This was a Canaries cruise where we picked the ship up in Santa Cruz Tenerife. We have done this cruise before with another company so had no need to visit the locality again. Although an easy walk into the town, about 20mins. The Explorer is a mid sized ship with about 2000 passengers and 1000 crew on board. They have been doing this a while now and the whole operation for embarkation was very slick. Even for the luggage which beat us to our cabin by about 30 seconds. We had a balcony double room which was reasonably spacious with a reasonable sized balcony. The bathroom was quite big, there was a fridge and mini bar and a reasonable amount of hanging space. All very reasonable!!!! Only niggles are the bed was quite hard and pillows quite small. Dining was very good. The food in the Latitude restaurant was in the main the same as what was available in the Mediterranean self service restaurant. There were some speciality restaurants which came at a cover charge, but at about £25pp extra we didn't partake. There is a also an Italian style restaurant which comes in the deal. We ate there several times as the menu was quite good and the portions quite large. There was as you would expect entertainment in the form of a show every night. As well as two guest artists. A very good Whitney Houston tribute (Nya King) and very good comedian (Scotty Mitchell). The in house show singers and dancers were okay. Some nights the show was good others a bit too much for them. Some of the lead singers struggled a bit with the notes. The girl dancers were also much better than the boys. There was also entertainment going on round the pools and bars by various artist which were also quite good. Lots of excursions to go on all at a fair price. As we have been round the area before we only chose to go on the dune buggy off road experience on Lanzarote. Which was great fun, only a 20 min ride in the coach to get there and 3 hours driving round the waste lands. If you do this prepare to get dusty and dirty and also take sun glasses and a bandanna to wear over your mouth. Otherwise they want another 6Euros each to buy one. Service was excellent in all aspects, from the Captain (John) down. can't praise them enough really!!! Read Less

We chose this cruise just a few weeks before departure, as for the first time we we we’re going to spend Christmas Day alone. We had sailed on Explorer 2 in September, our very first Marella cruise & loved it. We’ve cruised with P&O, Princess, NCL, but mostly with RCI. I would have no hesitation is suggesting Marella. I have read some of the negative comments on here, but can honestly say we didn’t find any of that. There were a number of children on board but we thought there would have been a lot more. The whole week was fantastic, although the sea day to Madeira was a bit bouncy. The ship, crew, food & entertainment all excellent. Our Christmas Day was the 6 o’clock sitting & the meal was faultless. We’re not huge drinkers so found the basic drinks package sufficient. We’re going to the Caribbean with P&O in March. Had I known what Marella cruises were like when I booked it, I would have booked a very similar cruise with them. Read Less

Music loud same old Christmas songs. Towels on sun beds with no person on them for hours Christmas dinner rushed to get ready for next sitting show lounge acts same most nights Best was the soul singer last night of cruise. All staff where above excellent. Will not go on Xmas cruise again to busy every body pushing and shoving at meal times. We decided to eat late in the Mediterranean restaurant at least you could get a seat.Had a junior suite which was ok but as for priority boarding did not happen just get a balcony cabin and save a packet..... it's a booze and food cruise if you want that fine,,,,,Transport back to the airport was late because at the port of Santa Cruze they decided to wait to load the next flight onto the bus which gave our fight no time at the airport also nobody helped the disabled people of the bus I had to do that... Read Less

