A review of Marella Voyager cruise

Marella Voyager

A Review by Mark Harrison

Back home and time to collect our thoughts about our latest cruise. This was again with Marella but on Voyager rather than Discovery 2. Voyager is newer and bigger but not by much in either case. The itinerary was 'Magic of Spain' starting in Palma then a sea day followed by Gibraltar, Cadiz, Malaga, Almeria, Alicante and back to Palma.

Flights, transfers and check-in were all very smooth and on-time. Some fun from Palma airport who decided to put flight nos. on carousel 3 and the luggage on carousel 5. Sea day we had pre-booked the Great Musical Afternoon Tea. Lovely menu. Live piano playing. Clumsy 'waiters' who burst into song. An additional charge applies but fantastic value and hugely enjoyable. In the evening it was Dress to Impress night, not compulsory but we did dress up.

In Gibraltar we shared a taxi to do the rock, caves, tunnels and monkeys. Also in our taxi were YouTubers Alex and Ryan from Cruising With The Whytes. We bumped into them a few more times during the cruise. Really nice guys. Unfortunately the weather wasn't great and we didn't see the top of the rock.

Cadiz. A real surprise. Beautiful place we would happily go back to. Just wandered around enjoying beautiful buildings and the market. I think we followed a bit of Cathy Rogers route in her port guide.

Malaga. We had booked the excursion to the Biopark. Another surprise. Lovely place with many animals living together as they would in the wild rather than in seperate cages/compounds.

Almeria. A bit of a disappointment. Not much to see except the Alcazaba, which also had a surprise. First you can walk from where Voyager was moored to the Alcazaba in about 10 mins. You don't need an expensive excursion. Second, at the ticket kiosk we were asked 'where are you from?' We said 'England' and they replied 'it is free for you. Please go in'. It is beautifully restored with some work still going on. Immaculately kept and with great views across the town and port. Best of all, no entry fees, no souvenir shop, no photographers, no cafe/restaurant. Not even a donations bin. No-one trying to take money off you.

Alicante. We should have been there early morning Friday but due to the storms the ship was not allowed to dock. Instead we headed for Palma arriving early Friday afternoon. Marella laid on coaches to take us to the city for a few hours. Next day sadly back to Palma airport and flight home.

So how did Voyager measure up to Discovery 2? The ships have their differences but we would be more than happy to sail on either again. The crew were always personable, friendly, smart and helpful. Especially Ba and his mates Marvin and Vimay, our cabin crew.

Now looking forward to our next cruise on Explorer 2!

Mark Harrison January 2020 Picture credits: Marella Cruises and Mark Harrison