Transatlantic Discoveries

Surf & Turf Steakhouse

As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

47°

Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.

The Rock Tour

Discover the Rock, which rises nearly 1,400ft above sea level and is said to be one of the legendary pillars of Hercules. Gibraltar, well known as the gateway to the Mediterranean, is steeped in history. See Europa Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar and the only Trinity Lighthouse outside Britain. You’ll also pass over the only runway in Europe that has to stop vehicles for aircraft! At the famous Gothic-style St. Michael’s Cave, marvel at the beautiful stalagtites and stalagmites sculpted through the centuries. Your leisurely tour ends with a trip to Gibraltar’s most respected residents, the ‘Barbary Apes’, a breed of tail-less and very naughty monkeys that roam free on rocky slopes. Be warned – they’ve got a penchant for cameras, handbags, hats and food!

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World War Two Tunnels

This short trip gives you a great introduction to Gibraltar’s history, and you’ll have an exoert guide on hand to give you the lowdown on the sights. Leaving Gibraltar’s quayside behind, you’ll kick things off by heading to Europa Point, where the Trinity Lighthouse is. There’ll be a photo-stop here so you can soak up the vistas – the area looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the busy Straits of Gibraltar, the African Coastline and Spain’s Costa del Sol. From here, your coach will whisk you to the Rock of Gibraltar – the highlight of the tour. Inside, is a network of narrow tunnels that were used back in the Second World War. You’ll be given a safety briefing, before being led down into the dark, following in the soldiers’ footsteps in a conga-line. Look out for the ancient stalactites and stalagmites as you get deeper into the caves. After the tour, it’s up to you whether you want to head back to the ship, or explore Gibraltar’s town centre.

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Cadiz Top Highlights

On this trip, you’ll get to explore photogenic Cadiz, which is thought to be Europe’s oldest city. Kick things off with a short drive along the coast making a stop at Genoves Park. Stroll through the well-groomed gardens to Caleta Bay where things might look familiar. This was one of the filming locations from the James Bond blockbuster, ‘Die Another Day’. Back on the coach, you’ll arrive in the old town, called Plaza San Juan de Dios, where you’ll set off on another walking tour – this time of the city. Your guide will lead you through narrow, cobbled streets, pointing out 18th-century houses and shops, and giving you the background on sights like the Town Hall and the Cathedral. The latter dominates the entire town with its huge gold dome and baroque façade. Later, you’ll cross the busy squares of Plaza San Antonio, Plaza Mina and Plaza España, before emerging in Plaza de Las Flores, where you’ll get a small amount of free time.

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Cadiz Panoramic Tour

The picturesque city of Cadiz is said to be the oldest in Europe, and you’ll get a whistle-stop tour of its highlights on this trip - with a few photo stops thrown in the mix. Setting off you’ll pass the town hall, a neoclassical building that was completed back in 1861. Nearby there’s also Plaza España and a couple of the towns best parks, – Park Alameda and Park Genoves – full of well-tended gardens. Following the coast, we’ll take a photo stop near Playa Caleta at Castillo Santa Catalina – an imposing, 17th-century castle. Your guide will fill you in on its history, before you’re whisked to the city’s impressive cathedral. Here, you can take some photographs of its Baroque exteriors and huge gold dome, or stop for some Spanish coffee at one of the pavement cafés that surround it. Once you’re back on the coach, there’ll be one last photo stop, where you can soak up some spectacular sea views before heading back to the port.

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Surf & Turf Steakhouse

As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

47°

Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.

Taste of Madeira & Cable Car

Start as you mean to go on - so the old saying goes. And that’s certainly the case on this trip. Your day begins with a cable car ride from Funchal to nearby Monte. Make sure you’ve got your camera ready because once you reach the top, on a clear day, the panoramic views are superb. When you get to Monte, head for the famous Church of Our Lady of Monte, known for its striking façade of dark basalt stone and whitewash. Then it’s decision time - do you slip and slide down the narrow streets in a toboggan, or rejoin the bus for a more sedate journey down the hill? Sitting in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners, two drivers guide the sled down through narrow streets, using their rubber-soled boots as brakes. Ernest Hemingway once described the experience as ‘exhilarating’. After your ride - whichever one you choose - relax in Funchal’s tranquil Botanical Gardens. Wander through the grounds, inhaling the sweet scent of exotic blooms. Your last stop is at a souvenir shop where you can admire delicate lace as you sip fine Madeiran wine.

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Scenic Madeira

One thing’s for sure, Madeira’s not short on natural beauty and this tour serves up some of the island’s best sights. Visit the quaint fishing village of Camara de Lobos where Sir Winston Churchill used to spend his time capturing the views on canvas. Then it’s on to Cabo Girao, a towering cliff that drops down into the sea – an awe-inspiring sight worthy of a place in your holiday scrapbook. Afterwards, you’re off to one of the most enchanting spots on the island - Eira do Serrado. From this viewpoint, look out over the remote mountain village of Curral das Freiras, framed by sweeping valleys and jagged peaks. Breathe in the fresh, crisp air and browse for souvenirs in the nearby local craft shop. Your final stop is at Pico dos Barcelos to take in those last dreamy views before making your way back to Funchal.