Worst Holiday Ever on this ship total let down would have preferred to stay at home. First Cruise and the last such a boring ship more like a booze cruise than a holiday booked for Christmas two week Canaries Cruse sheer hell. Never seen so many people happy it was over. Never seen so many container ports waking up to banging and crashing most ports it called into not a sandy beach in sight just ferries and cargo ships all around. No proper entertainment shows 45 mins of rubbish with show cast climbing ladders etc etc same cast every night just pure boring as for the late night comedian once a week people walked out he was so bad. Daytime no entertainment as such apart from silly kids so called entertainers on a 3 till 3.15 not a kid in sight in main bar it was so bad some kind of I.Spy NONSENSE. Nobody could understand it. As for nightly entertainment same group every night in Squid and Anchor for a whole 45 mins. No Atmosphere same old songs night after night. Bring your knitting was one form of entertainment during the day not a decent quiz or family show in site. Also they had Teeth Whitening and Health Check seminars going on if your into that. God help us if that's what Tui think people want. Paid for the £200 drinks upgrade what a wast of money as Premium Spirits few and far between more money wasted.Booked a couple of trips shocking seen 2 camels a couple of snakes and lucky men trying to sell you volcanic rock utter rubbish then taken to a beach with cafes and lucky men non stop. O and a mosque visit to stand outside highlight of Morocco. Went on an evening trip in Portugal to see the lights stopped at a fishing village then dragged through the town through a Christmas market AT LIGHTNING SPEED THINK TOUR GUIDE WAS ON SOME KIND OF RACE TOTALLY SHOCKING. My wife had to go to ships medical centre as half the ship had coughing and breathing difficulties 4th day with a chest infection got home and got the bill for £3.500 for 2 hours treatment now fighting this outrages bill. What a rip off. Not even offered a cough bottle and travel insurance refusing to pay this another fight on our hands. Carpets in bar areas filthy i actually thought it was water on floor till i felt carpet just huge stains as people caring drinks all round the ship. As i say more a booze cruise. Main restaurant Market Place more a cafeteria pool snack shack filthy dirty tables etc etc. Sit down restaurants were ok but Menu very bland. Ship totally short of staff bar staff did there best happy a smiley and did there best only good point. Cabin Stewards also very good just to much work 33 cabins to service every day just ridicules. White Suites walking about like they were gods gift did very little as far as we could see. Ship more in line with a 3 star hotel than a relaxing cruise Total cost with medical bill £7.500 for 2 bored 65yr olds totally shocking experience last time i book with Thompson. Would be better off at Butlins by the sea. After you arrive and hand over your credit card they don't want to know you. My advice book with a decent cruise company and not this shower of rouges. Read Less

This was a last minute booking, five days before sailing. We had sailed round the Canary Islands several times before and have a home in Tenerife Being aware this was a Spanish based cruise line with low prices and old ships, this was an experiment. We were aware most of the passengers would be Spanish speakers and we are not. Nevertheless, the passengers whose first language was not Spanish were capably dealt with by staff who spoke English. Some 500 passengers with little Spanish were on the trip. The staff were cheerful, attentive and some of the best experienced on over 40 cruises and more than 15 cruise lines. The food was good but limited by a daily standard menu and an insert for each new day .Evening restaurant meals were served at 7.30 and 8.45 and service was exemplary. Wine glasses were constantly topped up, average quality, but this is a cheap all inclusive cruise. Evening entrainment is a matter of taste but OK, with one excellent dance/music show. The cruise offered a package of four tours for 105 euros in total, each tour was for four hours. having been to all the islands at least 4 times we opted to take what we saw as good value tours. They were all good with English speaking guides but on one occasion in Fuerteventura our guide left our two friends behind even though they were only 3 or 4 minutes late. We knew they were very close as we had been them 5 minutes earlier in the Church nearby. Even when we remonstrated with the guide she said they must be on another bus. They were left in a village alone for at least 30 minutes. Disgusting and not dealt with by the company. Hence only 4 stars Read Less

We have cruised with Marella approximately ten times and sadly have to say this will be our last, the cabin was kept spotlessly clean but the smell on some decks was ghastly, I presume sanitation problems. The food was ok, we didn’t have a drinks package but at least Marella allow you to take alcohol on board as the house wine is absolutely vile. The best thing about this ship is the entertainment, the game shows and quizzes are good fun and the west end style shows in the broadway show lounge are of an excellent standard. All the entertainment team work especially hard. Not very keen on the resident band partly due to the ridiculously high volume in the medusa lounge. A special mention should go to Haizel (waitress) in the orion restaurant, the drinks manager who was very courteous and on the ball and David, Rachael and Holly (entertainment hosts). Read Less

I’ve been on it before, not so cheap and cheerful, this time the quality of the food and entertainment has seriously gone down, I’m a vegetarian, last time the food was good, a nice variety of dishes, this time the same vegetables in just different sauces, lacklustre. Entertainment, the spots were a lot shorter with the resident bands, more breaks and 12am finishes were creeping earlier as the week went on, the whole ship gave the impression that as it was about to change itinerary nobody had to make an effort. Part of our company was my 82 year old Mother in Law, who inadvertently left the plastic cabin key in her luggage, we discovered when we got home, TUI took 280 pounds off her credit card for it! Also, watch your bill, my 12 year old son bought a day on the WIFI, they took nearly 400 pounds for internet. Never again Read Less

