Marella Cruises

Marella Cruises is the British cruise brand of the TUI Group — until 2017 it was known as Thomson Cruises. The company is headquartered in Luton. The brand is firmly focused on the British home market: all ships depart from British ports or via charter flights from the UK, all programmes are in English (with a British accent), and the on-board atmosphere is casual and family-friendly.

The fleet comprises five ships, all former Royal Caribbean or Mein Schiff vessels that were reflagged under Marella. Marella Discovery (1995, ex Splendour of the Seas) and Marella Discovery 2 (1996, ex Legend of the Seas) make up the older class. Marella Explorer (1996, ex Mein Schiff 1) and Marella Explorer 2 (1996, ex Mein Schiff 2) were taken over from TUI Cruises in 2018/2019 when the Mein Schiff fleet was renewed. Marella Voyager (2002, ex Mein Schiff Herz / Mein Schiff 1) joined in 2023 as the most recent addition.

The on-board language is English and the on-board currency is the British pound. The all-inclusive concept covers drinks, gratuities and selected restaurants — more competitively priced than P&O Cruises, with a similarly British loyal-guest clientele.