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Are Marella Cruises Really Good Value? My Honest Review

KenTravels360
KenTravels360
🥉Knowledgeable
👁️ 1K views📅 5 months ago⏱️ 10:09
What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsFull Ship Review🥉Knowledgeable Creator
Other · Winter · 7 nightsVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

The ship feels very easy to navigate, and there's a more intimate atmosphere on board.

When it comes to drinks, Mela really shines. I love that drinks are included as part of the all-inclusive package here.

The crew on Mela Explorer deserves a lot of credit. They're every bit as friendly and welcoming as the staff I encountered on Royal Caribbean.

Right now, I think the answer is no. While I've enjoyed this cruise... I definitely prefer the cruising style of Royal Caribbean.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Consider the all-inclusive package for better value on drinks and tips.
Opt for a cabin with a window or balcony if natural light is important.
Be aware that Christmas sailings may have a premium price that raises expectations.

Questions This Creator Answers

QAre Marella Cruises good value?
QHow does Marella compare to Royal Caribbean?
QWhat is the experience like on a Marella Explorer cruise?

Topics Covered

Ship Condition1 Happy BaconDining Main2½ Happy BaconEntertainment Shows2½ Happy BaconLoyalty Program1½ Happy BaconValue Pricing2½ Happy BaconDining Bars Drinks3 Happy BaconService Crew2 Happy BaconItinerary Route1½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

La Palma Island2½ Happy Bacon
Top: Volcanic crater visit
La Palma2½ Happy Bacon
Top: Volcanic crater visit
Fuerteventura2 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

What happens when a Loyal to Royal tries something completely different? I spent seven nights on board Marella Explorer, sailing a festive Canary Islands itinerary over the Christmas period. With flights, food, drinks and tips all included, Marella offers a very different style of cruising compared to what I’m usually used to. So this felt like the perfect opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and see what the experience was really like. In this video, I’ll share how the overall cruise felt, what surprised me, and whether this style of all-inclusive cruising would tempt me to return in the future. If you’re considering a Marella cruise, planning a winter escape to the Canary Islands, or simply curious how different cruise lines compare in real life, this should give you a useful real-world perspective. 0:00 Intro 1:37 Size 3:02 Food & Drinks 4:46 Crew 5:26 Entertainment 7:04 Price 8:52 Final Thoughts