Marella Discovery Colours Of The Caribbean

Colours Of the Caribbean

Marella Discovery | 16–23 December 2025

If you’ve ever wondered whether a Caribbean cruise could be the right holiday for you, this first-hand experience aboard Marella Discovery offers an honest and reassuring insight into what you can expect, from flights and cabins to dining, excursions and life onboard.

Our Caribbean cruise adventure began smoothly at TRIBE Hotel, Manchester Airport, setting the tone for a wonderfully relaxed journey. Bag drop with TUI was effortless, helped by the fact that we had already checked in online and pre-booked our seats (usually available from 14 days before departure).

First Impressions & Cruise Control

As a first-time Marella cruiser, I was genuinely impressed with how simple the Cruise Control system was to use. Completing all pre-travel documentation — insurance details, emergency contacts and passport information — was straightforward and intuitive.

Cruise Control also allowed us to browse a wide range of shore excursions well before sailing. I chose to book two directly with TUI:

🚴‍♀️ E-biking in Antigua

🌴 A Day trip to Nevis from St Kitts

Having lived in the Caribbean, I know how easy it can be to step off the ship and arrange local tours. However, TUI’s excursion prices were excellent value and came with added peace of mind; if a port is cancelled, your money is refunded automatically.

Once ashore, I always make a point of supporting local businesses. Caribbean street food is exceptional and well worth trying, and browsing local craft markets is a joy. It’s important to remember that many of the destinations visited rely heavily on tourism - what may seem like a small saving to us can mean a great deal locally.y

Flights & Arrival in the Dominican Republic

Luggage labels were printed in advance via Cruise Control, making embarkation seamless.

At the airport, TUI staff were plentiful and extremely helpful. Once our suitcases went througthe h bag drop, we were told they would reappear outside our cabin, and they did. A wonderfully stress-free start to the holiday.

Although an e-ticket is required for entry and exit to the Dominican Republic, this is not needed for cruise passengers. However, it’s still important to understand the process of flying independently.

One key reminder for UK travellers:

🇬🇧 British passport holders must have at least six months’ validity remaining from the date of return to the UK.

Flying with TUI Dreamliner

We flew on TUI’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was modern, comfortable and a pleasure for long-haul travel.

Economy seating is 3–3–3, with good space to move around

Complimentary bar service and hot meals included

Premium cabin offers wider seats and enhanced service (these sell quickly)

Extra legroom seats offer minimal extra space, while extra space (bulkhead/exit) seats provide significantly more room — worth choosing carefully

Premium and extra space seats book up fast, so early selection is strongly advised.

Embarkation at La Romana

On arrival in La Romana, we were escorted directly from the aircraft to waiting coaches - we didn’t even enter the airport terminal. The transfer to the port took around 10 minutes.

Immigration was efficient, and once our cabin number was confirmed, we were handed our cruise cards. After a short walk through a duty-free area, we stepped onboard Marella Discovery, greeted by a friendly crew and a ship beautifully decorated in festive colours. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and immediately relaxing.

Cabin Choice – Why It Matters

Cabin selection is an important part of your cruise experience. While it is possible to allow Marella to allocate a cabin, selecting one at the time of booking offers reassurance over location and layout.

During our cruise, we upgraded to a Junior Suite with Balcony, which provided generous space, excellent storage and a large private balcony - perfect for quiet mornings at sea and relaxed evenings watching the sunset.

Balcony cabins are highly recommended, particularly in the Caribbean, where the climate allows you to make full use of outdoor space throughout the day.

Our Junior Suite Experience

Our Junior Suite with Balcony offered generous space, excellent storage and a large balcony with a table, chairs and sun loungers. While we didn’t use the loungers much, the balcony became our favourite place, morning coffees, evening drinks and peaceful moments at sea.

Cabin features included:

Full-length wardrobe, drawers and cupboards

Kettle with tea & coffee

Coffee machine with pods (replenished daily)

Glass water jug, refillable from water stations near the cabin

Guests refill their own water, and we were assured the ship’s water is perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is chargeable.

Turndown service was included nightly, with chocolates placed on our pillows — a lovely touch. The cabin was serviced twice daily and kept immaculate. The stewards knew us by name and greeted us warmly around the ship, reinforcing that with Marella, you’re never just a number.

Dining & Atmosphere Onboard

All guests onboard were British, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout.

