Marella Discovery is a mid-sized, all-inclusive cruise ship sailing for Marella Cruises, the UK cruise line owned by TUI. Built in 1996 as Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas, she carries around 1,830 guests and includes food, drinks from the standard menu and tips in the fare. For winter 2026/27 she is based in La Romana in the Dominican Republic for Caribbean cruises, then moves to Palma, Majorca, for summer 2027.
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This guide covers the ship’s key facts, history, cabins, restaurants, bars, entertainment and where she sails in 2026 and 2027, so you can decide whether Marella Discovery is the right ship for your holiday.
Marella Discovery at a glance
Marella Discovery belongs to Royal Caribbean’s Vision class, known for floor-to-ceiling glass, a multi-deck atrium and plenty of sea views from public spaces. By today’s standards she is a mid-sized ship: big enough for a proper theatre, several pools and speciality restaurants, but small enough to find your way around within a day.
| Fact | Marella Discovery |
|---|---|
| Built | 1996, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire (France) |
| Former names | Splendour of the Seas (1996-2016), TUI Discovery (2016-2017) |
| Gross tonnage | About 69,130 |
| Length | 264 m (around 866 ft) |
| Guests | About 1,830 at double occupancy |
| Cabins | Around 918 |
| Crew | Around 750 |
| Passenger decks | 11 |
| Sister ship in the fleet | Marella Discovery 2 (former Legend of the Seas) |
Marella’s fleet in 2026 is five ships: Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager. If you want to see how they stack up on size and age, our Marella cruise ships compared by size and age puts them side by side.
Marella Discovery history: from Splendour of the Seas to Marella
The ship was launched in 1995 and made her maiden voyage as Splendour of the Seas in March 1996, the second of Royal Caribbean’s six Vision-class ships. For two decades she sailed for Royal Caribbean in Europe, South America and, in her final season, the Arabian Gulf from Dubai. A 2011 refit at Navantia in Spain added more than 120 balconies to her cabins, which is why she has more balcony rooms than you might expect on a 1990s ship.
In 2015 Royal Caribbean agreed to sell her to the TUI group. She joined Thomson Cruises in June 2016 as TUI Discovery and was renamed Marella Discovery in late 2017, when Thomson Cruises became Marella Cruises. Her sister, the former Legend of the Seas, followed as TUI Discovery 2 and is now Marella Discovery 2.
Marella Discovery vs Marella Discovery 2
The two ships are near-identical in size and layout, which causes plenty of confusion when booking. The main difference from 2026 onwards is who they are for: Marella has announced that Discovery 2 is becoming a permanent adults-only ship, while Marella Discovery takes families on most sailings (her summer 2026 season from Cyprus was an exception, sold as adults-only). Always check the ship name and the adults-only label on the specific sailing.
Marella Discovery cabins
Most cabins were refreshed in recent refurbishments, and Cruise Critic reports that by the end of 2024 balcony cabins had glass shower doors, UK three-pin sockets and USB charging points. Some inside cabins, including those on Deck 6 and parts of Decks 7 and 8, were not updated and still have older bathrooms with shower curtains, so it is worth asking about this when you choose a cabin number.
- Inside cabins: about 328 of them, the cheapest way onto the ship. Expect roughly 129 sq ft.
- Outside (window) cabins: around 230, with a picture window or porthole but no balcony.
- Balcony cabins: about 357, the largest single group, including the extra-space Junior Suites.
- Suites: Family Suites, Family Junior Suites and the top-tier Royal Suite, at up to about 506 sq ft.
- Single cabins: a small number on Deck 3 for solo travellers.
Suite perks
Suite guests get Marella’s suite service package, which has typically included priority boarding, an upgraded drinks selection and dining benefits; Marella announced a broader Suite Service Max package across its fleet for summer 2026. For a closer look at the top cabin, see our Marella Royal Suite guide.
Choosing a good cabin
As on any older ship, light sleepers should avoid cabins directly below the pool deck, the buffet or the theatre, and those near lifts or crew doors. Midships cabins on the middle decks are the steadiest in rough seas. Check the deck plan above and below your cabin before you book.
Restaurants on Marella Discovery
Dining is where the all-inclusive model shows. Most venues are included in the fare, with a handful of speciality restaurants at an extra charge. Speciality venues fill quickly, so book them before you sail through Marella’s online Cruise Control or early in the cruise.
| Venue | Style | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 47° | Main dining room, waiter service | Included |
| Gallery 47° | Italian-inspired dining | Included |
| Islands | Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner | Included |
| The Glass House | Wine bar with sharing plates | Included (premium wines extra) |
| Snack Shack | Poolside burgers, hot dogs and snacks | Included |
| Piccadilly’s | British pub-style bistro (newer addition) | Included |
| Kora La | Pan-Asian | Extra charge |
| Surf & Turf Steakhouse | Steak and seafood | Extra charge |
| Sushi Bar | Sushi and sashimi | Extra charge |
Reviewers often find the paid restaurants more consistent than the included venues, so many guests budget for one or two speciality dinners on a week-long cruise. Room service is also charged.
