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Following hot on the heels of Marella Discovery, which joined Thomson (now Marella) Cruises in 2016, Marella Discovery 2, reinforces the sea change that is steadily transforming this fleet. While last summer's arrival of Marella Discovery marked a major step forward for the line; the addition of her new sister (and new flagship) in May 2017 is clearly propelling this tour operator cruise line to a new level.
Like its sister ship, Marella Discovery 2 has come from U.S. line Royal Caribbean International where it sailed as Legend of the Seas and has arrived sporting a similar contemporary look, along with many of the same facilities and attributes. There's a feeling of light and spaciousness that flows through the public areas, along with striking artworks that include stylish monochrome shots of Marella Discovery 2 in the shipyard during a six-week multi-million-pound bow-to-stern refit. This successfully stamped the tasteful Marella look throughout the 1,830-passenger ship before it started its maiden season of Mediterranean sailings from Malaga, bringing the comfortable ambience Marella is known for. In fact, passengers who have already cruised on Marella Discovery will feel very much at home on Marella Discovery 2 (which is a perfect fit for couples and families) though they might notice a few small differences. Tweaks have been made here and there, and following customer feedback some passenger facilities have been changed, too.
The biggest difference is the disappearance of the Breakout and Escape Room. This has been replaced by new Virtual Reality Experience on Deck 3, with new studio rooms where guests can don headsets to transport them into vivid virtual worlds, or pose for pictures in an onboard photo booth loaded with fun backdrops. In keeping with the drive for new hi-tech ways to aid customers is a new onboard app offering a variety of services. Called Navigate, the app enables passengers to monitor their onboard account, check the itinerary and thumb through the entertainment schedules. Users can also glean more information about the ship's facilities, including destination services, the medical centre and shops, though details are only cursory -- mainly giving just a brief explanation and, where appropriate, opening times. However, Navigate comes into its own for booking extras such as spa treatments, excursions and speciality restaurants. The app is free of charge and, as it is hosted on the ship's own network, it will open on any browser, which means passengers don't have to download it or pay for Wi-Fi to access it. As Marella Discovery 2 has launched as an all-inclusive ship, most drinks are included -- along with gratuities, something for which Marella is already known.
There's definitely a relaxed look and feel to the dress code on Marella Discovery 2. During the day and into early evening it's very casual in the Islands buffet restaurant, the Snack Shack and the Glasshouse, though sunbathers wandering in here are asked to cover up and slip a top on. For dining in the main 47° and Gallery 47° restaurants, diners are advised slip on what they would wear if going out for lunch or dinner -- and definitely no shorts, vests or swimwear. Male guests are requested to wear closed shoes, too. In the a la carte restaurants, a collared shirt and trousers plus closed shoes are also required -- but men do not have to wear ties. Formal nights have given way to "Dress to Impress" -- a more flexible approach that sees ladies wearing anything from jewelled ball gowns to cocktail dresses and summery outfits with men going all-out for full black-tie, wearing a lounge suit or even putting on smart jeans. On the whole, most people make the effort to brush up and look smart.
Note: Marella Discovery 2 underwent a dry dock update in December 2019, which saw the line's Squid & Anchor pub replace the Venue cabaret-style lounge, a mini-golf course fitted, family suites updated and the Islands buffet restaurant complete refresh
Theatre. Entering the 850-seat Broadway Show Lounge (which is actually the main theatre) on Deck 4 is like stepping into a world of twenties-style glamour. Unlike some of the more modern theatres, which can sometimes seem a little stark, this oozes Art Deco glitz that harks back to the golden age of theatre. Striking glass and brass double doors open on to a gently sloping auditorium decorated with starburst designs and filled with rows of golden curved-top seats that resemble gentle waves sitting under a sparkling trio of mirrored chandeliers. The programme of 11 shows continues the theme started on Marella Discovery with the West End-style productions created by various big names including dancer and choreographer Tara Wilkinson, who was previously involved in hits like "The Full Monty" and "Motown," and Martyn Ford, a conductor and musical arranger who has worked with Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Productions range from a lively song and dance special called Boogie Shoes which pays homage to popular classics harking back to Elvis Presley and other greats, to Legends Live, which features tributes to iconic artists. There's also "Beatz Interactive," a hi-tech dance performance featuring LED-lit costumes, and an amusing stage version of "The Full Monty".
