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Marella Cruises

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Marella Cruises fleet

Marella voyager, marella discovery, marella explorer, marella discovery 2, marella explorer 2, review of marella cruises.

Marella Cruises (renamed in 2018 from "Thomson Cruises", tui.co.uk/cruise) is a "TUI Group"-owned and "TUI UK and Ireland"-operated British cruise line, that offers low-price voyages in Europe, Caribbean, and Asia. The company's older vessels are chartered from Holland America Line and Celestyal Cruises . Marella's new fleet consists of TUI-owned ships formerly owned and operated by Royal Caribbean and TUI Cruises .

In late-April 2020 was officially announced that the liner Marella Celebration will be retired (either sold or scrapped ) after 15 years of service with Thomson-Marella UK. The ship was scheduled to be homeported in Dubrovnik Croatia (June through October 2020, and May through October 2021), in Limassol Cyprus (Nov-Dec 2020, and March-April 2021) and in Dubai UAE (Dec 2020 through March 2021). All these voyages (which are still listed at CruiseMapper) were canceled.

In mid-October 2021, TUI announced that Mein Schiff Herz will be transferred in 2023 to Marella's fleet. Following a drydock refurbishment, the boat will be renamed Marella Voyager , starting operations for Marella on June 3, 2023.

Company history and changes

Initially, Thomson Cruises (UK company) started operations in 1973, but due to rising fuel costs, its passenger shipping operations were terminated in 1976. Thomson restarted cruise shipping in 1995. Marella Cruises is a very popular brand on the British travel market. It was established in 1965 as a division of the UK's largest tour operator and travel agency Thomson Holidays (now TUI UK). Thomson Holidays was a subsidiary of Thomson Corporation (1989-2008 defunct). Marella's parent company (TUI Group) owns hotels, the companies TUI Cruises, Marella Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises , and the travel brands International Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions. The company also owns aircraft and the airlines Corsair International (France), TUI Airways (UK), TUI fly Nordic (Sweden), TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Deutschland, TUI fly Netherlands.

Two Greek ocean liners were chartered by Thomson in 1973, but the company failed to capture the audience, like other cruise lines of the 1970s. Operations were restarted in 1995 after Thomson chartered the liner Sapphire (originally named MS Italia, built 1965, scrapped 2010) from Louis Cruise Lines (now Celestyal Cruises ). Soon the company chartered other ocean liners, among which Island Breeze (RMS Transvaal Castle, 1961-2003), Topaz (RMS Empress of Britain, 1955-2008), The Emerald (SS Santa Rosa, 1958-2012).

Thomson Cruises aimed an effect on the British market just like Carnival did in the USA. Package holidays had already been very popular in the UK, and the company wanted the same for cruising. Despite the aging ships, Thomson Cruises attracted an ever-increasing number of first-time UK cruisers with affordable fares and presence of the company's travel agencies across Britain. In the 1990s, Thomson started operations as a budget cruise line and improved its product becoming more successful in the UK by improving amenities, ships and services, and introducing a wider range of itineraries.

Royal Caribbean sold its stake in Island Cruises to TUI Travel (Thomson's parent company) in 2008. In 2009 Island Star left the fleet and joined the Spanish brand of Royal Caribbean - Pullmantur. Island Escape joined Thomson fleet in 2009 and continued to offer informal cruises to the UK source market. Thomson Dream (Marella Dream) joined the fleet in spring 2010 being long-term chartered from Costa Cruises .

In March 2015, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) announced they had agreed to sell Splendour of the Seas to TUI in the second quarter of 2016. TUI would lease the vessel to Thomson Cruises in order to replace Island Escape. In May 2015, TUI Group announced plans for Mein Schiff 1/now Marella Explorer and Mein Schiff 2/Herz/now Marella Voyager to be transferred to Thomson UK over the next few years. Shiff 1 (renamed Marella Explorer ) entered Marella's fleet in 2017. In October 2015, Thomson's Island Cruises brand was discontinued after its only ship MS Island Escape (now Ocean Gala ) completed its last voyage with Thomson.

For FY2017, company's turnover was GBP 502 million, with EBITA (earnings-before-interest-taxes-depreciation-amortization) GBP 86,5 million and total number of served passengers 308,000 (101,7% occupancy). For FY2018 (fiscal year), TUI Group's earnings (from the 3 cruise brands - TUI, Marella, and Hapag-Lloyd) increased by 10,7% - to EUR 901,9 million. The company's turnover was EUR 324 million (26,8% increase over 2017). Group's average daily rates increased to EUR 178 euro (TUI, up from EUR 173), EUR 141 (Marella, up from EUR 131) and EUR 615 (Hapag-Lloyd, up from EUR 594).

In March 2018, TUI Group announced that to Marella's fleet will be added Marella Explorer 2 (formerly SkySea Golden Era, initially Celebrity Century), with scheduled delivery in December 2018. The liner was previously operated by SkySea Cruise Line - Asian joint venture company (owned by the RCCL-Royal Caribbean and Ctrip International). SkySea was the first contemporary brand developed for the Chinese market. Operational between May 2015 - September 2018, the new cruise line handled nearly 300 voyages and around 0,5 million passengers.

Marella "cruise and stay" holiday package deals include hotel or apartment at the beginning or at the end of the voyage.

