Latest news with #MarellaCruises
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
TUI Airways takes flight from Southampton Airport for first time in 15 years
TUI Airways resumes Southampton to Palma flights after 15 years, supporting summer travel demand and enhancing Marella Cruises' Mediterranean itineraries. TUI Airways has resumed its flights from Southampton Airport to Palma De Mallorca, marking the first departure in 15 years. The inaugural full flight took off yesterday (Tuesday, 27th May), reconnecting travellers with the largest and sunniest of the Balearic Islands. This weekly service will operate until the end of September, perfectly complementing Marella Cruises' eagerly awaited summer program. The reintroduced route offers holidaymakers and cruise enthusiasts a seamless connection to Mallorca's stunning beaches, vibrant cultural attractions, and delightful Mediterranean climate Gavin Williams, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: 'Our passengers were hugely excited when the return of TUI was first announced last year. It was fantastic to see our passengers on the first services which provides an exciting new travel opportunity for the Central South region. We look forward to welcoming more passengers on this flight as we continue to expand and enhance our travel options.' TUI UK's Director of Flight Capacity Management Aviation Planning Karen Switzer said: 'We are extremely excited to see the return of TUI Airways to Southampton Airport to reconnect travellers with the vibrant corner of the world that is Palma. We understand how important it is for customers to have access to flights from their local airports, and this latest addition brings the number of regional airport that TUI Airways fly from to 24. We look forward to welcoming customers on board from May next year and taking them away on their dream Mallorcan holiday.' For those looking to set sail soon, Marella Cruises sailings will include Mediterranean itineraries aboard Marella Discovery, 'Cosmopolitan Classics' departing from Palma, Majorca and calling at Cagliari, Sardinia, Naples (for Pompeii and Capri), Italy, Piombino (for Siena and Pisa), Italy, Villefranche (for Monaco and Nice, France, Palamos, Spain and finishing up once again in Palma.
Times
25-05-2025
- Times
12 of the best cruise lines for families
Cruises can be a brilliant option for families. You're all in one place, with no worries about accommodation, cooking or eating out, and every need is catered for: food, drink, activities, nightlife, entertainment and even kids' activities. The facilities on the best ships are fantastic, with loads to keep little ones occupied while their parents get to enjoy some precious child-free time. Most vessels give you the option of doing some onshore exploring too, allowing you to visit several places without having to worry about car hire, buses, traffic or unscrupulous tour operators. Onboard facilities can vary by ship, so do check details — and what's included in the price — before you book. These are 12 of the best, for every kind of family. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue An all-inclusive voyage with Tui's cruise arm, Marella Cruises, is a hassle-free option for any family. The standard fare includes everything from transfers to the ship to selected alcoholic drinks and mocktails, plus a choice of at least four different restaurants serving child-friendly food. There are kids' clubs for those between 3 and 11 offering pirate hunts, mini-discos and chocolate parties, a teen-hangout area and family-friendly facilities galore, including climbing walls and cinemas. Children even get their own plush toy and activity booklet to help keep them busy on board. Travelling as a family doesn't have to mean scrimping on luxury. Explora Journeys aims to replicate the experience of a five-star hotel at sea on its two ships, yet children over six months are welcome (under twos sail free, and there is up to 50 per cent off for the third and fourth passengers in the same suite, aged up to 17). There are interconnecting suites for extra space, special kids' activities and a poolside ice-cream gelateria, while the Nautilus Club room features games consoles, a pool table and a digital library. Best of all? The standard fare includes food, drinks, room service, gratuities and the all-important wi-fi to keep any travelling teens happy. Toddlers, teens and all ages in between have been considered by Celebrity. Their Camp at Sea programme features slumber parties, Xbox stations for reclusive teens, and sports courts for older kids. And, in the unlikely event that your brood are missing school, there's a chance to bone up on subjects such as marine wildlife and ecological conservation with Stem (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) on selected ships, offering activities and events around these topics. Cruises include meals (bar speciality dining), shows and activities. With the All Included option, drinks and wi-fi are also covered. Kids' clubs are mostly complimentary. • Best cruises with fewer than 200 passengers• Best cruise lines with their own private island You'll be entertained from dawn to dusk on MSC ships, which feature award-winning facilities designed to keep the whole brood happy. Zoom across deck on a zip line, score a lucky strike