Marella Cruises has confirmed that the Marella Discovery 2 will permanently become an adult-only cruise ship starting from November 2027. This strategic move follows successful trials of child-free sailings and aims to meet the increasing demand for adult-focused holiday experiences. The vessel will join Marella Explorer 2 as the second dedicated adult-only ship in the fleet, offering a tranquil environment for those seeking a getaway without younger guests.
As part of this transformation, the existing children's facilities on board will be repurposed into four new adult-centric concepts. These additions are set to include a speakeasy bar, an interactive escape room, a dedicated karaoke room for evening entertainment, and an arts and crafts area. These enhancements are designed to enrich the onboard experience, providing a diverse range of activities tailored specifically for adult passengers.
For its winter 2027 season, Marella Discovery 2 will be homeporting from key locations in the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, focusing on popular winter sun itineraries. From November 2027 to March 2028, the ship will depart from Tenerife and Gran Canaria, before moving to Malaga from March to April 2028. A new seven-night 'Atlantic Fusion' itinerary has also been unveiled, which will feature a return visit to Agadir in Morocco, offering passengers a blend of culture and relaxation.
Beyond the Canary Islands, the programme will also include a series of five to eight-night repositioning cruises connecting mainland Spain with the Canaries, as well as extended 14-night transatlantic voyages to the Caribbean. This diverse range of routes provides travellers with numerous options, from shorter breaks to longer, more adventurous journeys. Marella Cruises has also expanded its 'cruise and stay' offering, adding 39 new hotels across destinations such as Malaga, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Romana, Barbados, and Palma, bringing the total to 236 hotels available for combined holiday packages.
Chris Hackney, chief executive of Marella Cruises, highlighted the company's commitment to evolving its holiday offerings. He stated that the winter 2027 programme reflects a significant investment in enhancing the adult-only experience on Marella Discovery 2, driven by sustained growth in demand for such cruises. The introduction of new itineraries, festive overnight stays, and the expanded hotel portfolio underscore Marella's efforts to provide a wider array of choices for its customers.