Marella Cruises is set to redefine the cruising experience with a series of innovative enhancements across its fleet. These developments, ranging from technological advancements to itinerary expansions, aim to elevate the guest experience and cater to evolving traveler preferences.
A significant highlight is the transformation of Marella Discovery into an adults-only vessel for the summer 2026 season. Homeporting in Limassol, Cyprus, the ship will offer three distinct itineraries exploring destinations in Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. This decision aligns with the growing demand for adult-only cruising experiences, as evidenced by the success of Marella Explorer 2. Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Marella Cruises, stated, “This addition to the summer 2026 programme will allow customers who prefer an adult-only ship a variety of itineraries to explore the sights of Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey” .
Marella Discovery 2 has undergone a substantial refurbishment, enhancing 40% of its cabins with new artwork, wall coverings, furniture, and carpeting. All bathrooms in these cabins have been completely renovated, offering a modern and comfortable experience. The upgrades span all categories, from balcony cabins to family and royal suites, ensuring a wide range of passengers enjoy the improvements .
In addition to cabin renovations, Marella Discovery 2 has introduced the innovative Play Wall, an interactive gaming experience developed in collaboration with French game creator Neo Experiences. Offering 28 games, such as Totem Craft and Rival Goals, the Play Wall caters to guests of all ages and abilities, enhancing onboard entertainment options .
The ship’s entertainment lineup has been further enriched with new productions, including “Jumbo and The Wonder Circus,” featuring a life-size elephant puppet, and musical shows like “Hollywoodland,” “Yellow Submarine,” and “7 Sins of Rock.” These additions aim to provide diverse and engaging experiences for guests .
Marella Cruises has also expanded its itineraries, introducing new ports of call for the winter 2025 season. Notably, Marella Discovery will visit Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic and Ponce in Puerto Rico for the first time. These destinations are part of the ‘Tropical Isles’ itinerary, offering guests fresh experiences in the Caribbean .
Further itinerary enhancements include the ‘Exotic Islands’ voyage aboard Marella Discovery 2, featuring stops in Barbados, St. Lucia, Aruba, Curaçao, and Grenada. Guests can also enjoy overnight stays in Willemstad, Curaçao, and take advantage of cruise-and-stay options in select resorts in Barbados .
In the Mediterranean, Marella Cruises has added Cannes to its summer 2025 itineraries, replacing Saint-Raphaël due to security considerations. This adjustment allows guests to explore the French Riviera, with access to destinations like St. Tropez, Monaco, Nice, and Antibes .
These strategic enhancements underscore Marella Cruises’ commitment to delivering exceptional and tailored experiences for its guests. By investing in ship refurbishments, expanding entertainment offerings, and diversifying itineraries, the cruise line continues to adapt to the evolving preferences of modern travelers.