Marella Cruises Frequently Asked Questions
Marella Cruises - All You Need To Know for your 2024-2026 Cruise
MARELLA CRUISES | FAQ | ADVICE
*Updated October 2024
Here are the most frequently searched queries on Google and within Facebook groups concerning Marella Cruises, which I’ve collated into one very useful resource. Don’t forget to bookmark it for future cruises.
General Queries about Marella Cruises
BEFORE YOU GO
How to book a Marella Cruise?
Online
You can book a Marella Cruise online on the Marella Cruises Website, where you are likely to find various offers and discounts. Beware that the price can fluctuate considerably on the same day. Also algorithms can pickup how often you look at a web page and this too can affect the price shown.
Tip: It might be worth searching incognito in Private mode or on a private search engine such as Duck Duck Go
In Store
If you prefer you can go to a high street TUI shop and have them do the work for you although you will have to sit there while they check prices. Its worth checking whether they can match any online offers you have seen (do your homework beforehand).
Travel Agent (Online or shop)
Alternatively you can use any travel/cruise agent - online, by phone or in person as they will have access to the booking systems.
What is Included on a Marella Cruise?
Marella Cruises are all inclusive. This means that flights, transfers, tips, food, drink and entertainment are all included in your cruise fare.
Can I choose a specific cabin on Marella?
Your cabin is normally assigned to you within the grade you’ve chosen (Inside, Outside, Balcony or Suite). For a fee, you can request a specific cabin either when you book or up to 15 days before you sail. At the time of writing the cost is £65 per cabin. If you want to reserve a cabin after you’ve booked, contact TUI customer services on 0203 451 2688.
Can I upgrade my Marella cabin once I’ve Booked?
You can upgrade your cabin up to 15 days before you sail by contacting customer service on 0203 451 2688.
Which Marella Ship is Best for Adults?
Marella Explorer 2 is the only adult-exclusive ship in the fleet currently.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Wifi is available on Marella for all your gadgets.
Do you get free Wi-Fi on Marella cruises?
Wi-Fi is available for a fee onboard all Marella Cruise ships. Internet access is charged to your cabin account and settled at the end of your cruise. The latest costs for WiFi on Marella at the time of writing are as follows:
1 hour,(75 MB limit)– £8
1 day, (300 MB limit) – £15
3 days, (800 MB limit) – £25
8 days, (1.6 GB limit) – £49
15 days, (2.4 GB limit) – £90
Can mobile phones be used on Marella?
Mobile phones can be used onboard but it can be costly. While you are in port or close to shore you may have access to a local network and receive an alert from your provider letting you know how much it will cost you or whether included in your roaming package. However when you are at sea your phone will automatically connect to the ship’s maritime network which is very expensive. If you purchase a WiFi package you will be able to use that for WhatsApp onboard or WiFi calls but you will use up your allowance quickly. My advice would be to switch your phone off or activate airplane mode and put it in the safe till you go ashore.
PRE-DEPARTURE QUESTIONS
When can I check-in for my TUI/Marella flight?
Check-in procedures will be outlined in your booking confirmation. If you have paid to select your seats you will be able to check-in up to 14 days before your departure. For standard bookings online check-in opens 48 hours before your flight and closes 6 hours before take-off.
If you’ve upgraded to Premium, Extra Legroom, Extra Space seats or Select Your Seat option, you can choose where you’d like to sit immediately after booking. If you have chosen the Standard Seat option your seats will be allocated to you.
Can I upgrade my flight?
If you want to upgrade to Premium, extra leg room or want to select your seat you can do so via flightextras.tui.co.uk.
Do I need to print out my cruise documents?
Boarding Passes
You can download boarding passes and print (or save to device) from 48 hours before your cruise. You will find them on Marella Cruise Control.
Don’t panic if they don’t appear however as your booking is connected to your passport so will show up automatically at airport check- in.
Luggage labels
Print off luggage labels from Marella Cruise Control. You can also pick up luggage labels at your destination airport from Marella rep (or even make your own).
