Holidays
  • HOLIDAYS
    • View Holidays Homepage
    • Beach Holidays
      • Adults Only Holidays
      • All Inclusive
      • Beach
      • Family Holidays
      • Long-Haul Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Nightlife
      • Spa Holidays
      • Sports and Activity
      • View all beach holidays
    • Multi Destination
    • Tours
    • City Breaks
    • Ski Holidays
    • Lakes and Mountains
    • Disney Holidays
    • Lapland
    • Villas
    • Weddings
    • Accessible Holidays
  • Cruises
  • CRUISES
    • Marella Cruises
      • View Marella Cruises Homepage
      • Cruise Deals
      • Cruise Ships
      • Cruise Types
        • Christmas Cruises
        • Cruise Only
        • Cruise and Stay
        • Themed Cruises
        • Repositional and Transatlantic
      • Destinations
        • Caribbean
        • Western Mediterranean
        • Canary Islands and Atlantic
        • Eastern Mediterranean
        • North Africa And Middle East
        • North America
        • Central America
        • View All Cruise Destinations
      • Useful Information
        • Cruise Calendar
        • Top Ports Of Call
        • On Board Experience
        • Why cruise with Marella Cruises?
    • TUI River Cruises
      • View TUI River Cruises Homepage
      • European River Cruise Deals
      • River Cruise Ships
      • River Cruise Only
      • Rivers
        • Danube
        • Dutch & Belgian Waterways
        • Main
        • Moselle
        • Rhine
      • Destinations
        • Austria
        • Belgium
        • Croatia
        • Germany
        • Hungary
        • Netherlands
        • Serbia
        • Slovakia
        • Switzerland
      • Useful Information
        • Why cruise with TUI River Cruises?
        • Onboard Experience
  • Flights
  • FLIGHTS
    • View Flights Homepage
    • Cheap Flights
    • Our Destinations
      • Where we fly
      • UK Airports
      • Popular routes
    • Flight Timetable
    • Arrivals and Departures
    • Useful Information
      • Flying with us
      • Before you fly
      • Our fleet
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • hotel only
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • Deals
  • DEALS
    • View Deals Homepage
    • Summer Holiday Deals
      • Summer Holidays 2022
      • Summer Holidays 2023
      • School Holiday Deals
      • View All Summer Holiday Deals
    • Winter Holiday Deals
      • Winter Holidays 2022
      • Christmas Holiday Deals
      • Easter Holiday Deals
      • View All Winter Holiday Deals
    • Last Minute Deals
    • Free Kids Place Finder
    • Destination Deals
      • Spain Holiday Deals
      • Greece Holiday Deals
      • Mexico Holiday Deals
      • View All Destination Deals
    • Holiday Type Deals
      • All Inclusive Holiday Deals
      • Luxury Holiday Deals
      • Family Holiday Deals
      • View All Holiday Deals
    • Discount Codes
  • Destinations
  • DESTINATIONS
    • View Destinations Homepage
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Gibraltar
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Jersey
      • Lapland
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Netherlands
      • North Macedonia
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • View All Europe Destinations
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
      • Mexico
      • View All Central America Destinations
    • Africa
      • Cape Verde
      • Egypt
      • Gambia
      • Kenya
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Senegal
      • Seychelles
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
      • Tunisia
      • View All Africa Destinations
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Aruba
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Jamaica
      • St Lucia
      • Trinidad And Tobago
      • View All Caribbean Destinations
    • North America
      • Canada
      • United States Of America
      • View All North America Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Maldives
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
      • View All Asia Destinations
    • Where’s hot when?
    • Where Can I Go On Holiday?
    • Popular Destinations
      • Algarve
      • Benidorm
      • Cancun
      • Crete
      • Dubai
      • Florida
      • Fuertaventura
      • Gran Canaria
      • Lanzarote
      • Madeira
      • Majorca
      • Tenerife
  • Extras
  • EXTRAS
  • TravelInformation
  • Travel Information
  • AccountAndBooking
logo
Shortlisted holidays
  • Shortlist( )
  • Travel Information
  • Account & Booking
  • HOLIDAYS
  • CRUISES
  • FLIGHTS
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • DEALS
  • DESTINATIONS
  • EXTRAS

  • Marella Cruises
  • TUI River Cruises

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close

No hotel stay
For 7 night cruises only
search

  • Cruise home
  • Onboard Experience

Onboard Experience

  • Overview
  • Your Questions
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • For Families
  • Upgrades & Extras

Still got some questions? Here's a quick guide to everything you need to know about Marella Cruises.

How do I pay for things onboard?

All our ships have a cash-free system. Everything is priced in sterling and is charged to your cabin account. At the end of your cruise you can settle it in cash or by credit or debit card. If you decide to settle your bill in cash we’ll ask for up to £200 deposit per cabin per week.

View More ‣

How much can I expect to pay for a drink onboard?

