Marella Cruises and Virgin Voyages - Alternatives to Stuffy Cruising
Alternatives to Formal Cruising
Budget-Friendly Marella Cruises or Premium yet Contemporary Virgin Voyages
Top: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady; Bottom: Marella Cruises Explorer 2
For many people, their impression of cruising is of traditional dining and dressy formal nights, which is a complete turnoff. Whilst most cruise lines still embrace some of the formality others have gone rogue I look at two completely different cruise lines - Brit favourite Marella Cruises, and the more premium option of Virgin Voyages - both of which have ditched the stuffiness, to give a more casual option. This isn’t a like-for-like comparison as in my previous Marella v P&O Cruises article. It’s looking at what alternatives there are for those that prefer shorts to tuxedos, and partying to playing shuffleboard
Overview
Marella Cruises and Virgin Voyages are two distinct cruise lines catering to different types of travellers. While both offer exciting itineraries and unique onboard experiences, they differ significantly in style, target audience, and inclusions. However, there are some aspects where guests might find some common ground,if they are looking for an alternative to formal cruising. As someone who has cruised on both, I am often asked how they compare, so I’ve put together this guide to help you decide which might be the best fit for your next cruise.
I have sailed on two Marella ships (Explorer and Voyager), and all three Virgin Ships, so if after reading g this you have questions, please leave a message in comments.
Company Background & History
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises, formerly known as Thomson Cruises, is a British cruise line operated by TUI Group. It primarily targets the UK market and is known for its informal and all-inclusive offering. The brand was relaunched in 1995 after a failed attempt in the 1970s, and in 2017, it was rebranded as Marella Cruises to better distinguish itself from TUI’s land-based holiday offerings.
Virgin Voyages
In contrast, Virgin Voyages is a relatively new cruise line, launched by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. The brand debuted in 2021 with its first ship, Scarlet Lady, marking a bold move into the cruise industry. Virgin Voyages aims to disrupt traditional cruising with an adults-only, all-inclusive, and ultra-modern approach that blends high-energy entertainment, gourmet dining, and a laid-back luxury feel.
Fleet
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises Marella Viyager in Palma, Majorca
Marella operates a smaller, older fleet of five ships, all of which were originally built for other cruise lines before being refurbished:
Marella Discovery (1996) – Formerly Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas (69,130 GT)
Marella Discovery 2 (1995) – Formerly Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas (69,130 GT)
Marella Explorer (1996) – Formerly Celebrity Galaxy (76,522 GT)
Marella Explorer 2 (1995, Adults Only) – Formerly Celebrity Century (71,545 GT)
Marella Voyager (1997) – Formerly Celebrity Mercury, later Mein Schiff Herz (77,302 GT)
Marella’s ships are mid-sized, offering a more intimate experience, but they lack the cutting-edge features of newer ships.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady
Virgin currently operates three ( soon to be four) nearly identical, brand-new ships (known as ’Ladyships’, all designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic (although the battleship grey exteriors have split opinion):
Scarlet Lady (2021) – 110,000 GT
Valiant Lady (2022) – 110,000 GT
Resilient Lady (2023) – 110,000 GT
Brilliant Lady (expected 2025) – 110,000 GT
These ships are large but designed with a more boutique hotel feel rather than a traditional mega-ship experience. They feature innovative technology, stylish design, and high-end amenities.
Onboard Experience
Marella Cruises
Marella offers a casual and fun atmosphere with all-inclusive pricing, making it a great choice for families and couples who prefer a relaxed cruise. Daytime entertainment includes poolside games, trivia, and low-key activities. Evenings are spent in the theatre, bars, or live music venues.
There is a weekly “Dress to Impress” night, but generally, the dress code is very relaxed, including allowing shorts in dining rooms, which seems to be desirable for many Marella faithfuls. There are kids’ clubs and family-friendly activities (except on Marella Explorer 2, which is adults-only).
