What's it really like on a family-friendly cruise with Marella?

Sophie Chichester

Sophie Chichester

Marella Cruises is a super option for families looking for an easy and wallet-friendly holiday, but what can you actually enjoy onboard as a multigenerational group?

Marella Voyager at sea
Marella Voyager at sea © TUI UK & Ireland

Cruising as a family is a fantastic way to explore the world while enjoying entertainment, food and only-unpack-once convenience on tap.

Do you have one child who needs to try all the activities but another who just wants to play video games? Two (sea)birds with one stone on a cruise! Kids of all leanings will enjoy the huge variety available on large cruise lines like Marella Cruises*, and the adults definitely will because the drinks are all-inclusive.

Marella Cruises is known for its family-friendly sailings, but what is it really like to cruise with your loved ones (and those you occasionally want to kick in the shin) on this popular line?

Find your family cruise: browse the latest family-friendly cruises from Marella* to book your next voyage for all ages today.

Are Marella Cruises good for families?

Aye aye, Captain! Marella Cruises is well-suited for families thanks to kid-centric facilities and activities. Marella Discovery*, Marella Discovery 2*, Marella Explorer* and latest ship, Marella Voyager*, are all family-friendly vessels and welcome children of all ages, from babies to teens.

They feature kids' clubs for when you want to ditch the offspring, family-friendly activities for when you don't (bean bag boules, anyone?), and numerous all-inclusive dining options to make travelling with groups stress-free. The onboard entertainment includes West End-style shows, movie nights and interactive games suitable for all ages, to name just a few highlights.

Mums and dads don't need to fret about the finances either; not only are Marella holidays seriously affordable (there's nearly always a great deal to snap up) but there's so much included in the cruise fare: food, entertainment, activities, drinks, tips and even flights, making budgeting easier for families.

Plus, the dress code is more relaxed compared with some other cruise lines, which is ideal when travelling with children who don't think the clothes you've carefully picked out are quite right for them that day.

Which cruises are family-friendly?

Most Marella Cruises itineraries cater to families, but some destinations stand out as particularly suited for those travelling with children*, namely the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Look out for family shore excursions, too.

Visiting some of the top sights in Majorca
Visiting some of the top sights in Majorca © Proslgn - Adobe Stock Image

Little ones can enjoy trips to waterparks, aquariums and beaches, while older kids (aged 10 and over) can explore on two wheels. Most ships carry mountain bikes, and at nearly every port, guests can join an experienced guide for a scenic ride around the top sights.

Remember, if you're new to cruising with kids*, shorter sailings (around four to seven nights) allow you to test the waters without committing to a long trip.

Mediterranean

No surprises: Med sailings are the closest-to-home option, ergo shorter (and cheaper) flights. This summer, there are family cruises from Palma, Majorca, calling at such hotspots as Naples, Sardinia, the south of France, Gibraltar, Alicante, Malaga, Tuscany, Rome, Barcelona and beyond. You'll cram in beaches and culture galore.

Caribbean

An unbeatable tropical vibe, beautiful beaches and a mix of adventure activities make the Caribbean* a family favourite for a reason. Marella offers cruises here in the winter and early spring, stopping at the likes of Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts, the British Virgin Islands (BVIs), St Maarten and more.

Canary Islands

You'll want this gaggle of sun-drenched volcanic beauties (with no time difference!) come the winter months. Expect beaches, history and adventures aplenty, with Marella's end-of-year cruises taking in Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Fuerteventura and even Madeira. Marella also offers special Christmas and New Year's cruises in the Canaries* too.

Family cabins

Do they have family rooms on cruises? Yes! Marella Cruises offers a range of family-friendly accommodation options. Family cabins and interconnecting rooms provide plenty of space and flexibility for parents travelling with children. Some cabins can sleep up to five guests.

For those wanting extra comfort, balcony cabins and suites provide additional room to relax. Just remember to book early as family staterooms are usually in high demand.

Kids' clubs

Marella Cruises offers dedicated kids' clubs catering to different age groups, ensuring children have plenty of fun while parents enjoy some downtime. Open from morning till late, the clubs provide a safe but jolly environment where kids can make mates and get stuck into myriad activities.

Mini M Club caters to the youngest cruisers aged 0 to 3, with stay-and-play sensory sessions, storytime and arts and crafts (note that children under three must be accompanied by an adult). There's even baby ballet and singing with sign language.

Then there's M Crew, for ages 3 to 7, which puts on interactive history hours, fancy dress competitions, film and pizza nights and mini-discos.

Older kids aged 8 to 11 can join M Club, where they'll enjoy pirate hunts, crazy golf challenges, science activities, movie nights, chocolate parties and mini-discos (can we join?).

As for teens, youngsters aged 12 to 17 have their own space at The Hideout, a dedicated hangout with game consoles, comfy seating, air hockey tournaments, comedy shows and silent discos.

Activities & entertainment

Marella Cruises offers a glut of onboard activities to entertain the whole family. Most ships feature swimming pools suitable for children, alongside dedicated splash zones equipped with fountains and water jets.

Flex your competitive side with mini golf, basketball and table tennis tournaments available on deck or join an interactive game show and participate in fun competitions and quizzes hosted by the entertainment team.

Raising Escape Room fans? On Marella Discovery, kids over eight can race against time in the Siren's Spell challenge (extra charges apply), solving games and challenges to break a pirate's curse in 60 minutes or risk walking the plank.

Over on Marella Discovery 2, kids and adults alike can test their speed, precision and reflexes on the interactive PlayWall with more than 28 games, from penalty shootouts to treasure hunts and fast-paced robot building.

Both these ships boast rock climbing walls, too, while Marella Voyager has an arts-themed bar with crafts available in the daytime plus shuffleboard.

Additionally, both outdoor and indoor movie screenings of family-friendly films are scheduled throughout the cruise (complete with popcorn and hot chocolate), while regular West End-style shows might inspire many a new stage skill.

Fancy an even more relaxing experience? Marella also provides family spa treatments and quieter lounges stocked with board games and books.

Real-life reviews

If you want it from the horse's mouth, families who have cruised with Marella rave about how fab the experience is for children of all ages. One parent shared on Facebook: "Our six-year-old had the time of her life! The staff were amazing and treated our girl like a princess - couldn't fault them. She particularly liked the towel art!"

Another guest sailing on Marella Voyager with their two sons said: "My oldest says it's the best holiday he's ever had! So many families on board, he's been to the kids' club every night and made lots of friends. My two-year-old has just made a friend too."

Many parents also love the liberty that sea days bring, with one commenting: "There is so much freedom on the ship," while another revealed a top tip for foodie parents: "Put your child in M Club from 7.30 pm to 9:30 pm and go for a lovely three-course meal in Latitude yourselves - even for one night!"

Families also praised the spacious cabin options, with one guest loving their family balcony cabin on Marella Voyager, saying it was "perfect" for their 9 and 12-year-olds.

Ready to book your family cruise? Find the latest offers on itineraries with Marella Cruises to secure your next sailing for less today.

Marella Cruises: Top deals on all inclusive summer sailings in 2025
Sophie Chichester

Sophie Chichester

Posted on Thursday 27th March 2025 in: Caribbean Cruises Europe Family Marella Cruises

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