Marella Versus P&O Cruises - A Comparison
Which is Best - Marella Cruises or P&O Cruises? Let’s Compare.
Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises are two well-known, and well-loved cruise lines catering to the British market. Both offer unique experiences to travellers, as well as having many similarities. While both provide opportunities for passengers to explore various destinations, they have distinct differences in terms of their offerings and target audiences. As I have experienced both, I am often asked what distinguishes one from the other so I have put together this post comparing the two.
Company Background & History
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises (formerly known as Thomson Cruises), is a British cruise line operated by TUI Group, in which Royal Caribbean has a 50% stake. It primarily targets the British market and is known for its informal and relaxed atmosphere. Following a failed attempt to enter the cruise market in the seventies, Thompson restarted their cruise line in 1995. In 2017 the owners, TUI Group, announced the rebranding to Marella Cruises
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises is a British cruise line that has been in operation for well over a century. It is the longest established cruise line in the world, starting life as the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company back in the 1800’s, from whence it took its name P&O (not to be confused with P&O Ferries).
In 1977, P&O transferred its passenger fleet to new subsidiary P&O Cruises. Between 1977-1995 the brand operated many much-loved ships such as Canberra and Oriana out of Southampton, becoming a firm favourite in the UK and also served the Australian cruise market with P&O Australia. P&O Cruise ships assisted in the Falklands War both as troop ships and hospital ships. In 2000 P&O Cruises became P&O Princess Cruises before being merged with the Carnival Corporation. In 2012 P&O celebrated its 175th anniversary. Although P&O Cruises is the longest established Cruise Line, it has moved with the times and offers contemporary cruises, whilst maintaining an element of tradition.
Fleet and Ships
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises has a smaller fleet (5 ships) compared to P&O Cruises.. Their ships are medium-sized and arguably offer a more intimate experience. Marella Cruises operate an older fleet acquired from other cruise lines, with no new builds. Each Marella ship was built in the 1990s and refurbished on transfer:
Marella Discovery (1996) was originally Royal Caribbean International Spleandor of the Seas, Size: 69,130 Gross Tonnes;
Marella Discovery 2 (1995) was originally Royal Caribbean International Legend of the Seas Size: 69,130 Gross Tonnes
Marella Explorer (1996) was originally Celebrity Galaxy, Size: 76,522 Gross Tonnes;
Marella Explorer 2 (adults only) (1995) previously Celebrity Century. Size: 71,545 Gross Tonnes.
Marella Voyager (1997) previously Celebrity Mercury,, Mein Schiff 2 (TUI), Mein Schiff Herz (TUI) 77302 Gross Tonnes
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises boasts a larger, newer fleet of (currently) 7 ships with a wider variety of ship sizes and styles, including larger vessels with more amenities and entertainment options. The oldest P&O ship is newer than any of the Marella Cruises fleet:
Aurora (2000) (adult only), Size: 76,152 Gross Tonnes;
Arcadia (2005) (adult only), Size: 84,342 Gross Tonnes;
Ventura (2008), Size: 116,017 Gross Tonnes;
Azura (2010), Size: 115,055 Gross Tonnes;
Britannia (2015), Size: 143,730 Gross Tonnes;
Iona (2021), Size: 184,089 Gross Tonnes; (Joint largest new build for UK market)
Arvia (2022, Size: 185,581 Gross Tonnes; (Joint largest new build for UK market).
Onboard Experience
Marella Cruises
Known for its casual and relaxed atmosphere, Marella Cruises emphasises an informal, all-inclusive family-friendly experience with a variety of dining options and entertainment.
Daytime activity centres around the pool deck and bars with music and trivia, although there is a limited daytime entertainment programme. Evenings are spent dining, watching a theatre production or show in the Squid & Anchor.
There is a ‘dress to impress’ night once each week, but few people tend to dress up in formal wear. There are children’s clubs and kids splash pools onboard ships (except on Marella Explorer 2 which is adult only).
Some ships have indoor pools (not Marella Voyager though, which has given over the space to The Summer House bar/lounge).
P&O Cruises
It used to be thought that P&O Cruises offered a more traditional and elegant experience, with formal nights and a focus on British traditions, which tended to put more casual cruisers off. Whilst there are still elements of tradition, in keeping with the needs of the contemporary cruiser the brand has moved with the times and is now far more relaxed. Yes, there are gala black tie nights, but these are optional (although a larger percentage of guests than on Marella opt for formal wear). Generally smart-casual dress is suitable for the restaurants although unlike Marella Cruises, tailored shorts aren’t allowed in the Main Dining Room or speciality restaurants.
