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The best Marella ships and Tui cruise deals for a 2025/26 holiday

Simon Calder’s Travel

Tui may be best-known for package holidays but its ocean cruise brand, Marella Cruises, has become popular among cost-conscious passengers.

Previously known as Thomson Cruises, Marella offers five ships that sail to more than 100 destinations, including stops in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

A major selling point of Marella is that passengers get an all-inclusive experience. Everything from flights, transfers, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and even tips are included in the cruise fare. The sailings are geared towards Brits but tend to depart from the continent.

The cruise line has even launched a calculator to show how much passengers could save on one of its sailings.

Many of its cruise ships are focused on family holidays. Onboard activities include escape rooms, swimming pools, cinema screens and rock climbing walls, in addition to evening entertainment. There are also kids’ clubs and teen hangout areas on the ships.

The capacity of each ship is around 2,000, meaning it can be a quieter experience compared with other family-focused lines such as Royal Caribbean.

You can escape the kids on an adult-only cruise with Marella Explorer 2, plus Marella Discovery will be child-free for summer 2026 sailings.

Tui also offers river cruises that are adult-only. Its fleet covers popular European itineraries, such as on the Rhine and the Danube, plus ventures further afield to the River Nile. Similar to Marella, Tui River Cruises are all-inclusive and some trips even include wifi and selected excursions.

Here is our pick of the best Tui cruises.

Read more: The best river cruises around the world

Corfu – Palma, Majorca – Cartagena, Spain – Malaga, Spain

Marella Voyager is hosting a musicals-themed sailing in 2026

Marella Voyager is hosting a musicals-themed sailing in 2026 (Getty Images)

Have a night at the theatre from the comfort of a cruise ship.

Sailing on Marella Voyager – the newest ship in the fleet, this Musical Med-leys sailing includes performances from the West End, guest speakers, trivia sessions and themed activities.

Stars from the world of musical theatre will host question and answer sessions.

When not taking in a show, passengers can enjoy the sights of Corfu, Palma and Malaga, as well as Cartagena’s historical landmarks.

The ship also has 17 bars and restaurants on board, more than…

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