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Vivacious Voyager: Getting onboard Marella Cruises’ brand new ship, Marella Voyager

As part of the first group of journalists to step onboard the brand-new Marella Voyager, Lucy Abbott reports what you can expect from the latest offering from Marella Cruises

As the clock strikes three in the morning, the beat pumps on in The Electric Rooms, Marella Voyager’s brand-new nightclub.

And I’m in the middle of the dance floor, which is lit up by impressive LED light displays, enjoying a crafted cocktail and in slight disbelief that I’m on a cruise ship, and not in a nightclub in central London.

After all, being onboard Marella Voyager’s first-ever sailing is a reason to celebrate, and the nightclub only marked the end of the evening celebrations.

I can’t help but let the feeling of excitement overcome me as I picture all the fun that is yet to be had onboard Marella Voyager – but first, more about my adventure…

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Previously known as Mein Schiff Herz, sailing for (what was then called) TUI Cruises and built in 1997, Marella Voyager has undergone a complete makeover from head to toe.

Stepping onboard for the first time, I wouldn’t have guessed that this isn’t a brand-new ship as I marvel at the endless eateries (10 restaurants and bars, to be precise), thoughtful spaces and elegant artworks.

The first thought that comes to mind is that this is a ship that really can please everyone – from families – with a kids’ club to suit every age (no, Susan, you can’t put your husband in it), to couples – with a romantic spa retreat, to solos – with dedicated solo cabins.

And I have my work cut out for me to explore it all, as Marella Voyager is the line’s largest ship yet, holding up to 1,912 guests spread across a total of 13 decks.

But first, I decide to start at arguably the most important part of anyone’s cruising experience – the cabin.

As I open the door to my ‘Balcony Cabin (Large Balcony)’ I am welcomed by cool, wooden interiors, a plush queen-sized bed (that can also be separated to twin beds), a tea and coffee-making station and an en-suite bathroom featuring a shower.

But the real star of the show is the balcony. Stepping out onto the huge nine-metre squared platform, I audibly gasp as this is by far the largest I’ve had in a balcony-class cabin.

And that’s not all, at the end of the huge square balcony I find a hammock just calling my name to be used. So, I do just that and feel the gentle sway as the sun cascades across my face – I truly feel as if I’m on holiday now.

What new onboard Marella Voyager?

Getting the motivation to finally tear myself away from my hammock, I decide to explore the rest of the ship and see what it has to offer.

For those who have sailed with Marella Cruises before, I’m pleased to report that firm favourites such as Apertif – the gin and whiskey bar, the speciality restaurant Surf and Turf and the Squid and Anchor pub are all onboard Marella Voyager.

But, perhaps more excitingly, as I walk around the ship, I’m finding more and more new additions onboard.

The first I come across is the expansion of the spa onboard as, in fact, Marella Voyager features the biggest spa in the fleet – equipped with two whirlpools, water jets, a gym as well as an extensive list of treatments.

Feeling peckish, I decide to venture into the reimagined buffet dining hall, called ‘The Kitchens’. This takes the form of a large food hall housing eight different food stalls where you can indulge in everything from a roast dinner wrapped in a Yorkshire pudding to a bowl of delectable ice cream.

I decide to opt for ‘Bamboo’ which serves up vegetable chow mein, ramen, sweet and sour pork as well as much more – after polishing off a bowl of delicious noodles I can safely say that it rivals my local Chinese takeaway with ease.

What stands out to me as I continue to explore ‘The Kitchens’ is the impressive range of vegetarian and vegan options onboard, which can sometimes be difficult to find when cruising.

Leaving the mouth-watering smells of the food hall behind, I go on to an exciting new concept onboard – ‘The Exchange’.

There’s not many a time where you need a password to access a bar onboard a ship, but I find myself uttering a secret password into a dial-up phone and stepping back in time to a 1930s speakeasy once granted entry into ‘The Exchange’.

In the spirit of not giving the magic away, all I will say is expect a dramatic, exciting and immersive performance by the talented team...

As the night comes to a close, the atmosphere is electric and there’s only one place to be of course – The Electric Rooms nightclub.

Lucky for you, Marella Voyager is sailing now, so why not book to experience all the fun onboard? Perhaps opt for the seven-night ‘Mediterranean Secrets’ itinerary departing August 12 and sailing from Southampton to Majorca. Prices start from £1159 per person.

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About lucy abbott.

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

Marella Voyager Cruise Ship Review

AD – This post is sponsored by Marella Cruises

In our Marella Voyager cruise ship review, we outline exactly what this ship has to offer. We include all the new venues exclusive to the Marella Voyager and we also include all the returning favourites. We cruised on the maiden voyage of the Marella Voyager.