As the ships are somewhat larger, so are the pool areas and amenities and there are also indoor pools/solarium with retractable roof to make the most of good weather. The family areas on all ships (with the exception of Aurora and Arcadia which are adult only) are larger and have more facilities and planned activities.
Entertainment and Activities
Marella Cruises
Entertainment on Marella Cruises tends to be more low-key, with a mix of live music, shows, and themed nights. There is also a cinema screening family shows. There are night clubs onboard which are open late and offer karaoke and silent discos as well as dancing. There is table tennis, mini-golf and sports courts, (although the latter are underused and on some ships rather neglected (even on newest ship Marella Voyager).
A new addition to the evening entertainment is the very popular and exclusive Exchange which is an immersive experience for an extra cost. You will find a very small casino onboard and a spa offering a range of treatments.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises provides a diverse range of entertainment, including large West End-style production shows, comedy clubs, ultimate-screen cinema, visiting celebrity performers and a variety of activities, appealing to a wide age range. The ships tend to have slightly bigger casinos than Marella and provide lessons in blackjack, poker and roulette.on the three newest ships (Britannia, Iona and Arvia) there is also The Limelight Club a supper club for additional fee, which features a 3 course dinner and cabaret with headline performers such as Gareth Gates and Cheney Hawkes.
P&O Cruises have some big hitter celebrity collaborations including Gary Barlow, who is the Music Director of Club 710, and Nicole Scherzinger (godmother of Arvia), who sometimes appear onboard.
There is a lively pool scene with organised activities, trivia and live music. During the day there is a busy itinerary of activities including exercise and dance classes, port talks, guest speakers, arts and crafts, wine tasting, and sports competitions such as 5 aside matches, golf tournaments, basketball as well as more traditional pursuits such as shuffleboard and quoits. By night expect pool parties and outdoor entertainment weather permitting. There are large spas onboard offering a range of treatments and even cosmetic procedures.
Dining
Marella Cruises
Marella offers a range of dining options, including buffet-style dining and a la carte restaurants, with an emphasis on British and international cuisine. Lattitude 53 is the included main dining venue, with Vista (Italian) also complimentary. There is a buffet option - the Market Place (The Kitchens on Marella Voyager), plus fast food available from the Snack Shack. Additional included options are available on Marella Voyager (see HERE).
Marella Cruises offer speciality restaurants at extra cost - namely Surf & Turf, Kora La and new to Marella Voyager, Silver Fork. See HERE.
You can in theory eat when and where you’d like on a Marella Cruise - although some restaurants have busier periods when it is difficult to get seated.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises also takes pride in its British and international cuisine plus authentic dishes from the Indian sub-continent. There are plentiful and varied dining venues, including celebrity chef restaurants. When booking your cruise you can choose from Freedom Dining (anytime dining), or club dining (a choice of early or late sitting).Freedom and Club dining is complementary (you will usually be allocated a restaurant but can choose when you dine). Also included is the weekly 5 course Celebration Night Dinner. There is also a buffet (or The Quays on Iona/Arvia - a multi-venue dining piazza offering an array of eateries,), Pizzeria, and Poolside grill. There are a range of extra-cost venues ranging from those carrying a one off cover charge to those with a per item cost (for example a filet steak & accompaniemts for £6.95 in The Glass House). Speciality restaurants include: Sindhu, Keel & Cow, Epicurian, The Glass House, The Beach House, and Olive Grove - check individual ships to see which venues are featured. Find out more HERE.
Destinations/Itineraries
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises focuses on port-intensive cruises on popular Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, also venturing into North America. You can choose 7, 14 night fly-cruises or cruise and stay (7 night cruise plus hotel or vice versa). Marella Cruises do not currently sail out of the UK so doesn’t offer no-fly cruises.
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises offers a wider range of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Norwegian Fjords, the Caribbean, Australia, and a World cruise (or segments of World cruise), catering to a broader set of travellers’ interests. You can choose from no-fly cruises from Southampton, and fly cruises further afield. Cruise and stay is only an option if you arrange independently or through your travel agent.