Cruising arround Canari islands is interesting. Instead of port Agadir in Marocco, I would rather stop on any other Canari island like Fuertaventura, or La Gomera and maybe the stay in ports could be a bit longer. The ship allready shows its years, there were necessary coloring during the cruise, which was probably urgent maintenance work, nevertheless the cruise was comfortable and smooth. Service at the Atlantico restaurant was excellente and choice of food very interesting. Especially I like the choice for vegetarians and the varaity of fishes. Maybe more salads should be included in menu at Atlantico, because in Buffet windsurf there was really a larger choice. So if you want some salad, you must go to 11th deck. But the service at Salon Rendez-Vous was a little bit on average, lazy and bossy server woman was talking nad laughin' arround with spanish guests, neglecting guests of other nationalities to wait for their other and to get it at last. Read Less

I wanted a smaller ship as I was travelling on my own. Having read previous reviews, most of which were positive, I decided to book it. The whole of the holiday was perfect from start to finish. I had a single cabin (1023) which was roomy and clean with modern decor. Plenty of drawers and wardrobe space. The entertainment, food, service and cleanliness of the ship was faultless. Comments with regard to ship being old are certainly true but it did not deter from the holiday itself. All the bars, dining rooms and communal areas were modern and tastefully decorated. I have travelled many times on several cruise lines in the past and I can honestly say, that I was not disappointed in any of the experiences on the Marella Dream. I would like to say a special thank you to the member of staff that certainly made my holiday memorable. A young 24 year old - Calum James Smith - with the title of social host. He was wonderful with shall I say the elderly ladies of the ship. Thank you for a lovely, relaxing holiday. Read Less

Chose this cruise as had sailed with TUI years ago. Customer Service had ignored my request for a cabin midships (due to disability). I was put in cabin 6001 as far forward as could have been possible. This was as far from lifts as was possible so l advised unsuitable on dockside, at Customer Relations onboard and was advised no other cabin available. First night the sea was rough, my husband got his foot stuck between the bed and furniture and went flying. (Not enough room between bed and furniture to walk). We had to hold onto the bed with pitching and tossing, the ceiling creaked with every wave and a door at the bow creaked groaned and slammed for hours. I got customer services down at 12.30am to listen to the creaking and next day customer service moved us. The ship is now very old and tired, the self service meals rely upon people using utensils (rather than being served by staff from behind glass partitions as they were many years ago) and the other customers must have had trouble knowing what serving with utensils rather than fingers actually meant! The entertainment was ok...not my cup of tea and staff onboard were wonderful considering the conditions they have to work under. Would l go again...no....not even if you paid me. Read Less

Just back from an enjoyable week on the Zenith. The staff on this ship make the experience very enjoyable. Smallest ship we have been on, but that made it all the more friendly as bumping into the same people regularly. Spent most evenings in the casino and bar, as this is where we found the most English entertainment, lovely gentleman on guitar and trio group, excellent variety of songs, no night the same. Finished off with a bet in the casino, lottery lady was lovely and treated us all like royalty. Enjoyed our late dinner sitting at 9.45, Benito and Caesar were excellent in their job and again made us feel very special every night. Menu had a section that was the same every day and specials that were changed nightly, cannot fault the quality of food. Plenty of sunbeds around the pool and upper level, some lovely sun traps around the rear of the ship. Cabins had plenty of storage and large shower, a bit tired looking. English channels available on the TV as well as movies available. Overall a great experience. Read Less

We have just returned from a 8 day cruise on a Tui cruise ship “Marella Dream” visiting the Canary Islands. The ship was very tired and desperately in need of an update and refurbishment. There is no centre point like a atrium. The lifts are useless, small and very very slow….. quite often going straight pass your floor or so full with people you had to wait ages. Often we went up and down like a yo-yo as it went nearly up to the top where we wanted to go but then back down again! Our cabin again needed an update, beds were comfy though, and our cabin Steward Angelito who was very efficient and charming, kept it very clean. One issue was WiFi and internet. Most ships give free WiFi somewhere on board but not here!!! We could have paid for it but it was expensive, so was unable to make outside contact unless you found a café off shore, which was difficult. Another major issue was the shower as it was so difficult to adjust the hot water and it was extremely hot, changing even as you shower……. Very very dangerous!!!!!! On a positive note the staff were very friendly and helpful. The food was good in both the self service and main restaurant, we didn’t try the speciality restaurants. Also the entertainment was the best we have had in all the other cruise lines we have been on……. Both in the theatre, the lounge and deck area. The trips organised by the ship were extremely expensive and not good value! All in all for the price paid for this cruise it was ok, but we would NOT recommend this trip on this particular ship. Read Less

