I’ve been cruising with Marella Cruises for 15 years – and this is my favourite cruise so far

TUI has been a mainstay in my family for around 15 years. Our first cruise, back in 2008, was on the retired “Destiny”, a beloved ship which took us around the Mediterranean for two weeks. It was then, that I got my first taste of cruising. Cruising seemed to cater to my love of exploration, offering a variety of exciting ports and excursions - alongside fantastic dining experiences and unmissable entertainment. A Marella Cruise is the perfect way to discover enriching experiences, and it's time to seize the moment with an offer that is simply impossible to refuse.

Since then, I’ve cruised with Marella across Europe, North Africa and some of Asia, too. I have fond memories of guided walking tours in Rome, long day trips into Cairo and a gondola ride in Venice, to name a few. However, there have been a few key changes to the Marella fleet in the last few years. Not only does the whole experience feel more seamless, but the fleet’s step into the digital age is user-friendly and accessible for all.

Whether on an excursion or wandering around a port town on your own, you’re in safe hands. Marella’s excursions employ the most knowledgeable guides and fantastic local drivers for your enjoyment. From walking tours to wine tasting, there is plenty to see and do, for all abilities and interests. Security and hygiene have always been a priority, too. Expect to be using lots of hand sanitiser! And then there's the outstanding crew, who never fail to go the extra mile to ensure you have the best holiday.

This August, I had the pleasure of travelling on Marella Explorer on a “back to back” two-week cruise, Adriatic Explorer, stopping at ports in and around mainland Greece and Croatia, with a little stint in Montenegro and Italy. And, did time fly! Whether an experienced cruiser or someone eager to try their very first, Marella may be the best place for your adventurous spirit. Interested in a cruise? But, not sure if it'd be your thing. I believe that cruising can be an adventure for everybody, which is why I'm sharing Marella’s latest deal…

Marella Explorer: Our Review

Piper writes more about her experience on Marella Explorer below...

Dining

As always, Marella's food is fantastic. From complimentary restaurants and eateries to speciality restaurants for a supplement. I’m a veggie - but there were plenty of options to suit meat eaters, vegans and those requiring a gluten-free meal, clearly labelled in all restaurants and eateries.

Latitude 53 is the ship’s main restaurant. With memorable waiter service, Latitude 53 offers a three-course, sit-down experience, with offerings from across the globe. It is always open for waiter service for Breakfast and Dinner - with the latter’s menu changing daily. If you make it there for lunchtime, be sure to try the beef burger.

There are a lot of other options for lunch, too, indoors and on deck.

The Market Place is a buffet-style restaurant on Deck 11, with lots of seating and plenty of fresh food for all. Besides the ordinary three meals in a day, The Market Place is also home to Afternoon Tea with cucumber sandwiches and cakes available (how very British) and the iconic Late Night Snack, if you feel like you haven’t eaten enough - or fancy a little snack. Late-night selections will include a curry, burgers, hot dogs, fries and some of the salad bar.

The Market Place is decked out with a Harvester-level salad bar, for lunch, poolside munch, or a casual evening meal with its international-themed menus. We went to The Market Place a few times for breakfast and lunch - and once for dinner, when it was Indian Night. A spicy selection, indeed.

If you’re off out on an early excursion, don’t worry! The Market Place opens its doors for brekkie at 6.30 - to ensure you have the most important meal of the day. Winner.

Vista can be found inside Latitude 53. This, too, is a waiter service, a three-course sit-down meal for the evening only. A personal favourite of ours, Vista’s two menus (changing every so often) provide the most delicious Italian dishes from all regions of the fantastic country, from Sicily to Tuscany. If you fancy a cheeky lasagne or want to try something new, I recommend this spot. A highlight of this restaurant is its Carbonara, whisked around in a large Parmesan wheel - for the creamiest, cheesiest dish.