So let’s start with The Exchange!

The Exchange

The Exchange is hidden away on deck 8 of Marella Voyager and in all our cruises we have never experienced anything quite like it!

This adults only venue is entered through a pair of classic English red telephone boxes. Once inside the phone boxes you have to dial a specific number, answer some very strange questions and then you must give a secret password to get in. All the details you need are delivered to your cabin just a couple of hours before your visit!

Once inside you’ll be greeted by some unusual but very entertaining characters who tell stories, sing songs and have some very saucy banter with the crowd. Audience participation is positively encouraged!

It’s very reminiscent of a 1930’s speakeasy, and we absolutely loved it. The nights you have to book and pay for are called the Lock In and the Heist, other nights are free and are on a first come first serve basis, there is entertainment on these nights but its all down to the luck of the draw what this will be.

The Lock In and Heist cost  £14.95 per person and this does include 3 speciality cocktails that are exclusive to the Exchange, and booking is absolutely essential. 

We don’t want to give anymore away but if you do get a chance to go and see it, you definitely should!

This is the first time a Marella cruise ship has had a dedicated cinema, previously you could only watch films on the giant screen on the pool decks and was entitled Movies by Moonlight. This new cinema is showing the latest cinema releases and some Hollywood classics. There is something for everybody and this Cinema can be found on deck 8.

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The Electric Rooms

The Electric Rooms on deck 12 is the funky new venue that turns into a nightclub that is open until 0200. By day it gives you a really quiet area with fantastic views across the front of the ship, and at night it transforms into the home of the late night disco. Here you will also find live music and the ever popular silent disco, if you haven’t tried one yet there are great fun, and we would definitely recommend it!. 

There is where you will also find the Bar Wizards who can take you on a world tour of flavours featuring cocktails from around the globe which are exclusive to the Electric Rooms.

If you walk through the Electric Rooms you will find the Casino on your right, with 3 tables and a selection of gaming machines it is small but perfectly formed. 

It really is a great addition to the already fabulous list of entertainment venues and is exclusive to Marella Voyager.

The Arts House

This Arts House is a large colourful venue which includes giant indoor shuffleboards, a place for arts and crafts and lots of quizzes to keep you occupied during the day. At night there is a selection of entertainment with live music which does attract the crowds, so arrive early if you want a seat.

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Abuela’s can be found at the aft of deck 11 and is the Mexican inspired restaurant on Marella Voyager. Open for lunch and dinner it serves tasty Mexican treats like nachos, tacos, empanada’s and enchilada’s, plus  soups, salads and more. The salsa here is one of the best we’ve ever tasted. There is even a selection of delicious desserts including churros and ice cream. No booking is required and seating is on a first come first serve basis, it can be very busy in the evening so get there early to avoid disappointment. This restaurant is included in your cruise fare.

Platter Speciality Restaurant

If you are feeling like a big three course meal is not what you fancy then Platter on deck 7 is the perfect choice, open from 3pm until 8pm it serves up delicious light bites on as you would guess a platter. Choose from meat, cheese, pate or vegan options with a selection of fresh bread, crackers, pickles, olive oil and chutney.

Platter does come at an additional cost but at just £5.95 for any 3 items,  £9.45 for any 6 or £13.95 for any 9, it seemed like great value to us. Additional top ups for your board are just £2.45. Wine flights are also available and can be paired to your choice of platter and cost £9.95.

The Kitchens

The Kitchens on deck 11 of Marella Voyager is a buffet with a big difference.

Featuring 8 different food venues, including Asian, British classics, Greek food, Pies, Pastries, salads, breads, sandwiches, ice cream and hot desserts, you really are spoilt for choice. 

This is a light and airy venue with plenty of seating. There is waiter service here for drinks however, there are also self-serve beer and wine pumps too. Marella cruises are all inclusive, to find out what exactly is included in your fare check out this post next.

Silver Fork Speciality Restaurant

Silver Fork On deck 5 is another new addition on Marella Voyager and specialises in British classics, though not as you know them.

You can choose from two options, the tasting menu that costs £46.95 or a classic three course menu that comes in at £36.95, both options come with vegetarian and gluten free options too!

Familiar favourites like tomato soup, sausage rolls, beef wellington and sticky toffee pudding to mention just a few are available but are certainly not as you remember them. Our choices of corned beef on dark rye with pickled vegetables and whipped mustard, chip shop scallops with a chick pea fritter and fried diced potatoes, pork, crayfish and black pudding with bubble and squeak and a burnt cider sauce and an oxtail pie served with a slow cooked beef short rib and horseradish mash were all presented in such a unique way, it felt like an event not just a meal. Desserts were spectacular too.

