Cruise line

Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises is TUI Group's cruise business for the British holiday market. Its history reaches back to the Thomson cruise operation launched in 1996. The Marella name followed in October 2017. These dates describe the business and brand history, rather than the incorporation date of today's legal carrier. Its UK office base is in Luton, with additional office roles in Southampton.

Quick facts

Parent company
TUI Group
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Luton, United Kingdom
Founded
1996
Active fleet
5
Cruise style
All inclusive, Family friendly, Adults only
Onboard currency
GBP
Official website
www.tui.co.uk

Five ships form the current fleet: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager. Each had a passenger career before entering the Marella programme. An introduction date under the present brand therefore should not be read as the construction year. Compare the individual ship records for age and accommodation rather than assuming the newest fleet addition is a newbuild.

The fleet offers both family-friendly and adult-focused choices. Marella Explorer 2 is reserved for adults. The operator identifies November 2026 as the start of the adults-only programme for Discovery 2, so the departure date matters when comparing that ship. Discovery, Explorer and Voyager are presented as family-friendly options. This distinction should be checked against the specific sailing and the needs of everyone travelling.

Marella markets an all-inclusive standard offering, including tips and service charges. That does not mean every optional purchase is included. Specialty restaurants, selected premium menu choices and other extras can carry additional charges. Read the applicable booking and dining conditions when comparing the standard fare with upgrades, especially if several paid meals are planned.

Prices aboard are in pounds sterling and spending is charged to a cabin account. The published payment guide explains how to register and settle that account. Currency required during a port visit is a separate consideration from the ship's pricing. Check the arrangements for the actual itinerary rather than assuming the onboard currency is accepted everywhere ashore.

The programme spans Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Caribbean sailings, with opportunities to combine a cruise and a hotel stay. Compare flights, transfers, embarkation ports and the hours available at each stop together. The route and accommodation you book determine more than a fleet-wide description. Accessibility requirements should be discussed through the operator's assisted-travel information, using the particular ship and facilities needed for the journey.

Fleet reference

Active ships and actual construction projects are listed separately. A dash means a value has not been independently verified.

Active fleet

Selected ships in this reference. A dash means no verified value is available.
Marella DiscoveryVision199669,130
Marella Discovery 2Vision199569,472
Marella ExplorerCentury199676,998
Marella Explorer 2Century1995—
Marella VoyagerCentury199777,302

Ports in this reference

Published port programmes support these connections. Individual sailings and terminals can change.

Last checked:

Sources