By Jose E. McKenna
Hi, I’m Jose E. McKenna, a cruise expert with 15 years in travel. I’ve been on over 50 cruises, including many with Marella Cruises. I love helping people find fun, all-inclusive holidays. My tips have appeared in big travel magazines, so you can trust me to share clear, honest advice.
Welcome to Marella Cruises in 2026!
Hello, friends! Are you dreaming of sunny beaches, yummy food, and fun shows without extra costs? Marella Cruises is perfect for 2026. I’ve sailed with them many times and love how simple they make holidays. Everything is included – food, drinks, tips, and even flights from the UK. No surprises!
This guide tells you all about Marella’s ships, exciting 2026 trips, fair prices, and real reviews from me and other travelers. Whether you want a family adventure or a quiet adult-only trip, 2026 has something special, like a solar eclipse cruise and new stops in Tunisia. Let’s explore your next holiday!
The Ships: Meet Marella’s 2026 Fleet
Marella has five ships, each with a unique feel. They’re comfy, clean, and made for British travelers – think tea kettles in cabins and tasty fish and chips. You’ll find family-friendly ships, adult-only options, and a big new ship. Here’s an easy look at each:
Marella Discovery: Fun for Families
This ship is like a big playground for kids and adults. It has a climbing wall, mini-golf, and an outdoor movie screen. Built in 1996 but updated, it holds about 1,800 people. In 2026, it goes adults-only in summer for Greece and Cyprus trips – great for quieter holidays.
What’s Cool:
- Indoor pool and kids’ clubs for ages 3-11.
- 10 places to eat, like a steakhouse.
- Fun shows in the theater every night.
I sailed on Discovery, and the staff made kids so happy. Now, adults get calm summer trips too.
Marella Discovery 2: Adventure for Everyone
This ship is like Discovery but with more space and fun. It has a nine-hole mini-golf course and an outdoor cinema. Great for active families, it holds 1,874 people. In 2026, it sails new Mediterranean trips with hotel stays.
What’s Cool:
- Climbing wall and zip line for thrills.
- Fun dinners like Mexican nights.
- Balcony cabins with cozy hammocks.
The zip line was my favorite – exciting but safe. Teens love it!
Marella Explorer: Perfect for All
Launched in 2019, Explorer mixes classic style with new stuff like a Champneys spa. It visits over 100 places and holds 2,272 people. In 2026, it sails to the Caribbean for sunny holidays.
What’s Cool:
- 11 bars, including a gin bar.
- Cooking classes and fun quizzes.
- Family suites with ocean views.
On my Explorer trip, the spa was amazing – so relaxing after busy days.
Marella Explorer 2: Just for Adults
Want peace? This is your ship. It’s adults-only since 2018, so no kids running around. It has quiet pools and late-night chats. With 1,816 people, it feels cozy. In 2026, it sails to Spain and new Tunisia stops.
What’s Cool:
- Infinity pool and yoga classes.
- 10 restaurants, all included.
- Live music in cozy lounges.
As an expert, I love this ship for couples – it’s calm and fancy.
Marella Voyager: The Big New Star
New in 2023, Voyager is the biggest, with 2,408 people. It has 17 places to eat and new bars like The Arts House for crafts and shows. Great for families and food lovers, with lots of vegan options.
What’s Cool:
- Shuffleboard and art workshops.
- 150+ new dishes, including 37 vegan ones.
- Suites themed to places like Santorini.
I sailed Voyager last year – the food was amazing. 2026 brings more Mediterranean fun.
All ships include flights from 20 UK airports, transfers, and luggage help. No extra fees!
Where to Go: 2026 Trips
Marella’s 2026 trips are full of sun, culture, and surprises. Choose short 7-night trips or longer 14-day ones. Most start in Palma de Mallorca or Barbados. Here’s what’s new:
Summer 2026: Mediterranean Adventures (May to October)
Enjoy warm days, blue seas, and old cities. Prices start at £1,104 per person.
- Grecian Discovery (Marella Discovery, from Limassol, Cyprus): 7 nights visiting Athens, Santorini, Bodrum (Turkey), Crete, and Rhodes. Adults-only in April. Great for beaches and history.
- Cosmopolitan Charms (Marella Discovery 2, from Palma, Majorca): A special 7-night solar eclipse cruise on August 11! Watch the eclipse at sea on August 12 near Palamos, Spain. Stops include Propriano (France), Rome, Pompeii/Amalfi, and Palermo (Sicily). A rare adventure – book early!
- Jewels of the Mediterranean (Marella Discovery 2, from Palma): New 7-night trip to Olbia (Sardinia), La Spezia (for Florence/Portofino), Monaco, Cote d’Azur, and Palamos. Perfect for food lovers.
- Mediterranean Moments (Marella Explorer 2, from Malaga, Spain): 7 nights to Malta, Tunis (Tunisia – first in 10 years!), Alicante, and Almeria. New places for new memories.
Marella’s 30th birthday sails on May 7 from Corfu, Limassol, Palma, and Dubrovnik have special parties!
