Brummijam

12 minutes ago, Sheera07 said:

Yes I understand that , the drinks already included in the holiday cost are very good , but if you wanted more choice of cocktails and other spirits plus coffee the upgrade is well worth it, it’s about £280 for a 2week cruise.

Crossed wires methinks.

Marella do all inclusive as standard with a choice to upgrade to premium at a cost of usually £10 per person per day.

P&O is not all inclusive but you can pay as you go or buy a drinks package……… I was enquiring how much per person per day do P&O charge for said the drinks package?

On 5/26/2023 at 1:28 PM, Jayneykul said:

We have booked a canaries cruise on P&O which was a bargain in a balcony cabin but when you factor in the drinks package has increased to £45 per day we think we could have got the same price on Marella. We have booked on explorer for October and have to fly from Leeds Bradford because of the flight times. I don’t know why the Manchester flights are always 6am? It’s far too early for me to have to get up before 3am to catch a flight. O/h isn’t happy as the Leeds/Bradford flight doesn’t got till 3pm so he views it as missing a day on the ship. It also saves a day on the kennel fees though! 

Would that drinks package be per person ?

Went through BHX security last Saturday  08/07/23 at 12:30 pm and it was no more than a ten minute queue.

Hi Babydrum.

Not sure if you are aware that Nationwide is a uk Building society and the travel insurance  is part of a package offered to members with certain types of accounts.

I am not sure that an American National would be eligible to open an account but perhaps worth enquiring.

The actual insurance policies that they offer are via a third party insurance company.

The concept was quite common with certain banks/ building societies offering different  perks such as credit card protection,mobile phone cover, household emergency cover, emergency vehicle rescue, travel insurance etc, All for an additional monthly fee.

Good luck.

On my first Saga trip Christmas and new year and curious to what is acceptable attire for dining/ evening wear for gents.  I don’t own a suit, I may be able to find a tie, Almost all of my clothes I would consider smart casual so what can I wear without fear of being ejected from the restaurants.😳😉

1 hour ago, jammowem1954 said:

Thank you 

👍

8 minutes ago, jammowem1954 said:

Hi folks

Travelling on Explorer 2 later in the year. As virgin cruisers we're not to sure what electrical gadgets can go on board. We know the ship provides a laundry service but can you take a steamer( to drop creases) to use in the cabin? Obviously toothbrushes and razors are allowed but we just need clarification on hair dryers and tongs. Would a EU to UK extension lead be permitted? 

Thank you for the advice from you more knowledgeable seafarers

Hi Jammowem.

From Marellas online site.

19) Can I take electrical items onboard a Marella Cruise ship?

In your cabin personal grooming items such as hairdryers, travel irons, curling tongs, hair straighteners and shavers are permitted when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned on the last day of the cruise prior to disembarkation. We also ask that all electrical equipment is turned off when you leave the cabin and not left on charge.
You may bring a four-way adapter or extension lead onboard, but we ask that you let our Cruise Team know so that these can be tested.

22) Can I take a travel iron on a Marella Cruise ship?

You may take a travel iron on the ship, however if the device is determined to pose a hazard they will be removed and returned on the last day of the cruise prior to disembarkation. There's also a laundry service onboard the ships where you can pay for your clothes to be pressed on-demand. If you've chosen a cabin with premier service, you get a free pressing service for the formal night.
 

I would imagine that a steamer would come under section 22.)

as an aside we have never been asked to get any adapters tested.

Hope this helps.😉

19 minutes ago, Cruise Anorak said:

Hi Fife 1

have been looking at Explorer for a while now, like the itinerary.

What is Corfu airport like, you say it is what it is. 

Have sailed with Marella several times but not this area.

Thanks in advance

We returned home via Corfu airport last April from a repositioning cruise, we got through Bag drop and security in about ten mins, really surprised us, we were fearing the worst. It was at 8 o’clock in the evening though.

21 hours ago, FIFE1 said:

We have just returned from two weeks onboard the explorer.

Cabin 9023: Great cabin no issues and very quiet. Our friends were in 9011 again no issues. Big shout out to Michael and his team who kept everything in tip top shape and could not do enough for you.

We eat in the main restaurant (breakfast and dinners a good few times) again great service and a varied choice. Market place also good. We also eat in the surf and turf and Kora La again excellent and good value for money.

Entertainment: Again shows great, hosts (especially Phil and Lee0 kept everything running smoothly and good fun. 

Bars: Squid and Anchor (our normal home) was good and no issues (however very busy), we sat in the live lounge a lot (If your onboard say hello to Vegas 5 star and Priston). Pool bar and Mediterranean were equally good.

The boat was late back to Corfu on Friday the 9th and this created a few issues at the airport. Corfu airport is what it is, no point spoiling a great holiday complaining. TUI did there best and all planes waited for all passengers.

Overall another great cruise and a big well done to all the staff onboard for there hard work to make our holiday special. 

 

booked for Sept 2024 explorer (Just noticed TUI changed all the flight times from Scotland next year grrrr)

A decent review Fife, Thanks.😉

Have a great trip RR.👍🏻

Hi Ginger.

What a shock to get after your holiday. Unfortunately Marella have form for doing this as I recall there was a similar thread on here some time ago. I do believe that it gets sorted eventually but it must be stressful. When I embark the ships I always give credit card details instead of debit card and if there are any problems you can let the bank/ card provider sort it.

hope you get a successful conclusion soon.

1 hour ago, Jim The Scot said:

We,ve only had a cabin twice in all the cruises we have been on

That's unfortunate Jim,I would never have stood for that.😂😂😂

3 hours ago, nancyneptune said:

 

Just stating the facts Brummijam. No need to be so touchy. It was my friends from Walsall who showed me the results of the poll. 

