12 Reasons to Cruise with Marella Cruises

This post is sponsored by Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises is a top choice for travellers seeking convenience, value, and exceptional onboard customer service and experiences. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, a family looking to create memories, or craving a relaxing atmosphere, Marella offers something for everyone.

From inclusive flights and transfers to diverse itineraries and world-class dining, Marella takes the stress out of planning and lets you focus on enjoying your holiday.

In this blog, we look at 12 reasons why Marella Cruises should be your next cruise line of choice. With unbeatable perks, West End style entertainment, and All Inclusive drinks packages, Marella is a great choice for your cruising adventure.

TUI airoplane

Flights and Transfers

Stress-free travel 

Starting your cruise from outside the UK can sometimes be a hassle, but with Marella, all your flights are included in your cruise package. You won’t have to worry about missing your cruise through unscheduled delays, so your holiday can start as soon as you get to the airport.

Hassle-free transfers

Organising transfers can be daunting and stressful, but when you book a cruise with Marella there is no need to worry. Transfers are included, taking away the worry and stress of having to organise them yourself.

Marella theatre drinks

All-Inclusive Drinks Package

Marella does not allow you to take alcohol on board with you. However, this is not an issue as their standard drinks package includes a wide variety.

On draught and included in the price are brands like Strongbow, Fosters and Johns Smith’s. But if these don’t take your fancy, Marella also offers an extensive range of bottled and canned beer. Including Peroni, Guinness, Birra Moretti and Sol.

If beers aren’t for you, there is also a selection of wine included. Sparkling, red and whites are available by the glass only on the standard package,  So, there is something for everyone.

A good selection of cocktails is also included, but if you wish to upgrade to premium cocktails, these start from £3.95

Some of the spirits included in the standard package are Gordon’s gin, Jim Beam, Bell’s, Smirnoff and  Bacardi to name a few. If you have a favourite tipple, it may be worth checking what is included and work out whether it is worth upgrading your package.

Soft drinks are part of the standard package but only if they are from the soda fountains. Cans and bottles are not included and would incur a charge unless you have the upgraded drinks package. You can find out all about Marella’s drinks packages by clicking here.

£300 off Caribbean main post

No Hidden Costs

Gratuities can sometimes catch people out and not always something you think to budget for. It can also be confusing, with much discussion about how much you should tip and at what point. Most cruise lines add gratuities to your onboard account and can cost anything from £15 to £20 per person per day. Marella takes away that unwanted confusion as all gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

show marella voyager

Adults-only and Family-friendly Cruising

If you are not cruising with family and would like a child-free holiday, Marella Explorer 2 offers an adults only cruise. For summer 2026 Marella Discovery is offering adults-only sailings too. Check out our blog here for more information on adults-only cruises.

But don’t worry if you wish to have a more family focussed cruise, there are still plenty of options available to you. Marella Explorer, Marella Discovery, Marella Voyager and Marella Discovery 2 all offer family fun. The ships offer a range of facilities to keep all the family entertained. Such as Kids clubs, mini-golf and gamer zones for the older children, and some even have rock climbing. One of our recent blogs discusses family cruising with Marella in more detail.

Stunning Itineraries

Marella cruises visit some of the most beautiful locations. Itineraries include sailing to Western and Eastern Mediterranean, Canary Islands and the Caribbean.

If you’d like to take in some historical sites such as Pompeii, or take in the local culture in Barcelona, or take it easy in the French Riviera, then one of their Mediterranean itineraries may be for you. If you are looking for white sands sparkling blue seas and the chance to see some amazing creatures in their natural habitat, then one of Marella’s Caribbean itineraries should be right up your street.With refreshed Itineraries coming in 2025 and 2026, including their special 30th birthday cruises, there is sure to be one to suit you.