Daily Fun. There's a constant roll-call of activities, especially on sea days with the pool deck acting as the hub for al fresco daytime entertainment. This ranges from competitions and challenges, to trivia quizzes, cocktail-making demonstrations, games and music from live bands. Inside, the Atrium, Venue and Live Room all have a varied programme of performances and activities, while the Oceans Gym runs an ongoing series of classes. The daily Cruise News lists everything that's going on around the ship. However, the biggest new attraction is the Virtual Reality Experience which replaces the Break Out and Escape Room on Marella Discovery, and unlike that attraction (where users are charged £10 per person), it is complimentary. Even though it was in the experimental stage when we tried it, it was still captivating as we were transported to outer space to fight space pirates before swapping scenarios to arrive in a Harry Potter-esque magic chamber where exotic spells transformed our surroundings with fantastic special effects. The room is hired out for 45 minute sessions, and it's great fun and sure to be popular. Next door is the novel Green Screen Experience, a photo booth where users pose against quirky backdrops to have their pictures taken swimming with fish in the sea, lounging on the beaches of a desert island or scaling the ship's climbing wall. Once shots are taken, they are emailed directly to passengers to put out on social media and make all their friends jealous.
At Night. The al fresco LED movie screen (improved over the one on Marella Discovery) overlooking the main pool on Deck 9 is used for films and trivia quizzes during the day, but comes into its own during evenings when it becomes the venue for Movies by Moonlight. Passengers can snuggle down on the sunbeds with blankets (if needed) along with popcorn and hot chocolate, available for a supplement. Films tend to be family-friendly hits, with showings at 7:30 p.m. for those aimed at a younger audience or 9 p.m.
The Live Casino, occupying a corner of the Live Room lounge on Deck 4 is slightly larger than its equivalent on Marella Discovery and is equipped with the latest slot machines. It also has a live roulette wheel following feedback from customers who disliked the electronic roulette on Marella Discovery, which will now be changed to a live version. There are also blackjack tables -- and if anyone is unsure how it all works, croupiers will give lessons too. Any chips that are cashed in are added to each passenger's onboard account.
Bars & lounges. With Marella Discovery 2 being all-inclusive, it's fair to say the bars are always pretty busy. Passengers wanting a wide choice of drinks and beverages can upgrade to the Premium Drinks Package for an extra £70 per person, per week which provides a wider selection of wines by the glass, 1.5 litres of water delivered to the cabin daily and premium Lavazza coffee from the Coffee Port. In terms of venues, passengers can choose from five bars, ranging from the all-happening Live Room to the bustling Atrium Bar and the late night Bar Eleven.
There's a wide choice of drinks, contained in a handy little booklet, with choices divided between those included in the All-Inclusive plan and those that are part of the Premium Inclusive plan, with supplements listed for those not on the premium plan.
Drinks range from draught beers such as Foster's and John Smith's; canned and bottled beers such as Becks and Corona to sparkling wines, spirits and a lip-smacking array of cocktails. Spirits are served in 40ml measures, 60 percent more than the standard U.K. pub measure
Atrium Bar (Deck 4). The location makes this bar an ideal meeting place, whatever the time of day, but particularly during evenings. Light and buzzing, it is the place with the best views of the soaring five-storey atrium and its gleaming brass and glass lifts. This area also hosts daytime dance sessions, musical recitals and the Neverland family show. It opens from 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. until midnight.