Onboard cuisine offers everything you can think about - from healthy options to exotic local specialties and culinary choices on offer. Daytime entertainment with Marella cruises is great for all members of the family. There are also different activities for children onboard and special children's menu for junior diners. You can relax each evening in the wide range of bars and lounges or enjoy first-class entertainment with singers and comedians.

Marella fly-cruise deals from the UK to the Caribbean are served by regional TUI Airways flights from UK airports ( Cardiff , Doncaster Sheffield, East Midlands, Greenock-Glasgow , Newcastle , Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, London -Gatwick). Flights are to the company's Caribbean homeports Bridgetown Barbados and Montego Bay Jamaica . In 2019 were introduced "cruise-only flights" to Malaysia from Manchester Airport. The TUI Airways service (via Boeing 787 aircraft) connects to Langkawi Island - homeport for Marella's Far East Asia voyages. Such direct flights (TUI Airways) are also offered from London-Gatwick and Birmingham.

On select cruises, Marella offers free all-inclusive upgrades on the fleet's older liners. The new vessels ( Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2 ) offered these all-inclusive packages as standard fare inclusion. Since summer 2019, TUI's Marella brand operates with all-inclusive cruise deals fleetwide.

Since November 2022, Marella UK (via partnership with OneSpaWorld Holdings/health and wellness company) provides ocean-inspired wellness products and services on all its ships. The range of OneSpaWorld's services includes Ocean Body Treatments (massages and polishes), Ocean Facial, Ocean Salon Services. On Marella ships, OneSpaWorld uses premium beauty brands like Elemis, L'Oreal, Kerastase. The brands owned by OneSpaWorld include Mandara Spa, Bliss Spa, Chavana Spa, Glow Spa.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Marella UK suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (all liners) by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures in the period March 14, 2020, through late-June 2021.

Next are listed all Marella ships and their first departure dates/regions/homeports in 2021-2022 - DISCOVERY (Sept 3/Mediterranean-Greece from Corfu/"Aegean Discovery"), DISCOVERY 2 ( April 5, 2022 /Mediterranean from Palma de Mallorca), EXPLORER (June 25/ UK from Southampton ), EXPLORER 2 (July 10/ UK from Newcastle ).

• Marella's Caribbean 2021 program was canceled, which affected the ships DISCOVERY (from Montego Bay Jamaica) and EXPLORER 2 (from Bridgetown Barbados).
• DISCOVERY 2's Mediterranean 2021 program (Adriatic and Greek Islands from Corfu) was canceled, and the ship restarted in April 2022.
• DISCOVERY's 2021 homeporting in Palma de Mallorca was replaced with Corfu Greece.
• Two Marella ships (Celebration, Dream) were sold and left the fleet. Marella Dream was originally planned to restart voyages on May 4, 2021. Marella Dream was originally planned to restart voyages on May 4, 2021.

All affected bookings received full refunds (100% monetary) or 110% in FCC (future cruise credit), including on prepurchased through Marella (TUI UK) packages and services. With rebooking, the fare paid is transferred to FCCs (110%). Holiday package bookings (cruise and land vacations) receive 120% refund (in FCC) or 100% cash refund. All refunds are received within 4 weeks prior to the original departure date.

Itinerary of Marella Cruises

With a large selection of destinations and itineraries, Marella Cruises may show you the whole world. With a variety of UK cruises with departures from Southampton , Newcastle and Harwich , fly-cruise holidays from a large number of airports (available departures from over twenty UK airports), Marella Cruises sail in the Red Sea and the Canary Islands during winter, the Mediterranean in summer. There are about a hundred different destinations to explore aboard Marella ships.

Marella's UK-Caribbean fly-cruise deals are via TUI Airways (sister-company, part of TUI Group). The packages include direct flights from the UK (London-Gatwick and Birmingham) to Melbourne Orlando Airport. Marella optionally offers "cruise and stay" packages with a choice of 18 different hotels in the Caribbean.

Marella cruise itinerary changes

Following the Coronavirus crisis, in mid-April 2021 Marella announced a new ex-UK 2021 summer program with itineraries leaving roundtrip from UK ports and mainly coastal cruising along Britain's coast.

Marella Explorer 1 was homeported in Southampton (starting June 25, 2021).

• The 3-night "Sail the South Coast" (mini-cruise itinerary from Southampton) visits Dover and Portland.
• The "Sail the Irish Sea" itinerary (starting August 2021) from Southampton visits Liverpool, Dublin, Cobh.
• Scottish itineraries out of Southampton visit Invergordon, Leith (Edinburgh), Newcastle.
• "A Taste of the West Coast" itinerary (one-way Southampton to Portland) visits Greenock, Belfast, Holyhead.

Marella Explorer 2 was homeported in Newcastle upon Tyne (starting July 10, 2021).

Marella Celebration (1984-built, former ms Noordam and Thomson Celebration) joined the fleet in 2005. During summer, the ship operated Adriatic Sea roundtrips out of Dubrovnik Croatia. During winter it offered Persian Gulf cruises from Dubai . For summer 2018, the ship was relocated to homeport Dubrovnik for an adults-only cruise program with full-day port stays in Bar, Korcula, Zadar, Venice, Trieste, Split. The ship also introduced 2 new 7-day itineraries, themed "Sail Three Seas" (Valletta Malta, Messina Sicily, Cephalonia Island, Igoumenitsa, Kotor) and "Greek Mystique" (Chania Crete, Piraeus-Athens, Kalamata, Corfu Island, Kotor).

