Marella Cruises will debut four new spaces aboard the Marella Discovery 2, coinciding with its conversion into an adults-only ship. The former children's areas will be transformed into Amplify Karaoke, The Lost Luggage Bureau, Red Handed Escape Room, and The Loft. These will be exclusive to this ship and will be available to passengers in early 2027.
This investment responds to the strong demand for adults-only cruises. According to a study conducted by Marella Cruises, 80% of passengers who traveled aboard the Marella Explorer 2, the company's current adults-only ship, stated that this feature was one of the reasons they chose to book. Nearly three-quarters indicated that they considered it important for Marella Cruises to have such a ship in its fleet, while previous research revealed that 93% of customers would be willing to book an adults-only cruise.
The new spaces also reflect broader trends in British travel preferences. Research by Marella Cruises reveals that 68% of adults in the country actively seek moments to relax and recharge during their holidays, while more than half (54%) prioritize spending quality time with their partner, friends, or family.
Nearly three out of ten people (29%) seek to disconnect from screens and technology when they travel. Designed with these preferences in mind, the four new exclusive spaces on the Marella Discovery 2 are:
Amplify Karaoke will be Marella Cruises' first dedicated karaoke space. It's a private room for up to seven people, equipped with ambient lighting and modern technology offering thousands of songs. Groups can book it by the hour and choose their own songs, without having to sing in front of strangers. It's designed for celebrations, couples, and groups of friends. It also responds to the rise in social and competitive activities, the interest in sharing experiences, and the current nostalgic trend. According to Marella Cruises research, 44% of Britons would actively seek out karaoke during their holidays or participate in one if it were available.
The Lost Luggage Bureau draws inspiration from the success of The Exchange, the fleet's first immersive speakeasy, located aboard the Marella Voyager and Marella Cruises' most popular event space, welcoming over 11,000 guests annually. This new venue recreates the glamour of travel's golden age. Guests enter through what appears to be an old lost and found office and discover a secret speakeasy behind it. For 90 minutes, live music, actors, and immersive storytelling combine to reveal the mysterious contents of unclaimed luggage. The experience includes three signature cocktails, each with a corresponding non-alcoholic version, served on vintage brass trolleys with the finishing touches prepared tableside. Guests can choose between two stories: The Case in Question and Smugglers Society, with a maximum of 42 participants per session. The proposal responds to the interest in interactive entertainment: according to the study by Marella Cruises, 53% of British adults would be willing to participate in a mystery or investigation experience during their holidays.
Red Handed will be an escape room set backstage at the fictional Cabaret Rouge in the 1920s. Teams of up to six people will have 60 minutes to steal Lady Ruby Bardot's diamond necklace before being discovered. Participants will have to solve seven logic puzzles spread across two themed dressing rooms, one of which is a secret room they must find. If they need help, a host dressed as part of the story will be able to provide clues via an antique telephone. This experience adds to the growing interest in immersive activities that combine entertainment and puzzle-solving. Almost half of Britons (49%) say they would be willing to participate in an escape room during their holidays.
The Loft will offer a unique onboard experience: a tranquil space for those seeking to unwind. It will combine a library, board games, and guided arts and crafts activities in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Open 24 hours a day, it is included in the all-inclusive package. The Crafts Ahoy program will offer one organized session on port calls and two during days at sea. Activities include jewelry making, macrame, watercolor painting, drawing, button art, and paper filigree. The Loft caters to the growing interest in digital detox and quiet, screen-free activities. According to research by Marella Cruises, two-thirds (66%) of people over 55 would read books in a dedicated relaxation area during their vacation, while 43% would spend time doing puzzles or other pastimes.
Furthermore, the climbing wall on the Marella Discovery 2, one of the onboard activities, will also be renovated. The facility will feature a wider variety of hold sizes and will adopt the style of modern climbing centers and Olympic-certified climbing walls.
Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, said: “Our customers have told us how much they value adults-only cruising, and our investment in Marella Discovery 2 demonstrates how we continue to modernize our fleet. We’ve carefully analyzed what our guests love most on different ships, as well as consumer trends related to relaxation, socializing, immersive entertainment, and creative wellness, to create four new, distinct spaces that appeal to both our existing guests and those new to cruising.”.
Whether it's sipping cocktails in a secret speakeasy, singing a favorite song with friends, or picking up a paintbrush during a day at sea, these spaces offer passengers more opportunities to enjoy a holiday their way.".
Three of the new spaces will have an additional cost and can be booked onboard, at the ship's reception, or through Navigate. Advance bookings for The Lost Luggage Bureau will be available through Cruise Control.
Marella Cruises offers its passengers a standard all-inclusive package, which includes gratuities, flights, meals and drinks, West End-style entertainment, activities, accommodation and service charges, with the aim of providing a fully inclusive vacation experience.
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