We took this cruise with another couple as they wanted to experreince the middle east and india . We chose Marella due to value for money and the fact that our one previous cruise had been with the Spirit and although this was an old ship we had enjoyed the experreince.Our cabin (deck 8 junior suite) was fine, it was comfortable, clean and spacious. The balcony was large and well furnished and provided some respite from the heat and the noise from the pool deck. We found the public decks too full of sunloungers, quite noisey and at times it was difficult to find a seat/lounger to have a drink and a rest. Due to the electrical fault on board parts of our cruise were disrupted, we missed several ports and cruised slowly. ( compensation was offered and we felt was relatively generous at 2/3rds of the cost of the cruise).Due to the electical fault our cabin was very noisey at night and suffered from severe vibrations , we complained and were offered alternative cabins (same grade) after 7 days, together with a bit of on board spend. Staff really tried to help us so again we had no lasting issues as they did their best in the circumstances.

Food was good as we ate the waiter service restaurants and in the surf and turf twice and the pan asain once. Food in the surf and turf although an extra was very good.

Getting drinks was not a problem although we found the soft drinks (soda especially) had a very unpleasant taste perhaps as it came from treated water rather than from a branded bottle. Entertainment was so so, not really to our taste, although we did see several shows etc none really stood out. the live bands were OK however at times the DJ appeared to play music he liked rather than that appropriate for a 60 plus audience. Read more