at the bowling alley and enjoy Broadway-style shows in the evenings. MSC Virtuosa features the Teens Lab, an immersive, tech-filled room created especially for older kids, a silent disco and a waterpark. Full board meals (bar speciality dining), entertainment, most activities and kids' clubs are included. Excursions, some drinks, wi-fi and spa visits are typically extra. • Discover more of the world's best family holidays Norwegian offers families that all-important flexibility with no set dining slots. And, while every ship in the fleet has activities for children aged six months to 17 years, Norwegian Encore goes above and beyond. Race towards the chequered flag on the Speedway track, brave the waterslides, or head to Galaxy Pavilion, where virtual reality experiences include simulated hang-gliding. Included are meals (bar speciality dining), coffee bar, kids' clubs, most entertainment and poolside activities. You'll pay extra for most drinks, shore excursions, babysitting, and popular activities such as the race track. Look out for the occasional Kids Sail Free promotion, offering third and fourth guests complimentary cruise fares. P&O is pushing the boat out with their Excel class ship, Arvia. There's a chance to test your balance on the Altitude Skywalk high-ropes experience and practise your swing at mini-golf. Or, if you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, there's a four-screen cinema and a retro-style diner serving all-American dishes. Dance classes, use of the sports deck and most of the kids' activities, entertainment and food are included (bar speciality dining). It's usually mainly Brits on board. Gone are the days of hunting down stray kids. Thanks to smart wearable devices in Princess MedallionClass you'll be able to track down exactly where family members are at the touch of a button — as well as order food and drink to anywhere on the ship. Standout features to impress the kids include top-deck stargazing, an indoor planetarium and, depending on where you're sailing, the chance to meet guest puppies or parrots on board. Over on Caribbean Princess, the Reef Family Splash Zone provides hours of watery fun for little ones, washed down with mocktails for the kids and cocktails for the adults. What's included? Onboard activities, kids' clubs, main dining (most drinks are extra), and entertainment. Royal Caribbean has a fair few trump cards when it comes to family fun: rock climbing, ice skating and zip lining being among the highlights. Anthem of the Seas is one of the most impressive ships in the fleet with a RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator, bumper cars, and cocktails shaken by robot bartenders. Cruises include full board (speciality dining is extra), some drinks, most entertainment and onboard activities. You'll pay extra for beverage packages, the spa, shore excursions and wi-fi. • The best cruise lines in the world Uniworld is known for being a favourite among luxe lovers, so it's a pleasant surprise that this river cruise line is also family friendly. The Generations programme, operating on a handful of departures during the UK school holidays, features itineraries and onshore activities aimed at children, with paddleboarding, treasure hunts and bike rides among the mix. On board there's a lounge with PlayStation, regular cooking classes and craft workshops, as well as ship tours with the captain. Trips are all-inclusive, including premium wines and spirits, activities, bike hire and gratuities — and usually return flights. • Best river cruises in the world All A-Rosa river cruises are designed with families in mind — they're less formal than your average sailing — but E-Motion takes things one step further: expect spacious cabins with bunk beds and an age-appropriate toy box. Adults can unwind in the spa, kitted out with a sauna and whirlpool, while kids can meet the captain and splash about in their own separate pool. Top up on family time with mini-golf, pizza-making and mocktail workshops. Meals and selected drinks are included with its Premium All-Inclusive offering, and children aged 15 and under can sail free on some ships. During school holidays there are free kids' clubs for children aged four to 15. Shore excursions cost extra. Carnival majors on family fun. Kids can squeal at the twists and turns on Bolt, the first rollercoaster at sea (extra cost), get arty in the craft studio and be suspended 150ft in the air on SkyRide — a recumbent bike suspended beneath a metal track. Cabin fever is kept at bay with extra roomy staterooms and a family lounge, and the huge projectors on the top deck are perfect for getting together to watch movies under the stars. The innovative ship Mardi Gras has lots to keep children entertained, including waterslides, mini-golf and a ropes course. Meals (bar speciality dining), entertainment, kids' programmes and many activities are included. Most drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions and gratuities are not. This line will have you dancing from the moment you board. Disney cruises deliver on the pizzazz the parks are known for. Little ones can be pampered in the kids' beauty salon, meet their favourite characters and settle in for theatre shows based on Disney classics. If you're lucky, you'll cruise into Castaway Cay — the line's family-orientated