Marella Voyager

The 1997-built Marella Voyager cruise ship (formerly Mein Schiff Herz and the original "Mein Schiff 2") was initially ordered and launched for Celebrity Cruises under the name Celebrity Mercury. The liner joined TUI Cruises in 2009 as "Mein Schiff 2" and was renamed "Mein Schiff Herz" in 2019 after the newbuild Mein Schiff 2 entered the fleet and took the original name.

The vessel (IMO number 9106302) is currently Malta-flagged (MMSI 249053000) and registered in Valletta.

In mid-October 2021, TUI announced that in 2023 Schiff Herz would be transferred to Marella Cruises UK. Her final voyage for TUI was scheduled for April 6, 2023.

Following a major drydock in 2023 (April–May), the ship—renamed Marella Voyager—began operations for Marella UK on June 3, 2023 (maiden voyage).

History – construction and ownership

Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson Cruises UK) is a British passenger shipping company and travel brand owned by TUI Group. The company entered the cruise market in 1973 through Thomson Holidays (now TUI UK), but suspended services in 1976 due to rising fuel costs. Thomson Cruises resumed operations in 1995, and in 2018 the brand was reintroduced as "Marella Cruises." Marella’s parent company, TUI Group, owns hotels, cruise subsidiaries (TUI Cruises, Marella Cruises, and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises), and travel brands such as International Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions. TUI Group also operates several airlines, including Corsair International (France), TUI Airways (UK), TUI fly Nordic (Sweden), TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Deutschland, and TUI fly Netherlands.

The vessel was delivered on November 2, 1997, as Celebrity Mercury. She was decommissioned in February 2011 and transferred to TUI in March 2011. Between March and May 2011, she underwent a major refit at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven and was officially christened "Mein Schiff 2" on May 14, 2011. The 2011 rebuild cost approximately EUR 50 million.

The 1,900-passenger Celebrity Mercury debuted in 1997 as the last of three Century-class ships. Her sisterships (Celebrity Galaxy and Celebrity Century) are now named Marella Explorer (formerly Mein Schiff 1) and Marella Explorer 2 (formerly SkySea Golden Era).

Mein Schiff Herz entered service for TUI with passenger capacity for 1,912 guests (double occupancy/lower berths) and 956 staterooms (652 outside, of which 427 had balconies). Marella Voyager’s capacity is 1,904 passengers (952 staterooms).

After joining TUI, Schiff 2 was homeported in Germany (Hamburg and Kiel) between 2011–2012. From fall 2012 through November 2013, she was deployed in the Mediterranean, while winters were spent in the Caribbean. During the 2014–2015 winter season, the ship operated in the Middle East (Arabian Sea) on roundtrips from Dubai.

In May 2015, RCCL announced plans to transfer the ship to Thomson Cruises (now Marella) in 2019 under the name "TUI Explorer 2." Initially, it was stated that the old Schiff 2 (Herz) would transfer to Marella as "Marella Explorer 2" in March 2019. However, in March 2018, TUI confirmed she would remain in the TUI fleet, and in April announced the new name "Mein Schiff Herz."

Decks and Cabins

Marella Voyager staterooms (956/952 total) include 51 Suites and 376 Balcony cabins across 17 categories. The largest are the Ina Muller Themen Suites/Voyager Suites on Deck 10, each measuring 530 ft² (49 m²) with an additional 140 ft² (13 m²) terrace.

All staterooms feature standard complimentary amenities: two single beds (convertible to a queen), bedside cabinets with drawers and lamps, a sofabed and/or one to two Pullman/fold-down beds, smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system with on-demand movies, Internet, and ship information channel), direct-dial phone, wardrobe, electronic safe, lifejackets (in closet), minibar, Nespresso machine (two capsules daily), water carafe with glasses, mirrored dressing table/desk with chair, en-suite bathroom (toilet, shower, single-sink vanity, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner), individually controlled air-conditioning, and 24-hour room service.

The ship has 13 decks, 10 of which are passenger-accessible and 6 with cabins.

(Marella Voyager ship review) Onboard facilities and amenities

In July 2022, Marella announced that Voyager would introduce several fleet-first venues: "Silver Fork" (a British-themed specialty restaurant), The Arts House (an art-inspired lounge offering shuffleboard, crafts, and live evening music), and "The Kitchens" (a theatrical food hall featuring eight eateries with a wide variety of options).

