To cruise or not to cruise? That was the question on my mind as my algorithm became flooded with videos of people living their best lives at sea. I’d never been on a cruise, but I've always fancied going around the world in 80 days.

Okay, maybe not around the world and not for 80 days, but seven days around the Western Mediterranean Sea seemed like the perfect starting point and as a couple who recently eloped, it sounded like the ideal honeymoon.

After several hours of YouTube and the desire to avoid large crowds, we decided on one of TUI’s Marella Cruise offerings.

My husband and I set sail on the Marella Discovery 2, a medium-sized ship carrying just over 1,800 passengers from Palma to Italy and back.

Embarking was much like checking into a hotel. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and nothing was too much trouble. The ship is modern and contemporary with a beautiful open central Atrium and offers a wide range of amenities without feeling overwhelming. Its smaller size felt more intimate and navigating the decks was easy.

TUI’s onboard Navigate app ensured the smooth sailing of our trip. Everything from booking excursions and extra activities to viewing the daily menus was at our fingertips at all times.

Breakfast, dinner, tea and late-night snacks in the restaurants on the ship are all included in the standard all-inclusive package, all of which are served buffet style or waiter service by the amazing crew on board.

We also treated ourselves to a meal at the Surf and Turf, one of the ship's three premium restaurants not included in the package. At £35 per person for a three-course meal, it had to be done. The quality of the food and the relaxed atmosphere elevated our trip and gave it a special touch.

This was our ‘honeymoon’ so we upgraded to the premium all-inclusive drinks package. For £85 per person, we were able to enjoy a larger variety of cocktails, premium spirits, canned branded soft drinks and tea and coffee at the Coffee Port.

Having never been on a cruise before, we had no idea what to expect. We were surprised by the size of our cabin, which came complete with a queen-sized bed, dressing table and wardrobe and a small en-suite bathroom. We chose to upgrade and stay in one of the ship’s balcony cabins on deck six. These cabins underwent a full refurbishment in November 2022 and offer glorious views of the ocean.

We wanted to experience as much of the itinerary offered by Discovery 2 as possible, so we booked TUI excursions for four of five ports of call. Booking excursions with TUI took away the stress of planning where to visit, how long we were going to stay in each place and most importantly, getting us back to the ship on time! The local knowledge and ease of travelling was invaluable.

After a day at sea, we arrived in La Spezia, where we headed to Florence to tour the historic city, taking in the breathtaking Santa Maria Cathedral and enjoying the best gelato of our lives. Then a quick stop in Pisa where we joined hundreds of others trying to prop up the famous tower. The history of both cities is fascinating, leaving us desperate to return and see more.

(Image: The Northern Echo) (Image: The Northern Echo) The following morning after a top deck run and watching the sunrise, we arrived in Corsica, docking in Propriano. After a quick picture stop at one of Corsica’s most iconic sites - The Lion of Roccapina - we arrived at Bonifacio for our ‘By Land and Sea tour’.

The ancient town hangs precariously over the sea, but this made for a fascinating boat tour of the caves under the town, including a close look at an old seal hangout. ‘By land’ meant hopping on the town’s little train and a walk through the narrow streets to a spectacular view of Corsica’s coastline and through a slight haze, the neighbouring island Sardinia, before heading back to the harbour for a burger and ice cream (not very French) and enjoying some free time on the picturesque island.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Our fourth day we arrived Cannes, where excursions included trips to Monaco and Monte Carlo. However, being ‘old’ 30-odd year-olds, we were feeling the effects of the previous days, so stayed on the ship, indulging in a couples massage at Oceans Spa and enjoying a lazy day lounging around the pool deck where there is no shortage of entertainment. Live music, interactive quizzes, mini golf, and even a climbing wall await those staying onboard.

(Image: The Northern Echo) We’re bona-fide island hoppers at this point, and the next day we’re back on a coach travelling to Avignon after docking in Marseille. Stepping through the walls of Avignon was like stepping back in time. The cobblestoned streets and medieval buildings left us in awe as we explored this charming commune. We visited on a Sunday morning, so a lot of places were closed, but we still managed to stop for a French pastry and a coffee and of course an ice cream each.

Suddenly, it’s our penultimate day and we’re arriving in Tarragona. Wanting to make the most of our island-hopping adventure and ensure we enjoy something different from our usual holidays, we booked a tour of the Nulles Wine Cathedral.

Designed by Gaudi himself, the winery has been in operation since 1917 and very little has changed. We were fortunate enough to visit during harvest, where we saw the process start to end and of course, sample the finished product.

Although we had crammed as much culture, sightseeing and food and drink into our days, we never missed the opportunity to catch one of the shows in the Broadway Show Lounge.

These are a standout in the ship’s entertainment offerings. The cast was remarkable, and the production was nothing short of Broadway. Standouts for us were the ABBA life story and one of the newer shows Jumbo & the Wonder Circus, but every show offered incredible choreography and vocals from the cast.

They are a must-see and the show lounge itself is spectacular, if you could switch off your brain you wouldn’t even know you were on a ship! Our final show was Ballroom Blitz and what an end to our incredible holiday.

Before we know it, we’re packing our luggage ready for our early start as we head back to Palma for our returning flight to Teesside. Previously, I had always wondered what the draw was to cruise, but there is something magical about waking up in a different country every day. Combine that with the exceptional food, enchanting entertainment and outstanding service I find myself looking to book another Marella cruise daily!

Cruise Top Tips:

  • Take smart clothes- the ship has a dress-up night, which is optional, but people really do go all out.
  • Join Facebook groups. There is a Facebook group dedicated to the Marella Discovery 2 where passengers share their tips and experiences and offer advice.
  • Check out Cruise News each night. It details where you’re visiting, advises on ID requirements of the country if you’re going ashore and holds the ship's full itinerary of entertainment.
  • See as many shows as possible. The Showcast are exceptional, and the Broadway Show Lounge is like a mini theatre. These productions are not to be missed.
  • Upgrade to the Premium All-Inclusive package if you can. Our morning coffees from the Coffee Port became a regular and it was always nice to end the evening with a hot chocolate and a tea whilst listening to the entertainment in the Atrium.
  • If you’re boarding the ship early, take a change of clothes. You can be without your luggage for a while.

Travel Facts:

  • Marella Discovery 2 offers a variety of cruise packages around the Western Mediterranean. The Coastal Gems package starts from £1274pp (based on two people) but rates may vary depending on accommodation and time of year.
  • Fly weekly from Teesside International Airport from May to October.
  • To book your Marella Cruise or find out more visit tui.co.uk/cruise or call 0203 451 2688.