5th time on the Dream and have watched her deteriate over the years. Staff are lovely, but the food not as good as it used to be. The entertainment not as polished as in the past but the technology is excellent. Our cabin was 5209. It was at the rear (aft). The noise level was horrendous, we seemed to be above the engines and for everyone on the last quarter of this corridor it was the same. It went on all night of course so no sleep! We were like zombies. I recorded it and it sounds like the floor and roof and walls are giving way. A gentleman next to us who had complained numerous times and asked to be moved was told by 2 letters the cabin was adequate. ( he had not only paid a single supplement but also for an outside cabin) the poor guys outlook was into a storage area with gas cylinders up against his window and a grill beyond which made his view so narrow it was a waste of time. He was bery distressed, like us he had been before in October and enjoyed it so much that he booked again. In the past I would have rated this ship and her cruises a 10 but these cabins are only fit for storage. Obviously, the answer is to pay yet another supplement to choose your cabin but again I understand from other passengers these are also limited. A ruined holiday ...we needed another one to get over this ! So mich for loyalty, shame on you TUI/ Marella Read Less

The cruise was taken with friends one of whom was to celebrate their 60th birthday during the 7 day cruise. No problems at airport or transfer but disappointed that on this cruise we had to deal with our own luggage. Slight mix up on room allocation due to being given wrong room number belonging to another couple with very similar names. Rectified before boarding boat and luggage arrived at right room. Our outside cabin on level 6 was plenty big enough for two, plenty of storage and kept clean by very attentive crew member. Food: Self service Sirens and Lido were okay, but sometimes over busy. Didn't seem as much choice as previous cruises. Orion waiter service was generally better, although two incidents of less professional service by one waiter who rushed us on Captains night but allowed others different service and then on final night a wine waiter who was busy doing other tasks rather than keeping our glasses full. Food in Mistrals pretty decent apart from Captains night when it was pretty dire. Also ate one night in Mistrals for the birthday celebration meal. Excellent service and good value. We were all inclusive and upgraded our drinks package. We thought this offered us wider variety and good value for money. Bar staff were excellent and only on a couple of times did we experience any delays in being served. All the music entertainment was pretty good. Not all to my individual taste but pretty good all the same. The shows in the Broadway Lounge were really good, including the guest comedian. The ship is old, but clean and well looked after. Sun beds can be difficult to find on sea days. Overall we would go on the Dream again but on a different route. Madeira was superb but the Canaries hold nothing new for use. Read Less

I booked this trip with my friend two months before departure, paid 800 pounds each, all inclusive package was not included though. My experience on board the Marella Dream was very nice. I enjoyed every single day, ports of call are quite interesting, sunny, good food, not too expensive, incredible fish! trust me!. The Marella Cruise is a very old vessel but STAFF is a perfect 10, so polite, so friendly, so amazing. What I loved the most about the entertainment on board was the BROADWAY LOUNGE shows, OH M.Y G.O.D ~ it was beyond espectacular. Those guys are extremely talented, their singing, dancing, acting was brilliant. Highly recommend it. Also loved the comedy show by Peter Piper. Food on board was okay, some meats were like dry, and desserts (cakes and stuff) were not wow but who wants to add extra calories anyways... There were lots of healthy options, no complaints. Honestly, time on board was beautiful but next time I would just choose a LARGER, NEWER cruise. Marella Dream is an old vessel and maybe this is its last year in service, who knows. I have good memories. Depending on how much you pay, GO FOR IT! Read Less