• In late-April 2020, Marella announced that the Celebration ship will be retired after 15 years of service with Thomson-Marella UK.
• Marella Celebration was scheduled to be homeported in Dubrovnik Croatia (June through October 2020, and May through October 2021), in Limassol Cyprus (Nov-Dec 2020, and March-April 2021) and in Dubai UAE (Dec 2020 through March 2021). All these scheduled departures were cancelled. Among those were two repositioning cruises (via Suez Canal ) visiting Singapore . Both relocation voyages ("Wonders of the Far East" and "Flavours of the Far East") were planned as 14-day itineraries featuring a late-night stay in Singapore.
• Marella Celebration had also planned 3 new itineraries from homeports Limassol, Dubai and Dubrovnik. The 6-night "Ancient Adventure" (from Dubrovnik) visits Piraeus-Athens and Rhodes Island. The relocation voyages between Limassol and Dubai ("Continental Crossing" and "Arabia Awaits") visited Aqaba-Petra (Jordan) and Salalah (Oman).

Thomson Majesty (1992-built) joined the fleet in 2012 and operated roundtrips to Madeira and Canary Islands with departures from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In 2018, the ship was sold to Mano Cruises and now operates as Crown Iris .

Thomson Spirit (1983-built, former ms Nieuw Amsterdam , ms Patriot, ms Spirit), joined the fleet in 2003. The ship offered year-round European itineraries - Western Mediterranean (from Malaga and roundtrip Madeira) and Canary Islands (departures from Tenerife and Gran Canaria). Thomson Spirit's last cruise for Marella was scheduled for October 21, 2018.

Marella Dream (1986, fka MS Homeric, ms Westerdam , Costa Europa, Thomson Dream) joined the fleet in 2010 and left the fleet in 2020. During summer, the ship offered Eastern Mediterranean roundtrips from Corfu Greece. During winter it offered Caribbean roundtrips from Jamaica (Montego Bay), with Transatlantic repositioning crossings between the Caribbean and Europe.

• On October 1, 2020, was announced the r etirement ( end of the charter ) of the 34-year-old Marella Dream - after 10 years of service with Thomson-Marella UK (2010-2020). All Marella Dream cruises scheduled between May 4 and December 30, 2021 (37x itineraries) were cancelled. All Marella Dream Mediterranean 2021 voyages were transferred to Marella Discovery 1, which was rescheduled for homeporting in Palma de Mallorca Spain (instead of Port Canaveral USA ). As a result of the redeployment, Discovery 1's summer 2021 Caribbean voyages were all cancelled.

Marella Discovery 1 (1996, former "Splendour of the Seas" and "Thomson Discovery") joined the fleet in 2016. The ship offers year-round Western Mediterranean roundtrips from Palma de Mallorca .

Marella Discovery 2 (1995-built, fka "Legend of the Seas" / Royal Caribbean and "TUI Discovery 2"), joined the fleet in Spring 2017. The ship operates Mediterranean cruises (leaving from Malaga Spain) and Canary Islands cruises (out of Tenerife to ports in the Canaries, Morocco, and Madeira).

Marella Explorer (1996-built, fka Mein Schiff 1 , initially "Celebrity Galaxy") started operations in 2018, with 7-day Western Mediterranean cruises leaving roundtrip from homeport Palma De Mallorca Spain and visiting popular French Riviera ports in France .

Marella Explorer 2 (1995-built, fka "SkySea Golden Era", initially "Celebrity Century") started operations in April 2019 with 7-day Mediterranean itineraries leaving roundtrip from homeport Naples (Italy) .

Marella Voyager (1997-built, fka "Mein Schiff 1" and "Mein Schiff Herz", initially "Celebrity Mercury") joins Marella's fleet in June 2023. Following a drydock, the boat's Maiden Voyage leaves on June 3, 2023, from Palma de Mallorca (Majorca Island, Balearic Spain) .

• Out of Palma/homeport are visited large port cities in Italy, Spain and France. The 7-day itineraries are themed "Mediterranean Secrets", "Highlights Of The Mediterranean", "Highlights Of The Med", "Magic Of Spain", "Cosmopolitan Classics", "Mediterranean Secrets".
• Marella Voyager's winter 2023-2024 program is in the Caribbean, based on homeporting in Bridgetown Barbados and offers 3x 8-day itineraries - "A Taste of the Tropics from Barbados", "Paradise Islands", and "Tropical Delights". The ship's winter schedule will be open for booking from July 21, 2022.

Itineraries 2024-2025

Marella returns to Dominicana in winter 2024-2025, after a 7-year hiatus (since 2017 under the Thomson Cruises brand).

The adults-only Marella Explorer 2 ship is homeported in La Romana (starting on Christmas Eve/Dec 24, 2024) for a series of Caribbean roundtrips. The itineraries visit destinations in Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts, Dominica, Antigua, St Maarten, Tortola BVI, and Samana Dominicana (new port for Marella).

Additionally, a third itinerary visits the Netherlands' ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).

Marella's winter 2024-2025 Mediterranean schedule features two shorter itineraries. Marella Explorer ship starts from Malaga (on December 9th, 2024) heading towards Tenerife Canaries via Gibraltar UK and Casablanca Morocco , with one day at sea. The Marella Voyager ship departs from Palma de Mallorca (on November 2) visiting Spain's ports Alicante , Almeria , and Malaga.

New winter itineraries include 6-night voyages leaving from Marmaris Turkey , Corfu Greece and Malaga.