What is Marella Cruise Control?
Cruise Control is the Marella passenger website/App which can be used before and during your cruise for a range of purposes. You should access it once you have booked your cruise. You will need your departure date, booking reference, and lead passenger surname to access.
When using it onboard you do not require access to WiFi.
What can I do on Marella Cruise Control?
You will use Marella Cruise Control to:
✔️Complete the online check-in process
✔️Access your travel documents.
✔️Print your luggage labels and boarding passes for your cruise.
✔️Book your excursions and onboard experiences (pre-cruise and once onboard)
✔️Booking extras such as birthday cakes and gifts
✔️Check out menus and book speciality restaurants
BOOKING STUFF
Arranging celebrations
You can add the following extras to celebrate special occasions by contacting TUI on 0203 451 2688 to make your reservation. Prices correct at time of writing.
Chilled bottle of Champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries starting from £59.
Celebration cake starting from £19.
Bouquet of flowers starting from £49.
Sparkling wine in your cabin upon arrival, starting from £20.
Champagne breakfast in bed starting from £66.
Special 'celebrate in style' package, which includes Champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries, a cake, and fresh flowers in your cabin, along with an announcement in Cruise News, a professional photograph, and breakfast in bed on a day of your choice, starting from £119.
Some of these will be available to arrange via Marella Cruise Control.
Can we get married onboard our Marella cruise?
You cannot get legally married onboard Marella. However, they will coordinate a blessing ceremony conducted by the ship's captain or senior officer.
Can we renew our vows onboard our Marella cruise?
Yes you can. Each vow renewal package includes:
✔️a service conducted by the ship’s Captain or Senior Officer,
✔️a musical afternoon tea session,
✔️a bouquet of flowers and a buttonhole,
✔️a professional photograph
✔️a bottle of Champagne to celebrate.
There are three packages to choose from – Silver (Entry level), Gold and Platinum (offering enhancements). Prices range from £250 to £475 for summer 2024 onwards.
For more information and to book, contact TUI 0203 451 2585 (calls charged).
CABINS
What is included in a Marella Cabin?
Every cabin on Marella Cruises features as standard:
✔️Air-conditioning
✔️A hairdryer
✔️A flatscreen TV
✔️Wardrobe space
✔️Tea and coffee-making facilities
✔️ A safe
Do Marella cruise cabins have kettles?
Yes a kettle is provided with mugs and a selection of U.K. brand tea & instant coffee.
Do Marella Cruise Cabins have a fridge?
Unlike on most cruise lines, fridges (or mini bars) are not included in every cabin, in fact a new policy in 2024 means they are in very few if any. Usually it’s deluxe cabins and higher grades that will have one but Marella don’t guarantee a fridge in any cabin. Check the cabin details online to see what’s included, and if you require one for medical reasons (such as storing medication) I advise contacting TUI customer service.
Are toiletries provided on Marella Cruises?
Each cabin will include basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo/bodywash. In higher grade cabins you will find upgraded toiletries and you can buy a selection in the onboard shop.
Are towels provided on a Marella Cruise?
Yes, you will have a hand towel and bath towel for each person in your cabin plus beach towels (sometimes these are provided at the pool instead of in cabin).
Which are the noisiest cabins on Marella?
This will depend on which ship you are on and personal preferences. As a rule of thumb the noisiest cabins will be those situated:
✖️over the engines;
✖️under the pool deck (due to foot traffic and scraping of sun loungers);
✖️above or below main entertainment hubs like the Broadway Theatre and Squid & Anchor;
✖️below the Market Place Buffet restaurant (prep starts early for breakfast and there is constant footfall).
You can check location of cabins on the deck plans and if concerned ring customer services to request an alternative (a fee may apply to change.
Check Facebook groups for mentions of specific issues.
Which Adapters are needed for Marella Cruises?
You will need either a European or a US 2-pin adaptor in the cabins.
Tip: Take a multi-gang adapter to give you more sockets.
Is there a safe in Marella Cabins?
Each cabin will include a safe free for passengers’ use.