The Mediterranean is another gem. Located at the back of the ship on Deck 11, nestled behind The Market Place, sits an enclosed bar and seating area where you can grab a bite to eat at lunch, drink all day and have a sit-down dinner. Beyond, is a beautiful terrace area where you can sip at signature Mediterranean-inspired cocktails, watching the ship leave its trail on the water below. For drinking and dining, this was another of our favourite spots to sit, with plush sofas and booths, where you can enjoy pasta and pizza made to your tastes - and paella, too, which is made fresh daily. A great spot, all day.

During the evening, you can enjoy selections from a Tapas menu (you have to book here) or a pasta and pizza restaurant, totally customisable to your tastes. I had the Vegetarian Calzone and it was amazing.

Snack Shack is a poolside kiosk where you can grab hot goodies (burgers, fries, hot dogs) sandwiches, salad boxes and pots of fruit from 11am. If you’re keen on spending the whole day by the pool and not wanting to move a muscle, it’s a great spot to get your lunchtime meal or afternoon snack - whatever you fancy.

Speciality Restaurants are on board for premium dining. For a supplement, you can enjoy curries at Kora La, expertly rolled maki at Umi Sushi or a flame-grilled steak at Surf & Turf Steakhouse. The Dining Club, by far, is the most luxurious eatery on Marella Explorer, with a fantastically crafted taster menu. Fine dining at its height. We didn’t get a chance to dine at these restaurants but we heard the most amazing things about the overall experience.

Drinking

It wouldn’t be a proper holiday without a tipple. Jokes aside, Marella’s selection of alcoholic, soft drinks and coffees is impressive. Some bars even have their exclusive cocktails. I must admit, I love a cocktail. My favourite was the Melon Ball, exclusive to the Pool Bar. Upgrading to the Premium All Inclusive drinks package means you have access to almost all beverages on board.

Our favourite spots were…

The Lounge (Deck 6) for its commitment to great live music - not to mention a fabulous selection of drinks. Plus, it was near the restaurant, so ideal for a pre-dinner chat. Shoutout to Radoslav, Joseph and other waiters in The Lounge for their great service - and fantastic tricks behind the bar, too.

Indigo Bar and Club (Deck 12) as you’re seated on plush cushions with a fantastic view of the sea. It’s such a lush place to be when leaving port. Not only is the staff friendly, but the live music creates a little peace when gazing at the never-ending sea. Pair your favourite cocktail dress with the signature international-inspired tipples on the menu. The Casino is inside Indigo, if that’s your thing. The Indigo Club does turn into a disco from 10 pm to the early hours, for fans of a boogie.

The Coffee Port (Deck 6) because - who knew it was possible to drink so many iced coffees in two weeks? Included in the Premium All Inclusive and supplemented for Standard All Inclusive guests, this peaceful mid-ship spot on Deck 6 makes you feel a little more at home. Indulge in a freshly brewed coffee, hot chocolate and a little sweet treat, whilst gentle music plays. I loved drinking at The Coffee Port when I needed some quiet, or when I was heading out to a port and needed a quick caffeine pick-me-up.

Excursions

I'd really recommend booking an excursion with Marella Cruises. Excursions aren't mandatory - but, will enhance the experience for your cruise, helping you make the most of the ports you're docking into. Excursions can include beach transfers, walking tours, boat trips, wine tasting, and transportation to a nearby city.

If you're content walking around the port town or jumping on public transport to a nearby attraction, you can do it yourself. But, Marella Cruises offers safe and informative excursions, easily booked online, over the phone, at the Destinations Services desk or with the Navigate app on board. Our advice is to check out excursions as soon as you can, especially if you're stopping at ports such as Katakolon (for trips to Olympia) and Civitavecchia (for trips to Rome); spaces will go fast - so, make sure to book quickly to avoid any disappointment.

I booked a walking tour and two beach transfers on my Marella cruise this year. In Dubrovnik, I treated us to a Game of Thrones Location Tour, with moderate walking and a fantastic guide to show us the sights in this old city. My morning to early afternoon beach transfers, in Zadar and Katakolon, were each about 30 to 40 minutes away from their ports - and way worth the journey. I love a day at the beach.