Marella's summer 2025 itineraries incorporate 10x cruise-and-hotel/cruisetour packages.

Marella Discovery 2 is homeported in Limassol Cyprus (commencing May 7, 2025) for the summer, marking the brand's return to Limassol since the winter of 2017 (under the Thomson brand). The liner will operate two different itineraries - "Aegean Gems" ( Kusadasi , Mykonos , Piraeus-Athens , Souda Crete , Rhodes ) and "Grecian Discovery" (Piraeus, Santorini , Crete, Rhodes).

Simultaneously, Marella Voyager ship (inaugurated in June 2023) is homeported in Palma during summer 2025, introducing 4 different itineraries: "Magic of Spain", "Treasures of the Mediterranean", "Mediterranean Secrets" and "Mediterranean Medley".

Marella's summer 2025 program also introduces 10x cruise-and-land packages providing access to 200+ hotels in destinations like Palma, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Cyprus. These packages allow selection between pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel stays.

Caribbean 2025-2026 itineraries (ships Marella Discovery & Marella Discovery 2)

In July 2024, Marella UK added two new Caribbean ports of call for the  Marella Discovery ship ( Isla Catalina/Dominicana  and  Ponce/Puerto Rico ) starting from December 16, 2025.

Marella’s winter 2025-2026 Caribbean itineraries (open for booking on July 18, 2024) feature 167 hotels available for cruise-and-stay guests, operated from 14 UK airports.

Marella Discovery's new call ports are part of the "Tropical Isles" itinerary leaving roundtrip from homeport La Romana/Dominicana . The voyage visits  San Juan/Puerto Rico ;  Charlotte Amalie/St Thomas USVI ;  Fredriksted/St Croix USVI ; Ponce/Puerto Rico, and Catalina Island, then returns back to La Romana.

Additionally (starting January 8, 2026), the  Marella Discovery 2 ship  operates the "Exotic Islands" Caribbean itinerary, visiting destinations ni Barbados, St Lucia, Aruba, Curacao, and Grenada.

New overnight port stays are available in  Willemstad/Curacao , with Barbados cruise-and-hotel options at Hilton Barbados Resort (Needhams Point) and Radisson Aquatica (Hastings).

Marella Cruises to Cuba

Marella Explorer 2's 7-night itinerary "Flavours of the Caribbean" visits Cuba with an overnight in Havana . The 7-day roundtrip from Jamaica ( Montego Bay ) also visits Mexico (Cozumel), and Grand Cayman Island (George Town).

Marella offered roundtrips to Cuba out of Jamaica ( Montego Bay ) with Marella Dream . Itineraries started in 2017. The maiden voyage was on January 31 (7-night to Grand Cayman, Havana, Cozumel). In 2020, two Marella ships (Celebration, Dream) were sold and left the fleet.

Marella Cruises related cruise news

Marella Cruises UK expands Winter 2025 routes with new Caribbean itineraries

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Which cruise lines sail from Great Britain?

Author: Intern

Published on: 24 March 2023

Updated on: 24 March 2023

Having to book a flight just to get onto a cruise can be exhausting, costly and oftentimes not worth the hassle. So, why not avoid all that bother and simply leave from closer to home?

Since the pandemic first hit in 2020, British ports have slowly been building themselves back up. Many have seen an increase in their ship circulation over the last 12 months, not to mention an influx of cruise passengers.

As a result, numerous cruise lines have returned to their popular itineraries and now offer voyages departing from Great Britain. Popular choices include P&O Cruises , Cunard and MSC Cruises , only to name a few.

A large number of cruises will sail from the country's most popular ports, including the Port of Southampton and the Port of Dover . In 2022, Southampton’s port won the Best Port Award at the Wave Awards for the second year in a row, as well as received its tenth win for the Best UK Departure Port in the Cruise Critic UK Editor’s Pick Awards. Being one of the biggest ports in the UK, even considered the “cruise capital” of the UK, the Port of Southampton sees many ships come through, in particular cruise ships. Last year proved to be a very successful year for them with 489 ships and over 1,800,000 passengers passing through.

The port hopes to continue this triumphant streak this year, estimating that it will welcome around two million passengers.

With Covid restrictions on travel virtually nonexistent at this point, cruise bookings for 2023 are selling out faster than it has in recent years, making this moment the prime time to reserve your upcoming journey.

To help, here is a list of some of the cruise lines that sail from Southampton with a few of their offered destinations for the upcoming few months.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is offering a wide selection of destinations to choose from for this year and 2024, all round trips from Southampton.

The cruise line’s fleet will have two new additions, Iona and the freshly named Arvia, its two largest ships, that will all sail out of the port sometime in the upcoming months.

A few of the major destinations included are the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, the British Isles and Europe.

There are still many openings available for countries like Spain, Portugal, Amsterdam and France.

Voyages to the United States, Canada and the Caribbean are also scheduled for the end of the year, and a few select voyages to Guernsey are open for 2024.

If you’re planning on visiting the United States and Canada, then Cunard, which is based in Southampton, is the perfect place to book your next trip.

Compared to other cruise lines, Cunard offers a large selection of roundtrips and New York-bound voyages, all leaving from Southampton.

If the bustling streets of New York City and the valleys, lakes and mountain ranges of Canada aren’t really your speed, Cunard also has many journeys from Southampton to Northern Europe, Iceland, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords and the Caribbean.