Ship was well kept although a little tired. Staff were lovely, friendly and efficient. Aldrin, the cabin steward did an excellent job of keeping the cabin spic and span. The cabin was spacious. Food was reasonalble- very good on the formal night. Went to the Asian restaurant one night where the food was very good with impeccable service. Basic drinks package was very disappointing - had changed considerably since our last Marella cruise 7 months ego- much less choice! Red wine was undrinkable, according to my husband who is not especially fussy about wine. Also the majority of cocktails on the basic package were rum based which isn’t my preference. As said previously the basic package on The Discovery last year was so much better. Service at the various bars was excellent. Shows in the theatre were quite good as were the resident band who played a variety of music. Seemed to be an over dependence on quizzes in the other lounge. The casino and The Watersedge disco was good. Felt there was little to do on the sea day- I usually enjoy the plays that are put on by the entertainment team - not on this cruise- also no guest speakers/ enrichment activities- maybe due to only being a 7 day cruise with one sea day but there was a play on our last 7 day cruise 7 months ago. The guest comedian was extremely disappointing - we saw him a few years ago on another Thomson cruise and his show was EXACTLY the same- same jokes and routines. I can’t believe he is being paid to churn out the same material year after year - shocking! However, overall we enjoyed our holiday. Read Less

We are fairly recent cruisers and wanted a winter sun break and booked this cruise in January on line. The weather was superb and we were told by the crew the best they have had for several years. We flew from East Midlands to Tenerife and arrangements at departure, on arrival, coaching to Santa Cruz and boarding Marella Dream went like clockwork. The ship is old but is modern in appearance with good quality furnishings and the staff very friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble from our room steward to the bar and restaurant staff. Corridors and lift space are a little narrow and not as spacious as more modern ships. The variety of lounges and drinking and dining options were first class as was the food and drinks. We like to be on our own for dinner and for six nights we were served by Jennifer and April who looked after us very well. The Marella Dream Show team and their shows in the Broadway Show Lounge were excellent. Some very good singers and dancers however the comedian Alan Wilkins material was older than us and we are in our 70's. The resident band were again very good with such a wide range of music on offer. Our only disappointment was the lack of space for sunbathing when we had such good weather. We were birthed in walking distance of six of the places we visited which is brilliant. There were lots of excursions and trips arranged which people we spoke to enjoyed. Leaving the cruise was also faultless, colour coded luggage and well organised. Our only disappointment was East Midlands Border Control on the return. It took about 30 minutes to process us which is not acceptable. A superb restful and enjoyable cruise. Thank you TUI. Read Less

Have been on a similar cruise with the Thomson Spirit a number of years ago, my wife and I fancied doing it again as all ports don't require tender and are close to facilities. Pros:- 1) The ships entertainment team is FANTASTIC ! The shows are west end quality. 2) The food is excellent both in the buffets and the Orion restaurant. 3) The cruise is fairly good value for money. Cons:- 1) The ship is a little tired and has no central atrium so difficult sometimes to find your way around. 2) The training of reception staff could be improved (except Vic who was brilliant). For example, we found an overcharge of 87 euro's one evening on our account. We had been charged for a spa treatment not taken. After speaking to someone on reception, we were asked to return the next day when it would be resolved. We had to go back the next day, be escorted to the Spa, where the problem was resolved. However, we feel that 1 stop should have been enough. We should just have been informed the next day that it had been corrected. The worst issue though was with the laundry package. We booked a bag of wash and fold for 14.95 and it clearly states returned on the same day. When we returned to our cabin late in the evening our laundry was not returned. I telephoned reception just to advise that it had not been returned (not because I needed it returned) and was told by a staff member that it was not returned the same day as I had not booked same day service on the other side of the form. I tried to advise that this was a separate service, but he was insistent. I was made to feel as though I was stupid, so decided to go to reception and show him the form. He compounded the issue by stating that as well as the 14.95, I also had to pay each of the individual item prices on the other side of the form. I was furious at his condescending and patronizing manner in trying to explain something that was clearly incorrect. It was at this point that another member of reveption staff intervened and told him he was wrong and found that my laundry had been inadvertently left in a locker and it was back in our room within 30 mins. Better training of staff definitely required here. 3) 8am check out is unreasonable. Especially when you have to leave your luggage outside your room the night before. Reduce the room services from twice a day to once a day freeing up housekeeping staff and let us check out a little later. 9am would be a little more civilized. 4) And finally, please fix the air-conditioning in the Orion restaurant. It was stifling all week. Read Less