This was definitely a unique dining experience with impeccable service throughout.

The Summer House

The Summer House is situated towards the back of deck 11 nestled in between Nonna’s and Abuela’s and the name perfectly sums it up, lots of wicker sofas and comfortable chairs with some greenery thrown in for that garden feel.

There is a small stage providing live entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening but what makes the Summer House a great venue is the massive retractable roof meaning every day is like summer come rain or shine.

The Summer House also has an outside area which is the perfect place for a sunset drink. It really is a lovely area and one of our favourite spots on the ship!

Returning Favourites on Marella Voyager

Squid & anchor.

The Squid & Anchor is Marella’s take on a traditional British pub, from British favourites like bingo, quizzes and game shows, meet the captain, band jam (where all the musicians from around the ship come together as one super group) to special guest, which on our cruise was master quizzer Jenny Ryan from the chase, to meet and greets, it all happens here.

It is also the home of the resident house band who on our sailing were called the 4 tunes a Filipino band who were fantastic and if that’s not enough its also where you will find a selection of speciality Whiskey’s and Gins.

It is really tastefully decorated, with comfortable seating. As with the Arts House it does get very busy so if there is something you want to attend, we recommend you get here early!

Flutes is the home of fizz, from Prosecco to Champagne this beautiful bar is set out over two decks. Music comes in the form of a pianist or solo guitarist and is perfect for this chic little venue and if you want to order a drink you just press a button on the wall that says press for bubbles and a waiter will appear!

Enjoy an Adults Only Cruise with Marella

Book your adults only cruise here now, and remember marella are all inclusive, include flights, transfers and tips too , broadway show lounge.

Marella really knows how to do theatres and the Broadway Show Lounge on Marella Voyager is no exception. Seating 900 people set over two decks with sofa style seating and small tables evenly spread across each individual row of seats.

Because Marella Cruises are all inclusive there is no need to worry about taking drinks into the theatre as large tables of drinks are set up just inside the theatre entrance, with a wide choice available from beer wines and cocktails plus soft drinks too, just take what you want and head for your seats.

We are massive fans of Marella theatre shows and Marella Voyager shows delivered on every level, there have been 8 new shows created especially for Marella Voyager. We think the entertainment on Marella is definitely some of the best at sea.

With two shows a night from either the show team or guest acts the Broadway Show Lounge is more than capable of accommodating every passenger even when at capacity. If you love quality entertainment then you will love Marella!

This is the perfect place for a pre dinner drink especially if you are heading to Surf & Turf or Kora La as it’s situated right next to them. Aperitif also specialises in Whiskies and Gins and has a great selection of wine, beers and other spirits too! We loved the relaxed vibe here and it goes without saying that the service here is excellent too!

Snack Shack

Snack Shack on the pool deck is one of the finest fish and chip shops at sea! It is not just a one trick pony though, there is also all your fast food favourites available too. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings or for something a little more healthy there is also a good selection of salads, sandwiches and fruit cups and some delicious cookies too!

Surf & Turf Speciality Restaurant

Every cruise line we have sailed with have their own version of the tried and tested steak house, Marella’s is the Surf & Turf and we have to say its one of our favourites.

Firm steakhouse regulars like the good old prawn cocktail, pate and French onion soup are still available with new additions like the salmon, beef and prawn sharing boards which will get your taste buds tingling, including new vegan and vegetarian options. Steak options include a sharing Porterhouse for two, Ribeye and Sirloin there is also a tuna steak for fish lovers and a vegetarian option of roasted fillet of cauliflower.

Surf & Turf options are a choice of crusted lamb cutlet, Angus beef fillet or maple glazed chicken breast paired with either a half lobster tail, Atlantic salmon or drunken prawns, with plenty of sides and desserts on offer too you will never go hungry! On our cruise it cost £31.95 which we thought was excellent value too.

Kora La Speciality Restaurant

Kora La is the Asian fusion speciality restaurant on board Marella Voyager so it does come with a cover charge of £26.95 but it is so worth it.

Master chef Ian Pengelley who is easily recognised as one of the leading Pan Asian chefs in the world has inspired this menu for Marella and we think its fabulous. Starters including Vietnamese summer rolls, Japanese fried chicken karaage, Korean seafood pancakes and crispy duck and watermelon salad and main courses of the classic Pho, sea bass in bamboo leaves and a choice of three classic Indian curries with a good choice of vegan and vegetarian options on offer too. Desserts include Japanese cheesecake, Indian rice pudding, sticky rice dough buns and Korean pancakes. We know every time we cruise with Marella we will book Kora La as the food is just exceptional!

