Posts in category: Marella

This is a sponsored post for Marella Cruises.

Turkey is a fantastic destination for a cruise. Not only do you get the stunning weather and the delicious food, but there’s a wealth of shore experiences just waiting for you to discover them – from lazy days on sprawling beaches, to historic ruins, and soothing spa treatments at an authentic Turkish Bathhouse.

In fact, you’ll be spoiled for choice if you cruise to Turkey with Marella, so to try and help I’ve picked out some of the best excursions that you might want to try when you book your Turkey cruise.

1. Visit the Cave of Dripping Stone (Alanya)

In Alanya, discover the mystical Cave of Dripping Stone, where stalactites hang like shimmering icicles. You’ll marvel at nature’s artwork in this hidden gem, formed over centuries by the slow drip of mineral-rich water. Step inside and feel the cool, damp air envelop you as you explore the fascinating underground chambers.

2. Enjoy a traditional soap massage in a Turkish hammam (Bodrum)

Unwind in Bodrum with a Turkish hammam experience, where you’ll be pampered with a soothing soap massage. Feel rejuvenated and relaxed in this traditional spa setting, where ancient rituals of cleansing and relaxation still thrive, and let the expert hands of skilled masseurs melt away your stress and leave you feeling utterly refreshed.

3. Visit the incredible Topkapi Palace (Istanbul)

Dive into history at Istanbul’s magnificent Topkapi Palace. Explore opulent chambers and stunning gardens, and learn about the lives of sultans in this iconic Ottoman landmark. You’ll marvel at the intricate architecture and priceless artefacts housed within its walls and imagine the grandeur of palace life in centuries past.

4. Shop ’til you drop at the Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)

Get lost in the vibrant chaos of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise bursting with treasures from spices to rugs. Treat yourself to unique souvenirs and haggle like a pro amidst the maze of alleys and stalls. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling marketplace for an unforgettable cultural experience.

5. Enjoy homemade fruit wines in a Sirince restaurant (Izmir)

Indulge your senses in Izmir with homemade fruit wines at a charming Sirince restaurant. Sip on local flavours and soak up the picturesque countryside surroundings dotted with vineyards and orchards. Sample a variety of unique blends crafted from seasonal fruits, each bursting with delicious, fruity goodness.

6. Visit the stunning ruins of Ephesus (Kusadasi)

Step back in time at the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus in Kusadasi. Wander through ancient streets lined with temples, libraries, and amphitheatres, and imagine life in a bygone era. Let knowledgeable guides bring history to life as they share tales of this once-great city’s rise and fall.

7. Try horseback riding along the beach (Kusadasi)

Feel the wind in your hair as you trot along Kusadasi’s sandy shores on horseback. Experience the thrill of beachside riding with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, this unforgettable adventure promises moments of pure exhilaration and serenity.

8. Give quad biking a go (Kusadasi)

Rev up your adrenaline with quad-biking adventures in Kusadasi. Navigate rugged terrain and sandy trails as you explore the coastal landscape in an exhilarating off-road excursion.

9. Swim in the coastal coves (Marmaris)

Dive into crystal-clear waters and cool off in Marmaris’ coastal coves. Swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the shores of these secluded paradises, far from the crowds of the city. Explore hidden caves and underwater wonders as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Turkish coastline.

10. Visit Turtle Beach in Dalyan (Marmaris)

Encounter nature’s wonders at Turtle Beach in Dalyan, Marmaris. Marvel at endangered loggerhead turtles and soak up the sun on this pristine stretch of sand nestled between towering cliffs.

Final Word

A reminder that these are only some of the options available for shore experiences in Turkey – each port of call has its own fantastic range to choose from, including relaxed and energetic choices.

It’s a beautiful country best explored by cruise – but what memories would you create on your own Marella sailing?

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

This is a sponsored post for Marella Cruises.

Planning for a special cruise holiday in 2025? Marella Cruises may have the perfect option, as the cruise line has reintroduced cruises from Cyprus for that year.

In this guide, I’ll explain why that’s so exciting – the places you can visit, why a Marella cruise is a great option, and how to enhance your holiday and make the most of everything Cyprus has to offer.

Cyprus Cruise Itineraries

Cyprus alone doesn’t have enough cruise ports for an entire holiday – so it will instead serve as the starting point for your journey, as you explore other treasures in the Eastern Med.

There are three itineraries you can choose between.

Aegean Delights

The Aegean Delights cruise itinerary has more of a Turkey focus than the others, with visits to Izmir, Marmaris and Alanya – each destination offering a vibrant blend of cultures and some fascinating historical landmarks to discover.

But you’ll also get to explore the beautiful destinations of Patmos and Kos. Spend your day soaking up the sun on the beaches, explore the buzzing harbours, or sample some delicious food and drink in the many cafes on each island.

Aegean Gems

Enjoy a wonderful blend of history and natural beauty with this itinerary, including a visit to Kusadasi – the gateway to the epic ruins of Ephesus. You’ll then sail onto Mykonos and then Souda on Crete – ideal for exploring Chania.

Your cruise still has more treasures in store too – you’ll get to visit Marmaris before a trip to Rhodes Town, with breathtaking architecture and long, sandy beaches to enjoy.

Grecian Discovery

More interested in the varied charms of Greece? Then this might be the perfect itinerary. You kick things off with a day in Piraeus, with tours to the capital of Athens and its spectacular landmarks.

It’s then onto the stunning island of Santorini with its famous whitewashed streets and gorgeous views. There’s time for a day in Turkey’s wonderful Bodrum too, before a visit to Heraklion in Crete and then Rhodes before your cruise concludes.

Why Marella?

Marella is a fantastic option for any cruise for so many reasons, and it could be your ideal choice for cruises from Cyprus.

