Marella Discovery 2: The Ultimate Guide to the Ship, Cabins, and Dining
Are you planning your next cruise and considering the Marella Discovery 2? Originally launched as Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, this stunning Vision-class cruise ship has been fully revitalized by Marella Cruises to deliver a modern, all-inclusive, and family-friendly experience at sea.
From its world-class dining options to high-flying entertainment and fantastic onboard facilities, the Marella Discovery 2 is a favorite for travelers exploring the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and beyond. In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know about this incredible vessel.
Marella Discovery 2 Ship Stats & Fast Facts
Before diving into the amenities, here’s a quick look at the vital stats of the Marella Discovery 2:
69,472 GT
Gross Tonnage
2,198 Maximum
Passenger Capacity
771
Crew Size
1995
Year Built
Palma, Majorca.
Home Port
Exceptional Dining: Restaurants and Bars
The Marella Discovery 2 restaurants cater to every palate. Whether you are craving a casual bite by the pool or a sophisticated multi-course dinner, the ship offers eight distinct dining venues and seven bars. As part of Marella's all-inclusive package, most of these eateries are included in your fare.
Included Dining Venues
-
47° (Main Dining Room): This striking, two-story restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and serves traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
-
Gallery 47°: Located upstairs from the main dining room, this relaxed venue specializes in crowd-pleasing Italian classics.
-
Islands Cuisine: The ship’s main buffet venue offers diverse international stations, perfect for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
-
Snack Shack: Designed with a fun, beach-hut vibe, it serves fantastic festival-style grab-and-go options like burgers and fries.
-
The Glass House: Enjoy deli-style sandwiches by day and delicious late-night tapas when the sun goes down.
Specialty Dining (Chargeable)
If you want to celebrate a special occasion, you can book a table at one of the specialty restaurants for an additional fee:
-
Surf & Turf Steakhouse: Offers perfectly cooked premium steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options in a sophisticated setting.
-
Kora La: A premium pan-Asian restaurant serving exquisite curries and custom noodle dishes.
-
Sushi Bar: Freshly prepared sushi and sashimi with premium ingredients.
Marella Discovery 2 Gallery 47
Marella Discovery 2 Surf & Turf
Onboard Entertainment and Amenities
There is never a dull moment aboard the Marella Discovery 2. The ship combines the large-scale amenities of a mega-ship with the welcoming atmosphere of a mid-sized cruiser.
-
Swimming Pools: Choose between the lively open-air Main Pool (perfect for family fun) and the tranquil Indoor Pool, which features a massive glass canopy roof and comfortable Balinese beds.
-
Broadway Show Lounge: With over 800 seats, this impressive theater hosts spectacular, West End-style musical performances every single night.
-
Active Fun: Conquer the Rock Climbing Wall for incredible ocean views, or challenge your family to a round on the 9-hole Mini-Golf course.
-
Oceans Spa & Beauty Salon: Treat yourself to a full-body massage, a rejuvenating facial, or simply unwind in the saunas and whirlpools.
-
Movies by Moonlight: Grab a blanket and watch a blockbuster film under the stars at the outdoor cinema.
-
Live Casino & Bars: Try your luck at the blackjack tables, enjoy a pint with live music in The Live Room, or take in sweeping panoramic views from Bar Eleven—the highest point on the ship.
Marella Discovery 2 Pools
Accommodations: Marella Discovery 2 Cabins
-
After a busy day exploring ports, you need a comfortable place to recharge. The Marella Discovery 2 cabins range from budget-friendly interior rooms to expansive, ultra-luxurious suites.
-
-
Every standard cabin includes air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a hairdryer, a safe, tea/coffee-making facilities, and plenty of wardrobe space.
-
Inside and Outside Cabins: Measuring around 12 to 13 m², these rooms offer excellent value. Outside cabins feature a porthole or picture window to let in natural light.
-
Balcony Cabins: Covering about 15 to 16 m² (plus a 3 m² private balcony), these rooms are perfect for travelers who love watching the ship pull into port from the privacy of their own deck.
-
The Royal Suite: The crown jewel of the ship. This massive 92 m² suite sleeps up to four people and boasts a separate living room, a baby grand piano, a whirlpool bath, and a large private balcony.
