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Are Marella Cruises Still Going Ahead — Everything You Need to Know in 2026

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-20 · 12 min read

Wondering, "are Marella Cruises still going ahead?" The answer is a resounding yes! Marella Cruises is fully operational in 2026, offering a fantastic range of itineraries across their modern fleet.

This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about Marella Cruises in 2026, from their latest schedules and fleet updates to what you can expect onboard, ensuring you're fully prepared for your next adventure. If you're new to cruising, you might find our First Time Cruise Tips for Beginners UK: Your Ultimate Guide particularly helpful.

What Is Marella Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Marella Cruises, part of the TUI Group, is a popular British cruise line renowned for its all-inclusive offering and relaxed atmosphere. Formerly known as Thomson Cruises, the brand rebranded to Marella in 2018, with 'Marella' meaning 'shining sea' in Celtic. They cater primarily to the UK market, offering convenient fly-cruise options from various regional airports, making them a fantastic choice for those looking for a hassle-free holiday. The focus on all-inclusive packages, where tips and service charges are already covered, truly sets them apart and simplifies holiday budgeting.

This made for a very relaxing trip, knowing that most costs were covered upfront. The entertainment was lively, and the crew were always incredibly friendly and attentive, embodying that welcoming British spirit Marella is known for.

Key Things to Know About Marella Cruises in 2026

• Full Sailing Schedule: Marella Cruises has a comprehensive schedule planned for both summer and winter 2026, with itineraries covering diverse regions.
• Expanded Destinations: New ports of call have been added for 2026, including a return to Tunisia, and new stops in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco for winter, and Albania and Italy for summer.
• All-Inclusive as Standard: All Marella cruises are all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, and gratuities, offering excellent value for money.
• Modern Fleet: The fleet comprises five ships – Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, and Marella Voyager – each with its own character and amenities.
• Cruise & Stay Options: Marella continues to expand its popular Cruise & Stay programme, allowing guests to combine their cruise with a hotel stay before or after their sailing.
• UK Market Focus: Marella primarily caters to British cruisers, offering flights from numerous UK airports and a familiar onboard atmosphere.

Marella Cruises 2026 Itineraries: What to Expect

Marella Cruises has unveiled an exciting line-up of itineraries for 2026, designed to cater to a wide range of preferences. From sun-drenched Caribbean escapes to cultural Mediterranean journeys, there's something for everyone. They've also introduced new routes and revisited popular ports, ensuring fresh experiences even for repeat cruisers. This extensive planning demonstrates Marella's strong position in the market and their commitment to providing diverse holiday options.

Winter 2026 Itineraries

• Caribbean Adventures: Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager will be homeported in Barbados, offering various 7-night Caribbean itineraries like 'Cocktails and Coconuts' and 'Exotic Islands'. Marella Discovery will operate from La Romana, Dominican Republic, from November 2026 to March 2027.
• Canary Islands & Atlantic: Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Explorer will cover the Canary Islands, with Marella Discovery 2 sailing from Las Palmas and Tenerife, and Marella Explorer from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. New ports such as Tangier, Lisbon, and Arrecife are featured on itineraries like 'Atlantic Treasures'.
• Mediterranean Moments: Marella Explorer 2 will sail a 'Mediterranean Moments' itinerary from Dubrovnik to Malaga in October 2026, including calls at Valletta, La Goulette (Tunisia), Alicante, and Almeria.

Summer 2026 Itineraries

• Mediterranean Classics: The fleet will be spread across European homeports. Marella Discovery and Marella Voyager will be based in Palma, Majorca, while Marella Explorer will operate from Corfu.
• New Mediterranean Gems: Marella Discovery 2 will offer an 'Ionian Shores' route from Dubrovnik, featuring new calls at Sarandë, Albania, and Syracuse, Italy. It will also sail 'Jewels of the Mediterranean' from Palma, Majorca.
• Special Anniversary Sailings: 2026 marks Marella Cruises' 30th anniversary, with commemorative sailings across the fleet in May, departing from Corfu, Limassol, Palma, and Dubrovnik.
• Solar Eclipse Cruise: A unique 'Cosmopolitan Charms' itinerary on Marella Discovery 2 in August 2026 offers guests the chance to witness a solar eclipse at sea near Palamos, Spain.

Marella's commitment to varied and engaging itineraries continues to be a strong point, and the addition of new ports for 2026 is certainly exciting.