Live Room (Deck 4). Billed as Marella Discovery 2's flagship watering hole, it is claimed to be the most spacious and modern bar with the biggest selection of on-tap beers. This funky, brightly-coloured lounge changes from a casual quiet hangout during the day to a rocking lively hub in the evenings. Sing-along sessions around the custard yellow piano get everybody in the party mood, while live singers get the crowd on their feet with jiving Motown classics and Abba favourites. The dance floor gets packed and amid the heady atmosphere even those still seated get grooving in their chairs. Opening times are from around 3 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Venue (Deck 5). Set out in a more traditional cabaret-lounge layout, this is billed as the secondary show lounge. It is more open than its equivalent facility on Marella Discovery as raised-up areas on each side have been taken away. It can accommodate audiences of up to 500-strong for entertainment that ranges from the Splash Live! children's interactive show to family-orientated game shows and performances from virtual bands on the new LED screen.
The Coffee Port (Deck 6). This cosy little cafe overlooks the atrium and, if you glance out of the porthole windows, you'll see one of the ship's four resident penguins peering back at you. It stretches to both sides of the atrium, linked by a walkway lined with small tables for two and decorated by a sweeping beverage-infused wall mural. On one side is the counter where barista-made Lavazza coffees are served, costing from £1 for a regular filter coffee or £1.35 for a latte. There are also complimentary breakfast pastries and sweet treats, costing from 75p upwards. It is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pool Bar (Deck 9). This semi-circular bar serves daytime and evening drinks, plus hot chocolate and popcorn during Movies by Moonlight showings, and is open from 8 a.m. until late.
Deck 10 Bar (Deck 10). This circular bar serves the upper decks and is generally open, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. -- though occasionally later.
Bar Eleven (Deck 11). This DJ-led venue, complete with dance floor attracts a younger and more hip set, however, while the music is more modern, there's still a good selection of dance numbers that gets everyone up on their feet. This is the bar that keeps going after all others close and it's the place where everyone flocks to once the Live Room shuts up shop for the night. It generally stays open until around 2 a.m. but if the party's going strong, it will stay open until 4 a.m.
Pools. There are two pools, filled with filtered seawater and open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. The main hub is the outdoor pool, complete with sectioned-off children's area. The deeper part of the pool is 1.7 metres (5.5 feet) and is flanked by two hot tubs with space for up to eight people.
The indoor pool in the Glass House sits under a glass retractable roof, giving it a conservatory feel, while the classical-style columns and wall friezes are definitely Romanesque. There are two hot tubs, which can also accommodate up to eight bathers. This area is generally more peaceful and becomes adult-only between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
Recreation. The most stand-out feature is the rock-climbing wall located at the ship's aft on Deck 10, open to adults and children over six years, while behind sits a nine-hole mini-golf course. Traditional deck games are not forgotten as you'll find shuffleboard here too. The ship also has a fleet of around 28 bikes -- regular and electric versions -- which can be used for the bike tours in each port of call, with prices from around £36 per person. Electrically powered bikes cost £10 more.
Sun Decks. Besides the obvious areas around the pools, there is the adults-only area, The Veranda, located on the ship's aft on Deck 9. Space is limited and as it's free, you have to be quick to grab one of the loungers or cushioned wicker-style pod chairs. One of the perks is the lounger-side call button which sunbathers can use to summon drinks' waiters. Another sun terrace on Deck 10, which has its own bar, also tends to be quieter with less children.
Services. The guest services desks and kiosks are located on Deck 5, one deck up from the Atrium Bar. There are two long curved desks either side of the entry to the Broad Street Shops. On the right-hand side is Reception, open 24/7 and on the left is the Destination Services shore excursions desk. There are a handful of kiosks where passengers can check information on the itinerary and book restaurants. The shopping arcade is slightly different to the one on Marella Discovery, with a larger convenience store, which has been moved to a slightly different location, plus central display cabinet that can be wheeled away when not in use. High street brands making their debut include Ted Baker and Radley. Also on this deck is the Photo Gallery, with interactive screens, where passengers can choose and buy photos taken onboard.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, though the signal can be variable, and charges are from £8 an hour, £15 for a day, £49 for a week and £90 for two weeks.