Cabin

After a day of exploring on the shore, you'll probably want something comfy to come back to - whether to get ready for the evening or just to unwind. Marella offers several different types of cabins to suit your budget and needs. From inside cabins to balcony suites, there really is a room for everyone. This year, we had an inside cabin - which suited our need for needing a pitch-black environment before nodding off – but, it kept the price down a little, too. We didn't spend as much time in our cabin as you'd expect.

After all, you're so eager to see what the ship has to offer.

Our cabin was on Deck 4 and though you could feel the engines vibrate ever so slightly, it actually helped us sleep (!) Though a little low down in the ship, we could easily access some of the central bars and restaurants on Decks 5 and 6. It did take a little while to get used to trotting back to our cabins. Though I did get lost a few times, the signage is ever so helpful and a crew member will always be happy to point you in the right direction. Desmond and our cabin cleaning team were just the loveliest and worked very hard to make the cabin look tip-top; plus, we loved the little chocolate always on our pillow.

More questions? You can read more about the rooms available on Marella Cruises on TUI's website.

Entertainment

Growing up on Marella cruises, I have fond memories of the entertainment on board. And, Marella Explorer this year was no exception. Below, I have given some of my thoughts on the live musicians, fabulous evening shows, quizzes and game shows, and more. You could never get bored on a Marella cruise, safe to say.

Whether poolside or during the evening, The Entertainment Team did a fantastic job at keeping us lot happy. A full day at sea may seem a little daunting… but upon reading the Cruise News (still delivered through our cabin door every evening, much to our sheer joy), we were reassured in the knowledge that Cruise Director, Cree, had organised a packed schedule for a sea day: lots of game shows, sports tournaments, quizzes and more to get stuck into. I enjoy a quiz and rather pride myself on my good grasp of general knowledge, but I am still yet to win a pair of Marella flip-flops… Maybe next time, eh?

Kudos to the Broadway Show Team for such a special fortnight of shows. Located on Deck 7, the Broadway Show Lounge is a luxurious venue. As someone who loves to visit a West End show, I was more than keen to spend an hour a night atop plush seating with a cheeky glass of wine in hand. It felt like home, truly. And, what a wonderful selection of shows to see every night. I've never seen a Show Team packed with so much talent. My favourite shows were Somebody to Love, Rockology and Movies.

As a big lover of live music, I spent most of my evenings in bars listening to the variety of Musicians on Marella Explorer. From the bands to the individual musicians, this aspect of entertainment on the ship was a dream. I found myself planning my evening, flitting from bar to bar so I could see my favourite vocalists. Often, at the end of each night, I would take my current book and nestle in a comfy corner for their last sets of the day - from the folkish charm of guitarist Lucas and gentle piano covers from Doria.

Pool and spa

When laying on a sunbed was getting a little too much, the pool was always there to save the day. For a cheeky dip or to squeeze a few lengths in, I can't think of a better way to spend my holiday. On Marella Explorer, we were blessed with two irresistible outdoor pools and three whirlpools to choose from. Alongside the refreshing pool, there are two decks full of sunbeds for tanning; pool-side entertainment is one of a kind, too. From quizzes to live music to deck parties, you'll never be bored at the pool as the entertainment team will always keep you happy.

Fear not, there are periods of quiet time, perfect for dipping into a summer read. Besides the quiet time on deck, we liked the Music Café and Aqua Fit hosted by Millie to keep fit. If the Oceans Gym isn't your thing, you can keep yourself moving about on Deck 12 - walk around eleven times (random number, we know) and you've stretched your legs for an entire mile.

However, it does get a little noisy on sea day, which is to be expected during the summer months. Though there are things going on indoors, everyone fights for a spot in the sun. There is a fair policy, just to make sure nobody is being cheeky with reserving sunbeds. My only wish is that one of the pools was adults only as I was, unfortunately, always in the splash zone. Marella does offer Adults Only Cruises onboard Marella Explorer 2, for those concerned about kiddies.