What’s Included?
Marella Cruises
Marella are all-inclusive so your fare includes:
Flights
Luggage
Transfers between airport/ship
Accommodation
All taxes and gratuities (tips)
Entertainment
Food (except speciality restaurants)
Drinks between 10am and 2am (soft drinks:
a range of cocktails,
selected draught beer and ciders,
certain spirits and aperitifs,
prosecco and house wine by the glass.
P&O Cruise
Your P&O Cruises fare includes:
Flights (on fly cruises)
Luggage (fly cruises)
Transfers between airport/ship (fly cruises)
Accommodation
All taxes and gratuities (tips)
Entertainment
Food (except speciality restaurants)
Essential drinks
Water,
fruit juice,
tea
coffee
No alcoholic drinks are included, although a range of drinks packages are available to purchase
If you choose P&O Cruises Select Fare you can choose from on-board spending (amounts vary), free Port parking or free return coach travel to Southampton cruise port.
Check out my related post HERE.
Price Comparison
Marella Cruises
Generally, Marella Cruises may at first glance appear to be the more budget-friendly option, especially given that they are inclusive of drinks. It’s worth considering whether or not you are likely to purchase the Ultra-All-Inclusive package, which would add on an additional £10 per person per day (which is still quite reasonable).
A one week AI Western Mediterranean fly cruise from London in June 2024 for an Inside cabin currently costs £1317 per person (£) pp for Balcony Cabin).
A two week AI Caribbean fly cruise from London in January in inside cabin costs £2045 per person for inside cabin (£2819 pp for Balcony).
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises offer a variety of price points, including mid-range to luxury options, catering to different budgets. There are different fare options from Early Saver (cheapest) to Select (most expensive but inclusive of on board credit).
A one week Western Mediterranean fly cruise from London in June for an Inside cabin currently costs £849 per person (£1198 pp for Balcony Cabin).
A two week Caribbean fly cruise from London in January in inside cabin costs £1279 per person for inside cabin (£1779 pp for Balcony).
These prices include everything except drinks.
*Fares correct at time of writing September 2003
Price Comparison
To do a true comparison like for like we will need to add on the cost of a classic drinks package on P&O Cruises. If purchased prior to departure this is £40.45 per person per night - so £283 pp for a 7 night cruise and £566 pp for 14 nights.
Marella
7 Night AI Med Cruise = £1317 pp inside (£1646 pp balcony)
14 Night AI Caribbean = £2045 pp inside (£2819 pp Balcony)
P&O Cruises
7 night Med cruise - £849 pp (£1198 Balcony)
Plus Classics Drink Package £283 pp
= £1132 pp inside/£1481 pp Balcony
14 Night Caribbean - £1279 pp (£1779 pp for Balcony)
Plus Classics Drinks Package £566 pp
= £1845 pp inside/£2345 pp balcony
In these examples P&O Cruises are on average £200 per person cheaper. This is only a snapshot however and you would need to check and compare current prices.
So which is the best option - Marella Cruises or P&O Cruises?
In conclusion, the choice between Marella Cruises and P&O Cruises very much depends on your preferences and priorities. Both are top choices for British cruisers - catering as they do specifically to British tastes. Both have a very loyal past customer base who are often unwilling to try an alternative, but who would probably enjoy themselves if they did.
Price-wise you may be surprised to find out that P&O Cruises are often cheaper - but you will need to do your sums to confirm that as base price isn’t equal.
Marella ships are smaller and therefore a little bit more intimate However the design of the newer P&O Cruises means that you aren’t really aware of their larger size. You are more likely to feel the movement on smaller ships, with the larger, newer ships having better stability.
P&O Cruises probably have the edge with their younger fleet, and more extensive onboard facilities, particularly for families. However they are very slightly more formal than Marella Cruises.
Marella Cruises will appeal to those who enjoy TUI all-inclusive package holidays or similar with more of a party vibe, and who dislike formality, whilst P&O Cruises will appeal to those who prefer a sense of occasion and tradition and the chance to dress up.
Your decision should consider factors like budget, destination preferences, onboard amenities, and the kind of atmosphere you seek for your cruise holiday. My advice? Try both and see which you prefer - in my opinion both are great options and whichever you choose you will have a great cruise.
Do leave any questions in the comments and I will do my best to answer them.
You might also like to find out about both brands by checking out my specific pages: