Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Marella Cruises, the UK-based cruise brand within TUI, has announced its winter 2026 sailing program, introducing a range of fresh destinations along with the return of several much-anticipated ports. With bookings opening on 3rd July 2025, the upcoming season promises travelers a blend of cultural exploration, island escapes, and sun-soaked adventures ideal for the winter months.
One of the standout highlights is Marella’s return to Tunisia after more than ten years, with La Goulette serving as the gateway port to the historic city of Tunis. This marks a significant expansion of the cruise line’s Mediterranean offerings, reflecting growing interest in North African destinations.
Starting the winter season, the adults-only Marella Explorer 2 will embark on its ‘Mediterranean Moments’ voyage from Dubrovnik to Malaga on 29th October 2026. The itinerary features visits to the enchanting city of Valletta in Malta, the historically significant port of Tunis in Tunisia, and the picturesque Spanish coastal destinations of Alicante and Almeria. This route offers a captivating mix of rich heritage and vibrant seaside culture, delivering a well-rounded Mediterranean experience for travelers.
Following this, the adults-only Marella Discovery 2 will begin its winter schedule on 13th November 2026, departing Malaga for Las Palmas to kick off the Canaries season. The ‘Atlantic Treasures’ route includes stops in Tangier, Morocco; Lisbon, Portugal; and several Canary Islands such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Tenerife. This journey perfectly blends European city charm with island relaxation.
Beyond these two adults-only vessels, Marella’s fleet will be strategically deployed across major ports in Europe and the Caribbean, giving winter travelers a wide array of cruising options. Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager will operate out of Barbados, sailing diverse routes throughout the Caribbean. Marella Discovery will split its season between La Romana in the Dominican Republic from November 2026 to March 2027, before shifting to Majorca, Spain for March and April. Meanwhile, Marella Explorer will call Tenerife and Gran Canaria home, with Marella Discovery 2 alternating between the Canary Islands during the winter months and Malaga, Spain come spring.
Caribbean sailings stand out with Marella Explorer 2’s seven-night voyages from Bridgetown, Barbados. The ‘Cocktails and Coconuts’ itinerary features stops at vibrant destinations like Antigua, St Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, St Kitts, and Martinique before returning to Barbados. Alternatively, the ‘Exotic Islands’ itinerary calls at St Lucia, Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, and more, showcasing the rich diversity of the Caribbean’s tropical islands.
Enhancing its offerings, Marella is expanding the popular Cruise & Stay program by adding 22 new hotels across Cyprus, Croatia, Corfu, and Spain. This growth increases the total hotel portfolio to 143 properties accessible via 14 UK airports, enabling guests to tailor their holidays with convenient pre- or post-cruise stays. The line also introduces overnight stays onboard while docked at Funchal, Madeira, and Willemstad, Curaçao, offering passengers extended time to enjoy local sights and culture.
Marella Cruises remains committed to evolving its product to meet traveler demands, incorporating new itineraries, ports, and adult-only ships designed for those seeking a more relaxed, sophisticated cruising atmosphere. Passengers will enjoy opportunities to explore the cultural richness of Morocco and Portugal, alongside scenic island retreats.
The cruise line’s all-inclusive model continues to attract travelers, with fares covering all tips and service charges to ensure a hassle-free experience. This transparent pricing approach provides excellent value and peace of mind. Winter 2026 ‘Island Explorer’ itineraries start from £1104 per person, with reservations opening on 3rd July 2025.
This revitalized winter lineup provides travelers with plenty of opportunities to leave behind chilly weather and enjoy bright, sun-drenched locales. Stretching from the culturally rich and historic coastlines of the Mediterranean and North Africa to the lively, sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean and Canary Islands, Marella’s 2026 cruises cater to a wide spectrum of vacation preferences and travel tastes.
With the expanded Cruise & Stay options and extended overnight port calls, the cruise line enhances the flexibility and depth of its holiday packages. This comprehensive approach responds to growing interest in multi-faceted vacations combining sea and land experiences seamlessly.
As winter approaches, Marella Cruises presents a compelling invitation to explore some of the world’s most captivating coastal destinations with ease and comfort. The upcoming booking window, opening in July 2025, provides travelers the perfect opportunity to secure their place on these exciting new and returning routes.