Kora La is a small restaurant tucked away next to Surf & Turf on deck 7 and has limited seating so booking is essential!

Latitude 53

This is the main dining room, set over  two decks right at the back of the ship so if you are lucky you may get some stunning aft views to accompany your breakfast, lunch or dinner but regardless of where you are seated a fabulous view is assured as this dining room is as pretty as a picture.

With menus changing daily there is definitely something for everyone including vegan and vegetarian options.

Vista Restaurant

Vista is nestled in Latitude 53, on Deck 5. In the evening, it changes into a classy Italian restaurant, complete with a menu of regional dishes made with authentic ingredients. If you love Italian food this is definitely worth a visit and it’s included in your cruise fare.

Nonna’s, the person in charge of naming the venues on Marella must really love their nan as this is the second eatery on the ship whose name means Grandmother.

For lunch the choices are three different pizza’s and pasta’s with three different sauces but come dinner time, the menu becomes far more extensive. With not only starters and desserts on offer but also a much wider range of pizza’s, pasta’s and sauces plus a choice of calzone’s and the classic build you own pizza with 11 different ingredients to choose from.

The Shack is the bar situated one deck up from the pool deck on deck 12 of Marella Voyager and as the name suggests looks like a tin shack. Serving all your favourite pool side drinks from frozen cocktails and mocktails to bottled beers, ciders and wines and is open from midday until 7pm this also one of the smoking areas on this deck.

The Coffee Port

The Coffee Port is open from 6.30am until 9.30pm and is the home of fresh filter coffee, TeaPig speciality teas and Levazza speciality coffee. They also sell soft drinks and sparkling water and have the most delicious handmade chocolates and cakes.

The lounge itself has loads of seating and a selection of board games and books to pass the time, or just sit and relax with a delicious brownie and a cappuccino which is exactly what we did!

Outside Space on Marella Voyager

Starting at the top of the ship on deck 14 right at the front you’ve got the adults only sunbathing area, lots of comfortable beds and unparalleled views of the open ocean in front of you. This is where you will also find the private cabanas that you can rent via the spa. 

If you fancy some exercise but don’t fancy the gym you’ll find the jogging track on deck 12, that takes you from overlooking the pool deck around the back of the Electric Rooms and back again. If you’ve got a competitive side there is also minigolf and a sports court on deck 12 too!

The pool deck on deck 11 has two pools and three Jacuzzi’s and of course a pool bar but there is always something going on, sail away parties, game shows and quizzes plus live music throughout the day, its also the home of the Snack Shack and if you are not a sun worshipper there are plenty of shaded areas on the pool deck for you to relax.

The Promenade deck on Marella Voyager isn’t a full wrap around but it does have two to make up for it, there is almost a full promenade covering three quarters of deck 7 and around half of deck 6.

As we mentioned above the Summer House also has a lovely outside area which is pictured below.

If you are travelling with kids then Marella Voyager has got you covered. The kids pool and clubs are on deck 9. M club is for children aged between 3 and 11 years of age has day time activities including games and activities and evenings are covered with pizza making and movie nights all taken care of by the M Crew. For younger kids there is the Mini M club featuring interactive games and arts and crafts.

Marella Voyager Service

A ship is only as good as the crew on board and Marella on our previous cruises have always excelled. We are pleased to report that this is definitely still the case on Marella Voyager.

Every member of the crew we encountered from cleaners through to officers and everyone in between were a joy to interact with. Nothing was too much trouble and everything they did, was with a smile on their face. This is another reason we keep going back to Marella!

We love cruising  with Marella and we think Marella Voyager is a great addition to the fleet, the new food and entertainment venues are a big hit for us while keeping the tried and tested things we love from Voyagers sister ships.

We have a full vlog series on our youtube channel detailing what we got up to on the Marella Voyager maiden cruise which you  can   find here .

During our cruise we stayed in a Junior Suite which proved a very good choice. However if your budget can’t quite stretch to that then do also check out our video reviews of other categories of cabins including Inside , Outside and Balcony .

This was our 6th cruise with Marella Cruises and it was so good to be back on a Marella Cruise ship. Find out more about our previous cruises on Marella Discovery , Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Explorer 2 here.

Watch our Marella Voyager Vlog Series too!

View more video blogs on YouTube > > >

Planning a land based holiday, flights, bucket list trip, cruise or honeymoon then we recommend using Dan Hammond of GoCruise&Travel who you can be contacted here by email – [email protected] and telephone 01622 891895 or just complete our  booking form here .

He has found us some great deals and using a travel agent takes all the anxiety away of booking and coordinating complicated itineraries.

