Marella Cruises Unveils Winter 2027 Programme as Marella Discovery 2 Becomes Permanently Adult-Only

Marella Discovery 2 to Stay Adult-Only for Winter 2027

Marella Cruises has announced its Winter 2027 programme, confirming that Marella Discovery 2 will remain an adult-only ship for a second consecutive winter season.

The move comes as demand for adults-only cruising continues to grow, with the cruise line investing in four brand-new onboard concepts designed exclusively for adult guests.

The Winter 2027 programme will see Marella’s fleet of five ships sailing from six homeports across Europe and the Caribbean, offering everything from traditional Canaries and Caribbean itineraries to transatlantic crossings and repositioning cruises.

All Winter 2027 sailings go on sale from 2 July 2026.

Quick Answers

Is Marella Discovery 2 becoming permanently adult-only?

Yes. Marella Cruises has confirmed Marella Discovery 2 will operate as an adult-only ship throughout the Winter 2027 season following its adults-only debut the previous winter.

What new venues are coming to Marella Discovery 2?

Four new adult-only concepts will replace former children’s facilities:

Speakeasy-style bar
Escape room experience
Dedicated karaoke venue
Arts and crafts studio

Which Marella ships are adult-only?

For Winter 2027:

Marella Discovery 2
Marella Explorer 2

Both ships will operate as adult-only vessels.

For Summer 2026 only Marella Discovery will sail as adult-only

When do Winter 2027 cruises go on sale?

Bookings open on 2 July 2026.

New Adult-Only Concepts Planned for Marella Discovery 2

The biggest news from the programme launch is Marella’s continued investment in adult-only cruising.

Following strong demand, the cruise line is transforming former family and children’s areas aboard Marella Discovery 2 into four new experiences aimed exclusively at adult guests.

These include:

Speakeasy Bar

A hidden-style venue designed to offer a more intimate atmosphere than traditional cruise ship bars.

Escape Room

Interactive puzzle-solving experiences have become increasingly popular at sea, and Marella will now introduce a dedicated escape room attraction.

Karaoke Lounge

Guests will have access to a dedicated karaoke space, providing a more private and immersive singing experience.

Arts & Crafts Studio

A creative venue where guests can take part in workshops and activities throughout their cruise.

The additions further distinguish Discovery 2 from her sister ship, Marella Discovery, which will continue operating family-friendly cruises.

Where Will Marella Ships Sail in Winter 2027?

Marella Discovery 2

Marella Discovery 2 will homeport from three locations:

Tenerife (November 2027 – March 2028)
Gran Canaria (November 2027 – March 2028)
Malaga (March 2028 – April 2028)

Marella Discovery

Marella Discovery will begin the season in:

La Romana, Dominican Republic (November 2027 – March 2028)

Before repositioning to:

Palma, Majorca (March 2028 – April 2028)

Marella Explorer

Marella Explorer will alternate between:

Tenerife
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Offering a variety of Canary Islands itineraries throughout the season.

Marella Voyager

Marella Voyager will continue sailing Caribbean cruises from Barbados.

Marella Explorer 2

The adult-only Marella Explorer 2 will also operate Caribbean itineraries from Barbados throughout the winter season.

New Atlantic Fusion Itinerary Introduced

Winter 2027 will see the launch of a brand-new seven-night itinerary called Atlantic Fusion aboard Marella Discovery 2.

The cruise includes a return to Agadir, Morocco, alongside several Canary Islands favourites.

Atlantic Fusion Itinerary

Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Agadir, Morocco
Day at sea
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

The addition gives guests the opportunity to combine the Canary Islands with North Africa on a single sailing.

New Repositioning Cruises

Marella is also expanding its selection of repositioning voyages.

One highlight is the new Canarian Collection 2 itinerary sailing from Malaga.