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Surf & Turf Steakhouse

As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

47°

Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.

Highlights of Antigua

Peek into Antigua’s colonial past on this whistle-stop history tour. This fully guided trip takes you from the quaint capital of St John’s, through the countryside to your first stop - The Blockhouse Fort ruins. Perched a whopping 500 feet above sea level, they’re a great viewing platform for the rest of the island. Look in one direction and you’ll spot Indian Creek, once home to Antigua’s first native tribe. Turn around, and you’ll catch a glimpse of the newer and much more glamorous home of Eric Clapton. Later, make your way to the island’s most southerly point, Shirley Heights. Back in the 18th century, soldiers used this as a lookout podium to spy on enemies and signal to nearby forts. The last, and arguably best, port of call is Nelson’s Dockyard, the world’s only working Georgian dockyard which are still in use today. Here, you can stroll through the old-fashioned Georgian buildings and even visit the original Naval Officer’s house.

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Sun & Rum

Cast adrift in the Caribbean, Antigua is ringed with a halo of white sandy beaches. Lapped by warm and clear waters, its soft sandy beaches are a perfect corner of paradise. And this taxi transfer from ship to shore – and back again – whisks you down to the beach so you can make the most of the warm waters, water-sports or bars. Or just take a stroll along the half-mile or so of soft sand. Just don’t forget to try some of the unlimited rum or fruit punch. Plus to make life easier, we’ll reserve you a sunbed on the sand, just don't forget your towel.

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Surf & Turf Steakhouse

As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

47°

Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.

A Brief History of Puerto Plata

It’s wall-to-wall culture on this tour’s agenda, so it’s perfect if you like discovering the story behind a place. First up is the Macorix Rum Factory, for a brief education on how the popular Caribbean spirit is made. Then, it’s on to the Gregorio Luperon Museum, which tells the story of a former President of the Dominican Republic. San Felipe Fortress is next on the agenda. It was built in 1564 to defend the city from pirate raids. From here, you’ll stroll to the palm tree-lined Plaza Independencia to visit San Felipe Cathedral, with its impressive towers. After freshening up with a taste of coconut water, you’ll make a beeline for an art gallery, where you’ll sit down to lunch.

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A Puerto Plata Panorama

This tour takes in a clutch of Puerto Plata’s top sights, starting with a panoramic drive down the tree-lined Malecon. It snakes along the seafront for over a mile, hugging the city’s caramel-coloured beach. Your first drive-by viewing will be of the San Felipe Fortress, which was built in 1564 to defend the city from pirate raids. From here, you’ll move on to the San Felipe Cathedral. It’s built in a modern Victorian style, so architecture fans might spot some similarities to British landmarks, like Big Ben’s lofty steeple. The day will round off with half an hour of free time in the Plaza Independencia. This pretty town square is home to a mix of shops and eateries, so it’s the ideal opportunity to pick up souvenirs, or sip a coffee and people-watch.

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Dune Buggy Fun

This is a pedal-to-the-metal tour of Grand Turk. You’ll see the largest of the Turks Islands from the bucket seat of a dune buggy. Leaving the port behind, you’ll follow the clay tracks that trace their way along the beach. Your first break from being behind the wheel will come at a coastal bluff, where you’ll get out to take in the views of Gibb’s Cay and the other islands in the chain. Back in your buggy, you’ll score your way through the countryside, passing salt pans. A flash of pink will alert you to the appearance of the Salina Salt Ponds, where flamingos graze the day away. You’ll also pass the airport, where you’ll clock a replica of the space shuttle Friendship, which splashed down off the coast of Grand Turk after astronaut John Glen orbited the earth. After negotiating the streets of the island’s capital, Cockburn Town, you’ll drive to North Wells, where wild horses roam. You’ll get another chance to stretch your legs around North Creek, at a cliff that commands infinity views of the Atlantic Ocean. Then, with your fuel gauge finally leaning towards the red, you’ll steer back to port.

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Horseback Ride 'n' Swim

This is an experience you’ll want to write home about. Passing Governor’s Beach and Cockburn Town, you’ll drive to Grand Turk’s Indigenous Horse Shelter. Here, you’ll be given a riding helmet and paired with a horse. When your feet are in the stirrups, you’ll hack out to the coast. From beneath the brim of your riding hat, you’ll take in the boundless views of the Atlantic Ocean. After roughly half an hour in the saddle, you’ll dismount. Your guide will take the saddle off your steed and you’ll get back on your horse to ride bareback into the sea. As your ride strides through the surf, you’ll be spritzed by the cold water. With hoof-prints left on the seabed, you’ll have time to take a shower before heading back to the port.

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Surf & Turf Steakhouse

As its name suggests, this à la carte eatery specialises in the likes of marbled steaks and meaty lobster tails. You’ve also got other meat and fish options, as well as plenty to satisfy a vegetarian palate. This is one of the ship's speciality restaurants, so there's a charge to dine here – plus, we recommend you make a reservation in advance.

47°

Marella Discovery 2’s main eatery is a big, stylish venue, finished in the colours of the sand and the sea. Daytime meals here come with a side-order of sea views, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and a grand double staircase leads up to a separate eatery.