Marella Cruises kickstarts 30th anniversary by launching summer 2026 itineraries
Throughout 2026, Marella Cruises is celebrating its 30 year milestone meaning there’s never been a better time to set sail with the British line
Hip hip hooray: The cruising arm of the TUI holiday giant, is turning 30 in 2026. Over the last three decades, Marella – Celtic for 'shining sea' – has built up a reputation for delivering great food, friendly service, lively entertainment, and good value pricing with a British twist (every cabin is kitted out with kettles and Yorkshire Tea bags).
To mark its big 3-0, Marella Cruises has launched a series of commemorative sailings across its entire fleet throughout May 2026 departing from Corfu (Greece), Limassol (Cyprus), Palma (Majorca) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).
The anniversary sailings are part of a new range of itineraries across the line’s five ocean ships: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2, and Marella Voyager.
Marella has also added a solar eclipse sailing to its newly released summer 2026 programme. The cruise – onboard Marella Discovery 2 – will provide passengers with the chance to witness the eclipse at sea on August 12, 2026, and feature stops in Palamos (Spain), Propriano (France), Civitavecchia and Salerno (Italy) and Palermo (Sicily).
Prices for the Cosmopolitan Charms solar eclipse itinerary – the first time Marella Cruises has created a specific itinerary to allow eclipse-chasers the chance to see the lunar experience at sea – start from £1,533 per person and are all-inclusive as standard with all tips and service charges included.
In addition, Marella Discovery 2 will sail a Jewels of Mediterranean itinerary on May 12, 2026. Departing round trip from Palma in Majorca, the cruise will call at Olbia, La Spezia (for Portofino and Florence), Villefrance (for Monaco), Toulon (for the Cote D’Azur) and Palamos.
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A key Marella focus is its Cruise & Stay programme. This year, to coincide with its 30th birthday, the line has increased its Cruise & Stay offering by adding 18 new hotels in Cyprus, Croatia, Corfu and Spain.
This means that passengers can choose from more than 112 hotels across multiple destinations ranging from the premium Platinum collection to more authentic small and friendly properties.
Marella Cruises’ managing director, Chris Hackney, said: “We’re excited to be announcing our 130th celebration birthday sailings for 2026 departing from Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Croatia in addition to our unique solar eclipse sailing for our summer 2026 programme.
“By expanding our Cruise & Stay offerings in Croatia, Spain, Greece and Cyprus, it will give guests a chance to explore the sights, with a chance to stay at our TUI hotels pre or post-cruise.”
Happy Birthday Marella Cruises – here’s to the next 30 years…
Marella Cruises’ summer 2026 itineraries are available to book from October 17, 2024.
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About Kaye Holland
Kaye is a London-based wordsmith who has written for a range of publications including The Times, The Independent, The I, Culture Trip, The Sun, and ABTA among others. In June 2022, Kaye joined the Real Response Media where she looks – together with Lucy Abbott – after the World of Cruising website. Want to get in touch? Kaye can be reached at: [email protected]