Dining highlights included:

The Island (Buffet) – casual, quick and varied

Gallery 47 – our favourite for breakfast and dinner, with changing daily menus

Piccadilly – traditional British favourites, à la carte and included

Italian Restaurant – very popular; early dining recommended

For busy restaurants, a buzzer system allows you to enjoy a drink while waiting — a thoughtful touch.

Speciality restaurants on Deck 11 book quickly and are around £35 per person. Feedback from fellow passengers was extremely positive. Also on Deck 11 is Bar Eleven, open until 2 am with a lively disco atmosphere.

Entertainment & Facilities

Entertainment was vibrant and varied:

Live Lounge with singers and bands

Squid & Anchor pub entertainment

Broadway-style shows at8 pmm an10 pmpm

Casino and quieter venues like the Glasshouse

The Glasshouse also houses the indoor pool and serves food outside main dining hours. The Snack Shack was ideal for quick bites on sea days.

The Oasis Spa was a tranquil retreat, though treatments were on the pricier side. Discounts were offered when booking multiple treatments early in the cruise.

Shopping, Drinks & Wi-Fi

The onboard shops offered excellent duty-free prices on alcohol, tobacco, perfume, skincare and gifts.

We opted for Premium All Inclusive, which worked out as a much better value when pre-booked at £99 per person for the week. This included premium spirits, branded beers, cider, canned soft drinks and more. Standard all-inclusive was still very good, with spirits, wine and soft drinks by the glass.

Wi-Fi onboard was expensive, and many guests found that data was used quickly. eSIMs or mobile roaming packages proved more cost-effective alternatives.

Life Onboard Marella Discovery

Marella Discovery offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with British guests on board and a strong emphasis on personal service. Crew members quickly learn your name and preferences, creating a welcoming and familiar feel throughout the week.

All Inclusive & Onboard Extras

Marella’s All Inclusive offering is one of the strongest at sea, covering meals, drinks, snacks and entertainment. For those who enjoy premium brands, Premium All Inclusive can be pre-booked atan excellent value and includes upgraded spirits, beers and soft drinks.

The ship also features:

• A relaxing spa and wellness area

• Indoor pool and sun decks

• Duty-free shopping

• Coffee venues and snack bars

Is Marella Right for You?

Marella Discovery is an excellent choice for:

• First-time cruisers

• Couples and families seeking a relaxed atmosphere

• Travellers who prefer a smaller ship with personal service

• Those wanting excellent value with flights and all-inclusive pricing

Itinerary & Ports

Our itinerary included:

Please refer to my Facebook page for a full description of our excursions and ports visited

https://www.facebook.com/designertravelbydinah

Day 1 – At sea

Day 2 – Barbados (instead of St Lucia)

Day 3 – Dominica

Day 4 – St Maarten (instead of Antigua)

Day 5 – St Kitts & Nevis

Day 6 – British Virgin Islands

Day 7 – La Romana (Disembarkation)

USD were accepted everywhere, though local currencies are also widely used.

Excursions booked directly with Marella or TUI offer excellent value and important peace of mind; if a port is cancelled, your money is refunded automatically. This protection is often overlooked but can make a significant difference.

Weather

December weather was gorgeous - around 28°C, with only light, occasional showers. December is a particularly lovely time to cruise the Caribbean, with warm temperatures.

Final Thoughts

This was a thoroughly enjoyable week aboard Marella Discovery. While it’s officially a 4★ ship, the refurbished cabins on Decks 7 & 8 feel fresh and comfortable. Marella is ideal for first-time cruisers or those who appreciate a smaller ship with a friendly, familiar feel.

Waking up in a new destination most days, enjoying sea views from your own balcony and having everything taken care of makes a Caribbean cruise a truly special way to travel.

Having experienced a variety of cruise lines and ships, I’m always happy to offer honest, tailored advice to help you choose the cruise that’s right for you — whether it’s your first time at sea or your next great adventure.

Ready to Plan Your Cruise?

If you’re considering a Caribbean cruise or would like guidance on Marella, cabin choices, itineraries or cruise lines that best suit your needs, I’d love to help you plan with confidence.

📧 Email: dinahwebster@designertravel.co.uk

☎️ Call or message: 07864 805563

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🌍 35 years’ travel experience | Worldwide knowledge | Professional Travel Expert