Winter with a difference: Chase the sun with Marella Cruises

Hollywood paints an idyllic picture of British winter. We live in a winter wonderland, where crisp snow and fresh coatings of crystal-clear ice bring romanticism to beautifully lit streets. However, reality is not to be found on screen.

Reality materialises from shivering in soggy socks and defrosting your car, as sleet discovers the gaps in your jacket. Further harsh truths bite as adverse weather enforces the cancellation of transport, and daylight becomes outlawed by 3pm.

There is another option for enduring winter, however and it comes from Marella with their all-inclusive winter sun cruise packages. Time to abandon your waterproof trousers for shorts and sandals? You betcha.

How about basking in warm rays of flaxen sunshine, as you sip cocktails by the pool? Or revelling in the snug history of sun-kissed and exotic shores? It’s time to trade grey skies for turquoise waters. You deserve to upgrade from cold darkness to endless horizons. No more decisions between raincoats and jumpers. Rather your toughest call will be choosing whether to sunbathe or snorkel. All you need to do is knock on Marella’s door.

Picture yourself setting sail from the Canary Islands, where Marella Voyager and adults-only Marella Explorer 2 will take you to enchanting ports – including Funchal, Arrecife, and San Sebastian. Or head to the Caribbean with Marella Explorer and Marella Discovery 2 home-porting in beautiful Barbados, ready to whisk you away to stunning locales like Castries and Oranjestad.

For a touch of exotic relaxation, the Dominican Republic awaits with Marella Discovery offering new adventures in Ponce and Isla Catalina. Ditching that woolly jumper for a swimsuit has never been so easy or as cost-effective.

All-inclusive! What do Marella’s winter sun cruises offer
With over 45 itineraries visiting more than 65 ports, Marella Cruises ensures there’s always a new horizon to explore.

A bonus is that you can enjoy easy flying from 14 local UK airports, paired with over 160 hotel options for Cruise & Stay packages. Plus, with Marella's 'All Inclusive as Standard' offering, you can indulge in endless culinary delights and refreshing drinks without a care in the world.

The best part? Marella’s ‘all-inclusive’ mantra ensures no nasty surprises. Although there may be some chargeable extras onboard it is possible for time onboard to be entirely cost-free.

It’s a game changer for those seeking a hassle-free holiday from the moment you step onboard. There’s no fumbling for your wallet or purse and you don’t have to panic about budgeting.

Savour gourmet dining across a variety of restaurants, enjoy unlimited cocktails, wines, and spirits, and take in top-notch entertainment every night. Whether you're lounging with a drink and soaking up some vitamin D, or exploring exotic ports of call, everything is taken care of.

Where will Marella ships based this winter?
The line’s celebrated Marella Voyager will be based around the Canary Islands throughout the winter season, marking the ship’s first time doing so. Marella Explorer 2 will also be based in the area, before moving to Palma (Majorca) for April.

Ports of call with these ships include Funchal (Madeira), Arrecife (Lanzarote), San Sebastian (La Gomera) and La Palma; destinations where mild temperatures and endless sunshine create an idyllic winter retreat.

If you wish to taste the Caribbean, then both Marella Explorer and Marella Discovery 2 will homeport in Bridgetown, providing direct access to the beauty of earth’s most enviable region; boasting powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush, rolling landscapes.

Why stick with rain-lashed pavements and swirling gales, when vibrant coral reefs and sun-kissed historic sites like Bridgetown are ready and waiting? Blending a mix of natural beauty and rich culture, the Caribbean proudly offers stunning sunsets, tropical rhythms, and the warm hospitality of its people. Not to mention perfect average temperatures for shaking off those winter blues.

Of course, there’s plenty of relaxation to be had with Marella, but there will be plenty of opportunity to explore Castries (St Lucia), Kingstown (St Vincent & the Grenadines), Pointe a Pitre (Guadeloupe), and Oranjestad (Aruba).

Then there’s the Dominican Republic, which will host Marella Discovery in La Romana, with calls to two new ports on selected itineraries - Ponce in Puerto Rico and Isla Catalina in the US Virgin Islands. Other sun-baked destinations include St John’s (Antigua), Willemstad (Curacao) and San Juan (Puerto Rico).

How much more sunshine, unwinding and relaxed adventure could you possibly want? And, don’t forget, that’s all inclusive…