private island in the Bahamas, with a snorkelling lagoon, boat rentals and a teen hideout. Packages include entertainment, various dining options (including 24-hour room service), kids' and youth clubs, and Castaway Cay (on most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises). You'll pay extra for alcoholic drinks, adult-exclusive dining and tips. This themed cruise is all about the Disney brand and ideal for those who want to mingle with Mickey. You'll find family suites on many ships, including Royal Caribbean (which offers perks such as an in-room slide, table tennis and cinema), Celebrity Cruises, Carnival, Princess, MSC, Disney and Norwegian Cruise Line (which also has the Haven Family Villas on selected ships). This depends on what cabin grade you opt for and where you want to go. For a seven-night sailing in the Mediterranean for a family of four, you can expect to pay upwards of £1,500. Look out for Kids Sail Free promotional offers on some ships, which could offer worthwhile savings. Again, this depends on the itinerary and where in the world you are sailing. For Caribbean cruises, the best time to bag a bargain is during school term or hurricane season (which is the UK's summer to autumn); for Mediterranean sailings, try the typically cooler months of March, April or November. Additional reporting by Oliver Berry • Best cruise destinations• How to save money on a cruise
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
TUI launches new UK flights to one of the most popular Spanish islands this summer
TUI is launching a new UK flight to Ibiza in time for summer. Exeter Airport in Devon now has two TUI aircrafts, with a new weekly route to Ibiza now available. 3 3 This means holidaymakers can book getaways to the White Isle for seven and 14 nights. With the airline boosting it's capacity at Exeter Airport, it means TUI can now offer 65,000 seats to Greece, 60,000 to the Balearics and 40,000 to the Canaries. In addition to Ibiza, the airline will be adding flights from Exeter to both Lanzarote and Tenerife as a year-round destination, along with Antalya, Heraklion, Paphos and Rhodes. In total, 50 flights per week will carry thousands of passengers from Exeter Airport to 13 different destinations this summer, with Paphos remaining the most popular choice for travellers. Additional routes each week have been added from Exeter to Paphos, to support Marella Cruises' new homeport itineraries from Limassol in Cyprus. Commercial director Chris Logan said: "It's fantastic that we can provide so much more choice and flexibility for our Exeter customers with the addition of our second aircraft for the summer season. "We've seen a boom in demand for holidays from Exeter to places such as Greece and the Canary Islands and we're excited to bolster our flying frequency to these destinations. "From summer 25 we now have year-round flying to Lanzarote and Tenerife meaning customers can choose to enjoy the year-long sunshine in winter or summer." Crew relations manager Nicola Bendall has worked at TUI for 25 years and said this additional capacity couldn't come at a better time. She said: "People are delighted to see a new route to Ibiza and more choice when it comes to travelling to some of their favourite destinations from their local airport. The Barbie-pink hotel resort in Ibiza with retro loungers and huge pool Stephen Wiltshire, managing director of Exeter Airport, added: "We're thrilled to be welcoming a second TUI aircraft to Exeter Airport for summer 2025. "It's a real vote of confidence in Exeter as a gateway to the sun." Ibiza is one of the most popular Spanish island with Brits, and one of the main four Balearic Islands. Known for its nightlife, opening this summer on the island will be the world's biggest nightclub UNVRS. But there is a lesser known side where you can visit the quieter, more authentic side - here is how. Serena Cook, a celebrity party planner, shared her own hidden gems including El Chiringuito and Macao Cafe. The Sun's senior Fabulous digital writer, Josie O'Brien, went to the Ibiza of the U and said it has way better vibes. Plus, why you should visit Ibiza in the winter. 3
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Denise Van Outen confesses which celeb she'd holiday with and why she ignores trolls at 50
Denise Van Outen shares which star she'd love to do holiday karaoke with as she confesses her abroad fails and admits why she hopes her daughter always wants to travel with her Whether it's razzle-dazzling on the stage or kicking back on a beach break, Denise Van Outen knows how to make the most of life. Happily single and loving life since her split from Jimmy Barba in November 2023, the theatre star and presenter, 50, chats exclusively to OK! about juggling mum life (she shares teen daughter Betsy with her ex-husband, West End performer Lee Mead) with an array of exciting new projects coming up. Essex-born Denise, who is working with Marella Cruises, tells us about the holidays she loves and why she still adores an action-packed adventure as much as a chilled day at home. The busy mum-of-one also talks about how she's actually quite sensitive, tackling imposter syndrome and the very famous face she'd love to do karaoke with in Ibiza. Hi, Denise! At the age of 50, what's something you know now that you wish you'd