We have only been on three previous cruises, all on small ships with quite personal service so this one at 1,500 passengers was big for us ! Our ports of call in the Canaries and Madeira were all fascinating, we thought that the excursions were overpriced and after finding that the handouts from the ship were not very helpful or accurate we headed for the tourist information offices at the places we visited. There was good information about the ports on-line but we used on-shore wi-fi and roaming Vodafone after a message that we would be charged £2.88 per minute for all calls, texts, and data on "Vodafone Marine" ! Our cabin, 1004, was quite good with a settee and table as well as TV and tea and coffee facilities and a good size window, a bit obscured by lifeboat access equipment. We had a problem with the safe which two visits from crew could not sort out, Dennis, an officer from reception was the second to try, we were pleased that the safe locked itself and refused to open until he put his override code in twice. He confirmed to us that it was faulty. I made a third visit to reception to complain and they refunded my money but were unable to provide a replacement safe for us or alternative safe storage for our valuables, apparently there is no safe at reception ! Our only option was to find a hiding place in the cabin. Please note there is no forseeable solution to this problem as replacement safes are apparently not available ! On our fifth day I was up early with diarrhoea and vomiting, I called reception as required and was visited by a doctor and nurse. They confirmed from my symptoms that it was not viral and therefore probably something that I had eaten so I could either stay in the cabin on immodium for 24 hours or visit the ships hospital for treatment which would see me well again in a couple of hours, I opted for the latter and had extensive blood tests and intravenous drugs, the treatment worked and I called back in the evening to check that all my obs. were normal. Excellent service but a tad dear at £1,400 plus ! Interesting to note that the previous day had been a "sea day" so it was most probably something that I had eaten on the ship. We unfortunately missed Lanzarote on my sick day. On the positive side, the crew were polite and helpful to a man ( or person I suppose I should say). The highlight of the cruise was the entertainment team, they worked non stop and were really professional and talented. The food was all pretty good ranging from canteen type buffets in various locations, made to order pancakes, omelettes and pizzas, a proper sit down restaurant with good service and "pay extra" speciality restaurants. We were on a full board but not " all inclusive " basis so we paid for the "wine package" which at about £14 per bottle compared to UK restaurant prices. Drinks at the bar were similar to pub prices. We enjoyed a lot of the cruise but there were things that let it down, there was no hot water on one evening and for the hour before the captains reception the whole ship was without any running water, the Captain did apologise and excused the smelly guests ! I registered all my complaints on-board and filled in the questionnaire on our return but there has been no offer of apology or compensation, in fact no response at all ! Read Less

All went to plan. Solo traveller and staff made me very welcome didn't feel excluded.Food in main restaurant was lovely and a change from the norm. The main buffet was good as were choices. Waters were particularly attentive and couldn't have done more.Drinks were excellent including beer ,gin,and many coctails all included Entertainment was excellent very wacky but professional,as were all the musicians,particularly the latino band and singer. Cabin was fine ,bed lovely. Enjoyed all the different islands and Agadir. Plenty of sun loungers and chairs.Bar staff excellent. Pool and Jacuzzis all spotless Very clean and well run ship if a bit dated,which didn't worry me. Good itinerary ,fab weather Embarkation and disembarkation was so fast.Ipaid to have extended stay till 4pm the last day which was helpful. If you want 5* + not for you,but everyone I spoke to enjoyed it .Spanish were very friendly well done Pullmantur,would definitely go again. Read Less

Well having read previous reviews we booked this last minute cruise with some trepidation. However, we were pleasantly surprised to spend a weeks break from the dreary, cold English weather on a lovely ship, (yes, it's old) but the staff on board are fantastic. There was a great selection of food every day and the Marella show team (a group of 10 singers/dancers) were amazing. Every night we were treated to a fabulous show in the Broadway lounge. On 2 nights there was a visiting comedian and also a very professional opera duo. The entertainments team worked tirelessly to keep us all amused and the resident bands were also very hard working. The pools could do with updating and yes, the ship did creak a little when we hit some adverse weather conditions! Our cabin was an outside plus cabin on deck 7 and was quite spacious and the bed was very comfortable. The bathroom could do with an upgrade, but that said there was no shortage of hot water and the shower which was set above a bath worked very efficiently. Don't be put off by the negative comments. We honestly would describe our experience as very enjoyable and value for money. Read Less