Canarian Collection 2

Malaga
Gibraltar
Day at sea
Funchal, Madeira (overnight stay)
Santa Cruz, La Palma
Arrecife, Lanzarote
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Marella Dis overly 2 will visit Funchal, Madeira on its Canadian Collection 2 Itinerary

These longer voyages provide additional sea days and overnight port stays often favoured by experienced cruisers.

Transatlantic Cruises Return

Marella will once again offer a selection of 13 and 14-night transatlantic crossings.

One standout itinerary is Voyage to the Tropics aboard Marella Discovery.

The beach at La Romana in Dominican Republic- one of Marella Discovery 2’s ports of call

Voyage to the Tropics

Malaga
Gibraltar
Eight days at sea
St John’s, Antigua
Basseterre, St Kitts
Philipsburg, St Maarten
Road Town, British Virgin Islands
La Romana, Dominican Republic

The sailing combines the classic appeal of an ocean crossing with visits to some of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.

More Cruise & Stay Options

Marella Cruises is also expanding its popular Cruise & Stay programme.

The line has added:

39 new hotels
Total of 197 Cruise & Stay hotels

New hotel options will be available in:

Malaga
Gran Canaria
Tenerife
La Romana
Barbados
Palma

Guests can combine their cruise with a hotel stay and fly from one of 12 TUI Airways regional airports across the UK.

Christmas Cruise With Overnight in Madeira

For guests looking to sail over the festive period, Marella Explorer’s A Canarian Christmas itinerary will feature an overnight stay in Funchal, Madeira on 23 December 2027.

Overnight calls allow guests more time to enjoy destinations after dark and experience local Christmas celebrations.

Suite Service Max Expands Across the Fleet

Marella Cruises has also confirmed that its enhanced Suite Service Max package will be expanded fleetwide.

The offering includes:

Enhanced in-suite comforts
Exclusive dining benefits
Additional onboard privileges
Surprise-and-delight experiences

Suite Service Max will be available in:

Royal Suites
Voyager Suites
Executive Suites

Across all five ships.

What Marella Cruises Says

Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, said:

“Our winter 2027 programme will focus on the regeneration of Marella Discovery 2 returning as an adults-only ship for a second consecutive winter season.

“With demand for adults-only cruising continuing to grow, we’re investing in four new onboard concepts to enhance the experience even further.”

What This Means for Cruisers

The decision to keep Marella Discovery 2 adult-only is one of the most significant fleet changes Marella has made in recent years.

For families, the line still offers family-friendly options aboard Marella Discovery (except Summer 2026), Marella Explorer and Marella Voyager.

For couples and adults seeking a quieter atmosphere, Winter 2027 will offer two dedicated adult-only ships in Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Explorer 2, alongside a growing range of longer repositioning voyages and transatlantic crossings.

The Lowdown

Marella’s Winter 2027 programme is one of its most ambitious yet. The headline-grabbing transformation of Marella Discovery 2 into a permanent adult-only ship is backed by significant onboard investment, while new itineraries, transatlantic voyages and expanded Cruise & Stay options give guests more choice than ever.

For UK cruisers looking for value-focused, all-inclusive holidays with flights included, Winter 2027 is shaping up to be one of Marella’s strongest seasons yet.

Frequently Asked Questions - Marella Discovery 2 Changes

Is Marella Discovery 2 adult-only in 2027?

Yes. Marella Discovery 2 will operate as an adult-only ship throughout the Winter 2027 season.

What new venues are being added to Marella Discovery 2?

The ship will receive a speakeasy bar, escape room, karaoke venue and arts & crafts studio.

Which Marella ships are adult-only?

Marella Discovery 2 and Marella Explorer 2 will be adult-only during Winter 2027.

When can I book Marella Winter 2027 cruises?

Bookings open on 2 July 2026.

Will Marella still offer family cruises?

Yes. Marella Discovery, Marella Explorer and Marella Voyager will continue offering family-friendly sailings.

Does Marella Cruises include drinks and tips?

Yes. Marella Cruises operates an all-inclusive model with drinks, tips and service charges included as standard.