Understanding All-Inclusive Cruising
The term “all-inclusive” can be interpreted in various ways when it comes to vacations. Generally, it means that all meals and unlimited drinks are provided. But what does it mean for a cruise experience? One of the greatest luxuries of cruising is the ability to dine at almost any hour. However, the only complimentary beverages typically offered are tea, coffee, and juices during breakfast.
One British cruise line has redefined what all-inclusive can truly mean. Marella Cruises, a subsidiary of Tui, operates five ships where not only sodas, wine, beer, and cocktails are included, but gratuities (usually around £160 per person for a week-long cruise), transfers, and flights are also part of the package. Typically, fares start at approximately £800 per person for a week at sea.
At first glance, this seems like an exceptional deal. To test this out, I embarked on a journey around Turkey and Greece aboard the Marella Discovery. The flight to Dalaman was seamless, with options to fly from several regional airports. My balcony cabin was modern and spacious. I had been forewarned about the lack of luxurious toiletries—just a bar of soap and shower gel—but was pleasantly surprised to find chocolates awaiting me on the pillow.
Despite the pillows being a bit too firm for my liking, the staff quickly replaced them before bedtime. That evening, I indulged in a delectable lamb biryani from the buffet, paired with a glass of house red wine, before retreating to my cabin for a restful night’s sleep.
The Marella Discovery is not a new vessel; it was originally built nearly 30 years ago for Royal Caribbean under the name Splendour of the Seas and began operating under the Marella banner in 2016. The ship has a capacity for up to 1,830 passengers. While it may not boast record-setting water slides, it does feature a climbing wall, mini-golf, multiple pools, and a variety of entertainment options. The ship’s atrium exudes a classic cruising ambiance, reminiscent of the golden age of travel, and the theatre offers comfortable leather double sofa seating.
My husband Marc and I made it our mission to uncover any faults during our voyage, but it was quite challenging. Our first dinner in the main dining room was exquisite, featuring a creamy cauliflower soup followed by an impressively large pork chop. The wine and cocktails flowed freely, and although we had the option to pay extra for premium brands, there was truly no need.
On “Dress to Impress” night at the ship’s Asian restaurant, the Maitre D’ noticed my husband’s attire and politely suggested, “Sir, might you be able to wear something with a collar?” This prompted us to purchase a €5 polo shirt in Limassol which he wore for the rest of the cruise.
While the majority of passengers were British, there were also guests from the US, China, and various European nations. Though shore excursions came at an additional cost, they were more affordable compared to those offered by other cruise lines. For instance, our Turkish bathhouse experience in Alanya cost us £25 each for two hours in the sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam room, alongside a 30-minute massage. On Rhodes, we invested £50 for a guided trip to the archaeological wonders of Lindos.
Marella’s primary competitor in the British market is P&O Cruises, which does not include beverages in its standard fares. If you wish to enjoy unlimited drinks, it will cost approximately £48.85 per person per day. A similarly priced option is available with no-fly British cruise line, Ambassador, at £38.95 per day for unlimited house beverages and tips. Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages offers soft drinks in their fare and is currently providing £160 worth of complimentary drinks for each booking.
Various cruise lines have different policies regarding drinks packages, but Marella stands out by including a generous selection in their fares. Many cruisers prefer a price that encompasses everything, which has led some lines to offer add-ons. For example, Princess Cruises’ Premier Package is an additional £75 per person per day, covering drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, fitness classes, photos, and dining. Holland America Line features a similar “Have It All” package for £55 per person per day, which includes a couple of shore excursions.
Regent Seven Seas takes it a step further by providing fares that include tips, premium drinks, specialty dining, excursions, and even laundry services. What sets Marella apart is that flights are bundled into their packages. During our trip, we spent just £75 each on excursions and €5 for the shirt, making it easy to overlook the one minor inconvenience I did encounter—the shower pressure could have been stronger.
How to Experience It
A seven-night “Aegean Gems” cruise on the Marella Discovery 2, with departures on April 2 and 16, starts at £1,140 per person, all-inclusive.
