Marella Discovery 2 Goes Adults-Only With Four New Venues for 2027
Marella Discovery 2 is getting a major makeover ahead of its move to adults-only cruising, with four new entertainment and leisure venues set to open by early 2027.
Marella Cruises has confirmed that former children’s areas on the ship are being transformed into Amplify Karaoke, The Lost Luggage Bureau, Red Handed Escape Room and The Loft. All four venues will be exclusive to Marella Discovery 2, giving the ship a different feel from the rest of the fleet.
The investment follows strong demand for adults-only holidays, with Marella Cruises research revealing that 80% of guests who sailed on Marella Explorer 2, the cruise line’s existing adults-only ship, said its adults-only status was one of the reasons they booked.
Almost three quarters also said it was important for Marella Cruises to have an adults-only ship in its fleet.
The new additions are designed to offer a mix of entertainment, social activities and quieter spaces, reflecting changing holiday preferences among British travellers.
What’s new on Marella Discovery 2?
Amplify Karaoke
Marella Cruises is introducing its first dedicated karaoke venue, with Amplify offering a private singing experience for groups of up to seven people.
Rather than taking to a stage in front of fellow passengers, guests can book the private lounge by the hour and choose from thousands of songs. The room will feature mood lighting and modern karaoke technology, making it an option for couples, friends and groups celebrating a special occasion.
The idea taps into the growing popularity of competitive socialising, with Marella research finding that 44% of British adults would actively seek out karaoke on holiday or take part if it were available.
Price: From £14.95 per room per hour, accommodating up to seven guests.
The Lost Luggage Bureau
One of the more unusual additions is The Lost Luggage Bureau, an immersive speakeasy inspired by the glamour of the Golden Age of Travel.
Following the success of The Exchange on Marella Voyager, the new venue will take guests on a mystery-filled experience lasting around 90 minutes.
Entry is through what appears to be an old lost property office, but behind the façade lies a hidden speakeasy. Guests become part of a story involving the mysterious contents of unclaimed luggage, with live actors, music and interactive storytelling bringing the experience to life.
There are two different stories to choose from: The Case in Question and Smugglers Society. Each experience accommodates up to 42 guests.
Three signature cocktails are included, with non-alcoholic alternatives also available. Drinks are served from vintage brass trolleys, with finishing touches added at the table.
The concept follows the popularity of The Exchange, Marella Voyager’s first immersive speakeasy, which attracts more than 11,000 customers each year.
Price: £19.95 per person, including three signature cocktails.
Red Handed Escape Room
Passengers looking for something a little more challenging can try Red Handed, a new escape room experience set backstage at the fictional Cabaret Rouge in the 1920s.
Teams of up to six players have 60 minutes to steal Lady Ruby Bardot’s diamond necklace before being caught.
The challenge involves seven logic puzzles spread across two themed dressing rooms, including a secret room that players must discover along the way.
If teams get stuck, an in-character host will be on hand to offer clues through a vintage telephone.
Marella’s research found that 49% of British adults would be likely to take part in an escape room while on holiday, suggesting the experience could prove popular with friends and couples travelling together.
Price: £16.95 per person.
The Loft
Not every new venue is about entertainment and activity. The Loft is designed for passengers who want somewhere quieter to relax, read or enjoy a screen-free activity.
The space will combine a library, board games and hosted arts and crafts sessions in a relaxed, homely setting. It will be open 24 hours a day and included in the ship’s all-inclusive offering.
The Crafts Ahoy programme will feature jewellery making, macramé, watercolour painting, sketching, button art and quilling.
There will be one hosted craft session on port days and two on sea days, giving passengers the opportunity to try something creative while at sea.
The addition reflects growing interest in digital detox holidays and slower-paced activities. Marella’s research found that 66% of people aged 55 and over would enjoy reading in a dedicated relaxation space while on holiday, while 43% would spend time doing puzzles or puzzle books.
Price: Included in the all-inclusive cruise fare. No booking required.
Climbing wall also gets a makeover
Alongside the four new venues, Marella Discovery 2’s climbing wall is also being modernised.
The refreshed facility will feature a wider variety of climbing hold sizes and take inspiration from contemporary climbing centres and Olympic-standard walls.
Climbing remains an all-inclusive activity on the ship, so there will be no additional charge for passengers wanting to give it a go.
How much do the new Marella Discovery 2 experiences cost?
Three of the four new venues carry an additional charge, although The Loft is included in the standard all-inclusive fare.
| Venue | Price |
|---|---|
| Amplify Karaoke | From £14.95 per room per hour |
| The Lost Luggage Bureau | £19.95 per person |
| Red Handed Escape Room | £16.95 per person |
| The Loft | Included in the all-inclusive fare |
Amplify Karaoke and Red Handed can be booked onboard through the ship’s reception or via Navigate.
The Lost Luggage Bureau can be pre-booked through Marella’s Cruise Control service, with onboard booking also available.
When will the new venues open?
All four new venues are expected to be available to passengers by early 2027, as Marella Discovery 2 transitions to adults-only cruising.
The changes represent a significant investment in the ship, with Marella looking to offer a wider choice of experiences beyond the traditional cruise entertainment programme.
Marella Discovery 2 cruises and prices
Marella Cruises includes flights, tips, food and drinks, accommodation, entertainment, activities and service charges in its standard all-inclusive cruise fare.
For those wanting to experience the revamped Marella Discovery 2, prices currently start from £1,155 per person for the seven-night Atlantic Islands cruise departing Tenerife on 5 February 2027.
The advertised price is based on two adults sharing a Deck 2 or 3 inside cabin and includes TUI Airways flights from London Gatwick.
The Lowdown
The move to adults-only cruising gives Marella Discovery 2 a clearer identity within the fleet, and the four new venues offer a mixture of experiences that should appeal to different types of holidaymakers.
The Lost Luggage Bureau looks particularly interesting, especially given the success of The Exchange on Marella Voyager. Meanwhile, The Loft is a welcome addition for anyone who enjoys having somewhere peaceful to retreat to, particularly on longer sea days.
It is worth remembering that three of the new experiences come with an additional charge, so passengers wanting to try everything will need to factor those costs into their holiday budget.
For Marella, the challenge will be making Discovery 2 feel genuinely different now that it is joining Explorer 2 as an adults-only ship. These additions are a promising start.