Tui may be best-known for package holidays but its ocean cruise brand, Marella Cruises, has become popular among cost-conscious passengers.
Previously known as Thomson Cruises, Marella offers five ships that sail to more than 100 destinations, including stops in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.
A major selling point of Marella is that passengers get an all-inclusive experience. Everything from flights, transfers, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and even tips are included in the cruise fare. The sailings are geared towards Brits but tend to depart from the continent.
The cruise line has even launched a calculator to show how much passengers could save on one of its sailings.
Many of its cruise ships are focused on family holidays. Onboard activities include escape rooms, swimming pools, cinema screens and rock climbing walls, in addition to evening entertainment. There are also kids’ clubs and teen hangout areas on the ships.
The capacity of each ship is around 2,000, meaning it can be a quieter experience compared with other family-focused lines such as Royal Caribbean.
You can escape the kids on an adult-only cruise with Marella Explorer 2, plus Marella Discovery will be child-free for summer 2026 sailings.
Tui also offers river cruises that are adult-only. Its fleet covers popular European itineraries, such as on the Rhine and the Danube, plus ventures further afield to the River Nile. Similar to Marella, Tui River Cruises are all-inclusive and some trips even include wifi and selected excursions.
Here is our pick of the best Tui cruises.
Read more: The best river cruises around the world
Marella Voyager: Musical Med-leys
Corfu – Palma, Majorca – Cartagena, Spain – Malaga, Spain
Have a night at the theatre from the comfort of a cruise ship.
Sailing on Marella Voyager – the newest ship in the fleet, this Musical Med-leys sailing includes performances from the West End, guest speakers, trivia sessions and themed activities.
Stars from the world of musical theatre will host question and answer sessions.
When not taking in a show, passengers can enjoy the sights of Corfu, Palma and Malaga, as well as Cartagena’s historical landmarks.
The ship also has 17 bars and restaurants on board, more than any of its sister ships. These include the ever-popular Silver Fork, serving refined versions of British classics such as “chip shop scallops”.
Guests will find an indoor cinema on board, plus outdoor activities such as mini-golf and two swimming pools. Passengers can also show off your moves on the LED dance floor inside The Electric Rooms bar.
Departs 30 October 2026. From £864pp
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Marella Discovery: Caribbean Charms
La Romana, Dominican Republic – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Willemstad, Curacao – Kralendijk, Bonaire – Kralendijk, Bonaire – La Romana, Dominican Republic
Spend Christmas in the sunshine of the Caribbean on this seven-night sailing aboard Marella Discovery.
Passengers will visit the region’s hotspots such as Santo Domingo and Aruba, plus emerging destinations such as Willemstad, Curacao. When not exploring the colourful Caribbean beaches or sipping freshly-made cocktails, Marella Discovery will keep you entertained with its two pools, outdoor cinema and rock climbing wall.
Other highlights include a choice of seven bars and eight restaurants as well as its highly-regarded show lounge.
Departs 23 December 2025; from £2,009pp
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Read more: The best European cruise holiday destinations
Marella Discovery 2: Aegean Wonders
Limassol – Crete – Valletta – Palma – Malaga
Explore the Aegean Sea aboard Marella Discovery 2. Embarking in Cyprus, this eight-night cruise will give you different cultural and scenic experiences at each stop. Passengers can explore the long beaches of Crete’s Chania, wander through the narrow streets of Valletta in Malta and taste delicious tapas in Majorca.
Marella Discovery 2 is the sister ship to Discovery, so passengers can expect similar features but it is often described as having more modern decor after it was refurbished last year.
Departs 5 November 2025; from £1,116pp
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Marella Explorer: Paradise Islands
Bridgetown, Barbados – Roseau, Dominica – St John’s, Antigua – Basseterre, St Kitts – Philipsburg, St Maarten – Road Town, British Virgin Islands – Bridgetown, Barbados – Bridgetown, Barbados – Castries, St Lucia – Pointe-A-Pitre, Guadeloupe – Bequia, Grenadines – St George’s, Grenada – Scarborough, Tobago – Bridgetown, Barbados
Explore the Caribbean at a leisurely pace on this two-week cruise, which offers plenty of time to explore the rainforests of St Kitts and the tropical gardens of Tortola.
Marella Explorer offers passengers a bumper choice of 10 restaurants and 10 bars. Unique features include its high-end restaurant and entertainment in The Lounge around its distinctive pink piano. Passengers can also enjoy the indoor cinema, a sports and family deck as well as an onboard Champneys Spa.
Departs 7 December 2025; from £1,983pp
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Marella Explorer 2: Adriatic Affair
Dubrovnik, Croatia – Bar, Montenegro – Trieste, Italy – Koper, Slovenia – Ravenna, Italy – Split, Croatia – Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Swerve unruly children by joining an adult-only sailing aboard Marella Explorer 2. Cruising without younger passengers can be a more relaxing way to explore historic cities including Dubrovnik and Split, or to discover emerging destinations such as Bar in Montenegro and Koper in Slovenia.
Back on board, there are nine bars and nine restaurants, including the Surf & Turf Steakhouse and Italian-themed Nonna’s. You can even sit back in a swing seat and dine at the Beach Cove barbecue restaurant. Passengers can also enjoy the large Champneys Spa and sunbathing area, The Veranda, as well as a golf-themed bar and simulator called the 19th Hole. You can also toast the quieter time onboard with a glass of champagne in Flutes bar.
Departs 31 July 2025; from £1,088pp
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Read more: The best European river cruises
Tui Ria: Rhine Gems
Frankfurt – Koblenz – Mannheim – Kehl – Basel – Breisach – Speyer – Frankfurt
Sail the famous Rhine aboard Tui Ria. This seven-night river cruise starts in Frankfurt, where you can explore the Palm Gardens, before cruising on the Unesco-listed stretch of the Rhine. The packed itinerary takes you along the river in both Germany and Switzerland.
On day might be spent exploring Basel’s cobbled streets, while another could be wiled away in Breisach, known as the “gateway to the Alsatian wine road”. On board, you can dine in the choice of two restaurants and relax across two bars. The pool has a retractable roof so passengers can swim all year round without worrying about the weather.
Departs 4 April 2026; from £1,371pp
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Tui Bahareya
Luxor – Aswan – Kom Ombo – Aswan – Edfu – Luxor
Discover the rich history of Egypt while sailing on the River Nile. Embarking in Luxor, you will wake up each morning ready to discover a new temple, tomb or part of Egyptian culture on this seven-night river cruise. Some days will include two different stops.
There are excursions included in your fare such as a visit to the 2,000 year-old Kom Ombo temple as well as to the Temple of Horus, which dates back to 3,000 BC. Tui Bahareya was built specifically for this iconic river and passengers will find Arabic-inspired decor and regional dishes in the restaurant. It has been refurbished for winter 2025.
On board, you can relax in the top deck pool and build your knowledge with resident Egyptologists.
Departs 4 November 2025; from £1,668pp
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Read more: The best Caribbean cruises
