Cruising for families and kids with Marella Cruises

Photos courtesy of Marella Cruises

Great for families
Marella's onboard climbing wall

Marella Cruises – easy family holidays with friendly service

Average

3 Stars

Kids’ Clubs

3 Stars

Entertainment

3 Stars

Dining

3 Stars

Cabins

3 Stars

Itineraries

3.5 Stars

Value

4 Stars

Atmosphere

3 Stars

Multigen Fit

3 Stars

Marella Cruises presents a brilliant choice for families seeking a holiday that is simple, sun-filled and full of fun. It is a cruise line built on the idea that a holiday should feel effortless from the moment it is booked.

With all-inclusive dining as standard, a famously friendly crew and a vibrant mix of entertainment for every age, it’s an easy win for parents and children alike. There’s no need to overthink anything. On a Marella cruise, everything is sorted, and everyone is welcome.

The experience feels genuinely premium for the price, which is a rare and welcome balance in family travel. Guests know exactly what their holiday costs upfront, with food, drinks, tips and entertainment all included. It’s great fun, great value and refreshingly stress-free. Onboard, the atmosphere is built around enjoying time together. The crew are warm, fellow guests are easygoing, and the vibe is lively but never chaotic. It is the perfect mix of sociable and chilled, which is exactly what a family holiday should be.

Marellas creche for 0-3 year olds
Marellas creche for 0-3 year olds

Kids’ clubs

The M Club, Marella’s dedicated kids’ club, offers a well-structured programme of activities for different age groups. Sessions range from arts and crafts to movie screenings and classic treasure hunts around the ship, all supervised by cheerful and energetic youth hosts. For teenagers, there are designated hangout spaces and gaming areas, giving them a sense of independence while remaining safely onboard. Everything is organised with a relaxed and professional touch, allowing parents to enjoy some well-earned downtime, safe in the knowledge their children are entertained.

Marella's Kid's club
Marella’s Kid’s club

Entertainment

As evening arrives, the ship comes alive with a variety of performances designed to appeal to the whole family. The main lounge hosts impressive West End-style shows, lighthearted quizzes and guest performers. On deck, movie nights under the stars and lively deck parties bring a touch of magic to evenings at sea, while live music provides a relaxed soundtrack in several of the onboard bars and lounges. For older children and teenagers, the arcades and sports courts are a popular draw, keeping energy levels high. Parents can choose to join in the fun or simply unwind nearby with a drink in hand.

Dining

The all-inclusive dining setup is one of Marella’s strongest features, taking the stress out of mealtimes entirely. Children can graze to their heart’s content at the casual Islands Buffet, with its impressive variety of international dishes, or enjoy a more formal sit-down dinner in the main restaurant, Latitude 53. The menus include plenty of choice for all tastes, from family favourites like burgers and pasta to fresh salads and grilled fish. The staff are brilliant with children, and the endless ice cream stations and pizza counters are a guaranteed hit with younger cruisers.

One of Marella's abundance of family dining options
One of Marella’s abundance of family dining options

Cabins

Family cabins are designed to be both spacious and comfortable, with practical layouts that include bunk beds or sofa beds to suit different group sizes. For larger families, a number of interconnecting cabins are available, offering extra space and privacy. Opting for a balcony cabin is a popular choice for families who want a private space to stretch out and enjoy the fresh sea air without leaving their room. It provides a quiet retreat for morning coffee or a peaceful spot to watch the sunset.

Itineraries

Marella’s routes are thoughtfully planned with family-friendly ports of call. Itineraries explore a range of exciting destinations, from blissful beach days in the sunny Caribbean to fascinating city walks in Spain and Italy. The shore excursions are well organised and cater to a mix of interests and activity levels. Back on the ship, the all-inclusive drinks and snacks make returning from a day of exploring feel even more rewarding. To simplify logistics, flights from a wide range of UK airports are included in the price, making the journey seamless from start to finish.

The Hideout - Marella's teen zone
The Hideout – Marella’s teen zone

Top tips

  1. Book sessions for the M Club early, as spaces can fill up quickly, especially on sea days.
  2. Do not miss the family movie nights held by the pool, which are a firm favourite.
  3. Try a shore excursion together, with snorkelling adventures or relaxed beach days being top picks for families.
  4. Head to the Islands Buffet early at mealtimes to secure the best seats by the window.
  5. Bring a few small games or books for quiet moments of downtime in the cabin.