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Smoky cocktails, immersive bars & LED dancefloors: We tried out new TUI ship Marella Voyager

Marella Voyager is the latest vessel in the Marella Cruises fleet. The new TUI cruise ship celebrated its christening in Malaga on May 31, 2023, and is now officially sailing the seas. This is what you can expect.

Words by Harriet Mallinson

I’m being serenaded by a posh, intoxicated man sporting white tie and a pencil moustache. “Darling!” he yelps ecstatically, brandishing a bottle of Chianti as a brass drinks trolley of lurid cocktails squeaks its way across the room to us.

Yes, it’s akin to a Bertie Wooster-esque knees-up but the Chianti is more likely to be dyed water – although the cocktails are certainly real.

I’ve found myself in one of Marella Voyager’s immersive experiences, The Lock-in, held at brand new Marella Cruises venue The Exchange – accessed via a red telephone box (but only if you give the right password over the rotary dial phone). All very high jinks and very on-trend..

The themed shin-dig (which costs £15 and comes with three cocktails plus plenty of jovial singing and dancing) is just one of the many ways guests sailing on new Marella Voyager can keep thoroughly entertained of an evening.

Marella’s commitment to this was evidenced by Voyager’s exclusive christening ceremony in Malaga at which two-time Brit Awards winner, singer and songwriter, Becky Hill, performed before a display of fireworks illuminated the sky in a riot of colours as a grand finale.

So if your sailaway party is anything like mine – gold gyrating dancers, pyrotechnics and free-flowing drinks (remember Marella is all-inclusive as standard ) all bathed in the glow of a sunset before the watchful eye of the full moon begins its shift – you’re in for a wild ride.

Marella Voyager entertainment

No matter where in the world you cruise with Marella Voyager you’ll be getting your music fix. After I’m plunged into the 1920s world of red velvet sofas, martini glasses and ostrich feathers at The Exchange, I head to The Electric Rooms where I’m whisked forward 100 years.

The ultra-modern nightclub bejazzled with an LED dancefloor and neon signs, hosts late-night dance parties and silent discos and, when I visit, is packed with sweaty revellers throwing shapes into the wee hours.

One such merrymaker, I boogie with abandon to classic hits and inhale my smoky margarita – literally, it’s presented in a glass case which bellows forth smoke like a (very delicious) science experiment gone awry.

Elsewhere there’s the Broadway Theatre (the largest one in the fleet with a capacity for 900), where 12 production shows inject further theatrics into your evening and Flutes, ideal for pre or post-dinner drinks, complete with a sparkly gold piano and push-for-bubbles buttons.

Marella Voyager wellness

Want to focus on less, well, boozy indulgence? Marella Voyager’s Oceans Spa is the biggest in the fleet where for £15 you can pamper yourself for two hours.

Treatments (I spot ocean-inspired wraps, coconut poultice massages and, intriguingly, a salon ‘Caviar Treatment’ on the menu) are an added extra. Massages start from £99 and a manicure will set you back at least £29.

Alternatively, relax in the array of saunas and steam rooms – variations include ‘herbal’ and ‘salt’ respectively, as though entrants are a tenderloin to be seasoned – and enjoy the ocean views as you cook; or head to the external relaxation area for more tranquil vistas (and fewer botanicals) at the front of the ship.

Marella Voyager cabins

There is a range of Marella cabins to choose from to match your needs and budget, and Brits will be thrilled to know they all come with turn-down service and a mini kettle plus tea and coffee. And yes, towel animals feature.

Inside cabins (the most affordable option onboard) look cosy and a bunk bed option lends the rooms a sleepover charm (although the lack of windows might eventually prove rather less enchanting) while an outside room offers a glimpse of the outside world without excessively depleting holiday funds.

Large balcony cabins come with the perk of a hammock outside, and, no spoilers, a larger balcony, but standard balcony cabins do provide better views from the inside thanks to a wider door which is something to weigh up when picking your quarters.

New for Marella Voyager are two Voyager Suites – the biggest accommodations onboard. Marella themes these cabins on its most-loved ports and on this ship they take inspiration from St Lucia [below, right] and Santorini [below, left], with floral displays, artwork and colour schemes all intended to evoke the two destinations, no rum or donkeys required.

Marella Voyager dining

Abuela’s, a Mexican joint [main image], is new to the fleet, as is food hall The Kitchens, made up of eight different eateries.

I tuck into Greek food at Athena’s here and wrestle with my waistline over the banoffee pie at Cherry on Top, but most unusual has to be the roast presented in a Yorkshire pudding wrap in The Gravy Boat. Genius or gone mad? To elevate either state, you can even help yourself to beer and wine on tap at breakfast in this venue. You might find yourself very clever by lunchtime…

Not to worry though, the new food hall is open for late-night snacks – exactly what one needs to soak up the booze after a heavy night bounding around the sticky dance floor of The Electric Rooms.

