Marella Dream Review
Rating by category
Additional details
This was our 4th cruise. Our previous 3 cruises were with Royal Caribbean, and although we were reasonably happy with RC, we decided to give Marella cruises a try, because the price was good, and because they were going to ports we wanted to visit.
We were a group of 6 people from 3 generations, all with inside cabins. We had the full board package rather than all inclusive, because we don’t drink very much and, at over £28pp per day, you would have to go some to get your money’s worth! Also, every person on the booking must buy the package, which is hardly fair when there are under 18s in the group.
We flew from Edinburgh to Palma on Tuesday 9th Oct. Check in, flight, and transfers were seamless. No problems at all. Very well organised, with Marella staff on hand at every point to direct customers.
Cabin Review
Cabin positives:- In comparison to RC, the cabins are slightly larger. The bathrooms are definitely roomier than RC.
Showers were excellent – good water pressure and consistent temperature
Cabin negatives:- You have to pay if you want to use the safe.
The heating/air con had a mind of its own and it seemed to be either too cold or too warm. We had mastered it by about day 5 though!
There’s only one socket that is easily accessed. There are two more behind the bed, but they are difficult to get to.
Our cabins were kept clean and tidy by Ariana, our cabin steward. He was a lovely man - very friendly.
Port Reviews
Cadiz
Lovely port. The ship docks right in the heart of the city so you're in town within a few minutes.
We visted the Torre Tavira for great views of the city and beyond, and a camera obscura show.
Nice place for a wander around and a drink at a pavement cafe or bar
Gibraltar
We arrived early and were able to get off the ship before 9. We got a bus to Casement Square and walked up to the cable cars, which we had pre-booked. There was only a very small queue for the cable cars.
We walked back down which was very enjoyable. The only negative is that the signage around the rock is not great, so sometimes you're not entirely sure you are going in the right direction.
Cartagena (Spain)
Again, the ship docks in the town, so you are in the centre within minutes
Cartagena is full of Roman ruins.
The Roman theatre is well worth a visit, as is the Roman forum and the castle.
Valencia
Plenty to see and do in Valencia.
Marella have a shuttle bus to the city centre, costing 7 euros per person, but you don't need it.
Our teenagers wanted to go to the aquarium, so we didn’t get the ship's shuttle bus. We left the port and got a local bus (number 95) to the aquarium. There are frequent buses numbers 95 and 4, which go to city centre from just outside the port. They cost 1.50 each way. The 95 takes around 25 minutes to get into the city centre (the same time the shuttle bus takes), and goes via the aquarium entrance. I think the number 4 bus is quicker.
We walked back to the aquarium from the city centre, through the Jardin del Turia - a park formed in a dry river bed. It took us around an hour at a leisurely pace, and was a lovely walk. We then got the 95 bus back to the ship.