MARELLA CRUISES FOOD & DRINK
Which restaurants are included on Marella?
✔️Latitude 53 (Main Dining Room)
✔️Vista (Italian Influenced)
✔️Snack Shack
✔️Abuela’s (Mexican - on Voyager)
✔️Nonna’s (Pizza/Pasta - Voyager)
✔️The Market Place (Buffet)
What’s Covered in Marella’s Standard All-Inclusive Drinks Package?
Your complimentary drinks package includes a selection of hot drinks, soft drinks, cocktails, mocktails, beers, and wines available between 10am to 2am daily. This includes brands such as:
✔️ Draught Foster’s (pint/half pint)
✔️ Draught John Smith’s (pint/half pint)
✔️ Draught Strongbow (pint/half pint)
✔️ Range of bottled beers, ales and stout.
✔️ Standard spirits, ports, liqueurs, sherries and aperitifs
✔️ Selected soft drinks, house wine and prosecco by the glass.
✔️ Selection of cocktails – including Pina Colada, daiquiris, Long Island Iced Tea, Mai Tai, Cosmopolitan and more.
For full list see my related post.
Any drinks purchased outside of the AI times, or not included in the package will be charged to your onboard account. Note that premium brands and fancy coffees from The Coffee Port are excluded.
Not all drinks are available in every bar - you will need to check the relevant drinks menus.
What is Included in the Premium All Inclusive Upgrade Package?
If your morning coffee just has to be a latte, a G&T isn’t pucker unless it’s Bombay Sapphire & Fever Tree, and your go to cocktail is an Espresso Martini then you might want to consider upgrading to Premium All-Inclusive.
Here is a round up of the additional upgraded drinks (see my separate post for full list).
✔️ Draught Heineken (pint/half pint)
✔️ Draught Kronenbourg (pint/half pint)
✔️A wider range of bottled beers, ales, and stout (including Old Speckled Hen
✔️Premium spirits (including Bombay Sapphire, Jack Daniels & Absolut Vodka)
✔️Selected soft drinks (including J2O and branded cans such as Coca Cola)
✔️Upgraded wine list (still by the glass - bottles are charged)
✔️Prosecco by the glass
✔️Upgraded Cocktail list - including Aperol Spritz, Mojito, Mudslides, and more
✔️Mocktails
✔️Lavazza Coffees
✔️Fever Tree Tonics
✔️Red Bull cans
✔️All fountain, canned, and bottled soft drinks
✔️Fresh juices
Note: You may need to specify a premium brand when ordering, and although the premium cocktails should be made with superior spirits, it is worth checking.
If you want a bottle/can of mixer you should specify when ordering. Fever Tree tonics only available in certain bars.
Although special coffees/teas included at The Coffee Port, chocolates and cookies are not and attract additional cost.
A word about Premium All-Inclusive Wine - whilst there is a comprehensive wine list onboard, most are by the bottle and therefore are charged for. There are usually two-three upgraded reds/whites available and one/two Rosés (not Zinfandel) and only by the glass
Full details here
How much is the Premium All Inclusive Drinks Package Upgrade on Marella?
If the upgraded drinks are important to you, you can upgrade for around a very reasonable £12 per person per day. Note EVERYONE in your cabin will need to upgrade if one of you does.
Where can I upgrade to Marella’s Premium All inclusive Drinks Package?
You can upgrade to Premium All Inclusive when you book or by phoning 0203 451 2688. Once onboard you can upgrade by visiting Guest Services.
Can I take all inclusive drinks back to the cabin on Marella?
Yes, it is acceptable and easy just to pick up a glass (or two) from your nearest bar to enjoy in your cabin. If you are on premium AI you can pick up cans of soft drinks etc although it is unlikely that you will have a fridge in your cabin (check with customer services when you get your cabin allocation).
Can I bring Alcohol on when we first board the ship?