All our ships are All Inclusive as standard, so selected draught beer and cider, wines by the glass, branded spirits and aperitifs, and a range of cocktails and soft drinks by the glass are all included in the price of your cruise. You can upgrade to our Premium All Inclusive drinks package for an extra range of drinks, which are normally chargeable. These include upgraded cocktails, premium spirits, Lavazza coffee, soft drink cans and a 1.5 litre bottle of water per cabin, per day.

View More ‣

How do you look after solo travellers?

Our Guest Experience Coordinator arranges get-togethers for solo travellers, like dinners and coffee mornings. If you’re worried about dining alone, have a chat with the ship’s restaurant manager, who’ll make sure you’re seated with other guests.

View More ‣

Can I reserve a particular cabin ahead of my cruise?

Of course. You can reserve a cabin at the time of booking, or up to 15 days before you go. Take a look at our deck plans below:

Marella Discovery
Marella Discovery 2
Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer 2
Marella Voyager


If you see a cabin number you like, you can reserve it from just £50. Give us a call on 0203 451 2682 and we’ll do the rest.

Phone lines are open between 9am-7pm Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday. Calls from UK landlines cost the standard rate, but calls from mobiles may be higher. Check with your network provider.

View More ‣

What time do I have to check out of my cabin?

You’ll normally need to leave your cabin by 8am on your last day, but you can still use all the onboard facilities until your transfer arrives. Speak to reception about a courtesy cabin so you can freshen up before you leave. Alternatively, you can organise a late check out. Again, reception will advise on this.

View More ‣

What should I pack?

Packing for a cruise is just like packing for any other holiday, but there are a few things to bear in mind. Hairdryers and all towels – including pool towels – are provided. And don’t panic if you forget any essentials as our onboard shops stock things like toothpaste and other toiletries. Other than that, it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket with you, as there’s often a strong sea breeze.

Our dress code policy’s easily broken down into Beachwear, Casual and Smart. The first is a ‘come as you are’ affair, so bikinis and trunks get the thumbs up, plus we ask that you wear something on your feet for safety reasons. Meanwhile, Casual speaks for itself – we’re talking tops and shorts or a sundress. Then you’ve got Smart, which is when you’ll need to dress up a bit. Put your sports or swimwear away, and opt for trousers, smart tailored shorts or a skirt or dress, a shirt or polo shirt and smart shoes, so no trainers or flip flops. If you want to add a jacket or tie, that’s up to you. But our gala evenings, formal nights and Dress to Impress nights give you the chance to get really suited and booted. Each of our restaurants has a dress code, and this can differ depending on the time of day, but we’ll always let you know.

Finally, think about what’s suitable to wear on excursions. Some churches, for example, ask for legs and shoulders to be covered. Islamic countries have strict laws on dress, and in certain areas it will be required that you cover your shoulders and knees. When visiting Mosques or other holy sites, women may be required to cover their hair, arms and legs. Men will be required to wear long trousers and a top with sleeves.

View More ‣

Do you cater for special diets?

Of course. If you've got any dietary requirements, please make sure you mention it when you book and let the restaurant manager know once you're onboard. We also provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and diabetic-friendly options on request. If you need to bring your own food for medical reasons, please let us know in advance so we can ensure we have the correct facilities in place to store and prepare this. There may be some requests we aren't able to accommodate, so it's important you let us know when you book your cruise.Take a look at a sample menu to see the kind of dishes on offer.

View More ‣

Can I do my own thing in ports?

It’s up to you if you want to explore without the help of a guide. Our onboard Destination Services team can give you plenty of tips. Just remember that one of the benefits of our organised excursions is that if the tour is delayed, the ship will wait. If you’re on your own and you’re not back on the ship in time, we can’t wait for you. Take a look at our excursions for more information.

View More ‣

What adaptors should I bring for the cabin sockets?

You can use either a European or a US 2-pin adaptor in the cabins.

View More ‣

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. You’ll need your passport for every single one of our cruises. Without it, you won’t be able to board the ship.

View More ‣

ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR A CRUISE HOLIDAY?

Yes. No-one under the age of 18 can travel on their own onboard our cruise ships. For cruise itineraries that include stops in the USA, the minimum age to travel alone will be 21 and over – this applies both onboard the ship and while ashore. For trips that include both a cruise and a hotel stay, travellers aged between 2 and 12-years-old are classed as children. Infants under 6 months old are not permitted to travel on our cruises.

Just so you know, Marella Explorer 2 is exclusively for adults, and we have a handful of itineraries on some of our other ships that are adults-only, too. Don’t worry, though, all sailings that are just for grown-ups are clearly labelled as adults-only.

View More ‣

Can I smoke onboard?

All our ships are non-smoking, which means you can only smoke in designated areas of the open deck. The same goes for e-cigarettes. Please note, e-cigarettes are banned in certain countries and will be confiscated at the airport. Make sure to check the Foreign Office website for the latest updates.