In 2024 Cunard will also be offering long trips from Southampton to Hong Kong, Sydney, Auckland, Rio De Janeiro and San Francisco, as well as a full world voyage lasting 108 nights.

Cunard even has a few themed cruises leaving from Southampton and disembarking in New York, such as a seven-night ballet-themed cruise in which passengers can enjoy performances by dancers from English National Ballet, and a Literature Festival at Sea voyage.

Depending on what you’re looking for, whether that be a short or long trip, Cunard has a range of voyages of all lengths, from as short as two nights to as long as 63 nights.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises will be taking passengers from Southampton to countries throughout Europe, a few such destinations being Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France and Belgium.

The cruise line is also offering voyages a bit closer to home in Ireland, Scotland, Liverpool and Wiltshire to see Stonehenge.

Its longer cruises to destinations in Australia, such as Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane, which typically last for around 50 days, leave from Dover, rather than Southampton.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers voyages to countries all over the world, from Korea, to Brazil, to Mozambique.

Though most of its cruises depart from other countries, MSC Cruises has a selection of Northern European journeys that depart from the UK, or, more specifically, from Southampton.

From the Port of Southampton, passengers can go around Northern Europe and discover places like France, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, exploring cities like Paris, Helsinki, Stockholm, Bruges, or Hamburg.

These voyages range from one night to 27 nights.

Royal Caribbean

Similarly to MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean also has cruises departing from all over the world, with some leaving from Southampton.

There are not as many options as say, Cunard or P&O, but Royal Caribbean still has a diverse selection of journeys to France, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Norwegian Fjords and New York.

Enjoy some of these shorter cruises, which all range between 7-14 nights, Royal Caribbean not having any longer transatlantic or world voyages leaving from Southampton.

Regent Seven Seas

Though a bit pricier than some of the other cruise lines on this list, guests that book with Regent Seven Seas will be able to choose from destinations like Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Bruges, Barcelona, and various other cities in Europe.

The cruise line also has a unique collection of themed cruises from Southampton.

One such cruise takes passengers around some of the historical battle sights from World War II, like Dunkirk, while also allowing them to explore cities like Paris and Cherbourg.

Another one titled Vikings and Viceroys makes stops in various cities throughout Ireland, Scotland and Norway, allowing passengers to observe the history of these areas.

Other cruise lines that are worth checking out and currently have voyages leaving from the UK include:

• Marella Cruises
• Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
• Celebrity Cruises
• Hurtigruten
• Oceania Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line

Caribbean: Harvest Caye, Cozumel & Roatan

• 7 nights, departs on the 14 Feb 2025
• Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Prima
• 7 nights, departs on the 21 Feb 2025
• Galveston, Texas, Costa Maya, Harvest Caye, + 3 more
• 7 nights, departs on the 28 Feb 2025
• 7 nights, departs on the 07 Mar 2025
• 7 nights, departs on the 14 Mar 2025

Do Marella have no fly cruises?

by Keith | Sep 29, 2023 | Marella Cruises , Port of Dover , Port of Tyne

This is a popular question to the site and the answer is yes, Marella Cruises do offer a range of “no fly” cruises departing from UK ports, especially during the summer months. These cruises allow passengers to embark from a UK port, eliminating the need to fly. Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises) is owned and operated by TUI, as TUI Cruises also.

The specific itineraries and destinations for Marella’s no fly cruises can vary each year. Common destinations in the past have included ports in Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, the Norwegian fjords, and sometimes the Mediterranean, among others.

Marella Cruises used a few different UK ports for their sailings. Some of the UK departure ports that Marella Cruises has historically used include:

• Port of Southampton : One of the UK’s major ports, often used by various cruise lines, including Marella.
• Newcastle (Port of Tyne) : Located in the northeast of England, Marella sometimes departs from here for their cruises, especially those heading to Northern Europe or the Baltic.
• Dover : Situated in the southeast of England, the Port of Dover has been used by Marella Cruises for some of their itineraries.
• Rosyth (for Edinburgh) : Located in Scotland, Rosyth is another departure point for some Marella cruises, especially those exploring the northern regions or Scotland itself.
• Liverpool : Historically, Marella (previously Thomson Cruises) has used Liverpool as one of their departure ports for certain itineraries.

However, ports and itineraries can change over time, so for the most up-to-date information regarding departure ports and available cruises, it’s recommended to check Marella Cruises ‘ official website or consult with a travel agent specializing in cruises.

Related & Curated No Fly Cruises News

What ships are doing no fly cruises from Southampton in 2025?

by Seb | Aug 18, 2024 | Celebrity Cruises , Cunard , Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , P&O Cruises , Port of Southampton

  In 2025, a number of cruise lines are offering no-fly cruises from Southampton, giving travel seekers a wide range of options without the hassle of air travel. Here are some of the notable options: Cunard: Cunard's fleet, including the famous Queen Mary 2,...

What is the best month to cruise the British Isles?

by Seb | Jun 9, 2024 | Ambassador Cruise Line , Hebridean Cruises , No Fly Cruise Blog , No Fly Cruise facts , No Fly Cruises , No Fly Cruises Blog , P&O Cruises , Port of Dover , Port of Portsmouth , Port of Southampton , Saga Cruises

  The best months to cruise the British Isles without needing to fly from the UK are typically May through September. You can enjoy milder weather, longer daylight hours, and generally calmer seas during these months. Here are some specifics about each of these...