known in your twenties? To worry less about what people think, definitely. I try to tell that to younger friends in the industry all the time. When I started out, we didn't have social media – now people can say horrible things with a click, and it goes straight to you. I always remind myself that hurt people hurt people – but it does upset me, seeing younger people take cruel comments to heart. I worry about that. As for myself, I don't really read the comments. Probably for the best! Your daughter Betsy recently turned 15. How's your relationship with her evolving? I've been a single mum for a long time, so we've always made our own little adventures – and every year, we do one holiday that's just the two of us. I hope we always keep that up, even when she has a family of her own. It's such lovely bonding time. Now that she's getting older, it's a bit more chilled – she doesn't need entertaining in the same way. We're more like travel companions now. Do you worry that one day she might want to hang out with her friends more? I'm very aware, yes, that in a couple of years, she'll be off with her friends or have a boyfriend, so I'm trying to soak up as much time with her as possible. We've had some amazing trips over the years. I remember doing Disney together, and we went on all the rides. We've made some really special memories. And do you think she'll follow in your footsteps into the world of showbiz? I really don't know! I wouldn't be surprised. She's got a really lovely singing voice, and she does drama and performing arts at school. But it's totally up to her. I've never been one of those pushy mums. If she wants to do it, great – but it has to be her decision. She's grown up around it and seen both sides. Her dad and I have both been through the highs and lows, she's seen it all. Would you support her if she chose that path? Absolutely, but I'd make sure she totally knew what she was getting into. She's already got her eyes wide open, to be honest. She's seen how it all works. You can be smashing it one minute and struggling the next. It's a roller-coaster. What does quality time look like for you both? Shopping, grabbing lunch, walking the dog. She's so busy with school and after-school clubs, and I'm always running around, so when we get downtime, we make the most of it. We're going to the coast for the weekend with a couple of friends soon. Just chilling, nothing fancy. Have you picked up any parenting advice that's really stuck with you? You've got to have patience – and sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't! But the main thing is not to compare your kid to anyone else's. Every child is different. They're all individuals. You've had and continue to have a brilliant career. Looking back, what was the big turning point? Doing Chicago on Broadway. It opened international doors – I ended up working in US TV because of it. I trained in drama and it reminded people that I could do more than presenting. It was a big moment for me, personally, too. It made me realise that if you've got passion and work hard, you can do anything. What kind of projects excite you now? Anything creative. I've been writing a sitcom with some actor friends – it's in the early development stages, and I love just bouncing ideas around. I've also done some songwriting recently, which was fun. I'm enjoying being on the creative side of things. You seem so confident, has that always been the case? I've always had a bit of confidence. But that doesn't mean I don't get imposter syndrome. I remember feeling it when I first went to New York to do Chicago. Everything there was next level, and I did doubt myself at first. Then I thought, you've got one shot at this, so go for it! I'd never bail out of something out of fear. Even if something fails, at least you gave it a go. What do people often get wrong about you? That I'm not sensitive. I come across as very upbeat, but I do take things to heart, and if someone I love is upset, I get quite upset. But I'm also good at masking it. I admit, that's not always the healthiest way to be, though. You've joined Marella Cruises as their Chief Chill-Out Officer, so what's your dream trip? Honestly? I'm a cruise convert. I've done a couple now, and I love them. I used to be someone who liked staying in one place, going to the same restaurants, same bars – now I want to explore. I want to tick off my bucket list. Last year I saw Rome for the first time – it took me 50 years, but it was incredible! We also went to Corsica, which I wouldn't have thought to visit, otherwise. You get to see so many amazing places that you'd never get to with a regular holiday. Have you ever had a hilarious holiday fail? One of the funniest ones has to be in Tenerife. I'd never been before, and there was a massive hurricane. I ended up spending three days stuck in my hotel room with the storm shutters down. Apparently, it was the first time they'd had one in years – just my luck! I was with friends though, so we had a laugh and made the best of it. If you could go on a sunshine break with any fellow celeb, who would it be? It's got to be Adele! She just seems so fun and down to earth – I reckon you'd have a proper laugh with her. I don't think you'd need to do anything too fancy. Ibiza with Adele would be hilarious. Karaoke bars, sunshine – perfect!