Virgin Voyages
Virgin wanted to tear up the cruise rulebook and scrap the tradition and stuffiness of traditional cruising. Virgin offers an ultra-modern, adults-only experience with a focus on high-energy nightlife, wellness, and alternative entertainment. Days can be spent at the gym, spa, or lounging at the stylish pool areas, while evenings feature immersive theatre shows, DJ-led parties, and trendy cocktail bars.
There is no formal night, and the dress code is completely relaxed with no rules - wear what you like, when you like. Instead of traditional cruise entertainment, Virgin features unique, festival-style performances.
Entertainment & Activities
Marella Cruises
Production Show on Marella Voyager
Marella’s guests enjoy a party atmosphere and will definitely be found in the nightclub I to the early hours. Marella’s entertainment includes live music, theatre shows, and themed nights. Other onboard activities include mini-golf, table tennis, and trivia games. There is a small casino, a cinema showing family films, and a few sports facilities.
A newer addition is The Exchange, an immersive experience for an extra cost.
Virgin Voyages
Scarlet Night Pool Party on Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady
Virgin’s entertainment is designed to be cutting-edge, immersive, and unlike traditional cruise shows. Expect lively cabaret, drag performances, interactive experiences, pool parties and late-night DJ sets.
In addition to a casino, Virgin offers arcade-style gaming room (games are free), private karaoke booths, and there are unique activities like tattoo parlours, outdoor boxing gyms, and wellness-focused experiences.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VIRGIN VOYAGES ENTERTAINMENT
Dining
Marella Cruises
Main course in Marella Voyager’s speciality restaurant Surf & Turf
Marella offers a mix of included and speciality dining, with a focus on international and British favourites. Included options:
• Latitude 53 – Main dining room
• Vista – Italian (complimentary)
• Market Place/Islands/The Kitchen (name varies by ship) – Buffet
• Snack Shack – Fast food
Speciality dining at an extra cost includes Surf & Turf, Kora La (Asian), and Silver Fork (British fine dining).
With their latest ship Marella Voyager they have stepped away from the traditional buffet in favour of a more contemporary food-hall vibe that could be potentially offered across the board.
On Marella you don’t have a set dining time and don’t have to share tables - dine where and when you want.
See MARELLA DINING PART 1 & MARELLA DINING PART 2
Virgin Voyages
Filet Steak and ALL the sides in The Wake on. Irwin. Images Resilient Lady - Included in fare
Virgin takes a unique approach, with all dining included and no buffets. Instead, there are over 20 speciality restaurants where you can order as much as you want, including:
• The Wake – Steak and seafood
• Pink Agave – Upscale Mexican
• Razzle Dazzle – Vegetarian-forward comfort food
• Test Kitchen – Experimental fine dining
• Gunbae – Korean BBQ
. . . And many more.
There are no fixed dining times, and guests can eat whenever and with whoever they like. Restaurants generally open around 5:30 pm with last entry as late as 10 pm (there are also 24 hour options).
See VIRGIN VOYAGES DINING HERE
Destinations & Itineraries
Marella Cruises
Marella focuses on fly-cruises, mainly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with some routes in North America. It does not offer cruise-only voyages from the UK.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin primarily sails from Miami, Barcelona, and Athens, with itineraries covering the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and transatlantic routes. The line focuses on shorter (4-7 night) cruises rather than longer itineraries, although many guests book back-to-back voyages.
What’s Included?
Marella Cruises
Marella’s all-inclusive fare includes:
Flights, luggage, and transfers
Accommodation
Taxes and gratuities
Food (excluding speciality restaurants)
Drinks (including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails)
Entertainment
Virgin Voyages
Virgin’s fare includes:
All 20 plus dining venues (no extra charge for speciality restaurants)
Unlimited soft drinks, teas, and coffees
Gratuities
Group fitness classes
Wi-Fi
Entertainment
Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased via bar tabs (sometimes included as a perk).
Accommodation
Marella Cruises
Balcony Cabin on Marella Voyager
Marella Cruises offers a range of cabin types, from budget-friendly inside cabins to more spacious balcony cabins and suites. However, as Marella’s ships are older and acquired from other cruise lines, cabin décor and layouts can vary between ships (and between cabin grades).