Other new restaurants include speciality spot Platter, serving up charcuterie boards and wine pairings (I can vouch for the very good cheeses) while Silver Fork [below] plates up British favourites with a modern twist. I tuck into a decent beef Wellington here, a clever crumble made to resemble an entire green apple, and a marmite and chocolate fudge (surreal but nice).

Elsewhere Marella’s speciality staple Kora La has a new Thali option – an Indian-style meal made up of a selection of dishes served on a platter – and I’m told The Coffee Port is the best place for coffee cocktails and brownies but sadly I have no patience for the queue that has amassed when I visit so I can neither confirm nor deny.

Marella Voyager activities

I can, however, confirm there is a gym onboard (the largest in the fleet no less and with great views) but similarly, I confess I have zero personal experience of the space (no mentioning the time I had two lunches please).

If you prefer to work out al fresco there is a sports court and jogging track as well as mini golf. But I’m not sure, if you do with it a drink in hand, the latter counts as a fitness attempt.

You can pair exercise with excursions, however. Marella Voyager is equipped with e-bikes and has its own guides so you can peddle around your port of call instead of pottering if that takes your fancy.

Marella Voyager itineraries

Let’s look at where globetrotters can travel onboard the new ship.

Marella Voyager will spend her first few months based out of Palma, Majorca , sailing the Mediterranean. Itinerary hotspots include Cadiz (for Seville), Civitavecchia (for Rome), St Raphael (for St Tropez and Cannes), Ajaccio in Corsica, Olbia in Sardinia, and Naples, to name a few.

Then, in winter 2023 Marella Voyager will reposition to Barbados from where guests will be able to enjoy the Caribbean, calling at such highlights as Tortola, St Maarten, St Kitts, Antigua and Dominica.

Just don’t hit the breakfast booze too hard in the tropics: a hangover is always harder to shake in the heat…take it from me.

Magic of Spain with Marella Cruises

Duration: 7 nights

Where: Palma, Majorca | Gibraltar | Cadiz (for Seville), Spain | Malaga, Spain | Almeria, Spain | Alicante, Spain | Palma, Majorca

Ship: Marella Voyager

Price: From £1,270 pp

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Ship review: Marella Voyager

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Josie Klein explores Marella Cruises by Tui’s newest recruit, launched in June 2023

Overview:  Marella Voyager was the fifth ship to join Marella Cruises’ fleet when it took its maiden voyage in June. The vessel was originally built for Celebrity Cruises and launched in 1997, but was transferred to the Tui Cruises fleet in 2019 before being retired, renamed and relaunched. The 14 -deck ship accommodates 1,912 passengers and is the largest in the fleet by gross tonnage.

Cabins: The 901 cabins range from single cabins for solo travellers to family cabins, which can sleep up to five people, all with simple, neutral decor. Balcony cabins have space for two outdoor chairs and a table, while large balcony cabins include a chaise longue and a hammock. The ship also features 51 suites, including some with decoration inspired by two of the line’s favourite ports of call – Santorini and Saint Lucia.

Food and drink:  There are 17 dining venues on Marella Voyager, the most of any Tui ship. New concept The Kitchens is a food hall made up of eight stations, including The Gravy Boat, which serves traditional roast dinners and yorkshire pudding wraps; Banyan Leaf, which offers Asian curries; and Athena’s, where passengers can enjoy Greek-style pittas with houmous and tzatziki.

Those eating in the main restaurant Latitude 53, which is included in the cruise fare, can enjoy the floor-to-ceiling views as they dine. Speciality restaurant Kora La has made a return, serving pan-Asian dishes, while new restaurant Silver Fork puts a twist on British classics, and offers a tasting menu.

The 10 onboard bars include Flutes, a piano bar, where ‘push for bubbles’ buttons call waiters to your table, and Aperitif, a trendy pre-dinner drink spot. Then there’s The Shack, which is great for cocktails by the pool, and The Arts House, a creative hub by day which turns into a lively bar at night.

Facilities: New for this ship is The Exchange, an adult-only bar on deck eight. Passengers can pop into the 1920s-style speakeasy for a cocktail, or book the immersive theatre. There is a £14.95 charge for the latter, which includes three premium cocktails and 90 minutes of entertainment. There are clubs for children of all ages, as well as a kids’ pool. There is also mini golf, an indoor cinema and Oceans spa, where treatments start at £19.