My Oceans Spa experience was invigorating. Not only did I treat myself to a package for the week, entitling me to treatments and use of the spa facilities, but I booked in for a pedicure, too. If you're looking to impress or just fancy a little TLC, the Oceans Spa is open all day. Perfect for pampering, this spot is remote, and quiet and has a dedicated team to help you feel truly at peace.

I chose an exfoliation using an Elemis Body Scrub. Not only did it smell divine, but it scrubbed away at any impurities in my skin, leaving my whole body smooth for my entire holiday. After this, I had a full body massage - with hot stones, too. Honestly, it may have been the best massage I've ever received. I felt safe, comfortable and, most importantly, at ease. I came out of my two-hour session feeling like a new woman, ready for a second week.

FAQs

Where can I fly from?

As we are Dorset and Hampshire-based, we flew from Bournemouth which is a small, but stress-free airport, with plenty of parking, too. However, TUI flies from 21 different airports nationwide, so you'll find something that suits you. Hopefully, you don’t need to travel too far to jump on your plane.

Is the Premium Drinks Package worth it?

On this cruise, we decided to upgrade to the Premium All Inclusive. Why was this?

Well, I felt like I missed out on a few different tipples last year. I could’ve ordered Premium Drinks, but they did come with a supplement. Further, the on-tap soft drinks and juices felt a little watered down to me. I can’t have my old faithful vodka cranberry without tasting just a mouthful of alcohol.

I rather enjoyed the Premium Package, from cans of fizzy pop to a bottled beer (or two). You can even opt for nicer spirits, such as Absolut and Grey Goose. But, for those who are happy with soft drinks and beer on tap, house wines, cheaper spirits, and standard cocktails needn’t bother upgrading.

Everyone in the cabin has to upgrade to the same package, meaning it can get quite expensive at £80pp, per week. That being said, you can upgrade to the Premium All Inclusive Package whilst on board, or just pay a small supplement per drink.

Is there a dress code on Marella Cruises?

The onboard dress code varies for each restaurant.

Whether Beachwear, Casual or Smart, the restaurant of your choice will let you know what you can (and cannot) wear. Smart means you'll have to dress up a little bit, but, I've always found that Marella is rather a casual liner, so don't worry about dressing up too much for the sit-down, waiter-service eateries, besides the Dress to Impress nights. This is the perfect chance to show off your smartest, chic-est dress.

Any other questions can be answered at TUI's handy Marella FAQ page.

*Save up to £300 per booking terms and conditions

The following promotional codes are valid on sailings departing between 1st November 2024 and 31st December 2025 and before any extras such as insurance & flight extras, are added. Minimum duration is 7 nights.

Offers must be selected at the time of booking and applies to new bookings only. Offers exclude cabin only. No minimum spend applies. The offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Use code WAVE200 to save

£200 per booking on short and mid-haul sailings around the Canaries and Mediterranean. Enter the code WAVE200 in upper case when on the holiday payment page of the TUI website. Use code WAVE300 to save £300 per booking on long-haul sailings around the Caribbean. Repositional cruises are included in this offer. Enter the code WAVE300 in upper case when on the holiday payment page of our website. These promotional codes are non-transferable and not valid in conjunction with any other discount code.

Please see www.tui.co.uk/cruise or the relevant brochure for full booking terms and conditions that apply. Some of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. However, ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed that TUI offer.

TUI's website and brochures will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected.

Please see TUI's booking conditions for information or, for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, go to: www.caa.co.uk. Marella Cruises Limited are members of TUI Group. Registered Office: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton, LU2 9TN. Registered in England, for Marella Cruises Limited No: 12562788. ABTA No: Y6722 and ATOL No: 11878.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants. From an early age, she has been lucky enough to travel the world - from hotspots in Europe, adventures in the Americas and stints in Asia and Africa. An experienced wanderer, Piper loves to discover new places, sample cuisines and loves to learn about arts, culture and history. She has been cruising with Marella Cruises since 2008 and always finds her way back...