Marella Cruises Fleet in 2026

Marella Cruises operates a fleet of five ships, each with its own character, but all delivering the signature Marella experience. These ships are known for their comfortable size, allowing them to access a wider range of ports compared to some of the mega-ships. They've all had previous lives with other cruise lines, which means they've been well-maintained and often refurbished to Marella's standards.

• Marella Discovery: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, though it will operate adults-only itineraries from Limassol, Cyprus, for summer 2026.
• Marella Discovery 2: Often mirrors its sister ship, Marella Discovery, and will be sailing various Mediterranean and Canary Islands routes in 2026, including the special solar eclipse cruise.
• Marella Explorer: A larger ship in the fleet, offering a wide array of dining and entertainment options, often sailing Mediterranean and Canary Islands itineraries.
• Marella Explorer 2: This ship is adults-only, making it a popular choice for couples. It will be sailing Caribbean routes for winter 2026 and Mediterranean in summer.
• Marella Voyager: The newest addition to the fleet, known for its modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere, will be in the Caribbean for winter 2026 and Palma, Majorca for summer.

Marella Cruises 2026 Prices: What to Expect

Marella Cruises is known for its excellent value, particularly with its all-inclusive offering. Prices for 2026 vary significantly based on itinerary, ship, cabin type, and time of year. As of June 2026, you can find 7-night sailings starting from around £900 per person for a Canary Islands cruise in November/December 2026. Mediterranean cruises in August 2026 can start from approximately £1,150 per person.

The prices in the table are indicative and based on inside cabins as of June 2026. Balcony cabins and suites will naturally be higher. Marella's all-inclusive nature means that while the upfront cost might seem similar to some other cruise lines, the total holiday cost is often significantly lower as you won't be constantly reaching for your wallet onboard. For example, a 7-night Mediterranean cruise on another line might appear cheaper initially, but once you add on drinks packages, gratuities, and specialty dining, the cost can easily exceed a Marella all-inclusive fare. For more on budgeting, see our article on How Much Spending Money for a 7-Night UK Cruise in 2026?.

Is a Marella Cruise Worth It in 2026? Independent Verdict

In our opinion, a Marella Cruise in 2026 is absolutely worth it for many UK cruisers, especially those who value an all-inclusive, hassle-free holiday. The convenience of flights from regional UK airports, coupled with the transparent pricing that includes drinks and gratuities, makes them a very attractive option. This is particularly true for first-time cruisers or those who prefer to budget upfront without worrying about unexpected onboard expenses.

However, it's important to consider your personal cruising style. While Marella excels in value and a friendly atmosphere, it might not be the best fit for those seeking ultra-luxury, cutting-edge innovation, or a very quiet, exclusive experience. The ships are mid-sized and while well-maintained, they don't boast the same level of brand-new attractions as some of the latest mega-ships. But for a solid, enjoyable, and genuinely all-inclusive cruise, Marella remains a top contender in the UK market.

When a Marella Cruise IS Worth It

1. You prefer all-inclusive budgeting: If you like knowing the majority of your holiday costs are covered upfront, including drinks and tips, Marella offers excellent value.
2. You enjoy a relaxed, British-centric atmosphere: Marella caters specifically to the UK market, with familiar comforts and a friendly, informal vibe.
3. You're a first-time cruiser: The all-inclusive nature and straightforward booking process make Marella an ideal choice for those new to cruising.
4. You want convenient fly-cruise options: With departures from numerous UK airports, Marella makes getting to your ship simple and stress-free.
5. You appreciate mid-sized ships: Marella's ships are large enough to offer plenty of amenities but small enough to feel intimate and access a wider range of ports.

When a Marella Cruise Is NOT Worth It

1. You seek ultra-luxury or high-end dining: While Marella has specialty restaurants, they don't compete with the gourmet offerings of luxury cruise lines.
2. You prefer brand-new, mega-ships with cutting-edge attractions: Marella's fleet consists of well-maintained, older ships, not the latest vessels with rollercoasters or elaborate water parks.
3. You want a very quiet, adults-only experience across the entire fleet: While Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Discovery (summer 2026) are adults-only, the other ships are family-friendly, and even on adults-only sailings, the atmosphere can still be lively.
4. You are looking for highly specialised itineraries or expedition cruises: Marella focuses on popular, well-trodden routes in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

How to Get the Best Deal on a Marella Cruise in 2026

Finding the best deal on a Marella cruise in 2026 requires a bit of savvy planning and knowing when and how to book. Marella often has sales and promotions, so keeping an eye on these is key. Don't just jump on the first offer you see; a little research can go a long way in saving you money. For more general money-saving tips, check out our article on How to Save Money on a Cruise UK: Tips & Tricks for 2026.

