Marella Cruises introduces fleet’s first interactive gaming experience

1,836-passenger Marella Discovery 2 is sailing into 2025 with enhancements to 370 cabins and the line’s first-ever life-sized interactive Play Wall. Developed by Neo Experiences, innovators in interactive and immersive gaming, the line says the cutting-edge complimentary activity aboard the 69,472-gt vessel transforms gaming into a next-level experience.

Senior product development manager at Marella Cruises, Luke Murphy tells Passenger Ship Interior and Refurbishment Review, “We have observed a growing demand for competitive socialising and immersive experiences, especially following the success of our Escape Room on Marella Discovery and The Exchange on board Marella Voyager. To cater to a diverse range of demographics, we have curated a vast library of games and experiences. The Play Wall features 28 different games and experiences designed to appeal to a broad audience.”

Marella Cruises, part of TUI UK and Ireland and TUI Group, is the third-largest cruise line in the UK and caters predominantly to domestic passengers. Marella Discovery 2 is part of the five-strong fleet. Launched in 1994, it was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. It joined the TUI fleet – previously called Thomson Cruises – in 2017.

The latest upgrade was carried out at the Navantia shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, where the refurbishments included updates to the lobbies, and enhancements to 370 cabins. These staterooms have new decor with vibrant artwork and upgraded wall coverings. They feature new furniture, beds, fully renovated bathrooms, updated carpeting and improved balcony furniture.

Mr Murphy says, “The refurbished cabins, excluding the Royal and Executive suites, feature a design that is identical or very similar to the refurbishment style introduced on Marella Discovery a few years ago.”

Refurbishments to the premium Royal and Executive suites were created by global marine outfitting specialist MJM Marine, headquartered in Northern Ireland, based on mood boards provided by Marella’s product development team, while retaining the rooms’ existing structure. The lobby and corridor carpets were designed by London-based studio 20.20.

“The design of the Royal and Executive suites was inspired by a luxury suite mood board emphasising a dark, sleek and modern aesthetic,’ continues Mr Murphy. “Plush furnishings were chosen to create a comfortable, home-like atmosphere for guests. The designs for the other cabin types were adapted from the successful concept introduced on Marella Discovery a few years ago. The carpets in the lobbies and corridors feature brand-new designs that harmonise with the stairwell colours shown on the onboard wayfaring signage. This provides guests with a refreshed and cohesive look while maintaining the practical advantage of easily identifying their staircase location. This approach significantly enhances passenger flow and assists guests in navigating to various venues around the ship.”

In common with all the Marella ships, Marella Discovery II is geared towards the British market in terms of cuisine and entertainment and every cabin includes kettles and Yorkshire Tea bags. Sailings are on an all-inclusive basis with gratuities included in the fare.

Elsewhere, for the first time, Marella Cruises’ passengers can challenge their speed, precision and hand-eye co-ordination with the life-sized interactive Play Wall. Guests can choose from 28 games, ranging from the family-friendly Totem Craft, where players compete to build the tallest totem, to Rival Goals, a penalty shootout-style game designed for adults and also accessible to individuals with disabilities. Play Wall is free of charge and participants can reserve their spot through the onboard kiosk or via Marella’s Navigate app.

Marella Cruises managing director Chris Hackney concludes, “After undergoing extensive refurbishments, Marella Discovery 2 is set to give customers an even better experience when it sets sail to the Canaries for the winter season. We’ve invested in making large-scale improvements, revitalising the lobbies and cabins as well as adding exciting new entertainment features like the dynamic immersive Play Wall. We’re proud of the results and can’t wait to welcome passengers on board to see their reactions.”

After the spring season in the Canaries, the vessel will spend the summer of 2025 on Aegean and Greek Island itineraries, visiting ports in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, before relocating to the Caribbean for winter 2025/26. In 2026, the cruising arm of the TUI holiday company is celebrating its 30th anniversary and all the ships in the fleet will offer special sailings to mark the milestone. In May, Marella Discovery 2 will embark on a commemorative seven-night sailing round-trip from Palma de Mallorca with ports of call in Corsica, Italy, France and mainland Spain.