 

Quote  " And it seems the Scots also top the list  when it comes to trust too with 14% of people surveyed saying they find that accent most trustworthy. The Yorkshire accent is a close second at 13%"

 

I love a Geordie accent. Could listen to that all day long.

My post was in jest Nancy, Hence the laughing emoji thingies.😉

Whereas this comes across as Touchy.🤷🏻‍♂️

We are Scottish and drink very little. Terrible observation on your part but typical of some people from the south who think all Scots are drunks and are mean. You need to get out more. By the way you said they picked up free drinks. The drinks on Marella are not free. They are included in the price of the cruise and  paid for up front.

Have a lovely evening.😘😘

4 hours ago, nancyneptune said:

 

In a poll on British accents, Scottish accents were at the top and Birmingham accents were at the very bottom, lol!

On the defensive today Nancy.🙄😂😂

17 hours ago, Brummijam said:

Saga are perhaps the most advanced regarding offerings for single cruisers on smaller ships but the downside is they are more expensive than the other lines mentioned here.

Got to be worth a look if you fit the age criteria. (60 plus) as I am not sure what the single supplement is with TUI ,P&O or Fred.

All cabins on Saga have balconies and both ships are all inclusive.

 

My other half is on the spirit of adventure with ma in law at the moment and they are having a fantastic time.😉

 

 

 

My mistake 60 plus should read 50 plus I believe.

Saga are perhaps the most advanced regarding offerings for single cruisers on smaller ships but the downside is they are more expensive than the other lines mentioned here.

Got to be worth a look if you fit the age criteria. (60 plus) as I am not sure what the single supplement is with TUI ,P&O or Fred.

All cabins on Saga have balconies and both ships are all inclusive.

My other half is on the spirit of adventure with ma in law at the moment and they are having a fantastic time.😉

Hi PC. Hoping that yourself and mrs PC are both keeping well.

We did an excursion through the Corinth canal albeit on a much smaller tourist boat but it’s quite the experience. I have seen pics of a small Fred Olsen cruise ship going through and it looks like it’s a tight squeeze to say the least.

Are you still not thinking about booking something? (Don’t get wasting that voucher)😉

We have always stayed loyal with Marella even after the covid reimbursements fiasco but we now feel that with the price that they expect these days for the product that they offer is becoming unrealistic.

We are giving another cruise line a chance this year (Two trips booked) Which we would normally have booked with Marella. 🤷🏻‍♂️

As they say “ the proof is in the pudding “ so we will see.

Marella’s saving grace as always is their fantastic crew.

To all of you new cruisers please don’t let my posts put you off Marella, you need to try it and decide for yourselves but for me it’s time for a change.😉

Most of the bars on the ship do coffee that is acceptable (it’s not instant coffee)  you can get Lavazza in the coffee port and pay per drink

You are correct regarding fruit juice, we have only seen bottles of J2O.

What is on offer on the standard all inclusive package is fairly comprehensive and what isn’t included can be purchased.

In my opinion it’s not worth the upgrade.🤷🏻‍♂️

44 minutes ago, BlackBox said:

Thanks, that's nice to hear. Do you mean the Adriatic generally, or Marella's Adriatic Explorer itinerary in particular?

 

Sixty cruises is impressive! Our only cruising experience was a Caribbean cruise (with Celebrity) but that was more than 20 years ago.

 

Trawling through some of the posts in here there seems to be a bit of an impression that Marella have deteriorated over time and aren't particularly good value any more so perhaps I should be looking around at offerings from other lines. One thing I recall from our sole previous experience is having found the tipping custom rather awkward, so Marella's all-inclusive approach appeals.

 

Trawling through some of the posts in here there seems to be a bit of an impression that Marella have deteriorated over time and aren't particularly good value any more so perhaps I should be looking around at offerings from other lines. One thing I recall from our sole previous experience is having found the tipping custom rather awkward, so Marella's all-inclusive approach appeals.

REGARDING THE ABOVE

The post about Marella’s standards slipping was primarily aimed towards the regular cruisers who read and post on here. Lots of things are being altered/changed compared to what we used to enjoy a few years back. As a new cruiser I don’t think you will go wrong choosing Marella the all inclusive setup plus included tips is a game changer for a lot of people.

Regarding late bookings you can bag a bargain if you are able to go at very short notice.

We had a Canaries cruise with a junior suite for the price of a balcony cabin albeit with only one weeks notice.  The Adriatic trips are amazing, you won’t be disappointed.😉

34 minutes ago, Jim The Scot said:

Order a drink,pick up glass,open mouth,swallow

 

Easy

You missed the all important 

“Repeat as required” 😂

41 minutes ago, Rebel Rouser said:

After 54 cruises, mainly with Island Cruises/Thomson/Marella and the odd 1s with MSC/Royal Caribbean/P&O Still can't get the hang of this drinking malarkey 😇

Practice is the key.😂

15 minutes ago, Scotstravellers said:

This is my first ever cruise...I'm a very proud Scot and also working class. Maybe I should be be looking at going to Millport rather than Marella 🤔🤣

Ignore all of this daftness.

I am sure you will enjoy your first cruise, only problem is it gets quite addictive😉

54 minutes ago, Jim The Scot said:

Geezo

 

Just for the record,I,m a proud working(ex)class scotsman and not offended by anything posted regards Scots or working class on this thread or said to me in person

 

 

Sadly we walk on egg shells  in a society of easily offended

 

We are all Jock Tamsons bairns after all

 

Those of English  persuasion will need to google that 🤣

The human race..😜

God bless Google, everyone’s friend. 😂

Keep well Jim.

Up the Workers.🫣😂

This is a great website for port information.😉

https://whatsinport.com/