Marella Disovery beef wellington

All Inclusive Dining

When dining on Marella cruises, there is a wide range of food included in your All Inclusive cruise package. All ships have a main dining room with a more formal waiter service, where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

If the more formal waiter service is not for you, the buffet serves international options throughout the day. You will find pastries, continental and cooked breakfast options. Then for lunch and dinner you will be spoilt for choice from soups and salads to sandwiches, curries, pasta, fish and chips, pies and pasties, plus a fabulous selection of cheeses and desserts.

If you want to dine and feel a bit more of a ‘seaside feel’ then the Snack Shack is the place to go. It is on all of the ships, serving a selection of burgers, fish & chips, hotdogs as well as sandwiches and snacks to grab and go.

Marella Voyager has an All-Inclusive Mexican – Inspired restaurant that serves tacos, burritos and nachos and an Italian restaurant serving all things pizza and pasta, If you did want to try something a little more special there are specialty restaurants on board, and these would incur a cost. Across the fleet speciality restaurants include Kora La, an Asian fusion restaurant, Surf and Turf Steak-house and a sushi bar. However, you can still have a great dining experience without spending a penny!

For a full Marella dining guide click here.

Cruise & Stay option

Have you ever wished you could stay a little longer after your cruise? TUI offers Cruise & Stay options, so once you disembark you can extend your holiday with a stay at a hotel of your choice, before flying home.

When booking a Cruise & Stay Package this will include all flights and transfers to and from your cruise, airport and hotels. You can also start your holiday early and tag a stay onto your holiday before you cruise. To find out more about Cruise & Stay Options click here!

exchange waiter Marella Voyager

Happiest Crew at Sea

We have cruised with Marella on multiple occasions and there is no doubt that they have the happiest crew at sea. Every crew member we interact with on a Marella cruise, all the way up to the captain, go about their daily duties with a huge smile on their faces. We have cruised extensively, and a happy crew will always make for a better cruise.

Toys marella stock

Free Kids’ Club

On the Marella family friendly ships, as well as activities on board for children to take part in, children between the age of 3-11 years can take advantage of the free daytime kids’ clubs. They run daily “ with activities such as crafting, quizzes and discos, as well as parent – accompanied groups for those under 3. In the evening, the entertainment team also provides child – friendly entertainment in the M Club. So, there will be plenty to keep the family busy throughout the day. 

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Best Value Excursions

We have cruised extensively and one of the most expensive add ons during a cruise is definitely excursions, with some cruise lines charging hundreds of pounds. Marella, we are very pleased to say, does not fall into this category. Regardless of your destination, Marella will always offer shore excursions that are great value for money.

Chicago Marella Voyager

West-End Style entertainment

If you like cruising and West- End shows, Marella is the perfect choice. Across their fleet they have a Broadway Show Lounge that seats up to 1000 guests, depending on the ship. In this venue you can see a spectacular array of shows, with some being exclusive to their individual ship. The shows include elaborate costumes,props and most importantly, very talented dancers and singers. The shows are on twice every evening so you can choose a show time that suits you.

As well as “West End style entertainment” the team perform at different venues around the ship providing quizzes, bingo and interactive game shows, classical musicians, solo performers, duos and bands throughout the day right into the evening. Find out more here!

Conclusion

Marella Cruises offers an unmatched cruising experience with their All-Inclusive packages, diverse itineraries, and top-tier entertainment. Whether you want to explore stunning destinations, enjoy hassle-free travel, or indulge in exceptional dining and drinks options, Marella Cruises has something for everyone.

Families, couples, and solo travellers alike can find their perfect cruise with Marella’s flexible options, including adults-only ships, free kids’ clubs, and Cruise & Stay packages for extended adventures.

Marella Cruises combines value, convenience, and unforgettable experiences, making it a perfect choice for your next holiday at sea.

 

Further reading

Marella Birthday Summer 2026 Cruises

Last Minute Cruises With Marella

A Beginners Guide to Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises Complete Dining Guide

Cruising at Christmas and New Year with Marella Cruises

Magic of Spain with Marella Cruises

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