Spa. The Oceans Spa and Beauty Salon is similar to the facility on Marella Discovery, though the retail shop has been replaced with a facial room and a new Medi-Spa facility offering anti-wrinkle treatments and lip fillers. The Deck 9 facility boasts eight treatment rooms in total, plus a hair and beauty salon and a male and female sauna and steam room, which is complimentary. The relaxation lounge looks out over The Veranda adult-only deck. Treatments include facials and body treatments, including seaweed massages, salt scrubs and hot stone massages. Prices for these start at £72. Acupuncture is also offered from £93. The spa opens from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Fitness. The light and airy gym on Deck 9, with its good selection of running machines, cross-trainers, exercise bikes and weight machines, is next door to the spa. There is also an adjoining small studio room where exercise classes are held each day, some of which carry a charge. Opening times are from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Keen joggers can pound the running track that encircles Deck 10 where four laps total one mile.
Marella Discovery 2 easily holds its own on the dining front with complimentary venues balancing out speciality restaurants, which carry an extra charge. So if passengers don't want to fork out for speciality dining, there's no reason why they should have to as there's a good clutch of free venues offering a contrast of culinary tastes and styles. The main 47° restaurant and Islands buffet are the most popular venues, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while others, such as Gallery 47° and The Glass House, are open at selected times during the day and/or evening. However, anyone wanting to splash out can sample speciality restaurants that easily compare with those on other ships in terms of surroundings and the standard and variety of cuisine which, while catering for British palates, also injects spice and variety where required. Both Marella Discovery 2's main speciality restaurants are a cut above its other dining options. Kora La benefits from the more spectacular setting at the top of the ship and an imaginative menu which also includes a selection of exotic cocktails. This was our favourite dining spot and well worth the charge, though the Surf & Turf steakhouse has much to recommend it and is also worth a visit. Both restaurants require reservations and can book up quickly. Reservations can be made 48 hours in advance through Navigate or the booking kiosks.
Free Dining
47° (Deck 4). As the main dining room on the ship 47° certainly comes with a sense of occasion, the surrounding floor to ceiling windows letting the light flood in, which creates an airy and spacious feel. The sweeping staircase leading to Gallery 47° on the upper level, and high ceiling with an ornate chandelier as the centre-point, inject a feel of glamour into this restaurant, whose name, rather bizarrely, comes from the latitude line that crosses the French shipyard where Marella Discovery 2 was built. The restaurant opens for breakfast, lunch and three-course dinner each day, with diners enjoying waiter service on tables that seat between two and eight people. At peak times, guests are given the option of sharing a table with other passengers. There are no fixed seating times; it's simply a matter of turning up when you wish, and no reservations are required. For breakfast, 47° opens from between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. (depending on the day) for around two hours with open seating and an express breakfast option with one main course, which is pre-prepared, served immediately. This is generally a traditional cooked breakfast. For those wanting a full breakfast, in addition to the "full English" they can opt for French toast, kippers, pancakes or Eggs Benedict, along with a choice of teas, juices and coffees. For lunch, it opens from noon to 2 p.m. while at dinner, doors open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., again with open seating. The menus change each day on a 14-day cycle before they are repeated, and there are special menus for gala evenings.
Cuisine, based on the premise of traditional fare with a modern twist, is generally good, but can lack the finesse found in main restaurants on other lines. At lunch, diners can help themselves to a salad bar and choose from starters that include salads, soups alternative options such as Yorkshire ham with honey or scallops. Main courses vary from a prosciutto and mozzarella panini, grilled filet of tilapia or goujons of chicken. There is an "Anytime Favourites" section that is always available and contains burger, chips and jacket potato. Desserts can include cheesecake, ice cream and chocolate pannacotta. The dinner menu offers several starters, ranging from soups and salads to brioche and herb crusted brie wedges and quiche, while main courses include poached fillet of cod, pork loin and an aubergine and courgette parmigiana. One of the specialities -- the Lobster Mac and Cheese is tasty and creamy, but a little lacking on the lobster front. Chef's Recommendation picks out a choice from each course while a section of lighter options may include fish, a tart and grilled chicken. Desserts are reasonably varied, with favourites given an added twist with an espresso creme brulee, baked chocolate and pistachio pudding or a forest berry coupe. There are also ice creams and sorbets and a cheese selection.
