Newcastle Cruise Challenge – 16th September 2026

Marella’ means ‘shining sea’ in Celtic and beautifully captures who we are and what we do. We sail to 100+ ports around the world, so – whether it’s tropical islands or culture-crammed coastal towns – there’s something new over every horizon. We’ve got two decades of sailing under our belt, and we combine TUI’s vast experience in holidays with our warm, friendly cruising expertise.

Our voyages are more than occasions to burn annual leave or drink on a beach. They’re truly unforgettable getaways that give you stories worth writing home about — whether the stories are big, like celebrating 40 years of marriage together on sundrenched Caribbean shores, or small stories, like discovering a new favourite dessert on the Italian coast.

With kid-free, superyacht-inspired lady ships that feature our signature red hammocks on most balconies, and a focus on offering nothing less than exceptional service, our unique (and kid-free) vision has been defying expectations since we first hit the water. Now that we’ve taken home Condé Nast Traveler’s #1 Large Cruise Ship and Travel + Leisure’s #1 Best Mega Ship in 2024, we’re more thrilled than ever to exemplify the modern luxury and romance of sailing.

Leave pre-set dining times and lacklustre buffets to other cruise lines. At Virgin Voyages, made-to-order food from 20+ unique eateries guarantees a remarkable culinary experience with distinct, delicious flavours. Dine on hanger steak and lemon cheesecake at The Wake and mezze-style bites al fresco at The Dock, or get your crew together for a Korean BBQ free-for-all at Gunbae. No stuffiness, just brilliant service and endless options — with ocean views from every restaurant on board.

Our elevated and epic itineraries are curated with adults in mind and create a place where the only youthful energy comes from your inner-child running free. All the while, you can expect boutique glamour; our ships combine the luxury of a yacht with the diverse options of a larger ship, with spaces that inspire personal and experiential connection while keeping the sea front and centre. And while a lot of travel companies like to trick you with (extra) low prices in their headlines, every voyage gives you over £750 of value, which includes access to all the premium dining at our 20+ eateries with menus curated by Michelin star chefs, group fitness classes, WiFi, gratuities, award-winning entertainment, and a soda and drinks package.

Sun-drenched days, twilit late stays, and starry overnights in captivating locales like Ibiza, Mykonos, Cartagena, and more introduce you to the real people and real experiences that make each port city so special. We’ve got routes ranging from 2 to 16 nights, visiting 100+ destinations across the globe. Take a voyage so indescribable, you can’t stop trying to describe it.