Marella Voyager, currently sailing as Mein Schiff Herz for TUI Cruises, will join the UK based cruise line in April 2023 before undergoing a major refurbishment adding signature spaces such as Surf and Turf, Nonna’s and Snack Shack and new f&b offers such as a Mexican eatery and a Secret Speakeasy bar, MD Chris Hackney said at a media dinner Wednesday in London.
West Med debut
Hackney said there are more new venues and concepts to come for Marella Voyager that will be announced next summer. Debuting in her new livery on West Mediterranean itineraries out of Palma starting June 3, 2023, the vessel is being set up for 952 cabins and goes on sale next month.
‘After a challenging year for the industry we couldn’t be more thrilled to finally announce we’ll be welcoming Marella Voyager, the fifth ship in our fleet, in Spring 2023 with her first sailing taking place in June. This ship builds on our already popular fleet and offers loyal customers and new customers more choice. We know what our customers like and so we want to ensure we keep some Marella Cruises favourites but also add a different flavour to Marella Voyager,’ Hackney said.
He told Seatrade Cruise the addition to its all-inclusive fleet will increase Marella’s capacity by 25%.
Marella Voyager, built as Mein Schiff 2, was due to join a few years back and is a sister to Marella Explorer, the former Mein Schiff 1, which joined the Marella fleet in 2018.
US sailings
In a two part announcement, Marella is launching three US itineraries as part of Marella Discovery’s summer 2023 sailings from Port Canaveral. The programme was originally due to start in summer 2011.
Itineraries include an overnight in New York, a southbound sailing calling in Miami, Turks and Caicos, Key West and Dominican Republic and a third option with overnight in Tampa and calls to Nassau and Fort Lauderdale.
Hackney said the fly-cruise product will appeal to families looking for a week cruise and a weeklong stay in Orlando’s theme park district or relaxing on the east Florida coast, or for two back to back cruises for 14 days. Marella is offering a choice of 18 hotels for customers who want to have the best of both worlds.
‘Being able to set sail into the US next year is another milestone for us. The excitement for cruising is well and truly back and we’re delighted to be able to continue to offer new experiences for our customers,’ added Hackney.
Three of Marella's four ships are sailing: Marellla Discovery from Corfu, Marella Explorer from Palma and Marella Explorer 2 from Malaga with Marella Discovery 2 rejoning the fleet in March 2022.
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