Nice food on board but a bit boring at night

A one week first cruise to test the waters........... Before booking those expensive bucket list cruises we needed to know we liked being on board in a cabin at sea. Choose Marella for convenience and ease after some research on first time cruising. We were heading to the airport full of nerves and concerns as more recent reviews and critique of Marella had been quite damning about Marella. Butlins at sea, aged fleet overdue retirement etc etc made us anxious. We needn't have worried about any of it. The ship whilst dated was immaculately clean. The junior suite was well equipped with more than ample storage. The balcony was our haven of tranquility. The ship was easy to get acclimatised to and we quickly knew which areas we'd avoid and where we would feel at home. In our case the summer house and coffee port were our goto havens. Personally we found the pool deck was loud, crowded and not to our liking. The restaurants were varied enjoyable and every meal was well presented and of great quality in relation to the all inclusive price. I'm not talking Michelin star but exceptional and served with care and enthusiasm. From MDR to the included alternatives everything was great. Our personal favourite abuellas and Nonna's. We regularly frequented the Kitchens which we originally dreaded after reading reviews and forums. What we actually found was well presented, clean and again staffed by fantastic people. I think the quality was slightly lower here than the other eateries but it was enjoyable and the process and set up was superbly thought out. It totally suited our idea of low key relaxed space with exceptional varied options at lunch and for afternoon tea. Entertainment on board was thoroughly enjoyable every evening. The shows were excellent until the guest comedian (who was stuck in 1980 with an obsession with the youth of today) and the many many music options accommodated every taste and mood. So in summary great food, entertainment for all tastes and venues to suit every mood. A perfect booking for an introduction to the cruise world. The experience from airport to airport superbly managed by TUI. The ship staff were a major highlight who truly work exceptionally hard to ensure both an amazing holiday and a memorable cruise.

This was our second cruise on Marella Explorer and everything was perfect. Outstanding entertainment every day. It was amazing. Our cabin was spotlessly clean on arrival and we were looked after so well during our 2 week stay. The food was great with a wide choice of venues to eat. The variety of drinks on the all inclusive package was brilliant. All the staff were friendly and professional. Well done Marella. Already looking forward to our third cruise in 2 years.

We had a brilliant cruise with Marella. Great food, great entertainment and lots of laughs. What we loved most was how relaxed and friendly everything felt – fun rather than stuffy! The crew worked incredibly hard and always had a smile on their faces. We came home with wonderful memories, a few extra pounds from all the fabulous food, and immediately started looking at future cruises. Excellent value and a fantastic holiday.

Done the reposition cruise from the Carribean to Palma and it was the best cruise we have ever been on.All staff were friendly and we loved the sea days,just relaxing.Would highly recommend Marella.

This was our third cruise with Marella and every one has been a great experience. We really liked the position of the restaurant at the stern of the ship and the restaurant staff were great at making sure we were happy. What really impressed us was how Marella look after my wife when she became unwell, she had developed a severe back pain and had to go to hospital. No one wants to be unwell when on holiday and especially on a ship but we felt Marella really cared and tried to help. Obviously people do have health incidents while on holiday and we saw the the Marella machine swing into action, my wife was taken to a local Italian hospital (which was a bit like being in a NHS hospital with similar expectations) where she was diagnosed and treated. We were able to rejoin the ship before it sailed and continue our with our cruise (my wife was diagnosed with sciatica). Marella explained all the options open to us at every stage of the day while being treated, it was a stressful time obviously but we don't look at it as ruining our holiday. You do have to be a bit proactive but the Marella liaison officer gave us plenty of advice and tips such as making sure that you have a phone that works abroad with plenty of credit and that you know how to use WhatsApp and of course you have the right amount of holiday insurance for your needs (you have to pay for treatment while on board and claim it back later). We are planning a river cruise on the Nile but my wife will only book with Marella as she feels confident with their service, so I guess that's the best recommendation a company can have.

First cruise of the Western Mediterranean and was a bit anxious and nervous. No need to be as the whole experience from being picked up at the airport in Palma to the return 7 nights later was excellent. Once I got my bearings in the ship it was ‘ plain sailing’ …. Although when I did get a little lost I discovered other interesting things on different decks. The excursions were wonderful and the person in charge on the bus was very knowledgeable and friendly and open to questions .She also gave advice on menus and things to be aware of in the cities. Food was exceptional and the wine was wonderful. The entertainment was first class The crew were amazing and the cabin crew would do anything to make the holiday all we could wish for. Looking to book the Eastern Mediterranean very soon …