The Independent
17-03-2025
- The Independent
The best cruises for winter sun in 2025 and 2026
The days may be getting brighter in the UK with the arrival of spring, but now could be the best time to start thinking about your winter sun cruise for when the seasons get chillier once again. If memories of the latest damp and dreary winter make you shiver, you could escape on a ship for some guaranteed sunshine and calm waters in the Caribbean. Forget Christmas with the in-laws, why not spend the festive season on a cruise in the Canary Islands or make plans to raise a glass to the new year in the southern hemisphere? Most cruise brands offer itineraries in the winter months from November to February, visiting top destinations such as the Bahamas, Tenerife, Dubai and Sydney. 'Wave season' – the sales period for cruise brands early each year – is almost over but there are still attractive offers, and booking early is often an ideal way to secure a decent deal. Options range from luxury cruises to family-friendly, all-inclusive sailings. Here are some of the best cruise deals for some winter sun in 2025 and 2026. Limassol, Cyprus – Souda, Crete – Valletta, Malta – Palma, Majorca – Malaga, Spain Europe can still provide plenty of sun during the winter period. Departing from Limassol, Cyprus, this all-inclusive eight-night sailing with Marella Cruises visits hotspots across the Aegean Sea, visiting the mountains of Souda in Crete and the historical Maltese capital Valletta en route to Palma and Malaga. Facilities on Marella Discovery 2 will keep you entertained, with its two pools, rock-climbing wall and escape room. Book now Miami – Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic – San Juan, Puerto Rico – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,Bahamas – Miami Enjoy MSC Cruises ' newest ship MSC World America in the sunny surroundings of the Caribbean. Departing from Miami, you will soon be relaxing on the beaches of Puerto Plata or discovering its ancient city walls before drinking the local coffee and rum in San Juan's old town. The itinerary also includes a trip to MSC Cruises' private Ocean Cay island in the Bahamas, where you can take part in watersports or just top up your tan before heading back to the cold at home. Departs 15 November; from £873pp Book now Port Canaveral – Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico – Roatan, Honduras – Cozumel, Mexico – Perfect Day at CocoCay – Port Canaveral Enjoy guaranteed sun and sand on this seven-night Caribbean cruise. Sailing with Royal Caribbean on what will be its newest ship by November 2025, Star of the Seas, this voyage includes a stop on the brand's private Caribbean island for 'PerfectDay at CocoCay' experience. Other destinations include Costa Maya in Mexico, where passengers can discover ancient Mayan ruins and lush jungles. Onboard, Star of the Seas offers giant waterparks and slides onboard as well as 40 bars and restaurants to explore. Departs 23 November 2025; from £1,206pp Book now Disney Cruise Line: Very Merrytime Bahamian Cruise Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Nassau, Bahamas – Castaway Cay – Fort Lauderdale, Florida Bring some magic to your Christmas with a Disney cruise. This Very Merry Christmas four-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale includes a stop on Disney's private island Castaway Cay where you can go snorkelling to discover hidden treasures underwater or even win a medal for completing a 5k run or walk around the island. There will be lots of festivities aboard Disney Dream, which will be decorated with Christmas trees, characters will be dressed for the season and you could even go carolling with Mickey and co. The ship has a Fairytale Wonderland Disney princess-themed restaurant or the more adventurous AquaDuck high-speed waterslide. Departs 22 December; from £6,788 (based on a cabin with two adults and two children) Book now P&O Cruises: Canary islands Tenerife – Lanzarote – Madeira – Gran Canaria – Tenerife See in the new year in the warmer climes of the Canary Islands. You will start in the winter sun by departing from Tenerife aboard Azura with P&O Cruises for a week in the Canary Islands sun. Passengers can marvel at the varied landscapes across the itinerary, from the volcanic views of Lanzarote to the mountains of Madeira. You will even get to watch a shore-side fireworks display from the ship during an overnight stay in Gran Canaria. Departs 26 December 2025; from £1,599pp, return flights and transfers included Book now Celebrity Cruises: Great Barrier Reef Sydney – Brisbane – Queensland – Cairns – Port Douglas – Willis Island – Sydney Enjoy the Australian summer with an 11-night cruise aboard Celebrity Edge. Departing from Sydney, this Celebrity Cruises itinerary includes an overnight stay in Cairns, giving you time to explore the Great Barrier Reef. There is also a day cruising alongside Willis Island where you could spot seabirds such as boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters and sooty terns. Onboard, passengers can choose from nine restaurants and bars, three pools and a nightclub as well as enjoying food and drink in the famous Magic Carpet raised platform that moves up and down the side of the ship. Departs 14 January 2026; from 1,093pp Book now Celestyal: Iconic Arabia Abu Dhabi – Doha – Siri Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – Fujairah – Muscat – Khasab – Abu Dhabi Sail the smooth waters of the Arabian Gulf on the seven night Iconic Arabia cruise aboard Celestyal Discovery. Departing from Dubai, this itinerary is packed with ancient history and cultural treasures from the exotic wildlife of Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates to the souks and architecture of Muscat in Oman. Onboard, the ship pays homage to its Greek routes with Mediterranean dishes and entertainment, but there are plenty of local influences such as Arabian night themed cocktails. Departs 6 February 2026; from £689pp
