Considering booking a cruise from Florida that sails under the British flag? It sounds almost too good to be true, like something from a storybook, right? Yet, I must admit, it’s not as simple as it appears.
I recently found myself navigating the murky waters of trying to book a cruise with Marella Cruises and their ship, Marella Discovery. Now, don’t get me wrong, Marella Cruises has made Port Canaveral their home base, and Marella Discovery is all set to sail from there in May 2023.
But here’s the catch – booking directly through TUI’s website, the parent company of Marella Cruises, is a real challenge for us non-UK residents. And even American travel agents have been facing their fair share of difficulties. Vacations to Go, one of the biggest US agencies, refuses to even book Marella Discovery due to concerns about the cruise line’s service and reputation.
It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded! But hey, fear not, my friends, because there are alternative cruise lines that offer similar experiences and easier booking options for us North American travelers.
So, let’s dive into the challenge of booking a British cruise from Florida and explore the limitations and complexities faced by us American travelers.
Key Takeaways
- Marella Cruises has made Port Canaveral, Florida their new home base, with Marella Discovery being one of their ships that set sail from there in May 2023.
- Booking a cruise on Marella Discovery is extremely challenging for American citizens, with restrictions from both TUI’s business model and the difficulty of booking directly through TUI’s website for non-UK residents.
- Despite efforts from multiple US travel agencies, booking with Marella Cruises remains elusive for American travelers, with concerns about their service and reputation.
- There are numerous other mainstream cruise lines available for easy booking in North America, such as Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships that offer similar experiences and a wide range of itineraries.
Marella Cruises and Marella Discovery
I’ve learned that Marella Cruises, a British cruise line, has chosen Port Canaveral, Florida as their new home base, and their ship Marella Discovery, which used to be a Royal Caribbean ship called Splendour of the Seas, set sail from there in May 2023.
The Marella Discovery is part of the Marella Cruises fleet, which also includes the Marella Voyager, the largest and newest ship in their fleet. It’s interesting to note that the Marella Discovery was originally built for Royal Caribbean and sailed as the Splendour of the Seas from 1996 to 2016. After being sold to TUI Cruises, the ship underwent a multi-million dollar dry dock before being renamed the TUI Discovery and later the Marella Discovery.
With a size of over 77,000 gross registered tons, the Marella Discovery is one of the smaller ships in the fleet.
Booking Restrictions for American Travelers
Despite multiple attempts, American travelers face numerous obstacles when trying to secure a reservation on Marella Discovery, making it a frustrating and elusive experience. The booking process with Marella Cruises is considered ridiculous by some travel agents, and it seems that booking directly through TUI’s website is challenging for non-UK residents.
Even booking through US travel agents has proven to be unsuccessful due to restrictions. Vacations to Go, a reputable US agency, doesn’t book Marella Discovery due to concerns about their service and reputation. Travel with Brigitte, another agency, confirmed the difficulties of booking with Marella/TUI for Americans.
It’s clear that the restrictions and limitations put in place by the cruise line and the lack of support from US agencies make it incredibly challenging for American travelers to secure a reservation on Marella Discovery.
Alternative Cruise Lines
Fortunately, there are several mainstream cruise lines available in North America that offer easy booking options for alternative vacation experiences. One popular choice is Royal Caribbean, known for its impressive fleet and diverse itineraries. Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class ships, which include sister ships to the Marella Discovery, provide similar experiences with a wide range of destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean. These ships offer luxurious amenities, exciting entertainment options, and exceptional dining experiences. Booking with Royal Caribbean is a breeze, with user-friendly websites and helpful customer service agents. Additionally, American travelers can easily find travel agents and online platforms that specialize in booking Royal Caribbean cruises. Compared to the challenges of booking with Marella Cruises, Royal Caribbean provides a seamless and hassle-free booking process, making it a preferred choice for many North American vacationers.
| Benefits of Booking with Mainstream Cruise Lines in North America | ||
|---|---|---|
| Luxurious amenities | Exciting entertainment options | Exceptional dining experiences |
Miscellaneous Facts
Interestingly, Marella Discovery, a former Royal Caribbean ship, was sold to TUI Cruises in 2015 and later renamed Marella Discovery.
This ship, measuring 69,100 gross registered tons, is a magnificent vessel that has undergone a multi-million dollar dry dock after being acquired by TUI Cruises.
With a length of 866 feet and a width of 105 feet, Marella Discovery offers a spacious and comfortable cruising experience.
Its history dates back to 1996 when it entered service as the second Vision Class ship for Royal Caribbean. Sister ships such as Vision of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas share a similar design and elegance.
Furthermore, Marella Discovery’s specifications make it an impressive addition to the Marella Cruises fleet, providing guests with unforgettable vacations at sea.
Challenges and Obstacles
I have encountered numerous difficulties trying to secure a reservation with Marella Cruises. The booking process with Marella Cruises has proven to be quite challenging, especially for American travelers like myself. Despite efforts from multiple travel agencies, booking with Marella Cruises remains elusive. Many US travel agents have expressed concerns about the service and reputation of Marella Cruises, making them hesitant to book reservations for their clients. Furthermore, restrictions prevent US travel agencies from directly booking with Marella Cruises, adding another layer of difficulty. It seems that even booking through TUI’s website, which is the parent company of Marella Cruises, is challenging for non-UK residents. The obstacles and challenges faced by American travelers when trying to book a British cruise from Florida are disheartening, leaving us with limited options and alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size and capacity of Marella Discovery compared to other ships in the Marella Cruises fleet?
Marella Discovery is one of the smallest ships in the Marella Cruises fleet, measuring over 77,000 gross registered tons. In terms of capacity, it can accommodate a significant number of passengers and crew members.
How long has Marella Discovery been in service and under what names did it operate before?
Marella Discovery has been in service since 1996 and operated under the names Splendour of the Seas, TUI Discovery, and Marella Discovery. It is known for its small size, measuring over 77,000 gross registered tons.
How did Marella Discovery undergo renovations after being sold to TUI Cruises?
After being sold to TUI Cruises, Marella Discovery underwent a multi-million dollar renovation process. The ship was transformed to meet the standards of Marella Cruises, ensuring a top-notch experience for passengers.
What are the concerns and reputation of Marella Cruises that US travel agencies have?
US travel agencies have concerns about the service and reputation of Marella Cruises. They find booking with Marella/TUI difficult due to restrictions, and COVID-19 has impacted bookings from the US.
Can Americans book a cruise on Marella Discovery through third-party websites like Iglu Cruise?
Yes, Americans can book a cruise on Marella Discovery through third-party websites like Iglu Cruise. Booking through these websites can provide alternative options and benefits for American travelers looking to sail on a British cruise ship.
Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.
With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.