View More ‣

What is a tender port?

It’s not always possible to tie a ship up at a dock. If this is the case, we’ll anchor a little way out from the shore, and use tender boats to get you to and from the ship. Tender ports are indicated in the itinerary where possible. You’ll still get plenty of time in the port, plus you can use the tender services to go back and forth from the ship as much as you like. Guests with disabilities or mobility issues will need to have some independent mobility to step in and out of the tender boat as our crew aren’t allowed to lift you. Go to our Customer Welfare page for more information.

View More ‣

Do you cater for disabilities?

Absolutely. Give our Customer Welfare Team a call before you book your cruise for advice on things like ship accessibility, bringing equipment onboard, disabled facilities, and medical care. We’ve also teamed up with AccessAble, who have created detailed access guides for each of our ships. Visit their website to find out more. All our ships also have a small number of adapted cabins for less mobile passengers. Just remember to make sure one is definitely available before you book.

Making sure your wellbeing is looked after at all times while you’re onboard is really important to us. That’s why if you need help with daily tasks, like using the bathroom, eating, or moving around the ship, you’ll need to travel with a companion or a personal assistant who can help you. Unfortunately, our crew aren’t able to help with these kinds of responsibilities.

View More ‣

Is Wi-Fi available?

We have designated Wi-Fi zones onboard. Internet access is charged to your cabin account at the rate advertised onboard. Mobiles can be used – make sure to check with your provider for charges in each country and in international waters, which applies when the ship's at sea. There are telephones in each cabin, too, so it’s easy to stay in touch with people back home. If you’re pairing your cruise with a stay in one of our hotels, we’ll let you know which places have free Wi-Fi – just look out for the special logo.

View More ‣

What sort of medical facilities can I expect?

Each of our ships has a medical centre and we have an English-speaking doctor and nurses on board who keep surgery hours. For emergencies, there’s always someone on call. If you need to pay for a medical procedure, the first £200 of your bill will be payable to the medical provider onboard.

View More ‣

 
Still got a Question?
  • You're in safe hands

    We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.

    Registered address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

    ABTA ATOL

  • Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

    See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

    See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

    Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

    See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.

    See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.

    The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    World of TUI
  • Find a local store

    Shop Finder

  • Search For Anything

    Ask a question

    Contact us

  • Holiday Types
  • Popular Destinations
  • Mid/Long haul
  • Short haul
  • Flights To
  • Cruise
  • Cheap Holidays
  • Luxury Holidays
  • Sunshine Holidays
  • Family Holidays
  • Villa Holidays
  • Winter Sun Holidays
  • All inclusive Holidays
  • Package Holidays
  • Beach Holidays
  • Short Breaks
  • Late holiday deals
  • City Breaks
  • Summer Holidays
  • Last Minute Holidays
  • Multi-Centre Holidays
  • Escorted Tours
  • Algarve Holidays
  • Benidorm Holidays
  • Canary Islands Holidays
  • Crete Holidays
  • Cyprus Holidays
  • Gran Canaria Holidays
  • Ibiza Holidays
  • Lanzarote Holidays
  • Las Vegas Holidays
  • Majorca Holidays
  • Menorca Holidays
  • Mexico Holidays
  • New York Holidays
  • Tenerife Holidays
  • Aruba Holidays
  • Barbados Holidays
  • Vietnam Holidays
  • Cape Verde Holidays
  • Caribbean Holidays
  • Costa Rica Holidays
  • Cuba Holidays
  • Dubai Holidays
  • Egypt Holidays
  • Florida Holidays
  • Jamaica Holidays
  • Mauritius Holidays
  • Sri Lanka Holidays
  • Thailand Holidays
  • Benidorm Holidays
  • Portugal Holidays
  • Spain Holidays
  • Turkey Holidays
  • Zante Holidays
  • Morocco Holidays
  • Croatia Holidays
  • Greece Holidays
  • Malta Holidays
  • Bulgaria Holidays
  • Italy Holidays
  • Lapland Holidays
  • Cheap Flights
  • Tenerife Flights
  • Montego Bay Flights
  • Mauritius Flights
  • Thailand Flights
  • Goa Flights
  • Alicante Flights
  • Lanzarote Flights
  • Ibiza Flights
  • Florida Flights
  • Orlando Flights
  • Cancun Flights
  • Spain Flights
  • Cyprus Flights
  • Malta Flights
  • Portugal Flights
  • Turkey Flights
  • Barbados Flights
  • Puerto Limon
  • Caribbean Cruises
  • Fjords Cruise
  • Italian Cruises
  • Mediterranean Cruises
  • Croatia
  • Canary Islands and Atlantic
  • Central America
  • Cruises from the UK
  • Dubrovnik
  • Barcelona
  • Cruises from Southampton
  • All Inclusive
  • Family Cruises
  • Last Minute Cruises
  • Cruises
  • Cruise Deals
  • Summer Cruises 2019

All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.