DINING VENUES

Marella Voyager offers 16 dining venues, including waiter-service restaurants, a buffet, and grab-and-go options. Signature eateries include Abuela’s (Mexican, deck 11), Platter (deck 7, sharing plates and wine), The Kitchens (deck 11, with eight food stations), Snack Shack (deck 11, poolside), Vista Room (deck 5, Italian in the evenings), Surf & Turf (deck 7, steakhouse), Latitude 53 (decks 5–6, main restaurant), Silver Fork (deck 5, British favorites with a modern twist), Nonna’s (deck 11, pizza and pasta), and Kora La (deck 7, pan-Asian specialties). In June 2025, Marella launched Piccadilly’s gastropub fleetwide, offering traditional British dishes (complimentary and à la carte options).

ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

The Broadway Show Lounge rivals London’s West End with 11 productions per voyage, performed twice nightly. Other venues include the Squid & Anchor Pub (games, quizzes, live music), Cinema (deck 6), Sushi Bar (specialty, reservations required), Bar 53 (deck 5, pre-dinner drinks), The Exchange (deck 8, immersive entertainment and cocktails), Flutes (deck 5, champagne and piano bar), The Shack (deck 12, poolside drinks), Electric Rooms (deck 12, nightclub and casino), The Arts House (deck 6, daytime art lounge and live music), and Aperitif (deck 7, pre-dinner bar with an extensive gin and whiskey selection).

OTHER ONBOARD AMENITIES

Amenities include Coffee Port (premium Lavazza café), Deck Bar (poolside), Summerhouse (indoor/outdoor bar with retractable roof), Crazy Golf (top deck), Medical Centre (24-hour staff), Broad Street Shops (Harding+ retail since July 2023, featuring brands such as Pandora, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Fable, and Thought Clothing), Reception (24/7), Destination Services (deck 5), Cruise Holiday Store (deck 6), Photo Studio, The Hideout (teen lounge), M Club (kids’ lounge), Mini M Club (nursery), Gym, outdoor pool, kids’ pool, two whirlpools, Spa & Beauty Salon (operated by OneSpaWorld since 2022, using Elemis, L’Oreal, and Kerastase), The Veranda (Balinese beds with drink service), and Jogging Track (top deck).

(Mein Schiff Herz ship review) Onboard facilities and amenities

Mein Schiff Herz offered numerous dining venues including Atlantic Classic (950-seat main dining room), Richards Fine Dining (65-seat, surcharge), Dinnerzimmer (private steakhouse annex), Surf und Turf (seafood and steakhouse), Blaue Welt Sushi Bar (surcharge, dinner only), Anckelmannsplatz Buffet (412 seats, indoor/outdoor), GOSCH Sylt (80-seat seafood, à la carte), Cliff Grill 24 (24-hour poolside grill), La Vela Bistro, and Aussenalster Bar (sports bar with outdoor seating).

Almost all food, drinks, and gratuities were included in the ticket price. The Diamond Bar provided evening entertainment, while the Show Lounge hosted musicals, acrobatics, magic shows, and stand-up comedy. The AbtanzBar was a favorite for late-night dancing. Facilities included the Sea Spa, large fitness area, sauna, and wellness complex. Sports excursions featured scuba diving, snorkeling, biking, and paddle boating.

Entertainment venues included a theater with revolving stage and LED screens, teens’ lounge (Sturmfrei), art studio and gallery, library, Meerleben marine life area, fine wine shop (Wein und Wahrheit), multiple bars and lounges, X-Lounge for suite guests, SPA und Meer complex, fitness center, two swimming pools (including a 25 m pool), four whirlpools, kids’ club, sun deck with relaxation islands, and sports facilities (basketball, volleyball, tennis, golf simulator, yoga, and jogging track).

Itineraries

After her refit in Cadiz, Spain, Marella Voyager debuted on June 3, 2023, with a 7-day "Highlights of the Mediterranean" itinerary from Palma de Mallorca. Cruises went on sale November 4, 2021. Her inaugural season featured Mediterranean routes such as "Mediterranean Secrets," "Highlights of the Mediterranean," "Magic of Spain," and "Cosmopolitan Classics." For winter 2023–2024, the ship was deployed in the Caribbean from Bridgetown, Barbados, with three alternating 7-day itineraries (Paradise Islands, Tropical Delights, and A Taste of the Tropics).

Mein Schiff Herz itineraries

Mein Schiff Herz’s program was based on Mediterranean roundtrips from Palma de Mallorca in summer and Canary Islands cruises from Tenerife in winter. Mediterranean itineraries visited ports in France (Corsica), Italy (Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (with overnights in Barcelona), Malta (Valletta), the UK (Gibraltar), and Greece (Crete and Santorini). Canary Islands itineraries included Madeira, Cape Verde, and the Azores.