1. Book Early for Best Choice: Marella's popular itineraries and cabin types, especially balcony cabins, tend to sell out quickly. Booking well in advance (12-18 months out) often secures better prices and your preferred choice.
2. Look for Late Deals (with caution): While not guaranteed, sometimes Marella offers last-minute deals to fill ships. This is best for flexible travellers who aren't tied to specific dates or itineraries. However, you risk limited cabin choices and potentially higher flight costs if not part of a fly-cruise package.
3. Travel During Shoulder Seasons: Cruising in May, early June, September, or early October can often yield lower prices than peak summer holidays, while still offering fantastic weather.
4. Consider Repositioning Cruises: These one-way voyages occur when ships move between regions (e.g., Mediterranean to Caribbean). They are often longer and can offer excellent per-day value, though flights will be required at both ends.
5. Take Advantage of Flash Sales & Promotions: Marella, through TUI, frequently runs sales. Sign up for email alerts from TUI and reputable cruise agents to be notified of these. Sometimes these include onboard credit or cabin upgrades.
6. Book a Cruise & Stay Package: If you plan to extend your holiday with a hotel stay, Marella's Cruise & Stay options can sometimes offer better overall value than booking components separately.
7. Use a Reputable Cruise Agent: Agents often have access to exclusive deals or can bundle packages more effectively than booking directly. They can also provide invaluable advice and support if any issues arise.

Marella Cruises Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?

When considering a Marella cruise, it's natural to wonder how it compares to other popular cruise lines. Marella occupies a unique niche, particularly for the British market, focusing on all-inclusive value and a relaxed atmosphere. Marella's strength lies in its simplicity and transparent pricing, which appeals to many.

While Royal Caribbean, for example, offers incredible ships with endless activities, the cost of drinks packages and gratuities can add substantially to the overall price. [cite: /articles/royal-caribbean-drink-package-cost-2026] P&O Cruises, another British favourite, also requires you to budget for these extras. MSC Cruises can be very competitive on base fare, but you'll need to factor in additional costs. Marella simplifies this, making it easier to manage your holiday budget from the outset. For a deeper dive into drink packages, you might find our article Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It in 2026? useful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marella Cruises in 2026

Are Marella Cruises operating normally in 2026?

Yes, Marella Cruises is operating a full schedule of cruises throughout 2026, with itineraries across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Canary Islands. They have released their winter 2026 and summer 2026 itineraries, including new ports of call and special anniversary sailings. Their fleet of five ships is actively sailing, offering a variety of destinations and experiences for British cruisers.

What new destinations are Marella Cruises offering in 2026?

For winter 2026, Marella Cruises is introducing new ports such as La Goulette (Tunisia), Vigo (Spain), Lexios (Portugal), and Tangier (Morocco), marking a return to some of these destinations after over a decade. In summer 2026, new calls include Sarandë in Albania and Syracuse, Italy, on the Marella Discovery 2's 'Ionian Shores' route.

Are Marella Cruises all-inclusive in 2026?

Yes, Marella Cruises continues its commitment to being all-inclusive as standard in 2026. This means that tips and service charges are included in the price of your cruise, providing excellent value and transparency. This comprehensive offering is a key reason why many UK cruisers choose Marella, as it simplifies budgeting for their holiday.

What health and safety measures are in place on Marella Cruises in 2026?

Marella Cruises maintains robust health and safety protocols. Passengers typically undergo a health screening, including an online declaration and an antigen (lateral flow) test provided free at the terminal before boarding. While specific requirements can change, these measures are designed to ensure the well-being of both guests and crew.

Can I book a Marella Cruise and Stay holiday in 2026?

Absolutely! Marella Cruises has expanded its popular Cruise & Stay offering for 2026. They've added numerous new hotels in destinations like Majorca, Croatia, Corfu, and Spain, supplementing their already extensive list of available properties. This allows you to combine your cruise with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay, offering greater flexibility and the chance to explore your embarkation or disembarkation port more thoroughly.

Which Marella ships are sailing in the Caribbean for winter 2026?

For winter 2026, Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager will be homeported in Barbados, offering various Caribbean itineraries. Additionally, Marella Discovery will be based in La Romana, Dominican Republic, from November 2026 to March 2027. This provides ample choice for those seeking a warm-weather escape during the colder months.

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