Key Features:
Standard Cabins: Inside, outside (ocean view), balcony, and suites available.
Décor & Design: Classic cruise ship style, with some refurbishments to modernise the look.
Space: Generally smaller than Virgin’s equivalent categories, with limited storage in some cabins.
Amenities: All cabins include air-conditioning, a TV, a safe, and tea/coffee-making facilities (something not always found on other cruise lines).
Suites & Upgraded Options: Larger suites offer additional perks such as priority boarding and exclusive dining areas on some ships.
Limited Smart Features: Cabins do not include high-tech controls or mood lighting.
Overall, Marella’s accommodation is functional, comfortable, and good value for money, but lacks the modern luxury and high-tech features found on newer ships. Note: cabins (generally) no longer have fridges or mini-bars, and water is no longer provided in cabins.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Cabin - night view
Virgin Voyages’ cabins are ultra-modern, designed with a boutique-hotel feel (or some say IKEA-esque), and include innovative features such as mood lighting, high-tech controls, and modular furniture.
Key Features:
Cabin Types: Inside, Sea View, Sea Terrace (balcony), RockStar Quarters, and Mega RockStar Suites.
Décor & Design: Sleek, minimalist, and contemporary, with a cool, modern aesthetic.
Space: Generally more spacious than Marella’s equivalent cabins, with flexible layouts.
High-Tech Features:
Mood lighting that adjusts based on time of day.
Tablet-controlled room settings (lighting, curtains, and TV).
Modular furniture, such as a bed that converts into a sofa during the day.
Balcony Cabins (Sea Terrace): Includes a signature red hammock for relaxing with an ocean view.
Suites (RockStar & Mega RockStar Quarters): Luxury suites with premium perks, such as access to Richard’s Rooftop (VIP lounge), priority boarding, and dedicated concierge services, plus complimentary bar set up.
Virgin’s cabins are designed for a younger (or young-at-heart), trendier demographic and offer a more luxurious, high-tech experience compared to Marella’s more traditional accommodations. There is a fridge/mini bar, and recyclable glass bottles of water delivered to cabins each day.
Price Comparison
This is a tricky one as there really isn’t a like-for-like fare. Marella Cruises are fly-cruise, whilst Virgin Voyages are cruise-only, with flight-inclusive packages put together by First Mates (Travel Agents).
Marella Cruises (All-Inclusive fly cruise)
7-Night Mediterranean (June 2025, Inside Cabin) £1,355 pp
14-Night Caribbean (Jan 2026, Inside Cabin) £2,200 pp
Virgin Voyages (Incl. Dining, Wi-Fi, Gratuities, cruise only)
7-Night Mediterranean (June 2025, Insider Cabin) £1,479 pp
14-Night Caribbean (Jan 2026, Insider Cabin) £2,450 pp
Marella is generally considered a “budget” cruise line (not reflected in its prices however), whilst Virgin Voyages is officially categorised as a “Premium” cruise line. Virgin is more expensive, as would be expected, but when factoring in the superior dining options, included Wi-Fi, fitness classes and high quality entertainment, it offers good value for adults seeking a modern cruise experience (and yes I hear you all yelling that it doesn’t include drinks).
You would have to add flights and, if required, a bar tab for drinks which will bump the Virgin Voyages price up further. So this isn’t an inexpensive alternative.
Let’s Talk Drinks Packages
Marella Cruises
Most cocktails are included on Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises cruise fare includes standard all inclusive drinks which can be upgraded to the Premier All Inclusive option for £10 per person per night. Follow the links to see what’s included. This is unique in this category of cruise - only luxury brands currently offer included drinks and is one of the reasons for Marella’s popularity
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers a unique “Bar Tab” program, allowing guests to pre-purchase onboard credit specifically for premium beverages, including alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, fresh-pressed juices, and premium soft drinks. This credit can be used at any bar or restaurant on the ship, as well as at The Beach Club at Bimini. You can just pay for what you’ve drunk at the end of your cruise.
Drinks are not included on Virgin Voyages - but free bubbles at some events
As at the time of writing (January 2025), the Bar Tab options and their corresponding bonuses are:
• $200 Bar Tab: Receive an extra $25, totaling $225.