We asked AI to imagine No Fly Cruises, the results were fun!

by Keith | Nov 26, 2023 | AI , No Fly Cruises , Port of Portsmouth , Port of Southampton

  It's a popular topic at present in the world of cruising, so we asked AI to imagine how it saw No-fly cruises, and the results were interesting. Can you guess where the locations that AI has placed the imaginary ships or which ships the AI bots may have based...

No-Fly Cruises from Southampton in 2024

by Seb | Nov 24, 2023 | Cunard , MSC Cruises , Oceania Cruises , P&O Cruises , Port of Southampton

  No-fly cruises from Southampton port in 2024 offer a convenient and hassle-free way to start your holiday. By choosing a no-fly cruise, you can avoid the complexities and restrictions associated with airport travel. Here are some options and highlights for...

What cruise lines sail out of southampton?

by Seb | Aug 19, 2023 | Port of Southampton

  Southampton is one of the UK's busiest and most significant cruise ports. Several major cruise lines operate no fly cruises out of Southampton, providing a wide range of itineraries. Some of the cruise lines that sail out of Southampton include: P&O...

Enchanted Princess makes maiden call to the Port of Southampton

by Danielle | May 5, 2022 | No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Port of Southampton , Princess Cruises

  Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess arrived at the Port of Southampton yesterday, marking the ship’s inaugural visit to the city. A traditional plaque and key ceremony was held onboard in celebration of the maiden call, which was attended by Enchanted...

Princess Cruises to bring Enchanted Princess to Southampton for 2022 summer season

by Danielle | Mar 15, 2022 | No Fly Cruise Blog , No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Port of Southampton , Princess Cruises

  Princess Cruises today announced its new ship, Enchanted Princess, will be based in Southampton for this year’s UK summer season. Starting 4 May 2022, Enchanted Princess will offer 13 new voyages ranging from four to 14 nights.  Joining the Princess fleet in...

Princess Cruises launches ‘Our Gift to You’ campaign – with FREE parking or transfers on selected 2023 no-fly cruises!

by Danielle | Mar 1, 2022 | No Fly Cruise Lines , No Fly Cruises Blog , Port of Southampton , Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has launched a new campaign named ‘Our Gift To You’, offering up to $500 onboard spend per couple when booking any 2023 Europe cruise. Guests booking a 2023 cruise from Southampton can also choose from free parking or transfers. The campaign runs from...

Princess Cruises announces celebrity speaker line-up for Sky Princess

by Danielle | Feb 24, 2022 | No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Port of Southampton , Princess Cruises , Uncategorised

  Princess Cruises has unveiled its line-up of celebrity speakers and guest entertainers on Sky Princess’ voyages from Southampton this year. The line-up includes household names from across the world of TV, entertainment and sports. As part of Princess Cruises’...

MSC Cruises to offer winter no-fly cruises from Southampton in 2022 and 2023

by Danielle | Feb 3, 2022 | MSC Cruises , No Fly Cruise News , No Fly Cruises Blog , Port of Southampton

  In another power move for no-fly cruising from the UK, MSC Cruises has announced that it will be extending its ex-UK cruise season with the introduction of MSC Preziosa. The ship will sail from Southampton for winter 2022/2023, arriving in October. She’ll sail...

Recent Posts

Saga cruises partners with bbc studios on tv show themed no-fly cruises.

  In an exclusive partnership with BBC Studios, Saga Cruises is set to deliver a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience on selected no-fly cruises from July 2024 to March 2025. This groundbreaking collaboration, a first for BBC Studios, will feature a host of...

How much luggage can you take on a no-fly cruise?

  There is a myth that you can take as much luggage as you like on a no-fly cruise. With big ships and no flight restrictions, why not right? However, the amount of luggage you can take on a no-fly cruise departing from a UK port can vary depending on the cruise...

How about no-fly cruises from the UK that are all inclusive in 2024?

  This is a popular trend for general cruise enthusiasts, especially the all-inclusive no-fly cruise from the UK. The good news is that for those looking to embark on a no-fly, all-inclusive cruise from the UK in 2024, there are several enticing options to...

Can I do a river cruise without flying?

  Yes, you can do a river cruise without flying from the UK. The UK has several rivers that are navigable and offer cruise experiences, such as the Thames, Severn, and the Scottish lochs. Additionally, you can travel from the UK to mainland Europe via train or...

What is the most popular cruise line in the UK?

  P&O Cruises tends to stand-out in terms of capacity and regional interest as the most popular cruise line in the UK. P&O Cruises, a British-American owned company, has a long history and a strong reputation in the UK market. Here are some reasons for...

Can you cruise to the Caribbean without flying?

  Yes, it is possible to cruise to the Caribbean from the UK without flying. Several cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises that depart from the UK and sail to the Caribbean. These cruises typically start from major UK ports such as Southampton, and the journey...

Is there a cruise that goes around the British Isles?

  Yes, there are several cruises available that tour around the British Isles, each offering a unique experience and itinerary. These cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore various destinations, including Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, Cork, Guernsey,...

Which cruise lines leave from the UK?

  Several cruise lines offer departures from the UK and no-fly cruises, providing a range of destinations and experiences. the notable ones include: Ambassador Cruise Line: Ambassador Cruise Line has various offerings with destinations including Brazil, West...