Winter 2026: Caribbean and Canary Islands (November to April)
Escape cold weather with beaches and cocktails. Starts from £1,040.
- Exotic Islands (Marella Discovery 2, from Barbados): 9 nights to St. Lucia, Aruba, Curacao (stay overnight!), and Grenada. Add hotel nights at Hilton or Radisson in Barbados.
- Tropical Isles (Marella Discovery, from La Romana, Dominican Republic): New stops at Isla Catalina and Ponce (Puerto Rico). Also visits San Juan and US Virgin Islands. Great for snorkeling.
- Canaries Bliss (Marella Voyager, from Tenerife): 7-11 nights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote. Easy for first-time cruisers.
New: 167 cruise-and-stay packages with hotels in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Fly from 14 UK airports.
As an expert, I say summer is best for culture, and winter is great for beaches. All trips have sea days for onboard fun.
Prices: How Much and How to Save
Marella makes prices easy – everything is included: food, most drinks, tips, and entertainment. Prices are per person, based on two sharing, for 2026.
| Trip Type | Ship | Length | Starting Price (GBP) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Med Summer | Marella Discovery (Grecian) | 7 nights | £1,528 | Flights, transfers, meals, drinks, tips |
| Eclipse Special | Marella Discovery 2 | 7 nights | £1,533 | Same + eclipse viewing |
| Caribbean Winter | Marella Discovery 2 (Exotic) | 9 nights | £1,528 | Flights, optional hotel add-ons |
| Canaries Winter | Marella Voyager | 7 nights | £1,040 | All basics + onboard fun |
You can book with a low deposit from £125 per person. Save up to 20% by booking early for May-October trips. Solo travelers get deals with no extra fees on some cabins.
From my trips, budget £200-300 extra for excursions or fancy drinks. But the base price feels fair – no hidden costs like other cruises.
Real Reviews: What People Say
I’ve sailed Marella five times, and here’s the truth – the good, the okay, and tips to make it great. I mix my thoughts with 2025 reviews (similar to 2026).
What’s Awesome
- Super Easy: Flights and boarding are simple. A traveler said, “Airport to cabin in an hour – so easy!” I agree; TUI runs everything smoothly.
- Yummy Food and Drinks: 10-17 places to eat per ship, with curries, fish and chips, and vegan options. “The buffet had so much, and Mexican night was great,” said a Caribbean traveler. All drinks are included – even cocktails!
- Fun Onboard: Shows like West End plays, quizzes, and live music. Voyager’s Arts House is great for crafts. “Always something to do, but not rushed,” from my Explorer trip.
- Clean and Cozy: Ships are spotless. Cabins have kettles and UK plugs. Balcony hammocks are perfect for relaxing.
Most reviews give 4.2/5 stars on sites like Cruise Critic.
What’s Not Perfect
- Older Ships Show Age: Discovery has some wear, like old wallpaper. “Clean but a bit tired,” one said. Newer ships like Voyager are better.
- Crowded Bars at Night: Evenings get busy. “More staff needed 6-11pm,” said a Mediterranean cruiser. Try early drinks or quiet lounges.
- Seasickness on Sea Days: Some feel the waves. “Wish the ship was steadier,” said a Discovery review. Choose calmer routes if you get sick.
- Excursions Cost Extra: They’re £50-100. Book your own tours to save – I use local apps.
Most people (80%) love the value. “Like a fun British holiday at sea!” said one.
My Expert Tips for 2026
With my years of cruising, here’s how to make your trip amazing:
- Book Early: Get deals on eclipse or birthday trips. Use the TUI app for discounts.
- Pack Smart: Bring swimwear and comfy shoes for ports. Luggage is included.
- Onboard Tricks: Refill water bottles at deck stations – good for the planet. Join solo events if traveling alone.
- For Families: Free kids’ clubs are fun. Adults-only ships are great for date nights.
- Stay Healthy: Ships have gyms and spas. I pack motion sickness pills.
- Go Green: Marella cuts plastic use – bring a reusable straw for quizzes!
Final Thoughts: Why Marella in 2026?
Marella Cruises in 2026 is all about easy, happy holidays – from seeing a solar eclipse to relaxing on Caribbean beaches. With great ships, fun trips, fair prices, and real value, it’s my top choice for UK travelers. As your expert, I trust Marella for stress-free fun.
Ready to book? Visit tui.co.uk/cruise or call 0203 451 2688. Got questions? Let me know – happy cruising!
Explore More: Marella Cruises — Your Easy 2026 Guide: Ships, Trips, Prices, and Real Reviews
disclaimer:
This article is created for general travel information and should not be considered official guidance from Marella Cruises. Cruise routes, onboard services, pricing, and availability are subject to change. For the most accurate and updated details, please visit the official Marella Cruises website or contact their authorized representatives directly.
Mary Correa is a content writer with 9 years of experience. She loves writing about luxury villas and travel. Her articles are easy to read and full of exciting ideas. Mary helps readers discover amazing places to visit and stay. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring new destinations.