Additionally, menus contain dishes with reduced sugar or no sugar. Symbols denote vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus dishes where gluten-free alternatives are available.
Gallery 47° (Deck 5). This restaurant enjoys an elevated position overlooking 47° from its galleried balconies and benefits from the same airy ambience along with the shiny brass and chrome that help to give this restaurant its glitz. However, while it looks a carbon copy of its sister restaurant on Marella Discovery, there is more to it than meets the eye. When this restaurant was first established on Marella Discovery, Thomson (as it then was known) polled customers to gauge what type of cuisine they wanted served in the new venue. The definitive request was for Italian dishes, and on Marella Discovery, Gallery 47° was dedicated to this. However, the restaurant failed to attract enough diners so on Marella Discovery 2 just half the restaurant has an Italian menu with the remaining half based on the same menu as 47° downstairs. It is also waiter service and opens only in the evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with no set dining times and no reservations required. The Italian menu carries a selection of antipasti for starters, followed by traditional Italian favourites such as pasta and calzone and fish, meat and vegetarian options. On signature dishes, which carry a supplement, the pasta is tossed in a parmesan wheel at the tableside before it is served. There is also a Chef's Suggestion menu which focuses on handpicked dishes from the main menu in 47°.
Islands (Deck 9): While the overall quality of the food in the buffet restaurant was good, this is probably the most dated of Marella Discovery 2's dining venues and lacks the bright, airy feel of the main restaurant. At peak times, it can be difficult to find seats, though if you're travelling alone or as a couple there are handy bar tables with stools where you can perch to eat breakfast and enjoy the views out of the expansive wraparound windows. The nautical decor and darker colours add to the old-fashioned feel, but there is a plentiful choice and variety of different dishes from the food stations clustered in the centre of the restaurant. Islands is open for most of the day, starting early with continental breakfast offerings from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. which moves into the full breakfast buffet from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. Lunch buffet is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with afternoon tea from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and dinner from 6 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Breakfasts are one of the busiest times, and there is a good choice of fresh fruit, cereals, meats and cheeses and popular fry-ups that go down a treat with the British crowd, plus an omelette station too. At lunch, this is replaced by salads, meat cuts, soups, and jacket potatoes offered with various fillings that include cheese, beans and chilli con carne. Scones with cream and jam trimmings are offered for afternoon tea, while during the evening dishes there is a full range of dishes, which on some evening have an Indian, Mexican or Italian theme. There is a carvery for diners wanting roasted meats. A new feature is a beer and wine dispenser from which passengers can help themselves, offering Fosters, Strongbow cider and John Smith's Bitter plus red, white and rose wine.
Snack Shack (Deck 9): Bright and breezy, this alfresco deck spot is ideal for informal and impromptu dining. It has been imaginatively laid out with its row of brightly-painted beach hut-style booths, each one named after popular destinations Marella Cruises ships sail to. There are also a few picnic style tables and bench seats. If you find the buffet restaurant too crowded, this is a good alternative venue and tends to get less crowded. The focus is on Grab & Go bites, available for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and lunch and afternoon snacks between 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Chilled cabinets contain a selection of light bites that customers can eat at the tables or take away -- sometimes on trips ashore as it saves having to buy lunch. Breakfast selection includes muesli, fresh fruit, plus granola pots mixed with yoghurt and fruit, while a food counter offers hot options including scrambled egg, sausages and bacon along with Danish pastries, croissants and porridge. The bacon butties are definitely worth a try. At lunch chilled options include pre-packaged sandwiches, wraps and ready-made salads, including Greek and Caesar varieties. Cooked alternatives include burgers, hot dogs and chips. There is a tea and coffee stand nearby which is useful, but diners wanting juice need to walk across the deck to get it in Islands. However, there is a chiller cabinet behind the counter with cold cans of fizzy drinks.