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Home Cruise Types Cruises from the UK

Cruises from the UK

Cruises from the UK have always been popular, especially with those looking for a way to avoid flying on their next holiday.  When searching for a cruise ship, UK travellers are guaranteed an equally easy departure. Now, with a more extensive choice of UK embarkation ports available, it’s never been easier to set sail from British shores.

Many of the world’s best cruise lines offer voyages from the UK and sail to destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Adriatic, Caribbean, North America, Canary Islands and cruises of the British Isles . You can also embark on an unforgettable World Cruise from the UK with cruise lines including Cunard , P&O Cruises and Fred Olsen .

Benefits of cruising from the UK

Choosing a cruise that departs from the UK has many benefits. Not only are they perfect for those who wish to avoid flying, but they also mean you can avoid the hassle of baggage and waiting for airport transfers. So instead, you arrive at your UK port, wave goodbye to your bags and let your holiday begin!

Another benefit of booking a no-fly cruise holiday is that there are no restrictions when it comes to the weight of your luggage. Technically, you can take as much as you can comfortably fit in your cabin, stateroom or suite.

Cruises from the UK 2024/25

There are many fantastic cruises from the UK available in 2024 and 2025. For a classic cruise experience, head to the Mediterranean and enjoy blissful sunshine, incredible architecture and picturesque ports of call. Alternatively, head across the North Sea to Scandinavia and the Baltic and immerse yourself in the history of cities like St Petersburg or go in search of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights .

Longer cruises from the UK are also possible in 2024 and 2025. Take your pick from iconic transatlantic crossings aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 , or venture south to the blue seas and swaying palms of the Caribbean with P&O Cruises. You can even book a cruise from the UK that visits Australia or Asia as part of a world cruise sector.

Last-minute Cruises from the UK

At The Cruise Line, we understand that it’s not always possible to book your cruise holidays months in advance. So, if you’re looking for a late deal, we offer a range of last-minute cruises from the UK with a variety of operators. Booking a last-minute cruise can be a great way to take advantage of discounted fares – plus you’ll never have to worry about scrambling to find flights that fit your holiday plans.

UK Cruise Ports

If you are interested in cruising from the UK but would like to depart from a specific part of the country, please choose one of the following options to find your perfect no-fly cruise holiday:

• Cruises from Southampton
• Cruises from Dover
• Cruises from London
• Cruises from Liverpool

Book your no-fly cruise with us today

For more information on cruises that depart from the UK, please call one of our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, please browse a selection of our no-fly cruise offers below.

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Marella Cruises from Southampton

Currently, there are no sailings scheduled with Marella Cruises that depart from the UK. As soon as they’re announced you will find them all below.

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Cruises from Southampton

Open your door to europe’s wonders on a cruise from southampton.

Best Cruise Itineraries

Recommend Magazine, 14-time winner; Cruise Critic

From the Blue Lagoon in Iceland to the black-sand beaches in Greece, discover the world’s wonders on a cruise from Southampton. With various destinations, durations and dates, find the voyage that fits your schedule. Taste the flavors of the Mediterranean, tour palaces in Russia and float down dazzling fjords in Norway. Or walk in the footsteps of royalty as you visit the British Isles. The choice is yours with Princess®.

Find the Best Cruises from Southampton

British Isles Cruises

Watch history books come to life on a cruise from Southampton to the British Isles. Tour Edinburgh Castle, sip on famous stouts in Dublin and hunt for legendary sea monsters in Invergordon. Indulge in homemade scones and jam on a visit to a local cottage. Or relive the glory days of the world’s most beloved boy band on a trip to Liverpool. Discover lands full of mysteries and mythologies, only with Princess.

Mediterranean Cruises

Laced in history and romance, the Mediterranean is a traveller’s playground. On a cruise from Southampton, find your passion amidst the canals of Italy or on the sun-drenched shores of Greece. See lands sculpted by volcanoes on the Canary Islands. Or walk in the footsteps of gladiators past at the Colosseum, and explore the archeological ruins of Pompeii — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Scandinavia & Baltic Cruises

Hear about tales and tsars from centuries past on a cruise from Southampton to Scandinavia and the Baltic. Get up close to historical treasures like Viking ships in Oslo and Kronborg Castle in Copenhagen.

Norway & Iceland Cruises

Experience tranquility and natural beauty on a cruise from Southampton to Norway and Iceland. During an overnight stay in Alta, search for the Aurora Borealis while sipping on hot chocolate. Come face-to-face with Europe’s largest glacier as you sail down the iconic Norwegian Fjords. Or take a dip in Reykjavik’s Blue Lagoon and rediscover your sense of wonder. See for yourself why it’s called the land of fire and ice.

Transatlantic Cruises

Relive the golden age of ocean travel on a Transatlantic cruise from Southampton. Unwind at sea and jump into adventure at each destination. Choose from voyages that take you through the British Isles to the Land of Fire and Ice — Iceland. Or visit ports in Spain and France as you make your way to North America on a cruise from London by way of Southampton. Indulge in the best of land and sea with a Transatlantic cruise from Princess.

Canada & New England Cruises

Travel through time as you sail to Canada and New England on a cruise from Southampton. Walk in the footsteps of Paul Revere, hike through Acadia National Park and indulge in crab cakes and fresh-caught lobster along the way. Bask in the coastal beauty of Prince Edward Island, and spend two days exploring the French influences of Quebec City on a 24-day voyage to the Northern seaboard and back.

What to Know About Cruises from Southampton

Discover the city’s history, wander through its countryside and revel in its unique coastal charm on a cruise from Southampton.