-
Pro Tip: Booking a Junior Suite, Grand Suite, or Royal Suite unlocks Suite Service, which includes VIP perks like a free weekly continental breakfast in bed, premium Elemis toiletries, a Lavazza coffee machine, and complimentary pressing services.
Marella Discovery 2 Rooms
Where Does the Marella Discovery 2 Sail?
The Marella Discovery 2 itineraries are heavily focused on warm-weather European destinations. Depending on the season, you can book 7-day to 14-day voyages exploring:
-
The Mediterranean: Popular summer routes (like the "Cosmopolitan Charms" or "Highlights of the Mediterranean") frequently depart from Palma de Mallorca, calling at spectacular ports in Italy, Greece, and Spain.
-
The Canary Islands: During the winter months, the ship relocates to the Canaries, offering sunny escapes departing from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or Las Palmas, with stops across the Atlantic islands.
No matter where you choose to sail, the Marella Discovery 2 promises an unforgettable journey filled with great food, fantastic entertainment, and seamless service.
7 Insider Tips and Secrets for the Marella Discovery 2
Even if you’ve cruised before, every ship has its hidden gems. To help you get the absolute most out of your time onboard the Marella Discovery 2, we’ve put together a list of insider hacks, secret spots, and pro tips that many first-time guests completely miss.
1. The Best Vantage Points for Ship Spotting
If you love watching the ship pull into port or observing other vessels passing by, skip the crowded main pool deck. Head up to Deck 10 Forward for a fantastic, unobstructed panoramic view right above the bridge.
Alternatively, grab a drink at Bar Eleven (on Deck 11). As the highest point on the ship, the floor-to-ceiling windows here offer the absolute best sweeping views of the harbor and passing marine traffic, making it a prime spot for taking photos of the surrounding bay.
2. Don't Miss The Glass House Tapas
Because it functions as a deli and pizzeria during the day, many passengers don’t realize that The Glass House transforms into an excellent, relaxed tapas restaurant in the evening. It’s included in your standard fare, but it is often much quieter than the main dining room. Grab a table near the indoor pool, order a few sharing plates, and enjoy a laid-back dinner.
3. The Glass Canopy's "Quiet Hours"
The indoor pool, covered by a massive glass roof, is a gorgeous space. While it's popular with families during the day, it usually shifts to an adults-only zone in the early morning and late afternoon (check the daily Cruise News for exact times). If you want to secure one of the luxurious, plush Balinese beds without fighting the crowds, head there right when the adult-only hours begin.
4. You Don't Need Paid Wi-Fi for the App
To use the Navigate App (Marella's onboard digital planner), you do not need to purchase a premium internet package. Simply connect your phone to the ship’s local Wi-Fi network and keep your phone on airplane mode. You can book dining, check the daily schedule, and manage your onboard account completely free of charge.
5. Book Specialty Dining Before You Board
Venues like the Surf & Turf Steakhouse and Kora La are relatively small and highly sought after. They frequently book out within the first 48 hours of the cruise. To guarantee a table—especially if you want to dine on a formal night or celebrate a birthday—log into the Marella Cruise Control portal and book your tables a few weeks before you even pack your bags.
6. The Premium All-Inclusive Upgrade Nuance
Marella Discovery 2 is strictly all-inclusive, meaning standard beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails are free. However, if you are a fan of premium branded spirits (like Grey Goose or Bombay Sapphire), specific lavish cocktails, or upgraded Lavazza coffees, you'll need the Premium All-Inclusive upgrade.
-
The Hack: If you didn't buy the upgrade, you can still purchase premium drinks on a pay-as-you-go basis. Unless you plan on drinking several premium coffees and top-shelf cocktails every single day, it is often cheaper to stick to the standard package and just pay a few extra pounds out-of-pocket when you want something fancy.
-
7. Aft-Facing Balconies Are the Hidden Gem
When selecting your cabin, look at the deck plan and try to secure one of the aft-facing balcony cabins at the very back of the ship. Because of the ship's structural design, the balconies on the aft are slightly deeper than the standard balconies on the sides. Plus, you get an incredibly peaceful, mesmerizing view of the ship's wake as you sail away from port.
