Marella Cruise Tips
Helpful Marella cruise tips for first time cruisers, families, couples and anyone planning a relaxed sunshine cruise holiday.
Simple cruise planning advice covering cabins, packing, onboard tips, destinations and choosing the right Marella ship.
Helpful Tips Before Booking A Cruise
Choosing the right ship, destination and cabin early can make your cruise experience much easier and more enjoyable.
Marella Cruises offer a relaxed and approachable cruise experience, but different ships, itineraries and cabin types can suit different travellers.
Before booking, think about where you want to cruise, who is travelling, whether you want a family friendly or adults only atmosphere and how much time you expect to spend onboard the ship.
First time cruisers may prefer destinations like the Canary Islands or Mediterranean, while Caribbean itineraries are popular for winter sunshine and island hopping.
Choosing The Right Cabin
Your cabin can make a big difference to your cruise experience, especially on longer itineraries.
Inside Cabins
Good for value if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and destinations.
Outside Cabins
A good middle ground if you want natural light and sea views without a balcony.
Balcony Cabins
Popular with couples and scenic itineraries for private outdoor space and sea views.
Cabin Location
Midship cabins can feel more central onboard and may suit first time cruisers.
For more detailed cabin advice, visit our Marella cabin guide.
What To Pack For A Marella Cruise
Packing for a cruise can feel different from a hotel holiday, especially if it is your first time cruising.
General Cruise Packing Tips
Packing smartly can help you feel more relaxed throughout your cruise holiday.
- Bring lightweight clothing for warm destinations
- Pack comfortable walking shoes
- Take swimwear and sun protection
- Bring a light layer for evenings onboard
Evening & Dining Tips
Marella cruises are generally relaxed, but many guests still enjoy dressing slightly smarter for evenings and dining.
- Smart casual evening outfits work well
- Comfortable footwear is useful onboard
- Check your itinerary weather before travelling
- Consider sea day clothing separately
Tips For Your First Day Onboard
Your first cruise day is usually exciting and relaxed, and these simple tips can help you settle in quickly.
First Day Cruise Tips
- Explore the ship early
- Find your favourite lounges and pool areas
- Check dining and entertainment schedules
- Take time to relax after boarding
- Get familiar with deck layouts
- Enjoy sail away from the open decks
Sea Day Tips
Sea days are one of the best parts of cruising and give you time to properly enjoy the ship itself.
Use The Pool Areas
Sea days are ideal for relaxing around the ship and enjoying outdoor spaces.
Try Different Dining Venues
Use sea days to experience different restaurants, lounges and casual dining areas.
Watch Evening Entertainment
Shows, live music and lounges are often busiest and most enjoyable on sea days.
Slow The Pace Down
One of the biggest cruise advantages is having time to properly relax between ports.
Family Cruise Tips
Families often benefit from a little extra planning before travelling on a cruise holiday.
Family Cruise Planning
Families may want to book early for school holiday dates, preferred cabins and popular destinations.
View Family Cruises →
Choose The Right Destination
Canary Islands and Mediterranean cruises can be good family options thanks to shorter flights and relaxed itineraries.
View Canary Islands Cruises →
Choose The Right Ship
Marella Discovery and Discovery 2 are popular with families thanks to entertainment, dining and relaxed onboard spaces.
Compare Marella Ships →Adults Only Cruise Tips
Couples and adults only travellers may prefer quieter travel periods and more relaxed onboard experiences.
If you prefer a more grown up cruise atmosphere, Marella Explorer 2 is the adults only ship in the fleet and is especially popular with couples.
Travelling outside peak school holiday periods can also provide a quieter onboard atmosphere and more relaxed destinations ashore.
For more couples focused cruise ideas, visit our Marella adults only cruises guide.
Marella Cruise Tips FAQs
Helpful answers for planning your Marella cruise holiday.
What should I pack for a Marella cruise?
Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, swimwear and smart casual evening outfits are useful for most Marella cruises.
Are Marella cruises good for first time cruisers?
Yes, Marella cruises are often popular with first time cruisers because of their relaxed atmosphere and approachable style.
Which Marella ship is best for families?
Marella Discovery and Discovery 2 are popular family friendly choices with entertainment, pools and relaxed onboard spaces.
What is the adults only Marella ship?
Marella Explorer 2 is the adults only ship in the Marella Cruises fleet.
Can I get help choosing the right cruise?
Yes, you can request a cruise quote and we can help compare ships, destinations, cabins and travel dates.
Related Marella Cruise Guides
Explore more Marella cruise planning pages, ships and destinations.
Which Marella Ship Is Best?
Compare Marella cruise ships for families, couples, first time cruisers and adults only holidays.
Compare Ships →
Marella Cabin Guide
Learn about inside cabins, balcony cabins, suites and choosing the right cabin location.
View Cabin Guide →
Get A Cruise Quote
Tell us your preferred ship, destination, dates and budget and we’ll help find suitable cruise options.
Request A Quote →Planning A Marella Cruise?
Tell us your preferred destination, dates, ship and cabin type, and we’ll help find suitable Marella cruise options.
Get A Cruise Quote