Island Escapes: Mark's Marella Cruise Diaries

DAY ONE

DEPARTURE

I flew from Birmingham Airport to Tenerife with TUI Airways. I met the rest of the group at the airport, but unfortunately, we did not meet our hosts from Marella until we arrived on board.

Tui set up a WhatsApp group, and we had all arranged to pay for the Premium Fastrack directly through the BHX website at a cost of £6pp, which was worth it as it bypassed the long queues.

It was the first time I had flown with TUI for over ten years, and I was impressed with the seats and the legroom; all the cabin crew were very professional and pleasant.

I arrived at Tenerife airport and got through customs with no issue, but the baggage reclaim was very slow; after that, we made our way to the Marella desk to find where the coach was, and again, this was a bit of a nightmare as four other TUI flights from the UK had landed about the same time. Hence, the queue for the transfer coach was about Half an hour. The transfer to the cruise port was about 45 minutes. (It could be worth paying for a private transfer)

Arrival at the port was speedy and smooth. You are issued your cabin key card and set up your cabin account with a credit/debit card (not compulsory, though). Then, you had to walk to the ship, which took about 5-10 minutes.

Once onboard, we went to the Squid & Anchor bar, where we met the other group from London, our TUI Hosts, and Kerri & Craig.

That evening, we met at 6:30 and ate in the Latitude 53 restaurant. I was staying in an Outside Cabin on deck 8 at the back of the ship.

** In Tenerife, you have to collect your luggage yourself at the airport and take it to the coach, but in some destinations like Palma, you don't see it until delivered to your cabin **

DAY TWO

Gran Canaria

We docked in Gran Canaria at about 6.30. I chose breakfast in the Market Place Buffet Restaurant on deck 11. The menu offers a variety of options, from continental to full English, with a gluten-free selection.

After breakfast, we had to meet at 10 am as we had planned a morning excursion called the "Treasures of Gran Canaria." A leisurely guided walking tour of the old town of Las Palmas, which lasted for about 2 hours. If you chose not to book an excursion, Las Palmas was only a short walk away, where you could explore the Christopher Columbus Museum and Santa Ana Cathedral or, look around the chic boutiques, try the local tapas bars or even relax on the beach.

After some free time in Las Palmas, I returned to the ship for lunch at the snack shack on the pool deck. The snack shack serves Burgers, Hotdogs, fried chicken, Fish Goujons, chips, and sandwiches.

This evening, the organizers split us into smaller groups, and each group dined in different restaurants, all included in the price. I ate at the Med Italian on Deck 11, which serves Pizza & pasta.

Tonight, we headed to the pool deck for the 'Sail & Shine' party to celebrate our departure from Gran Canaria. We also listened to the resident band, The Beats, in the Lounge Bar.

DAY THREE

FUERTEVENTURA

Today, we arrived at Fuerteventura docking in at 7 am and had our breakfast in the server service restaurant Latitude 53.

Today's excursion was the "All Inclusive Catamaran Cruise," which included a transfer. It took us to the Barcelo Fuerteventura. Then, we had to walk about 5 minutes to the marina.

The catamaran company was Oby Cat. We set sail at about 11 am and took about 1 hour to get to the cove of Lobos. Here, you could get off and swim in the sea or do some snorkelling. The excursion includes Beer, wine, soft drinks, and lunch. The whole trip lasts about four Hours.

You then had the option of getting the coach back to the ship or staying in Caleta de Fuste to explore what the resort has to offer

My evening meal was in the Med Tapas on Deck 11 (reservation required).

After this, we went to the Broadway lounge for a night of ZUMA (Latin dance show), followed by a late-night disco in the Indigo nightclub.

DAY FOUR

LANZAROTE

Today, we docked on the Island of Lanzarote at about 7 am.

Headed for Breakfast in the Buffet Style Market Place on Deck 11

Today, we went on the "Timanfaya & It's Volcanos!" excursion, a half-day tour that cost £48.

The highlights of the tour are Tour Timanfaya National Park

Travel the Lunar Route and see 'Fire Mountain' See El Gelfo lagoon

Enjoy a local wine tasting in La Geria.

The coach journey to the National Park isn't for the faint-hearted, as the roads are high and close to the edge!

After returning to the ship, we had a tour to explore its facilities.

The Main facilities are:

2 x Saltwater pools 1 x Kids Pool

3 x Jacuzzi

4 x Restaurants Included in the cost

4 x Specialty restaurants (supplement payable) Pool snack bar

Cinema Gym

Kids Club/Teenager Hideout/Mini Golf Spa & Beauty Salon

Nightclub Casino

And many more.

The evening meal was back to the Med Tapas.

Tonight, we went to the Squid & Anchor for Karaoke, followed by the late show in the Broadway Lounge with a Comedian, "The Man They Call G" adult version.

DAY FIVE

DAY AT SEA

Today was a relaxing day to sample some of the facilities and activities.

After breakfast in Latitude, the server service restaurant, the whole group met in the cinema for a brainstorming/feedback session with Kerri from TUI.

I participated in activities today, starting with Aqua Aerobics in the morning and followed by morning Trivia on the pool deck. Later in the afternoon, a few of us joined in with Line Dancing in the Indigo nightclub.



The Market Place buffet serves afternoon tea daily with freshly made sandwiches, sausage rolls, and warm scones with jam and cream.

The evening meal was back in the Vista restaurant.

Tonight's evening show was in the Broadway Lounge, with the Marella cast performing songs and dances from the Movies.

DAY SIX

FUNCHAL

Today, we are in Madeira Funchal, docked around 8 am. Morning excursion on the "Toboggan Experience & Island Views", where you get to experience the Monte Toboggan sliding in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners; it is possible to cover the 2 km (1 mile) descent from Monte to Funchal in 10 Minutes, a 45 minute stop followed this in the lovely quaint fishing village of Camara de Lobos.

I suggest you try the Portuguese tart 'Pasties de Nata'. If you want to explore the city of Funchal yourself, it is a 20- 25-minute walk, or you can take a transfer bus, which costs £6 return and runs every 20-30 minutes.

I walked around the newer part of Funchal, where most modern hotels are, along with ample shops, bars, and restaurants. If you are a football fan (which I am not), on the way back to the port, you can take a photo with the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo or visit his museum.

By this time, lunch was calling, so we headed for the pool deck and had chicken and chips from the snack shack. We met for pre-dinner drinks in the Lounge bar before heading for our last meal in Latitude 53.

Tonight's show in the Broadway lounge was 'Le Cabaret' with songs from Moulin Rouge, Gatsby, Burlesque and many more.

** You must make sure your luggage is outside your cabin by 11 pm **

DAY SEVEN

FINAL DAY

Unfortunately, this was the end of a fantastic trip with Marella. Unlike other cruise companies, you don't have to disembark by 9 am; you are allowed to stay onboard until your transfer coach is due so you can continue enjoying the ship's facilities.

The return transfer and flight home with TUI were excellent.