The Glass House (Deck 9): This light and airy venue is located by the second deck pool, under the glass retractable roof and is a quiet alternative to the busy main deck, especially after 2 p.m. when the pool becomes adult-only. Tables are set to one side, close to the windows as the pool is surrounded by sun-loungers, but there is a solarium feel to the surroundings. During the day, when The Glass House is open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. passengers can help themselves to deli-style light bites that include sandwiches, rolls and salads, plus freshly-squeezed juices. From 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. it comes into its own as a proper evening dining venue which benefits from the attractive lighting around the pool and peaceful, relaxed ambience. Diners can opt for tapas, pizza and sharing platters, while from 9:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. late evening snacks are served.
Fee Dining
Kora La (Deck 11, midship). Not only does this Pan-Asian restaurant boast fabulous cuisine -- but it is matched by the wonderful views from its vantage point across the main deck and out to sea. It is open from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., but try to book a table for around sunset to guarantee the best vista -- a perfect additional ingredient that will set the seal on evenings here. But the food alone is enough to make any meal memorable. The ambience is suitably Asian with dark wood furniture matched by the deep brown tablemats, muted carpet and wall murals adding splashes of colour. The menu has been developed by chef Ian Pengelly, who established London eaterie House of Ho, and it offers around four choices for each course -- starter, main, speciality curries and desserts. The menu carries a pre-dinner cocktail of a K2 Cooler with sake, blue Curacao, fresh mint and a splash of soda water for an extra charge of £1.50. A delectable amuse bouche -- in our case, "popcorn prawns" -- are the first stage of this culinary journey. Starters include prawn satay with a tangy peanut sauce, vegetable samosas or tasty crisp pork belly with Korean barbecue sauce -- but the pick of them is the duck and watermelon salad, a delicious blend of textures and flavours, heightened by the accompanying cashew nuts, sweet fish sauce and Asian herbs. Main courses include the intriguingly-named Shaking Beef, with crisp garlic and pea shoots -- which is more exciting than it sounds -- bok choy and shitake mushroom souffle, and tasty chicken, lamb and beef curries, cooked to every individual diner's personal spicy preference. And to round it off, a clutch of sweet treats that include sweet-toothed toffee and banana crumble, golden ginger cream and tempura vanilla cheesecake.
Sushi Bar (Deck 11, midship). Tucked into one side of Kora La, this serves Asian temptations such as spicy tuna rolls, salmon sashimi and seabass nigiri washed down with Far Eastern beers that include Tiger, Cobra and Singha. Passengers dining here can choose up to eight pieces of sushi, sashimi or nigiri. It is open from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Surf & Turf Steakhouse (Deck 11, midship). The low wooden ceiling and shuttered windows give an intimate closeted feel to this restaurant that is more reminiscent of a private club with its leather-backed wall, accompanied by a long row of white-linen covered tables. It opens from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is all about understated quality as shown in the surroundings, cuisine and impressively attentive service. There is a tantalisingly long list of starters, ranging from beef carpaccio and caramelised beetroot salad to crab bisque or crayfish and prawn cocktail, while Caesar salads are ""crafted" at your table. But diners should save themselves for the main act in this culinary performance -- the 28-day aged Signature Steaks that take the leading role with a monster 32oz Tomahawk rib-eye steak, served for two, and already cut. There are smaller steaks and the Surf & Turf signature dish of 6oz petite filet mignon and a half lobster tail that were beautifully cooked. Other entrees include roast rack of lamb, grilled butterflied Cornish hen, and grilled tiger prawns. A vegetarian option includes baked vegetable filo wellington, while side dishes range from sautéed mushrooms and buttered peas with pancetta to chips with truffle salt and potato and horseradish mash. If you have any room left, desserts include a flourless chocolate souffle, New York cheesecake and apple tart, all rounded off by dessert cocktails costing an extra £1.50.
Hot Stone (Deck 9, midship). One of the more novel options is Hot Stone in The Glass House where diners can enjoy the novelty of cooking their own meat on a sizzling hot slab of volcanic rock at their table. Diners choose from meats including scaloppini of lamb -- though as this was more thinly sliced it seemed to dry out more quickly. The better choices were medallions of pork tenderloin and Angus beef skewer, with other options including salmon and prawns, or Stilton glazed Portobello mushrooms as the vegetarian alternative. Desserts may include creme caramel, warm tarte tatin or chocolate espresso mousse.
