Eclipses & Escapes: Marella Cruises Plots a Summer 2026 Full of Mediterranean Magic
Ahoy happy sailors!
Eclipses & Escapes: Marella Cruises Plots a Summer 2026 Full of Mediterranean Magic
If you’ve ever dreamed of watching a total solar eclipse while floating in the Mediterranean, Marella Cruises is here to make that dream come true—and then some. Their summer 2026 lineup is officially live, and it’s packed with cosmic events, birthday bashes, and gorgeous new itineraries that’ll have you reaching for your passport in no time.
Sail Into the Shadows: Eclipse Viewing at Sea
This one’s a showstopper. On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the sky, and Marella Discovery 2 is setting sail to catch it in all its glory. The special 'Cosmopolitan Charms' itinerary departs 11 August from Palma, Majorca, and hits scenic stops like Palamos, Spain (perfect eclipse viewing spot), Propriano, France, Rome and Salerno in Italy, and Palermo, Sicily.
It’s Marella’s first-ever eclipse-themed cruise, and honestly, how often do you get to watch the sun disappear while sipping a poolside spritz?
30 Years, 1 Big Celebration
Marella Cruises is turning 30 in 2026, and they’re throwing a fleet-wide birthday bash. On 7 May 2026, every ship in the fleet will host a special anniversary sailing, with departures from Corfu, Limassol, Palma, and Dubrovnik. Expect festive extras, nostalgic nods, and plenty of celebratory fizz. After all, 30 years at sea is worth toasting.
New Routes, Returning Faves, and a Few Surprises
Say hello to ‘Jewels of the Mediterranean’, a new itinerary launching 12 May 2026 aboard Marella Discovery 2. You’ll set off from Palma and explore Olbia, La Spezia, Villefranche, Toulon, and Palamos—basically, the best bits of the Med, all in one trip.
There’s more good news, too:
Marella Voyager will home port in Corfu for the first time, cruising the Greek Islands and Adriatic.
Marella Explorer returns to Palma after a five-year break—hello, sunshine and sangria.
Marella Explorer 2 will sail from Dubrovnik, focusing on dreamy Adriatic escapes.
Marella Discovery becomes adults-only out of Limassol, Cyprus. Because sometimes, grown-ups need their own space (and pool).
More Ways to Cruise & Stay
If you love a little land time before or after your cruise, Marella has added 18 new hotels to its popular Cruise & Stay program across Cyprus, Corfu, Croatia, and Spain—bringing the total to 112 properties. With flights from 20 UK airports, it’s never been easier to turn your cruise into a full-blown holiday.
What’s Included? Everything You Actually Want
Marella’s all-inclusive model still includes meals, drinks, tips, and flights (just keep in mind specialty dining isn’t covered). So once you’re onboard, the only decisions you’ll need to make are pool or sun deck, sangria or spritz.
Bookings Are Open—Let’s Go!
Summer 2026 sailings opened on 17 October 2024, with prices starting at £1,533 for the eclipse-ready ‘Cosmopolitan Charms’ cruise. Ready to book? Head to TUI’s official website and claim your spot under the stars.
Whether you’re chasing eclipses, celebrating big birthdays, or just craving that sweet Mediterranean breeze, Marella Cruises is bringing the magic in 2026—and we are so here for it.