We booked this cruis Edith high expectations as we have been on previous Tui cruises. Embarkation was quick and easy and staff were pleasant and helpful. Our cabin was clean and plenty big enough for us. Our luggage was delivered quickly. Onboard the restaurants both the self service and table service were good and the food was presented nicely and it was tasty and plentiful. Staff were excellent. The evening shows were good although drinks service was slow at times. The shore excursion to Agadir was awful. The market we went to was dirty and really didn’t feel safe. My friend & I have been on lots of cruises but specifically chose this one as we had never been to La Palma & it was the one place we really wanted to explore!! The captain decided we were not stopping there and blamed the weather although other cruise ships did dock there. We also concluded that some flights to the boat had been delayed and felt this had impacted on his decision!! We then had to spend 2 days at sea instead of the 1 stated in the itinerary!! We felt this was unacceptable and complained. We were told we would not be receiving any compensation at all!!! I do not think this is a satisfactory conclusion as this was no fault of the passengers and left a lot of us upset as it was disappointing and 2 days at sea was not what I wanted or indeed what I had signed up for!!!! Read Less

The ship is old, but kept clean and maintained by a hard working crew, no one boards this ship expecting anything like the ‘bells and whistles’ you get on lots of other cruise lines, that is reflected in the price, a good example of you getting what you pay for. The food is mediocre at best, the chefs do an ok job with the budget they must work to, its mainly buffets, so usually something you can pick, but fussy eaters will struggle, the waiting staff are often under pressure but work well together and distract from the poor quality of the food in the main dining room. If you throw extra money at your cruise then the speciality restaurants are worth a visit as is the upgrade to premium drinks. On the plus side the cabins are very clean and comfortable, the room attendants are excellent. Entertainment is very old fashioned, think quizzes, 70’s game shows etc, but again delivered with enthusiasm by the team on board. The pool area is dire, the hot tubs are so chlorinated your eyes sting and your swim wear fades. Read Less

The staff very friendly and tried their best. In the Restaurant, (Orion) service was hit N miss, food choice was poor (we were supposed to be AI) surprised you had to pay extra for Steak (standard on other cruise lines)). Buffet was a nightmare so only used twice! Never used any of the other restaurants or had the speciality meals. The Captain was a real character and could probably go into Stand-Up if he gets fed up with the sea. Bars & Entertainment were good but watching the same acts night after night got a bit boring. Drinks, we upgraded to AI only to find there was yet another level you had to fork out to get the really decent drinks. Daytime activities were pretty poor unless you like a quiz bingo or watching them rehearsing for their game shows that you're going to be watching that evening. We found the WATERS EDGE to be the best for entertainment and service. One of the main problems we had was seating! There were ever enough during the entertainment in the Bars, so you either stood with drink in hand or waited to pounce when someone left. The other was cold, it was very chilly in the main lounge so make sure you keep some warm clothing handy The formal was a stand out for us, You begin in the theatre where you're entertained by The captain was of form as usual before going into the restaurant. Read Less

We decided to shorten the British winter with a cruise to the Canaries . However when boarding the ship we realised just how old and underwhelming she is . The public rooms were fine . The cabin we had on Deck 4 (outside) was dark , and the carpets looked dirty . The window was rusty on the inside and looked like it had been glued back in and never been painted for years . Our steward was sometimes available but we never really saw him . We certainly did not have any "towel folding" in our room . The shower had a mind of it's own , either too hot or too cold . The bathroom is old and needs some updating . Food in Sirens was good and plentiful as was the Lido . In the Orion restaurant it was too loud , too jam packed with people and the service was slow . Public area Gents toilets were flooded especially on the Gala night . The ship had a 5 degree list when we had bad weather and large swell . Even though we were told the stabilisers were used , they were not too efficient . The elevators were slow and inefficient . We paid the extra upgrade to the AI which we used mainly in the Coffee lounge . All staff in there were excellent , friendly and polite . Nothing was too much trouble and they were very efficient . Our spirits were lifted when we went in there . On the whole , as experienced cruisers with other cruise lines as well as Marella Discovery 2 in 2017 we were very disappointed with the Marella Dream . To add to our cruise we stayed a week in Tenerife Costa Adeje which was good . Read Less