Southampton at a glance

• Language:  English
• Currency:  Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Time Zone:  Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
• Docking:  Your cruise from Southampton docks at the Port of Southampton, approximately 1.5-2 hours from London.
• Attire:  We suggest dressing in layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and even throughout the day. This includes a light shirt, sweater and jacket.
• Transportation:  While taxis are available around the city, you can also get around by bus or train.

Things to do in Southampton

Admire the Neoclassical architecture of this charming port city as you stroll past historic gems like the Tudor House or Saint Michael’s Church. Shop at the ultra-modern Westquay, home to an assortment of shops and restaurants. Or drive to the countryside and learn about the mystery of Stonehenge before boarding your cruise from Southampton.

Ships that cruise from Southampton

Our Princess fleet includes some of the best MedallionClass®-enabled cruises from Southampton. Find the comforts of home along with the luxuries you deserve on board all of our ships. Discover what makes our fleet so unique.

Star Princess®

Sun Princess®

Sky Princess®

Majestic Princess®

Caribbean Princess®

Emerald Princess®

Island Princess®

Regal Princess®

European Cruise Articles

Read about storied attractions, charming history, diverse cultures and preparation advice for cruising Europe.

Explore Europe

Learn all about our exciting options to visit Europe from cruises to in-depth cruisetour vacations. 

The top ten things to do in Norway

Planning a holiday to Norway? Discover the best museums, restaurants, cafés, attractions and experiences in the Scandinavian country.

Must-do summertime activities in Scandinavia

Discover the best summer holiday activities in Scandinavia, including wild swimming in Stockholm and rooftop drinking in Oslo.

Five reasons to cruise from Southampton

Looking for a cruise vacation from Southampton? Set sail to Canada, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Florida and around the British Isles with Princess Cruises.

How to see Stockholm from a unique perspective

Ice bars, rooftop tours, meatballs and more – use our handy city guide to get a fresh view of Sweden’s brilliant capital.

Six places to see the Northern Lights in Norway

Hoping to see the Northern Lights in Norway? Discover the best places to try to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature's exceptional light show

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling, and the representative’s services.

Need help planning?

Why book your cruise with a Cruise Vacation Planner?  Get tips on promotions, and plan celebrations and groups. Book cruises, air, hotels & more – plus access expert knowledge on destinations and ships.

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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TUI | Cruise month offers

Marella cruises.

Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime! You can save up to £300 per booking* on selected Marella Cruises departing between November 2024 and December 2025. Don’t miss out—this deal is your ticket to unforgettable memories at sea!

*T&Cs apply. Visit the TUI Store for all the details and to secure your spot today!

River cruises

Explore the rivers of Europe and save an extra £300 on your booking*! Lock in your dream summer getaway now with a low deposit of just £25 per person. Don’t wait—this is your chance to sail Europe in style!

*T&Cs apply

Ship review: Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess

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Overview: The largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the first in the all-new Sphere class, brings a host of pioneering features. There’s a big focus on light and space, most visible in the eye-catching orbs that protrude from the sides of the 4,300-passenger ship and the glass dome dominating the front.

Family facilities are enhanced with the Park19 activity zone, which includes the new-to-ocean Sea Breeze aerial rollercoaster zipline. Sun Princess is also the first in the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas.

Cabins: The 2,157 staterooms include 1,500 balcony cabins – the most on any Princess ship – 50 suites and 100 connecting cabins. The new Signature Collection suites include access to a private lounge, dining room and sun deck, although they are in different areas rather than a dedicated ship-within-a-ship complex.

Also new are sunny Cabana Mini-Suites that come with their own cabana area and a balcony. Decorated in muted tones, cabins are well designed and include innovative touches, such as motion sensor lighting in bedside cabinets.

Food and drink: Princess fans will find favourites, such as Sabatini’s Italian and the Crown Grill steakhouse (pictured below), plus a lot more among the 29 restaurants and bars. The speciality restaurants, which all cost an extra $45, include the new Umai Teppanyaki, which serves up great food and entertainment in equal measure.

Horizons dining room has been given a facelift and now takes up three floors – with the best tables overlooking the back of the ship, a casual American diner at the top and more formal dining on the other levels.

Meanwhile, couples can push the boat out with the $149 tasting menu at the artistically inspired Love by Britto, while pub lovers can head to O’Malley’s for toe-tapping Irish tunes.

Facilities: Sun Princess has five pools, including the spectacular Wake View infinity pool, and a large gym. The glass-enclosed Dome (pictured below) is a pool and lounging area by day and performance venue by night, with thrilling aerial shows. The redesigned Princess Arena showcases four productions – three of them new – in an adaptable space that can host theatre in the round.

Meanwhile, the lively Piazza, the central three-storey atrium, is an all-day entertainment hub with a packed programme of music, performances, game shows and classes, such as line dancing.

USP: Accessed through a tucked-away door, Spellbound is a unique and atmospheric bar and small theatre venue combining magic, mystery and mixology, with cocktails such as Escape from Houdini’s Chest served from a smoke-filled casket. It costs $149, including a themed meal.

Book it: A seven-night Mediterranean with France & Italy cruise, departing on April 5, 2025, and sailing from Barcelona to La Spezia, with calls at Gibraltar, Marseille and Genoa, costs from £849 per person in an interior cabin, excluding flights. onesourcecruises.com ; princess.com

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