Why Marella Voyager Exceeded My Expectations

By Nina, Team Leader

I’ve always tended to favour larger cruise ships, so Marella Voyager wasn’t necessarily a ship I’d have considered for my own holiday. However, after spending seven nights exploring the Greek islands on the Aegean Shores itinerary, I came away with a completely different perspective.

From the excellent food and entertainment to the friendliness of the crew, there was so much I enjoyed. With just one sea day and a different destination to explore almost every morning, the itinerary was exactly what I’d hoped for, while the all-inclusive approach made everything wonderfully straightforward.

First Impressions of Marella Voyager

The first thing that struck me was the service. Every member of the crew seemed genuinely happy to help, and nothing was too much trouble.

On our first evening, I discovered an issue with the air conditioning in my cabin. I mentioned it to my cabin steward, and within an hour it had been resolved. What impressed me even more was that he continued checking everything was working properly throughout the week.

I also appreciated the complimentary reusable travel mugs waiting in the cabin. They could be used throughout the cruise, making it easy to collect my morning coffee and take it wherever I fancied sitting. The coffee was excellent, too!

Dining and Entertainment on Marella Voyager

I was pleasantly surprised by the dining choice onboard. The three main restaurants offered plenty of variety, with menus rotating every three days, while the food hall featured everything from Greek and Chinese dishes to British favourites.

For a special evening, I’d recommend Surf & Turf, the speciality steakhouse. There was a £29 per person supplement during our sailing, but I thought it was worth every penny. The steak and seafood combination was delicious.

The entertainment was another highlight, with a varied programme that felt particularly well suited to British guests. One of my favourite performances featured a live-singing drag act who was returning for a third season with Marella. The show was sensational and genuinely one of the best I’ve seen at sea.

I also loved Flutes, the intimate Champagne bar, which was perfect for a pre-dinner drink. The ‘Press for Bubbles’ buttons were a particularly fun touch!

Another venue I’d recommend is The Exchange, a cocktail lounge inspired by a 1920s speakeasy. During our cruise, you could book a 90-minute show with three cocktails included for £18.95, which I thought represented excellent value.

Exploring the Greek Islands

The Aegean Shores itinerary was a major part of the appeal for me. With only one sea day during our seven-night cruise, we had plenty of opportunities to explore.

We booked an excursion in every port, and I was impressed by how well organised they were. Prices ranged from approximately £45 to £90 per person, and the Destination team onboard were knowledgeable and helpful.

My favourite destination was Kefalonia, which exceeded all my expectations. We joined an excursion to the north of the island to explore its caves, and I loved discovering somewhere I’d previously known relatively little about.

For anyone who enjoys visiting new places and making the most of their time ashore, I’d certainly recommend considering this itinerary.

Is Marella Voyager Good Value for Money?

One of the biggest advantages of cruising with Marella is knowing that so much is already included in the fare.

With meals, selected drinks and gratuities covered, I found it much easier to relax without constantly thinking about additional costs. There are optional extras, including speciality restaurants and certain entertainment experiences, but I thought the pricing was reasonable and transparent.

I’d also recommend considering the Premium All Inclusive upgrade. During our sailing, it cost £90 per person for the week and provided a much wider choice of soft drinks, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Another thoughtful touch came on disembarkation day. Our flight wasn’t until 7.15pm, so Marella’s complimentary courtesy cabins were particularly welcome. Guests could book a 20-minute slot to freshen up before leaving, making the final day much more comfortable.

Would I Recommend Marella Voyager?

Absolutely. I was impressed by the entire experience, particularly the service, food and entertainment.

There was a wide range of ages onboard, although I’d personally recommend Voyager more to adults and couples than families with younger children. There is a children’s club and gaming lounge, but the overall atmosphere felt more geared towards adults and older teenagers.

I’d especially recommend Marella to anyone who enjoys a destination-focused holiday, appreciates knowing what’s included in the price and wants a friendly, relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Having previously favoured larger ships, I’m delighted I had the opportunity to experience something different. Marella Voyager completely exceeded my expectations, and the crew deserve enormous credit for making the week so enjoyable.

I stepped off the ship with a very full heart and an even fuller stomach!

If you’re considering a Marella cruise, speak to our Cruise Experts at Bolsover Cruise Club, who can help you explore the itineraries and find the right holiday for you.