London, June 1, 2025 – Marella Cruises today announced the launch of its highly anticipated Winter 2026 program, introducing exciting new calls in both Tunisia and Spain. The expanded lineup offers guests a refreshed range of Mediterranean adventures aboard the line’s award-winning fleet.
Marella Cruises’ Winter 2026 season will run from October 2025 through April 2026 and includes a collection of seven-night and 14-night itineraries. For the first time ever, Marella Discovery will call at La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia’s vibrant gateway to the ancient city of Carthage and the bustling Tunis Medina. In Spain, Marella Explorer 2 will introduce a new port of call in Almería, where passengers can explore Moorish architecture, the Alcazaba fortress, and the region’s famed desert landscapes.
“This winter, we wanted to give our guests more opportunities to discover lesser-visited gems in the Mediterranean,” said Mark Sutch, Managing Director of Marella Cruises. “By adding Tunis and Almería to our roster, we’re opening doors to fascinating cultures, historic sites, and authentic local experiences that perfectly complement our existing Spanish and North African offerings.”
Key Highlights of the Winter 2026 Program:
- New Port Calls
- La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia: Guests can enjoy guided excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carthage, sample traditional markets in the Medina, and relax on the Mediterranean coast.
- Almería, Spain: From the Moorish fortress of Alcazaba to the famed Cabo de Gata natural park, Almería provides a unique contrast to more traditional Spanish ports.
- Featured Itineraries
- “Mediterranean Mosaic” (7 Nights) – Departing from Palma de Mallorca, this route aboard Marella Explorer 2 calls at Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, La Goulette (Tunis), and Valencia. Departures begin October 10, 2025.
- “Spanish Spectacular” (7 Nights) – Sailing from Malaga, Marella Discovery will visit Almería, Cartagena, Alicante, Ibiza, and Mallorca. First departure is scheduled for November 7, 2025.
- “Gems of the North Africa & Spain” (14 Nights) – Operating on Marella Explorer 2, this extended cruise departs from Barcelona on November 21, 2025, and features Genoa, Ajaccio, Valencia, La Goulette (Tunis), Almería, Cadiz, Lisbon, and Malaga, concluding at Palma de Mallorca.
- Onboard Experiences
As with all Marella Cruises holidays, the Winter 2026 program includes an array of included extras:- Complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests
- Inclusive bar package and specialty dining options
- Free gratuities, onboard entertainment, and family-friendly activities
- “Taste of Tunisia” and “Flavours of Andalusia” themed nights in collaboration with local chefs
Bookings and Earlybird Offers
Reservations for the Winter 2026 itineraries open on June 15, 2025. Guests who book before July 31, 2025, will receive a £150 onboard credit per cabin, plus the line’s “Best Price Guarantee.” Families can also take advantage of free kids’ places (applicable on select sailings), and solo travelers will benefit from reduced or waived single supplements on certain dates.
“We expect strong demand—especially for our new Tunisian and Andalusian ports—so we encourage guests to secure their cabins early,” added Sutch. “By combining authentic cultural excursions with Marella’s signature hospitality, we believe this lineup will set a new standard for winter cruising in the region.”
About Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises is the UK’s largest global cruise line, operating a fleet of modern, adult-focused ships that cater to British holidaymakers. Specializing in an all-inclusive experience without hidden costs, Marella Cruises visits over 150 destinations worldwide. The line is part of the TUI Group and has earned accolades for its innovative ship designs, onboard entertainment, and commitment to sustainable tourism.