Starting in Summer 2026, Marella Discovery will be exclusively adult-only, offering a stylish and tranquil cruise experience. Originally launched as the TUI Discovery in June 2016 from Palma de Mallorca, this ship has since been revitalised to meet Marella’s high standards and charm British cruisers with its welcoming, refined atmosphere. Although the ship first set sail in 1996 as Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas, it received a $53 million upgrade in 2011 and a further six-week transformation in 2016. This refit gave it a modern wave design on the hull, updated cabins, and refreshed public spaces, providing a fresh and vibrant ambiance.
The Marella Discovery features an impressive range of dining and social spaces. Its main restaurant, 47°, offers sophisticated dining in an elegant setting, while the Surf & Turf Steakhouse is celebrated for its high-quality dishes. The ship’s unique British flair can be found in touches like Yorkshire tea, HP sauce, and pints of John Smith’s ale, creating a home-from-home feel that UK guests especially enjoy. The friendly and attentive service is a highlight, with the crew often forming memorable connections with guests.
Guests can also explore a variety of entertainment and modern amenities, including virtual dance classes and touch-screen booking systems, all blending seamlessly into the ship's easygoing, comfortable atmosphere. Dress on board is smart-casual, with opportunities to dress up for the popular Dress to Impress evening. Marella Discovery’s dining venues encourage a polished look, with collared shirts in the speciality restaurants and cocktail bar adding to the ship's sophisticated vibe.
With its British touches, well-rounded amenities, and welcoming service, Marella Discovery is ready to offer an elevated adult-only cruising experience, promising relaxation and style at every turn.
Entertainment and Relaxation on Marella Discovery
Marella Discovery offers a world of engaging activities and entertainment. The Broadway Show Lounge, seating 800 guests, transports passengers to the glamour of 1920s New York with polished brass, Art Deco features, and impressive chandeliers. Enjoy eleven West End-style performances, like Legends Live and Medieval Madness, created by industry experts. Showtimes start at 8:15 p.m., with a second show at 10:15 p.m. followed by Late Night Live entertainment.
Daytime Fun & Games
With a dynamic entertainment lineup, guests can partake in virtual dance lessons with Anton du Beke, trivia, live music, and much more. Breakout & Escape Rooms provide a thrill with spy and murder mystery themes, while poolside music and movies keep the atmosphere lively.
Nightlife & Bars
The ship’s bars offer everything from cocktails to fine spirits. Popular spots include the scenic Atrium Bar and Bar Eleven for cocktails and late-night dancing. The Live Room features live performances, and the Deck 10 bar serves sunseekers with refreshing drinks.
Pools and Sun Decks
The ship has indoor and outdoor pools on Deck 9, each with hot tubs and plenty of lounging space. The adults-only Veranda offers a quieter sunbathing area with call-button service, while Deck 10 provides a spacious terrace with panoramic views.
Spa & Wellness
Ocean Spa & Beauty Salon boasts eight treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, and steam rooms. Guests can indulge in a variety of massages and treatments, while the gym next door offers equipment, free weights, and fitness classes.
For Those Who Like to Shop and Stay Connected
Midship on Deck 5, you’ll find the reception, duty-free shops, and photo gallery. Wi-Fi is available across the ship, with flexible packages for various needs.
Marella Discovery's dining options provide a variety of choices, with most included in the cruise fare and a few specialty venues available for an additional charge. Here’s an overview:
47° (Deck 4): This main dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both a la carte and buffet options. The elegant space features sea views, a grand piano, and a calming ambiance. The breakfast menu includes cooked-to-order Full English options, smoked salmon, and daily specials. Lunch and dinner menus change daily, offering dishes like prawn fritters, lamb kebabs, and a create-your-own burger, along with gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
Gallery 47° (Deck 5): This Italian-inspired area within the main dining room provides a selection of antipasti, arancini, veal, pasta, and Italian desserts like tiramisu. It offers a specialized dining experience while still included in the cruise fare.
Islands (Deck 9): This buffet restaurant features themed cuisine options, such as Middle Eastern and Mexican, alongside a carvery selection. With excellent views and self-serve “islands,” it’s especially popular for breakfast, where a broad range of options is available.
Snack Shack (Deck 9): A casual, poolside spot that serves British-themed snacks, grab-and-go items, and healthier options like salads. This informal eatery is ideal for excursions, with a variety of breakfast, lunch, and snack options throughout the day.
The Glass House (Deck 9): A bright, airy space overlooking the pool deck, offering a free dinner selection of sharing platters or tapas. For an additional fee, guests can enjoy the "Hot Stone" experience, where they cook their own meals on a sizzling stone plate.
Room Service: For a small fee, room service offers a selection of breakfast options and light bites, including omelets, salads, and pizzas. The guide in each cabin details the menu.
Kora La (Deck 11): This Pan-Asian restaurant features dishes like Thai green curry and sushi in a setting with subtle Oriental decor. Open only for dinner, it offers a menu crafted by chef Ian Pengelly and has a cover charge.
Surf & Turf Steakhouse (Deck 11): An intimate steakhouse with options like Tomahawk rib-eye and seafood. Known for its 28-day-aged Angus steaks, this venue has a cozy, upscale atmosphere with a cover charge.
The ship has 915 cabins, including 357 with balconies, 230 outside cabins, and 328 inside cabins. While the percentage of balcony cabins (39%) is lower than on some newer ships, it's still high for Marella. Cabins are modernized with a fresh, light color scheme, offering comfortable seating, desks, and plenty of storage space.
All cabins come with air-conditioning, a 32-inch TV, tea and coffee facilities, and a safe. Bathrooms are compact but functional, though some features, like wood paneling and basic toiletries, feel a bit dated. Higher-end cabins, such as suites, offer extra luxuries like coffee machines, Clarins toiletries, and access to exclusive lounges. The top-tier Royal Suite includes a living room, king-size bed, and even a baby grand piano.
Cabins vary in size, from cozy inside and outside rooms to spacious suites with separate living areas and larger balconies. Family cabins are roomy, with multiple beds and bathrooms. Accessible cabins are designed with wider doors, roll-in showers, and lowered features for easier access.