• $300 Bar Tab: Receive an extra $50, totaling $350.
• $500 Bar Tab: Receive an extra $100, totaling $600.
• $750 Bar Tab: Receive an extra $175, totaling $925.
• $1,000 Bar Tab: Receive an extra $250, totaling $1,250.
Deciding how much you will need is again personal choice. How much do you drink? How many will be using the tab? Fortunately there are useful online calculators to help you. You can also refer to bar menus in my related post HERE.
As a guide, my daughter and I took a 7 night Virgin Voyage in October and opted for a $300 bar tab which lasted us. However we are moderate drinkers - apart from one cocktail a day my daughter drank Coke Zero which is free. I had a couple of cocktails and a glass of wine. However if you enjoy a drink, you will want to budget for more.
To take advantage of these offers, guests must purchase their Bar Tab at least 24 hours before their voyage. Unused Bar Tab credit is non-refundable and cannot be used for other onboard experiences like spa services or shore excursions. However, guests can use their Bar Tab to purchase drinks for themselves or others. You don’t need a different tab for everyone in your cabin.
For the most current information and any promotional offers, it’s recommended to check Virgin Voyages’ official website or contact their Sailor Services (customer services).
See my GUIDE TO VIRGIN VOYAGES BARS & DRINKS
What Do Guests Like Best About Marella Cruises?
All-Inclusive Pricing – Marella Cruises includes flights, transfers, luggage, tips, and drinks in the fare, making budgeting easy and offering great value.
British Atmosphere – As a UK-focused cruise line, Marella caters to British tastes with familiar food, entertainment, and onboard currency in pounds.
Friendly & Relaxed Vibe – Guests appreciate the informal and welcoming atmosphere, with no strict dress codes and a sociable feel.
Varied Itineraries – Marella offers a wide range of fly-cruises to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond, with lesser-visited ports.
Excellent Service – Many reviews highlight the friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to create a memorable experience.
Entertainment & Live Music – From West End-style shows to live bands, guests enjoy the variety of evening entertainment.
Good Value for Money – While the ships are older, guests feel they get excellent value due to the all-inclusive offering and affordable pricing.
What Do Guests Like Most About Virgin Voyages?
Adults-Only Atmosphere – No children onboard means a more sophisticated, relaxed, and party-friendly environment.
All-Inclusive Dining – Every restaurant is included in the fare, with no buffets or main dining rooms, just top-quality, à la carte meals at over 20 venues.
Stylish, Modern Ships – The sleek design, tech-savvy cabins, and contemporary décor create a boutique hotel-at-sea experience.
Innovative Entertainment – Guests love the immersive, festival-style shows, DJ parties, and unique nightlife, which is unlike traditional cruise entertainment.
Included Wi-Fi & Gratuities – No surprise charges for tips or internet access, making it easier to budget.
Focus on Wellness & Fitness – From free yoga and HIIT classes to a huge gym and spa, Virgin appeals to those who enjoy health-conscious travel.
Flexible & Casual Approach – No dress codes, no fixed dining times, and a “do what you want, when you want” philosophy make it feel more relaxed.
Both cruise lines have strong points, but it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for!
THE CRUISE REBELS
If you are looking for a floating hotel, rather than a traditional voyage, these two brands seem to fit the bill. The choice between Marella Cruises and Virgin Voyages depends on what you’re looking for, and also your budget.
Marella Cruises is best for those who enjoy a relaxed, all-inclusive cruise with a British atmosphere. It suits families and couples looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly holiday, not dissimilar from their favourite resort hotels - but at sea.
Virgin Voyages is ideal for adults who want a modern, luxury-yet-casual cruise with innovative entertainment, gourmet dining, and a party-like atmosphere.
Both have strong points, and the best option depends on your preferences. My advice? Try both and see which you prefer!
Virgin Voyages is definitely a more expensive option but value for money for what you get onboard. It is an elevated experience whilst preserving a casual vibe.
Do leave any questions in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them.