For winter 2020–2021, a South Africa program was planned, featuring 14-day roundtrips from Cape Town visiting Port Elizabeth and Walvis Bay (with overnights). Fares started at EUR 3100 per person, including flights from Germany. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these plans were canceled. Schiff Herz resumed operations on September 3, 2021, offering Mediterranean itineraries from Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.

The ship’s powerplant consists of MAN B&W marine diesel engines (models 6UEC52LS and 9L48/60) with a combined power output of 31.5 MW (42,240 hp).

The vessel was built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg (yard/hull number 639). She measures 77,302 GT, has a deadweight of 9,600 tons, and a maximum draught of 8.5 m.

The 3rd Rockliner concert (featuring Udo Lindenberg) was held on Schiff 2 in 2014. The previous two rock-themed music cruises took place on her sistership Schiff 1 (2010). Schiff 2 also hosted the 5th “Full Metal Cruise” in 2016, while the first four were held on Schiff 1.

Schiff 2’s godmother was Anja Fichtel, Olympic fencing champion at the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea. TUI Herz’s Captain was Helge Wrage.

On April 18, 2023, Chris Hackney (Marella’s Managing Director) announced that Marella Voyager would have two godmothers, both employees of TUI/Marella: Tatyana “Tatty” Olkhovska (Chief Purser since 2017, with TUI since 2003) and Jacqui Nobile (Senior Manager of Destination Services Operations, with TUI since 1994). The selection was made in consultation with TUI senior management, recognizing career longevity and advancement within the company.

The naming ceremony was originally scheduled for May 31, 2023, in Port Malaga, Spain.

The following tables show the ship’s last voyage for TUI (from Tenerife) and her first voyage for Marella UK (from Majorca), both in 2023.

(Mein Schiff Herz) 10-day relocation itinerary (RepositionCruises.com) from the Canary Islands to Majorca:

(Marella Voyager's MAIDEN VOYAGE 2023) 7-day "Highlights Of The Mediterranean" itinerary - from GBP 1195 (EUR 1430 / USD 1550) per person with double occupancy.

(Inaugural Transatlantic crossing) 15-day voyage from Europe to the Caribbean (Barbados).

7-day Caribbean itinerary "Paradise Islands"

7-day Caribbean itinerary "Tropical Delights"

7-day Caribbean itinerary "A Taste Of The Tropics"

Godspeed!

Marella Voyager refurbishment 2023 review

The ship’s first drydock refurbishment under Marella UK took place in 2023 (April–May) at the Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain.

This comprehensive 33-day refit included the addition of Marella’s signature venues, along with new brand-exclusive facilities such as Abuela’s (Mexican restaurant) and The Speakeasy Bar.

The project also involved a full overhaul of the ship’s machinery and systems, as well as extensive hull and superstructure cleaning and repainting.

The refurbishment was managed by the Trimline Group (a UK-based interior outfitting company), led by Naomi Cooper (Director of Projects, Trimline Ltd). It involved around 180 workers and contractors, including electricians, decorators, upholsterers, floor layers, joiners, laborers, surface repair specialists, polishers, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians, and other skilled trades.

Among the new spaces is The Exchange — Marella’s first — featuring an Art Deco bar with a classic speakeasy atmosphere, as well as The Flutes (champagne bar). Renovations also included the installation of LED lighting by GDS Pioneering Light (Bristol, UK-based manufacturer).

Trimline redesigned several key areas, including Squid & Anchor, two restaurants (Latitude and Vista), the new Santorini- and St Lucia-themed suites, Destination Experiences, Dining Club, M Club, and over 900 passenger cabins.

All public areas received new carpeting, while the Broadway Show Lounge underwent a complete renovation. The Electric Rooms (bar/lounge, nightclub, and former casino) were fitted with a state-of-the-art LED dance floor.

TUI Mein Schiff Herz refurbishments review

Mein Schiff Herz’s last drydock refurbishment (by TUI) took place in March 2022 at Navantia, Cadiz.

The 2019 drydock (February 14–March 2, in Marseille, France) included hull repainting, machinery maintenance, and interior overhauls and renovations of the X-Lounge, all Junior Suites, the Shore Excursions Office, and the Anckelmannsplatz/Lido Buffet Restaurant.

A new Italian specialty restaurant, La Spezia, was also introduced in partnership with celebrity chef Theodor Falser.

The 2013 drydock (November 1–7, in Cadiz) added an outdoor yoga area (Deck 12), new LED lighting and carpeting in public spaces, a renovated Cliff 24 Bar, and a complete exterior repaint with eco-friendly hull coating.