Marella Cruises: Your Complete Guide to Ships, Itineraries, and Booking Tips
Marella Cruises has established itself as a popular British cruise line offering diverse itineraries across the globe. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding the specifics of Marella's offerings can help you make the most of your experience. From upcoming departures to ship differences and optimal booking times, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking your Marella cruise adventure.
What Should You Know About Upcoming Marella Cruise Departures
Marella Cruises typically releases its sailing schedules 18-24 months in advance, allowing passengers ample time to plan their vacations. The cruise line operates year-round, with particularly diverse offerings during peak seasons. Upcoming departures feature both established favorites and new destinations, particularly in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and increasingly in Asia and the Middle East.
To secure your preferred itinerary, early booking is recommended, especially for popular routes during school holidays and summer months. Marella frequently offers early booking incentives including cabin upgrades, onboard credits, and discounted deposits. Additionally, most Marella cruises now operate as all-inclusive, meaning your fare covers meals, drinks, and many onboard activities—a significant benefit when comparing cruise options.
Which Itineraries Are Commonly Offered by Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises excels at offering a diverse range of itineraries catering to different interests and timeframes. Mediterranean cruises remain their flagship offerings, with Eastern and Western Mediterranean routes calling at ports in Italy, Greece, Spain, France, and Croatia. These itineraries often blend iconic destinations like Barcelona and Rome with lesser-known gems such as Kotor and Koper.
The Caribbean itineraries typically operate during winter months (November through April) from homeports in Jamaica and Barbados, visiting islands like St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Dominican Republic. These routes often include unique experiences like beach landings on smaller islands and overnight stays in select ports.
For those seeking something different, Marella has expanded its offerings to include Baltic cruises featuring St. Petersburg and Scandinavian capitals, Canary Islands voyages, and increasingly popular Asian itineraries exploring destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Specialized themed cruises focusing on culinary experiences, wellness, or family activities are also available on select sailings.
How Marella Cruises Might Vary by Ship or Travel Duration
Marella’s fleet currently consists of five ships, each offering distinct experiences and amenities. The newest additions—Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2—feature more modern facilities, additional dining options, and expanded entertainment venues including larger theaters and specialty cocktail bars. Marella Explorer 2 operates as an adults-only vessel, making it ideal for couples or groups seeking a more mature atmosphere.
The mid-sized vessels—Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2—strike a balance between amenities and intimacy, featuring climbing walls, Broadway-style shows, and multiple specialty restaurants while still being able to access smaller ports. Meanwhile, Marella Celebration offers a more traditional cruising experience on a smaller vessel with fewer amenities but a more personalized service approach.
Cruise durations typically range from 7-14 nights, with some specialized itineraries extending to 21 nights or longer. Shorter cruises generally focus on a specific region (such as Greek Islands or Western Caribbean), while longer voyages often combine multiple regions or offer more extensive exploration of a single area. The longer cruises typically feature more sea days, allowing passengers to fully enjoy onboard amenities.
When Is It Usually Considered a Good Time to Take a Marella Cruise
The optimal time to book a Marella cruise depends largely on your destination preferences and personal circumstances. For Mediterranean itineraries, May-June and September-October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak July-August season. Caribbean cruises are best experienced during the winter months (December-April), coinciding with the dry season in most islands.
For budget-conscious travelers, the shoulder seasons—particularly October-November and January-February (excluding holiday periods)—often feature the most competitive pricing. Marella frequently runs promotions during these periods to fill cabins, potentially offering significant savings. Weather considerations should factor into your decision; hurricane season in the Caribbean (June-November) may present risks, though cruise ships can typically navigate around severe weather.
British school holiday periods generally command premium pricing across all destinations, so those with flexibility should consider sailing outside these timeframes. Last-minute bookings (2-8 weeks before departure) can occasionally yield substantial discounts, though selection may be limited, particularly for preferred cabin categories.
Pricing and Value Considerations for Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises positions itself as an inclusive value offering compared to many other cruise lines. Their pricing structure typically includes flights from the UK, transfers, accommodations, meals, drinks, and entertainment. However, costs vary significantly based on itinerary, ship, cabin category, and travel dates.
| Ship | Sample Itinerary | Inside Cabin (per person) | Balcony Cabin (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marella Explorer | 7-night Mediterranean | £850-£1,100 | £1,200-£1,500 |
| Marella Explorer 2 | 14-night Caribbean | £1,500-£1,900 | £2,100-£2,600 |
| Marella Discovery | 7-night Baltic | £900-£1,200 | £1,300-£1,600 |
| Marella Discovery 2 | 14-night Asia | £1,600-£2,000 | £2,200-£2,700 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Additional costs to consider include specialty dining (approximately £15-£25 per person), premium beverages beyond the standard package, spa treatments, shore excursions (£30-£100+ depending on activity), and gratuities (though these are officially not required on Marella ships, unlike many American cruise lines). The Premium All-Inclusive upgrade, costing approximately £150-£300 per week depending on itinerary, includes premium drinks, larger water allowances, and specialty coffee.
Conclusion
Marella Cruises offers varied options for travelers seeking value-oriented cruise experiences with British-style service. Understanding the differences between ships, itineraries, and optimal booking times can help you secure the best possible experience. Whether you’re drawn to Mediterranean sun, Caribbean beaches, or exotic Asian destinations, Marella’s expanding fleet and diverse itineraries provide compelling options for cruise enthusiasts of all experience levels.