Room Service. This is available 24/7, starting with breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The choice is limited to five different fruit juices, hot drinks, a hot bakery selection and a selection of cereals. Passengers need to hang out the order form on their door before 4 a.m. There is also a charge of £4.95 per person. All-day options include omelettes, for £4.95, and light bites that range from a club sandwich for £3.60 to soup at £2 and Caesar salad for £2.85. Desserts are apple pie (£3.25), chocolate mousse (£3.25), plus a cheese and biscuit selection (£3.60). Drinks range from assorted juices, for £2, to hot chocolate at £2.60. White, rose and red wines are offered, ranging from £15 for a 75cl bottle of sauvignon blanc to £18 for a bottle of Mateus Rose. An antipasto selection is also matched to the wines, costing from £3.50 for a selection of hams and cheeses, served with pickled vegetables and granary bread. The main Room Service menu is featured in the Life Onboard brochure, which is in every cabin and this lists all choices, with prices. Drinks from the room service menu are not included in the all-inclusive drinks package.
There are 918 cabins, with 40 percent having balconies -- the highest of any Marella ship, just pulling ahead of Marella Discovery, where the comparable tally is 39 percent, and significantly more than the line's other older ships. In total, 356 have balconies, 234 are outside cabins and 328 inside, plus there are six different cabin types that have contrasting styles and layouts. They start from inside cabins through to outside, balcony and suites, with single and accessible cabins too. All have been refurbished and each one has a desk, bedside lamps and bedside tables, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, with 17 channels including Sky, BBC, ITV, and a "Teens TV" channel. There is a safe, hair dryer and tea and coffee-making facilities, complete with Yorkshire Tea teabags for that taste of home. The laundry service collection costs £14.95 per bag and if you leave it out before noon, you'll get it back later that day.
Standard cabins are pleasantly decorated with muted shades, broken by splashes of vivid blues or oranges, matched by brightly-coloured contemporary artwork. Ensuite facilities -- often the biggest giveaway of age on older ships -- have been modernised, bringing a far more up-to-date look and feel. They are compact, but the sparkling white walls and tile-effect floor make them appear fresh and pristine, with turquoise and green mosaic tiles adding a touch of colour.
There is plenty of storage with pale wood Ikea-style shelving and a cupboard. The shower is effective, though the surrounding curtain may be irritating for those who prefer sliding doors. Toiletries are generally limited to hand soap and wall-mounted bodywash in the shower. However, suites and deluxe balcony cabins enjoy Clarins toiletries.
Plug points are either American or European, so remember to bring an adaptor. A handy new addition to all cabins are the two USB points fitted to the bedside lamps, making for a convenient connection point to charge your Apple device. In some cabins you may need to unplug the kettle or minibar to use the European sockets.
Passengers wanting a specific cabin can pay £45 to reserve them -- and this is the case across the Marella fleet.
Inside. This category covers three different types that measure between 12 and 15 square metres (132 to 165 square feet), with the smallest on decks 2 and 3. They can sleep up to four with twin beds that convert to a queen-size double bed and, in some cabins, upper berths that fold down. Inside cabins on decks 6, 7, and 8 are virtually identical, but do not have the upper berths so just sleep two people. There are 45 Inside Plus cabins on decks 7 and 8, which are the largest in this category and sleep two people.
Outside.The 199 Outside cabins on decks 2 and 3 have a porthole or picture window and measure 14 square metres (150 square feet). The twin beds convert to a queen-size double bed and there's a sitting area with a sofa and an ensuite shower room. These can sleep up to four, with some cabins having upper berths that fold down for additional sleeping space. There are 14 Deluxe outside cabins on decks 7 and 8 and these are larger, at just over 20 square metres (215 square feet), and can sleep up to four people. They have a floor to ceiling window along with twin beds that convert to a queen-size double and a sitting area with sofa bed, plus an ensuite shower.
