Marella Cruises is turning 30

It’s our 30th birthday on 7th May 2026, and to celebrate, we’ve got five special itineraries planned. So, as well as the signature Marella experience, you can expect extra one-off events and surprises to commemorate 30 years of sailing.

The line-up

Find out who’ll be taking to the stage on our 30th birthday cruises.

Fleur East

Best known as the host of Hits Radio Breakfast and co-host of Strictly Come Dancing spin-off, Strictly: It Takes Two, Fleur East is a talented singer, presenter and actress. She’ll be joining us onboard Marella Discovery 2 for an exclusive performance. And with a starring role in the West End’s Tina: The Musical under her belt, she’s sure to put on a great show.

La Voix

The UK’s funniest redhead and queen of live vocals, La Voix, will be putting on a special performance onboard Marella Voyager as part of our birthday celebrations. A powerhouse of charisma, comedy and cabaret, she’s able to morph seamlessly between the legendary voices of Tina Turner, Shirley Bassey, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, and Cher, leaving audiences utterly spellbound.

Boyzlife

Boyzlife is a supergroup made up of Keith Duffy of Boyzone and Brian McFadden of Westlife. Between them, the two bands sold over 55 million records and racked up 17 UK Number One singles, making them some of the most successful boy bands the UK’s ever seen. They’ll be onboard Marella Explorer to perform some of both bands’ biggest hits in an unmissable show.

Anthea Turner

Influencer, business founder, author and presenter Anthea Turner has earned national treasure status. Her presenting career has spanned everything from Blue Peter to GMTV. These days, she’s not slowing down – as well as building a skincare brand for women like her, she creates content covering everything from travel to wellness, and interiors to personal style. She’ll be joining us onboard Marella Discovery for a special Q&A.

Eddie the Eagle

From a boy who dreamed big against all odds to one of Britain’s most loved and recognisable sporting legends, Eddie’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. With trademark warmth, self-deprecating humour and total honesty, Eddie will take us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey with a special Q&A onboard Marella Explorer and Marella Discovery 2.

How we’re celebrating 30 years of Marella

Birthday Gala

Get glammed up for our Birthday Gala. There’ll be a birthday countdown, footage from across the decades, live music, special cast performances and plenty of photo opportunities, plus a set from a surprise guest act.

Party like it’s 1996

Karaoke and cocktails take centre stage at this event, with a track list from ’96 featuring the likes of George Michael and Peter Andre.

Star performance

A celebrity act will be taking to the stage for a special performance onboard, either on the pool deck or in the Broadway Show Lounge.

Quayside celebrations

If you’re sailing on a ship docked in Ajaccio or Dubrovnik on the big day, look out for quayside celebrations showcasing local food, drink and culture.

90s trivia and TV

Watch a classic 90s box set like Friends, Only Fools and Horses, or One Foot in the Grave. Or, put your knowledge to the test with a game of trivia.

Get to know our ships

No matter which Marella ship you’re sailing on, you’ll be able to join in the 30th birthday celebrations with a cruise that’s extra special.

Marella Explorer. Marella Explorer will be docked in Ajaccio – a port city on the French island of Corsica – on the big day. Fun fact – this ship has the biggest Broadway Show Lounge in the fleet, and 10 restaurants to try.View Marella Explorer’s itinerary.

Marella Explorer

Marella Explorer will be docked in Ajaccio – a port city on the French island of Corsica – on the big day. Fun fact – this ship has the biggest Broadway Show Lounge in the fleet, and 10 restaurants to try.

View Marella Explorer’s itinerary.

Marella Discovery 2. On the 30th birthday, Marella Discovery 2 will also be anchored in Ajaccio with Marella Explorer. There are some great family features onboard, like a climbing wall and an interactive game wall.View Marella Discovery 2’s itinerary.

Marella Discovery 2

On the 30th birthday, Marella Discovery 2 will also be anchored in Ajaccio with Marella Explorer. There are some great family features onboard, like a climbing wall and an interactive game wall.

View Marella Discovery 2’s itinerary.

Marella Explorer 2. On 7th May, Marella Explorer 2 will be docked in Dubrovnik – one of Croatia’s most historic cities. This ship’s just for adults, and it has a golf-inspired bar with fun simulator games.View Marella Explorer 2’s itinerary.

Marella Explorer 2

On 7th May, Marella Explorer 2 will be docked in Dubrovnik – one of Croatia’s most historic cities. This ship’s just for adults, and it has a golf-inspired bar with fun simulator games.

View Marella Explorer 2’s itinerary.

Marella Voyager. You'll also find Marella Voyager pulled up in Dubrovnik for the celebrations. This ship’s the largest in the fleet, with 28 bars and restaurants, and it scores top marks with families.View Marella Voyager’s itinerary.

Marella Voyager

You'll also find Marella Voyager pulled up in Dubrovnik for the celebrations. This ship’s the largest in the fleet, with 28 bars and restaurants, and it scores top marks with families.

View Marella Voyager’s itinerary.

Marella Discovery. Marella Discovery will be sailing through a sea day on Marella’s 30th birthday. The itinerary stops in Crete, Mykonos, Turkey and Rhodes. This ship’s adults-only, and it has its own escape room.View Marella Discovery’s itinerary.

Marella Discovery

Marella Discovery will be sailing through a sea day on Marella’s 30th birthday. The itinerary stops in Crete, Mykonos, Turkey and Rhodes. This ship’s adults-only, and it has its own escape room.

View Marella Discovery’s itinerary.

Discover more with Marella Cruises

Meet the Marella Cruises fleet . Get the inside scoop on the ships in our fleet. There are five to choose from, including one that offers adults-only sailings all year round.Find out more about our fleet.

Meet the Marella Cruises fleet

Get the inside scoop on the ships in our fleet. There are five to choose from, including one that offers adults-only sailings all year round.

Find out more about our fleet.

Which destinations do Marella Cruises sail to?. Including our destinations in the Canary Islands, Marella Cruises drop anchor in more than 100 destinations around the world.Check out where you can sail to.

Which destinations do Marella Cruises sail to?

Including our destinations in the Canary Islands, Marella Cruises drop anchor in more than 100 destinations around the world.

Check out where you can sail to.

What to pack for a cruise?. Find out what dress code to expect while you’re onboard and check out our top tips for first-time cruisers.Find out what to pack.

What to pack for a cruise?

Find out what dress code to expect while you’re onboard and check out our top tips for first-time cruisers.

Find out what to pack.

FAQs

Will any of the 30th birthday sailings be adults only?

Yes, both Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Discovery are reserved just for adults.

Is there a dress code for the gala dinner?

Our gala dinner will have a similar dress code to our Dress to Impress nights – don't be afraid to dust off your favourite suits and sparkles, but how dressy you decide to go is completely up to you.