Firstly, your flights are already included in your cruise fare, and there’s a wide range of regional airport options available in the UK. You don’t have to work out long-distance travel to one of the bigger airports if you don’t want to!

Marella’s flights are all arranged through its parent company TUI, and that helps to create a seamless experience. Instead of a disjointed travel plan, you’ll feel like your cruise has ‘started’ the moment you arrive at the airport, with friendly TUI staff on hand to help with anything you need.

Marella’s cruises are all-inclusive too. You aren’t just getting your accommodation, entertainment and food like you would on many other cruise lines – you’re getting a huge range of drinks, and gratuities are included as well.

There are the options to upgrade to include the most premium drinks, or to add on WiFi internet access, but these are still great prices when compared against other cruise companies.

And then there’s the service. This is British-style cruising led by crew that really care, and they’ll do everything in their power to make sure your entire holiday goes as well as it can. It’s your home away from home – just amongst the beautiful weather of the Eastern Med.

Cyprus Cruise & Stay

While the Cyprus cruises with Marella may not give you a huge amount of time to explore Cyprus itself, you always have the option of making your getaway even more special by adding on a hotel break before or after you sail.

Marella/TUI makes it really easy to choose a cruise and stay package, and there are some fantastic TUI hotels to pick from. Everything is still taken care of for you, so any transfers between the airport, the hotel and the ship are all arranged and you can just relax.

Cyprus is a destination renowned for its stunning sunshine, its sandy beaches and its incredible food, so why not add on a few nights to really soak up everything the country has to offer, either before you cruise or after you’ve sailed.

Or, if you really want to spoil yourself, why not both?

Final Word

Cruising from Cyprus lets you enjoy the best that the Eastern Med has to offer, with its exciting cultures, sun-kissed beaches, and dazzling history.

Choosing to do so with Marella also means a supremely relaxing escape, with all the essentials included in your fare at an amazing price – what could be better?

The earlier you book, the better a deal you’ll get, so secure your 2025 cruise from Cyprus as soon as you can.

Related Posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

This is a sponsored post for Marella Cruises.

Right now, there are some excellent deals that you can enjoy when you book a Marella cruise for the month of November.

But is November a good month to cruise? And why are these prices such good value? Is there a catch?

Spoilers – there isn’t, and these deals are absolutely worth booking. Let me explain why.

November Itineraries

There are some great options for cruises in November with Marella – many of them repositioning cruises.

Whereas most cruises start and end in the same port, a repositioning cruise is exactly what it sounds like – a sailing where the ship is re-positioned elsewhere in the world, ready to begin a new season of sailings.

With other cruise lines, repositioning cruises can be cheap, but you have to work out flights to and from different destinations. Not so with Marella – they take care of all the flight details for you, including regional options from your local airport.

So there’s no downside to choosing a repositioning cruise – just the benefits of seeing a variety of destinations and enjoying a great-value fare.

Here’s a quick look at some of the itineraries you could try:

A Taste of the Mediterranean

Enjoy a relaxing adults-only cruise from Malaga to Limassol in Cyprus. This is a 6-night itinerary that includes a trip to the beautiful port of Valletta in Malta, along with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy all the features the ship has to offer.

Ancient Treasures

Set sail from Marmaris in Turkey for a relaxing 6-night cruise that visits two gems of the Mediterranean. You’ll first stop at Piraeus, your gateway to the stunning city of Athens, before heading to the Maltese capital of Valletta en route to your final destination of Palma in Majorca.

Mediterranean Flavours

Another 6-night cruise itinerary, this sailing departs from Corfu Town and includes exciting ports in Spain, including Valencia and Cartagena. Before that, though, you’ll stop off at Cagliari on the island of Sardinia. The cruise ends in Malaga.

What’s the Weather Like?

Surprisingly good!

November in the Mediterranean is never going to reach the peaks of the summer months, and you might experience a bit more rain and some cloudy days.

But it’s almost guaranteed to be a darn-sight nicer than if you stayed at home – temperatures across the Med in November can reach highs of 20°C, with an average between 12°C and 14°C.

Compare that to the UK, where the average is always in the single digits, and you will definitely be treating yourself to a significantly warmer climate should you opt for one of these cruises.

Can you get better weather elsewhere at that time of the year? Sure – the Canary Islands or the Caribbean are great choices for winter sun. But if you’re cruising on a budget, November in the Med is an ideal compromise between price and sunshine.

Fare Breakdown

When comparing Marella’s cruise fares to other cruise lines, you have to bear in mind how much is included.

Marella’s fares may seem a little higher at first glance – even in the November months when the prices aren’t super high – but when you then think about everything you get with that fare, you realise just how good value they are.

For example – say your cruise fare is £800pp for 6 nights (and there are several that are cheaper than this by some distance). Within that, you’re not just getting your cruise accommodation and food, but you’re also getting:

• Your return flights and overseas transfers
• All your gratuities
• A wide range of drinks, including alcoholic options

You could easily spend at least £300 on those three with other cruise lines for a 6-night cruise. Often a lot more – drinks packages with some other British cruise lines start at £45 per day for those that cover a selection of alcoholic drinks. That’s £270 extra for your 6 nights already!

Never look at just the price – always consider what’s included, and how much extra you’d spend on other cruise lines to match that, and you’ll realise just how great these prices are.

Final Word

These Marella cruise deals are a great way to escape the cold and dreary weather of Britain’s November, at a fantastic price when you consider everything you get in your fare.

But when prices are discounted to this level, they don’t last long – meaning you need to be eagle-eyed to catch them before the cruises sell out.

If you fancy getting away for a relaxing, mild-weather cruise in November, get your Marella cruise booked ASAP.

Related Posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me