rolled into one. Marella is no different and, apart from some ultra-luxury lines, it’s is arguably the best at packaging everything. When booking a Marella Cruise from the UK you get your flights, baggage, transfer to the port, cabin, food and drinks (including alcohol) rolled into the one price as standard. You can then pay for optional extras like WiFi, excursions, speciality meals and premium drinks at reasonable prices.
Flights can be booked from many regional airports across the UK to join most of Marella’s European sailings. For their Caribbean itineraries, flights are available through the season from London, Birmingham and Manchester, along with some extra flights departing regional airports like Cardiff, Glasgow and Newcastle.
Being a TUI holiday you get your ATOL protection and when booking with me PTS Protection.
easy going
Marella is not a formal line – it’s laid back, easygoing with venues that match that laid back atmosphere. Want to eat in a more formal venue there’s Latitude. Want a more relaxed meal in you shorts? the buffet is for you.
Its itineraries are classic ones like the Mediterranean, Canaries and Caribbean. You won’t be exploring the Antarctic with them! What you will have though is a great time as a couple, family or friends.
On our first cruise we met people of all ages and had some great converstations with them. TUI caters to a huge market so I’d be very surprised if you didn’t meet others on the boat you can have a quick promenade chat with as you enjoy your day.
FAMILIAR feel
Being line 100% focused on the British traveler its got all the home comforts. A kettle in every cabin for a morning cuppa, there are British staples in the all restaurants and bars. Gratuities / tips are included in the fare, so unlike some American lines you don’t have to worry about figuring out the tips or having charges applied to your included package each time you use it. The gratuities go to all members of the crew on board and any additional is of course appreciated but not expected.
Entertainment is also a very British affair with shows in the theatre focusing on live vocals and musical themes versus the big broadway shows. Trivia and Bingo are also a big part of the programme through the cruise.
One thing to note is that UK plugs may not be in your cabin. My advice is to pack European/North American plugs too.
Small but mighty
Marella has 5 ships in its fleet:
- Discovery & Discovery 2
- Explorer & Explorer 2
- Voyager
All are medium sized ships with passenger capacity between 1800-2000 depending on the ship. They’ve all had previous owners and were built for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises over 20 years ago.
Not that you could tell as Marella has refurbished them to a high standard and continues to modernise the public areas and cabins every year.
They feature common venues like the always popular Squid and Anchor pub, the grand Latitude main dining room, Snack Shack for poolside bites and Kora La the pan-asian speciality restaurant. Then depending on the ship there are more venues to choose from like Nonna’s, Abuela’s, The Kitchen. A great way to enjoy new experiences as you sail with them more.
Best first cruise for you?
Compared to its German counterpart TUI Cruises the ships are not as big or fancy, however there is something very special about Marella. Our first cruise was on Marella and it was a holiday we’ll never forget, they got me hooked and it’s a big reason for me setting up Pentony Travel.
I’d recommend them to most people as a first cruise … I say most because like anything in life it might not be the right fit for you. Want to find that perfect first cruise Marella or someone else? Drop me a message using the form below
