1st time with Marella

[Lyndylou57]

Having only booked a couple of weeks ago we are very excited for our upcoming March 1st cruise on Explorer. Please can you advise if dinner suits are acceptable on ‘dress up’ night? Also, what times are the nightly shows in the theatre? Any other advice or tips would be very welcome. 
Since our last cruise with P&O in 2023 we have cancelled both cruises booked with them for this year. What a downward  spiral! 

[suech1970]

My hubby has never worn a dinner suit on chic night or whatever they call it on Marella. A smart shirt and trousers/chinos alway suffices. There will be the odd tux or kilt knocking about the ship but in general, trousers, shirt, with or without jacket is fine. You’ll not feel out of place whatever you wear.

In fact he had a fit when we had to take his suit on our P&O and hated it, that’s why we’re one and done with them😆.

Georgeanddan.com have lots of info about Explorer, including the daily programs.

Tips…relax and enjoy

 

[S1971]

1 hour ago, Lyndylou57 said:

Having only booked a couple of weeks ago we are very excited for our upcoming March 1st cruise on Explorer. Please can you advise if dinner suits are acceptable on ‘dress up’ night? Also, what times are the nightly shows in the theatre? Any other advice or tips would be very welcome. 
Since our last cruise with P&O in 2023 we have cancelled both cruises booked with them for this year. What a downward  spiral! 

 

Hi.

 

Marella are much more casual, even on dress to impress nights, long trousers and shirt are more than sufficient, no tie required.

 

From memory 1st show about 20:00 and 2nd 21:45 give or take a few minutes.

 

I've read a fair bit about P&O's slipping standards, lots of which are appear to be switching to Marella.

 

I'm booked on Explorer in August, be good if you could provide a brief review on your return if possible.

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise.

 

[Brummijam]

3 hours ago, Lyndylou57 said:

Having only booked a couple of weeks ago we are very excited for our upcoming March 1st cruise on Explorer. Please can you advise if dinner suits are acceptable on ‘dress up’ night? Also, what times are the nightly shows in the theatre? Any other advice or tips would be very welcome. 
Since our last cruise with P&O in 2023 we have cancelled both cruises booked with them for this year. What a downward  spiral! 

Hi Lindylou.

formal night attire has always been a can of worms on Marella, This pretty much covers it as it stands.

 

Marella Cruises usually has one night per 7-day cruise that is designated as a ‘Dress to Impress’ night. It’s where guests are encouraged to get dressed up in more formal clothing if they wish, although guests can just turn up in the regular Smart dress code if they prefer.

 

A lot of guests still enjoy the feeling of putting on their most glamorous suits and cocktail dresses for a night, but there are also many who don’t want to have to pack their best formal clothing, or just prefer the more relaxed feel of a smart-casual outfit.

Marella caters for both with the Dress to Impress night, since you’re welcome to choose either. And if you don’t want to feel like you’re underdressed, you can head to any of the other restaurants on the ship – the Dress to Impress night is typically limited to the main restaurant only.

If you google “ Marella dress code” it will explain marella’s interpretation.

Have a great cruise.😉

 

 

[2BACRUISER]

As mentioned Marella is fairy laid back pretty much what you would wear to a fancy restaurant will be OK for DTIN. 

You'll have a lovely time  staff are smashing and shows are usually of good standard. We always dine between 8 - 8.30 and always managed to get into the late show.

Have a fab time 👍🍾🥂

Edited February 24 by 2BACRUISER
Typo

[Liverbird 6]

Hi

Having had four Caribbean cruises with P+O the last 3 cruises have been with Marella (Discovery1+2 +Explorer2) which we have really enjoyed+ going on Explorer on 15/3.We enjoy dressing up formally for the DTI night as we did on P+O especially as there were two each week.Numbers have varied on the last 3 cruises of people wearing formal or casual so it’s what you feel comfortable wearing.We dine 7.30-8.00 and always get to see the late show.

Hope you enjoy +have a fab cruise 🍹🥂😎

[howmuch!]

7 hours ago, Lyndylou57 said:

Having only booked a couple of weeks ago we are very excited for our upcoming March 1st cruise on Explorer. Please can you advise if dinner suits are acceptable on ‘dress up’ night? Also, what times are the nightly shows in the theatre? Any other advice or tips would be very welcome. 
Since our last cruise with P&O in 2023 we have cancelled both cruises booked with them for this year. What a downward  spiral! 

The evening shows are 8.30 and 10.30, with doors opening 30 mins before (there's often a queue). There is a drinks table inside the entrance with glasses of house wine, some bottled beers, Prosecco and some soft drinks. If you prefer G+T etc, grab one from a nearby bar before entering. Shows are normally 45 mins.

[pennib]

Hi. Don’t worry it is no downward spiral from P&O. We (and others) have made the exact same decision especially the Christmas Caribbean cruises. We are on the same Marella cruise as you (round the Canaries) and it will be our 4th!! Staff great, food great, atmosphere great, ship clean etc ( what is not to like?). Might see you on board!! Enjoy

[Lyndylou57]

Thank you everyone for your comments

[Andy24v]

In my opinion Marella really care about the customer experience. We're on Explorer at present doing a trip round the Canaries. We left Lanzarote on Monday evening, due in Madeira at 08:00 Wednesday morning, Tuesday being a sea day.

Due to strong winds the sea is rough in the area, so the Captain increased speed so we made Madeira by 18:00 on Tuesday, saving us another night at sea.

There were no doubt some extra costs incurred by Marella in doing this, but they did it nevertheless. 

As others have mentioned the staff on board are brilliant, and the food and entertainment is really good.