USP:  Most of the action happens on deck 11, with the pool as the central hub and Snack Shack serving light bites to grab and go. For over-18s seeking some peace and quiet, deck 14 is home to adult-only relaxation spot The Veranda with private cabanas available to hire. Those who like to dance can pop down to deck 12 and into the Electric Rooms Bar, with its huge neon signs and LED dancefloor.

Book it: An eight-day Magic of Spain cruise costs from £1,270 per person, based on two adults sharing an Inside Cabin. The round-trip departs Palma on June 8, 2024, and calls at Gibraltar, Cadiz, Malaga, Almeria and Alicante. tui.co.uk/cruise PICTURES: Tom Fallon

Ship review: Silversea’s new Silver Nova Ship review: MSC Cruises’ MSC World Europa Ship review: Viva Cruises’ Viva Two

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Marella Voyager cabins and suites

Marella voyager staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Marella Voyager cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Marella Cruises en-suite amenities and services.

The Marella Voyager cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

Voyager Suite

Layout (floor plan).

Each of the Voyager Suites has a bedroom (2 twin beds convertible to double, bedside cabinets with lamps, TV), walk-in wardrobe (bedroom access), living room (L-shaped sectional sofabed, low table, armchair, TV), dining room (4-seat table, minibar), bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC-shower), large step-out balcony (private sundeck terrace furnished with 4-seat dining table, 1 hammock and 2 premium sunloungers).

Premier Services (bonus suite perks) include:

• express check-in
• priority luggage delivery
• complimentary pressing service (up to 3 items per person, offered within the first 24 hours after embarkation)
• in-cabin dining - complimentary Continental Breakfast in bed (1 per person, weekly)

Note: Mein Schiff Herz's Themen Suites were named after Ina Muller (1965-born German singer, comedian, TV host).

Exclusive Suite

Each Executive Suite has a bedroom (2 twin beds convertible to double / Queen-size, bedside cabinets with lamps, TV), walk-in wardrobe (access from the bedroom), living room (double sofabed for 3rd-4th person, 4-seat dining table, TV, comfortable armchairs, coffee table), bathroom (double-sink vanity, WC-shower), large step-out balcony (sundeck furnished with 4-seat dining table, 1 hammock and 2 deckchairs / sunloungers).

Balcony Junior Suite

Each Junior Suite has 2 twin beds (convertible to double / Queen-size), bedside cabinets with lamps, TV, single sofabed (for 3rd person), armchair, mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower), wardrobe / closet, spacious step-out balcony (furnished with 1 hammock, 1 luxury sunlounger and 2 deckchairs with side table).

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Junior Suite Veranda category (Kat A-B).

Family Balcony Cabin

Each Family Balcony Cabin has 1 double bed (non-convertible to twins), bedside cabinets with lamps, TV, double sofabed (for 3rd / 4th person), 1 fold-down bed (wall-mounted), mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower), large wardrobe / closet, spacious step-out balcony (furnished with 1 hammock, 1 luxury sunlounger and 2 deckchairs with a low table).

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Familienkabine Veranda category.

Large Balcony Cabin

Each Large Balcony Cabin has 2 twin beds (convertible to double / Queen-sized), bedside cabinets with lamps, TV, single sofabed (for 3rd person), mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower), wardrobe / closet, spacious step-out balcony (furnished with 1 hammock, 1 luxury sunlounger and 2 deckchairs with a low table.

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Verandakabine category (Kat A-B).

Standard Balcony Cabin

Each Balcony Cabin has 2 twin beds (convertible to double / Queen-size), bedside cabinets with lamps, single sofabed (for 3rd person), TV, mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower), wardrobe / closet, step-out balcony (furnished with 2 deckchairs and a low table).

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Balkonkabine category (Kat A-B).

Oceanview|Outside Cabin

Each Oceanview Cabin has 2 twin beds (non-convertible to double), bedside cabinets with lamps, single sofabed, 1 fold-down bed (wall-mounted), TV, mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower), outside view from either 1 Porthole Window (lower decks/4 & 5) or 1 Large Picture Window (upper decks/8 & 9).

Single Outside cabins are on decks 4 and 5 and have max capacity 2 passengers (2 convertible to double twin beds).

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Meerblickkabine category (Kat A-B-C).

Interior|Inside Cabin

Each Interior Cabin has 2 twin beds (convertible to double / Queen-size), bedside cabinets with lamps, 1 or 2 fold-down beds (wall-mounted), TV, mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower).

Single Inside cabins are on decks 4 and 5 and have max capacity 2 passengers (2 convertible to double twin beds).

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Innenkabine category (Kat A-B-C-D).