Bars and drinks
There are seven bars on board, including the Atrium Bar at the base of the multi-deck lobby, Bar Eleven high up with views over the pool and sea, the Squid & Anchor pub, the Glass House wine bar and Coffee Port for coffee and cakes. Standard drinks, including selected spirits, beer, house wine, soft drinks and tea and coffee, are part of the all-inclusive fare. Branded spirits, cocktails from the premium list and speciality coffees cost extra unless you upgrade. Our Marella drinks package guide explains exactly what is included and whether the premium upgrade is worth it.
Entertainment and things to do on Marella Discovery
- Broadway Show Lounge: the main theatre, with Marella’s in-house production shows included in the fare.
- Live Room and Casino: live music, comedy, quizzes and late-night entertainment.
- Two pools: the main outdoor pool and a second pool under a retractable glass roof, useful on cooler days, plus hot tubs.
- Outdoor cinema: a big screen by the pool for films and sport.
- Sports deck: a rock-climbing wall, mini golf course and jogging track on Deck 10.
- Wellbeing: a gym with included fitness classes, plus a spa and beauty salon (treatments extra).
- Kids and teens: included kids’ clubs for different age groups on family sailings.
Evenings follow a familiar British cruise rhythm: production shows, live bands, bingo, quizzes and themed nights, with a relaxed dress code most nights and an optional dressier evening.
Marella Discovery itineraries for 2026 and 2027
Marella Discovery spends winters in the Caribbean and summers in the Mediterranean. Based on Marella’s published programmes, her deployment looks like this:
| Season | Homeport | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 | Limassol, Cyprus | Greek islands and Turkey (adults-only season) |
| Winter 2026/27 (Nov-Mar) | La Romana, Dominican Republic | Caribbean |
| Summer 2027 | Palma, Majorca | Western Mediterranean |
| Winter 2027/28 (Nov-Mar) | La Romana, Dominican Republic | Caribbean, plus transatlantic crossings |
Her 2026 summer itineraries from Limassol included Grecian Discovery (Athens, Santorini, Bodrum, Heraklion and Rhodes), Aegean Gems and Aegean Delights, the last calling at Kos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Marmaris and Alanya. For winter 2027/28 Marella has also scheduled 13- and 14-night transatlantic voyages, such as Voyage to the Tropics from Malaga to the Caribbean. Flights from UK airports are usually packaged in, so you fly to the homeport rather than sailing from Southampton. Exact routes and dates change, so check Marella Cruises on TUI.co.uk for live availability, and our cruise deals for 2027 guide for when to book.
Who is Marella Discovery best for?
- First-time cruisers: an easy-to-navigate size, British-friendly atmosphere and a fare that covers most extras.
- Budget-conscious all-inclusive fans: drinks and tips included make costs predictable.
- Families: on family sailings there are kids’ clubs, Family Suites and a sports deck, without the crowds of a mega-ship.
- Less suited to: anyone who wants the latest waterslides, dozens of restaurants or a brand-new ship. Some areas are dated, and food quality in the included venues can vary.
Not sure which Marella ship to pick? Our ranking of the best and worst Marella ships by real reviews compares the whole fleet.
New to cruising? Our Marella Cruises review for first-timers explains what is included, what costs extra and which ship to pick first.
If you are deciding between lines, see how Marella compares with P&O Cruises on price, drinks and itineraries.
Before you book, our guide to Marella Discovery cabins to avoid explains which decks and cabin types suit light sleepers, families and suite guests.
FAQs
How old is Marella Discovery?
Marella Discovery entered service in 1996 as Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas, so she turns 30 in 2026. She has sailed for Marella (originally as TUI Discovery) since 2016 and has been refurbished several times.
What is the difference between Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2?
They are sister ships of almost the same size and layout, both former Royal Caribbean Vision-class ships. Marella Discovery 2 is becoming a permanent adults-only ship, while Marella Discovery takes families on most sailings.
Is Marella Discovery adults only?
Not normally. Her summer 2026 season from Limassol was sold as adults-only, but her Caribbean and Palma programmes are aimed at a broader audience. Check the label on the specific sailing.
How many passengers does Marella Discovery hold?
About 1,830 guests at double occupancy, in around 918 cabins, with roughly 750 crew.
Where is Marella Discovery sailing in 2027?
She sails from La Romana in the Dominican Republic until March 2027, then from Palma, Majorca, for summer 2027, before returning to La Romana for winter 2027/28.