7 Important Things to Know Before Your First Marella Cruise

Note: This post is sponsored by Marella Cruises. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my 6 Cruises with Marella.

It is no secret that I love a Marella cruise, the ships, the destinations, the food, and the entertainment is some of the best at sea and I’ve cruised with them 6 times now.

Marella are an all-inclusive cruise line, which means that drinks, tips, flights and transfers are included in the cruise fare.

This makes this a really enjoyable cruise experience. Everything is taken care of, so you can just sit back and relax. If there is a problem with a flight delay or a transfer, Marella will sort everything out for you.

This makes Marella perfect for first-time cruisers or nervous travellers.

Marella cruises offer very good value. You are unlikely to end up with a large onboard bill to pay at the end of your cruise. (You often do on other cruise lines, who charge daily service charges and drinks to your onboard account.)

As a seasoned Marella cruiser, I have some tips that might make your Marella cruise holiday even more enjoyable…

#1. You Can Change Your Flight Times – And It Might Be Worth It

Most Marella guests travel from the UK by air to reach the ship. Many regional flights are available.

If your cruise includes a TUI flight, you’re usually assigned a standard time, but you may be able to change it for an earlier or later one.

There may be an extra cost involved, but it’s worth looking into. Arriving earlier means less stress and more time to enjoy the first day onboard.

When I took a four-day Marella cruise over an Easter bank holiday weekend, I didn’t arrive at the ship until late in the evening.

Many other guests had arrived hours before me from different regional airports. I was very jealous of their extra time onboard but I had booked very late so there weren’t other flights available.

#2. The Best Cookies Are in The Coffee Port

If you love cookies like me, don’t miss them at The Coffee Port! They’re way better than the standard ones you’ll find elsewhere on the ship.

The Coffee Port cookies do come at an additional charge. This cookie cost me £2.40 on my last cruise, but it was worth every penny.

I found free cookies in The Market Place buffet and Snack Shack, but the ones from The Coffee Port are irresistible!

#3. Don’t Skip the Theatre Shows – They’re Very Good

Marella’s entertainment is way better than you might expect on a smaller cruise line.

The onboard cast puts on West End-style performances, and the live singers and musicians are great.

On my last Marella cruise, they had an Elvis tribute act in the theatre. Unsurprisingly, he went down a storm with the audience. He was excellent!

#4. Bring a Multi-Plug Adapter – Plug Sockets Are Limited

Marella ships are older. They were built for and sailed with other mainstream cruise lines before being completely refurbished and joining the Marella fleet.

This does mean there are fewer plug sockets in cabins than you will find on more modern ships.

A UK multi-plug or travel adapter will be a lifesaver, especially if you need to charge multiple devices.

I would never travel without a universal travel adapter like the one below. It is everything you will ever need.

To find out more about the history of the Marella ships, read this article next:

How Marella Cruises Transformed Ex-Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Ships

#5. Drinks Come to You – Look Out for the Drinks Carts

Unlike other cruise lines where you have to queue at the bar to get a drink, Marella has roaming drinks carts on the pool deck.

You can easily get a drink without leaving your sun lounger or seat.

It is much quicker than going to the bar or flagging down a waiter who will go to a bar to get your drink.

You can just choose your drink from the cart when you see one go past.

They also have a table full of drinks at the theatre entrance, and you can just help yourself before you go in to enjoy the show.

#6. The Buffet Stays Open Late for Late-Night Snacks

If you get peckish after a busy day relaxing, Marella’s buffet is one of the few that stays open later in the evening.

You won’t find a full meal, but there are always snacks available, which is great if you miss dinner for a show or an excursion runs late.

I often find I am a little hungry after the show, but I choose to eat my dinner between five and six. Other people may prefer to eat later.

There is nothing more disappointing than arriving at the buffet to find it closed after the theatre show has finished.

I have often found this on P&O or Royal Caribbean ships. Although they might open up again much later in the evening with a small selection of snack food, I prefer my late-night snack between 9 and 10 p.m.!

#7. Cruise & Stay Options Are Available

You can easily add a hotel stay after your cruise. You can stay for just a few extra days or another week.

That way, you can really make the most of your precious holiday time.

Cruise & Stay Deals
Pick a Cruise & Stay deal for the best of both worlds. Spend a week onboard, followed by three, four or seven nights relaxing in one of your favourite destinations.

Marella

It seemed like half the people on my last cruise had booked a “Cruise & Stay” holiday – it felt quite sad to return home when so many other guests were staying in the sunshine!

Before You Go

Find out about the five things I really love about Marella here:

5 Things I Love About Marella Cruises (Inclusions, Entertainment, Drinks and More)

Find out about the Marella ship that had extra balconies added after her launch here:

How This Ship Added 314 Extra Balcony Cabins 11 Years After Her Launch