Marella Discovery

To get the absolute most out of a cruise holiday, you need to know the hidden spots and smart booking hacks that only frequent flyers and seasoned cruisers know. Add these exclusive insider tips to your travel toolkit before stepping foot on the Marella Discovery.

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1. The Cabin Selection Trick: Avoid the Deck 8 "Scrape"

When choosing your cabin location, study the deck plan carefully.

• The Insider Secret: Many of the beautifully appointed Deluxe Cabins and Junior Suites are located on Deck 8. However, Deck 8 sits directly beneath the main pool area and the jogging track on Deck 9.

• The Tip: If you are a light sleeper, try to book a cabin on Deck 7 or Deck 6 instead. These decks are safely sandwiched between other residential cabin decks, ensuring you won't be awoken by the sound of sun loungers being rearranged at 6:00 AM. If you do choose Deck 8, aim for a cabin far forward or far aft (at the back of the ship) to avoid mid-ship foot traffic.

2. Is the Premium Drinks Upgrade Worth It? (Probably Not!)

Marella Cruises is famous for its standard All-Inclusive offering, but they will offer you an upgrade to the "Premium Drinks Package" when booking or boarding.

• The Insider Secret: For the vast majority of cruisers, the standard package is more than generous. It already includes recognizable, premium brands like Smirnoff Vodka, Gordon's Gin, Bacardi, and a massive selection of cocktails, beers, and open wines.

• The Tip: Skip the upgrade unless you are incredibly loyal to a specific high-end single malt whisky, premium canned beers, or want daily specialty coffees from The Coffee Port. If you only want an occasional fancy coffee or top-shelf gin, it is much cheaper to just pay the small individual upcharge on your cruise card.

3. Escape the Crowds at "The Veranda"

The main pool deck on Deck 9 is the vibrant hub of the ship, but it can get loud and busy during sea days when everyone is hunting for a sun lounger.

• The Insider Secret: Tucked away at the very back (the aft) of Deck 9 is a lesser-known sanctuary called The Veranda.

• The Tip: This area features incredibly plush, padded sunbeds, cocoon chairs, and unparalleled, peaceful views of the ship's wake (the trail of water behind the ship). It is the perfect place to read a book, enjoy a quiet cocktail, and completely escape the poolside noise.

Note: As Marella Discovery transitions into an exclusively adults-only ship starting in Summer 2026, spaces like The Veranda will become the ultimate spots for quiet, sophisticated relaxation.

4. The Nighttime Transformation of The Glass House

By day, The Glass House on Deck 9 is a bright, airy indoor pool space serving casual deli sandwiches, fresh salads, and rotisserie chicken. But don't overlook it when the sun goes down.

• The Insider Secret: In the evening, this venue transforms into a cozy, atmospheric dining option. It offers a fantastic, complimentary menu of sharing tapas and pizzas.

• The Tip: For a small extra cover charge, you can try the Hot Stone Experience. You will be served premium cuts of meat or fresh seafood on a sizzling volcanic rock, allowing you to cook your meal exactly to your liking right at your table. It’s highly interactive and a great alternative to the main dining room.

5. Book Your Speciality Dining on Day One

The ship’s speciality restaurants—Surf & Turf Steakhouse and Kora La—are intimate venues with limited seating.

• The Insider Secret: Because Marella fares are all-inclusive, passengers love to celebrate special occasions or change up their routine by booking these premium restaurants. They sell out incredibly fast.

• The Tip: Don't wait until midweek to book. As soon as you step onboard and connect to the ship's complimentary Navigate App (or visit the dining reservation desk), secure your prime-time slots for the week. Bonus tip: Look out for early-bird booking discounts sometimes offered for the very first night of the cruise!