Inside Single. Located on Decks 2 and 3, there are 15 of these. They measure 12 square metres (139 square feet) and have the same features as standard inside cabins. They are the same size as the smallest ones, but are specifically targeted at solo travellers and do not carry a supplement.
Outside Single. Also on Decks 2 and 3, there are 15 of these cabins. They come with twin beds (even though they are targeted at solo travellers), though these can be converted to a queen-size double. Measuring 14 square metres (150 square feet), they are the same size as a standard outside cabin and have a sitting area with a sofa and ensuite shower. There is no single supplement.
Balcony. There are 124 standard Balcony cabins located on Deck 6, measuring around 13 to 14 metres (139 to 150 square feet). Twin beds covert to a queen-size double and there's a sitting area, ensuite shower and small balcony that has two chairs and a small table. A step up from this is a Deluxe Balcony cabin, and there are 144 of these on decks 6 and 7. These are slightly larger at 15 to 16 square metres (161 to 172 square feet) and have the same features as the standard balcony cabins, plus a sofa bed, which accommodates two extra guests.
Suites. All of the six suite grades benefit from "premier service," comprising added extras that include priority port check-in, continental breakfast in bed (one per person, per week), Clarins toiletries along with bath robes and slippers, best quality towels and free pressing of up to three items of clothing. All suites have baths in the ensuites and passengers staying in the top three grades -- Royal Suite, Executive Suite and Grand Suite -- have access to the Suite Concierge lounge on Deck 9. Here, guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, drinks and snacks, plus concierge and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Junior Suite. The 67 Junior Suites, measuring around 21 square metres (226 square feet) are located on Deck 8 and can accommodate up to four passengers. In addition to the twin beds that convert into a queen-size double, there is a decent sitting area with a sofa bed that can accommodate two more guests, plus two chairs and a coffee table, while outside is a balcony with two sun-loungers. The ensuite has a bath and shower.
Family Suites. There are two types of Family Suites. The Family Junior Suite on Deck 8 measures approximately 39 square metres (419 square feet) and can sleep six people. There is a bedroom with twin beds and a living area with a double sofa bed plus twin beds that convert to a queen-size double. In addition to the ensuite shower, there is a balcony.
There are also two Family Suites on Deck 8 measuring 40 square metres (430 square feet) that can sleep seven people. There are two separate rooms, one with twin beds, that convert to a queen-size double, and another with a fold-down bed. The living area also has a double sofa bed. There are two bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a bath and a balcony too.
Grand Suite.There are 12 Grand Suites on Deck 8, which can accommodate four people. Measuring 32 square metres (355 square feet), they have twin beds, which can convert to a queen-size double and a spacious sitting area with a sofa bed. Similar to Junior Suites, but the added space means there is more of a differentiation between the bedroom and lounge areas. The ensuite is relatively spacious too and comes with a bath and shower. There's also a balcony with this suite category.
Executive Suite.There's a real feeling of space in the five Executive Suites, measuring a giant 47 square metres (505 square feet), and with separate sleeping and living areas separated by glass doors. Located on Deck 8, these can sleep four people in the queen-size bed or queen-size sofa bed in the living room. The ensuite has a shower and a bath and floor to ceiling glass doors that take up the entire wall lead out to the balcony.
Royal Suite. The ship's ultimate private retreat which promises acres of space and plenty of luxurious touches that include a baby grand piano and whirlpool bath. Located on Deck 8, at the front of the ship, it boasts a whopping 92 square metres (990 square feet) of space and can accommodate up to four people. There is a separate living room, with a sofa bed, a bedroom with a king-size bed. The balcony is so spacious, at 12 square metres (139 square feet), it is the size of an inside cabin!
Accessible/Adapted. There are 12 Adapted cabins in total -- six outside, and the remainder inside. They are located on Decks 2,3 and 7 and can sleep up to three people. Measuring 23 square metres (247 square feet), they are wheelchair accessible and have twin beds that convert to a queen-size double, plus an ensuite with a walk-in shower/wet room, equipped with a shower seat and handrails.