Single Cabins

Each Single Cabin has 2 twin beds (convertible to double / Queen-size), bedside cabinets with lamps, TV, mirrored vanity / dressing table with chest of drawers and chair, en-suite bathroom (single-sink vanity, WC / shower).

These staterooms are designed for solo travelers and can be booked with single-occupancy rates as no single supplement is required.

Note: This was TUI Mein Schiff Herz's Einzelkabine category.

Marella Voyager cabins review

Of all Mein Schiff Herz/Marella Voyager staterooms (956 total), 376 have private step-out balconies.

Follows the review of the ship's passenger staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services.

All staterooms (regardless of cabin category) offer as standard/complimentary amenities 2x single beds (1x Queen-size double bed convertible to twins), bedside cabinets (with drawers and reading lamps), sofabed (and/or 1-2 Pullman beds/fold-down beds), smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system with on-demand movies, Internet, ship info channel), direct dial phone, wardrobe, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), minibar, Nespresso coffee machines (2x capsules are included per day), water carafe with glasses, mirrored dressing table (writing desk) with chair, en-suite bathroom (wall mounted toilet/WC, shower, single-sink vanity, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, bath products - shower gel, shampoo, conditioner), individually controlled air-conditioning, 24-hour room service.

(Suite Veranda) All Suites on Deck 10 have a large terrace (glass-enclosed step-out veranda) furnished with 1x hammock, 1x dining table with 4x chairs, 2x sunloungers. Cabin furniture and amenities include a separate bedroom (with 2x single beds convertible to double Queen-size), separate lounge area (with double sofabed / L-shaped couch), walk-in closet, separate dining area, large bathroom.

Both Schiff Herz' Themen Suites/Marella Voyager's Voyager Suites (midship-starboard on deck 10) are specifically designed and furnished. Cabin 10042 is themed on St Lucia Island, while the adjacent Cabin 10046 is themed on Santorini Island. Voyager Suites and Executive Suites are quads and the ship's largest accommodations (sized 49 m2).

(Junior Veranda) Balcony Junior Suites have 2x convertible twin beds plus sofabed. Connecting suites are also available. The cabin's balcony is furnished with 1x table, 2x chairs, 1x deckchair.

(Familienkabine Veranda) Family Balcony cabins have a private balcony with 1x hammock, 1x table, 2x chairs, 2x deckchairs. Furniture includes 1x double bed (4,6x6,6 ft / 140x200cm), 1x double sofabed, 1x Pullman bed.

(Verandakabine) Large Balcony cabins a step-out balcony furnished with 1x hammock, 1x table with 2x chairs, 1x sunlounger. Furniture includes 2x twin beds (convertible to queen-size), 1x sofabed. Connecting balcony cabins are available.

(Balkonkabine) Standard Balcony cabins have a private veranda with 1x table, 2x chairs, also 2x single beds (convertible to queen-size), 1x sofabed. Connecting balcony cabins are also available.

(Aussenkabine) Oceanview cabins have 2x single beds (convertible to queen-size), 1x sofabed or 2x Pullman beds. Category Oceanview rooms are with a porthole or a partially obstructed view. Oceanview connecting cabins are available.

(Innenkabine) Interior cabins have 2x single beds (convertible to queen-size double bed) plus 2x fold-down beds. Connecting Interior cabins are available.

All "Single Cabins" are positioned on decks 4-5 and are in two types - Inside (130 ft2 / 12 m2) and Outside (150 ft2 / 14 m2). Like all Marella Voyager's standard cabins, "solo cruise cabins" are fitted with single beds (2x twins convertible to queen-size bed) but are smaller (specifically designed for solo travelers) and can be booked with single-occupancy rates (no single supplement is required).

TUI-Marella cruise deals are ticket-price inclusive of:

• 24-hour food and snacks on the ship
• 100+ brand beverages and cocktails (excepting premium brand liquors)
• supervised facilities and themed entertainment for children and teens
• complimentary access to SPA's sauna/thermal area
• complimentary Gym and wellness courses
• onboard entertainment (shows, concerts, theatrical and musical performances)
• gratuities (all onboard tips)

Marella UK's Premier Service is complimentary provided to select staterooms on upper decks (8, 10, 12) and includes pressing service (up to 3x items per person, offered within the first 24 hours after embarkation) and in-cabin dining (Continental Breakfast in bed for two persons, served once weekly).

Cabin types with included Premier Service are Family Balcony (decks 8, 10), Balcony Junior Suite (decks 10, 12), Executive Suite (deck 10) and Voyager Suite (deck 10). The Premier Service in Suites additionally includes express check-in and priority luggage delivery.

Marella Voyager cabin and suite plans are property of Marella Cruises . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.