TUI’s Conditions of Travel say that during embarkation, Marella have the right to search luggage and hold any alcohol that they believe has not been purchased on your flight - make sure you retain your proof of purchase. Any alcohol that is not permitted onboard may be taken by security for safe keeping and returned to you on your departure. Experiences vary as to whether this is strictly implemented.
Can I buy alcohol in a port and bring it back onboard?
Your bags (and you) are scanned each time you embark and any alcohol may be confiscated for safe keeping and returned on your last day. This is at the discretion of security staff and again it may not always be implemented but it’s a risk you take
Can you buy alcohol on Marella Ships?
Obviously drinks in the bar are included in your fare, plus you are able to bring bottles you have bought on your TUI flight. You can also buy bottles in the ship’s duty free shop for consumption in your cabin or to take home. Remember shops can only open when at sea, and if buying to take home make sure you are aware of new duty free allowances.
Where can I get water from on the ship?
Water fountains are available on most decks for you to refill the bottles or jugs provided in your cabin.
You can get glasses of iced still water from any bar or restaurant area, and your glass of water will be constantly refilled when dining in any dining room; there is no charge for this.
You can, of course, purchase bottled water from bars (not included on any package).
Can you drink the tap water on Marella Cruises?
As with most cruise ships, water is filtrated onboard and is generally safe to drink from the taps, although you may prefer to fill a carafe or water bottle from one of the free water dispensers found around the ship.
Are all the drinks the same in each restaurant?
Each restaurant will have a different drinks menu so your favourite tipple might not be available in all bars.
PACKING FOR YOUR MARELLA CRUISE
Do I Have to Dress Up on a Marella Cruise?
Unlike on more traditional ships, there is no requirement to dress up, although there are some suggested dress codes (see below). If you like to dress up on a night out - go for it if you’d rather be comfy in lounge or sportswear no one is going to bat an eye.
What is the dress code on Marella?
There are basically three “dress codes” - beach/pool wear, casual (shorts/jeans etc) and smart (trousers, polo shirts, shirts). The dress codes are largely determined by the restaurants and time of day.
Beach wear should be covered up inside for example in the buffet. Casual is fine everywhere onboard during the day and in the buffet at night
Generally in the evening a smart casual approach is expected: shirts or polo-shirts, trousers or tailored shorts are fine, skirts, dresses and jumpers, smart trainers, shoes or sandals. TUI suggest that sportswear, flip-flops and non-tailored shorts shouldn’t be worn in restaurants in the evening.
Is there a Formal Night on Marella?
There is usually at least one Dress to Impress night where guests are given the opportunity to dress up in their smartest outfits. Whilst some people like to wear suits, tuxedos and cocktail dresses, others are more comfortable in less formal outfits. Smart Casual is a safe bet.
Can you wear jeans on a Marella Cruise
Jeans are absolutely fine on Marella Cruises - make sure they are smart and not ripped if you want to wear them in the formal dining rooms in the evening.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What Costs Extra on a Marella Cruise?
As with most cruises there are optional add-ons such as room service, laundry, spa treatments, speciality dining, upgrading to Premium All Inclusive, and excursions. Bottled water also costs extra.
Is smoking/vaping allowed on Marella Ships?
All Marella ships are non-smoking, apart from in a few designated areas of the open deck. Smoking is not allowed on balconies because of fire hazards at sea - this includes e-cigarettes . It should be noted that e-cigarettes are banned in many countries, including Turkey and Norway, in which case they will be confiscated at the airport.
What currency is used on Marella Cruises?
Marella Cruises is cash-free but pricing is in pound sterling.
How do I pay for stuff on Marella Cruises?
In common with other cruise lines, Marella cruises are cashless and everything you spend is charged to your cruise account. Before you board you need to register a debit or credit card for onboard expenses for everyone in your cabin (can be on more than one card), and a nominal holding amount will be placed on your card. At the end of your cruise you can settle your account with your credit or debit card, or in cash if you prefer. Accepted cards include Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and Delta debit cards.
Can I get currency onboard Marella?
There is a currency exchange facility in reception of each ship to get currency for the ports you are visiting. It may be cheaper, however, to get this in advance.