Marella Discovery Review
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First of all let me apologise because the only other cruise line we have had a suite in was NCL, so if i keep making comparisons with NCL then forgive me.
Firstly the flight out with TUI on their Dreamliner flight from Manchester to Barbados was superb. We traveled in premium section. On arrival at the airport luggage was tagged at the cruise desk and then we didn't see it again after the bag drop until it arrived in our suite about 2 hours after after we boarded. It included Fast Track security and the Swissport Aspire lounge. Unfortunately this was packed as they had booked too many people in. Not a nice experience and we left pretty quickly. Flight left 10 minutes late. Crew were brilliant and I cannot praise TUI enough. If you can afford it pay the extra for Premium Class. Food and drink all high quality. Definitely up with scheduled carrier Business class on day flights.
Arrived Barbados on time, straight into buses, quick 40 minute drive to the cruise port and was checked in within 10 minutes flat and on ship in 15. So slick and well done.
Cabin Review
We had the Discovery Suite 8500 which was massive. And I mean massive. Separate bedroom with own door onto balcony. Huge bed, separate tv from main room. In the lounge part, another big tv, a piano, sofas. a bed made up for our friend. Bar area with water and coffee maker.
This is where NCL scores big time. Water and drinks with them in the suite all included and as many coffee pods as you need or desire. Butler service as well as suite steward.
Although steward and assistant nice enough we hardly ever saw them. Coffee pods limited to one a day. No treats in the afternoon (e.g NCL), no welcoming bottle of wine (eg NCL). I know you say why not travel with NCL but we thought would try Marella out. Apart from the large suite there were no real perks to being in a suite. Everybody on board gets treated the same.