Marella Cruises: Complete guide to TUI line – how to save hundreds

Marella Cruises is a very popular cruise line that many people choose to book with thanks to the reasonably priced vacations available.

However, there’s plenty to think about when organising a cruise vacation to make sure you’re sailing with the right line for you.

Travellers have all sorts of questions, whether it’s about the Wi-Fi onboard or what drinks are included.

We’ve rounded up some of your most burning questions to give you that dose of clarity you need before you get that Marella Cruises getaway in the diary.

How much do Marella cruises cost?

The TUI cruise line is known for offering well-priced holidays with flights included, but the cost will vary hugely on where you sail and when you travel.

A seven-night summer cruise to the Mediterranean, for instance, can be between around $730-$980 per person while a seven-night winter-sun cruise to the Caribbean costs between around $1,460-$2,100.

However, the cruise line does offer some fantastic deals to help make your vacation even cheaper, sometimes with hundreds of pounds off so it’s always worth checking the brand’s deal page!

Is Wi-Fi free on Marella Cruises?

Wi-Fi is not free on Marella Cruises – internet access is charged to your cabin at the rate advertised onboard, so do check when you embark! Designated Wi-Fi zones can be found around the ship.

Remember to check with your mobile provider for charges in international waters and for the countries you visit, too.

What currency is used on Marella Cruises?

British Sterling is the currency used on Marella Cruises but do note all the ships operate a cash-free system.

Everything you buy onboard will be charged to your cabin account and you can settle it all by credit or debit card at the end of your cruise.

If you do want to pay the full sum in cash, Marella will request up to £200 ($240) deposit per cabin per week.

What drinks are included on Marella Cruises?

Drinks included in the cost of your TUI cruise fare are: selected draught beer and cider, wines by the glass, branded spirits and aperitifs, and a range of cocktails and soft drinks by the glass.

Marella Cruises are all-inclusive as standard but if you want an even greater variety of included drinks you can upgrade to the Premium All Inclusive drinks package.

With this, you’ll benefit from upgraded cocktails, premium spirits, Lavazza coffee, soft drink cans and a 1.5-litre bottle of water per cabin, per day.

How do I book excursions on Marella Cruises?

Marella Cruises shore excursions can be booked on the TUI website which is the optimum way to get the best prices.

Trips can also be booked onboard the ships with the Destination Services team but they do fill up so you might not get the excursion you’re after.

Alternatively, if you book your cruise at a TUI Holiday Store, your Holiday Advisor can sort out your excursions for you.

Can you smoke on Marella Cruises?

Passengers can only smoke cigarettes and e-cigarettes in designated areas on the open deck on Marella ships – lighting up is banned elsewhere.

Note that e-cigarettes are prohibited in several countries and they may be taken off you at the airport so do check the latest Foreign Office advice before you set sail.

Cambodia, Lebanon, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Uruguay, and Taiwan are among the countries that have banned vapes.

Does Marella Cruises have formal nights?

Marella Cruises has Dress to Impress nights at which guests can don their party frocks.

There is generally one dress to impress night for every seven-night cruise, but they are also held on shorter sailings.

The dress code for such events is ’Smart’ which means, trousers, smart tailored shorts or a skirt or dress, a shirt or polo shirt and smart shoes. Swimwear, sportswear, trainers or flip-flops are not allowed.