Marella Discovery Review

Good ship with a few problems

Review for the Mediterranean Cruise on Marella Discovery
User Avatar
Lizzie M
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
Public Rooms
Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
Service

Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2016

The itinerary for Highlights of the Med was the reason for choosing this cruise. We arrived at the port shortly after 2 p.m. and it took around 30 minutes to get to the front of the queue to board the ship. We went to check out the cabin, then went to Islands self service buffet for a light bite, good choice of food but were disappointed by the number of tables that had not been cleared and we had to circuit the restaurant a few times before getting a clean table. There appeared to be a severe lack of waiters, unlike other Thomson ships we have sailed on. We went here for breakfast the next day and it was worse than ever, the food could not be faulted nor the friendliness of the staff, however the tables were not being cleared and many people were walking up and down with loaded trays trying to find a seat. On other cruises tea or coffee was served at the table but here it was a help yourself machine. We chose not to use this restaurant again and ate in 47 instead,

This is a waiter service restaurant, free dining and easy to get a table particularly if you don't mind sharing. Again a surprise to find the menu curtailed to three courses, five on other Thomson ships unless they have been cut back as well. Breakfast takes a little longer but is worth the wait and nothing appears too much trouble for the waiters. However we noticed there are no wine waiters in the evenings, everything is done by the food waiters. We didn't try the 47 Gallery Italian restaurant although spoke to several people who did and their main complaint was the lack of variety. We booked Kora La a la carte Asian as a birthday treat and all I can say is everything about it is amazing but book early. The Glass House is great for a light lunch and seldom busy as it joins the indoor pool and the snack shack is great for those who like burgers or fish and chips

The entertainers were all very good but there was nowhere on board to get away from them for peace and quiet (except your cabin) Broadway Show lounge was spacious, good entertainment, very good guest artistes, however a couple of nights there was a lack of waiting staff and we were disappointed there was no crew show but maybe it was too early in the season.

Cabin Review

Cabin Outside Cabin

Very clean cabin with king size double bed lots of hanging space, nine drawers in total. Double sofa and small table, tea and coffee facilities. Shower room was good, lots of shelves, good mirror and lighting. Good position far enough from the lifts to be quiet, and one flight up straight to the restaurant.

20 Helpful Votes
previous reviewnext review

Find a Marella Discovery Cruise

Any Month

Get special cruise deals, expert advice, insider tips and more.By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

© 1995—2024, The Independent Traveler, Inc.