Marella Cruises is set to implement significant changes to its Marella Discovery 2 vessel, transforming it into an adults-only ship starting in November 2027. This strategic shift aims to cater to the growing demand for adult-only cruise experiences, reflecting a broader trend within the cruise industry.
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As part of this transition, Marella intends to repurpose existing areas designated for children into stylish adult spaces. New features will include an atmospheric speakeasy, an engaging escape room, a lively karaoke room, and a creative arts & crafts area. This marks a notable evolution for the Marella Discovery 2, which follows in the footsteps of Marella Explorer 2, the first of their ships to adopt an adults-only policy.
Home porting for the Marella Discovery 2 will take place in three locations on the Spanish mainland. Passengers can embark from Tenerife and Gran Canaria during the winter months from November 2027 until March 2028, before the ship shifts its operations to Malaga, which will serve as the homeport until April 2028.
Chris Hackney, the CEO of Marella Cruises, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming changes. In a statement released in June 2025, he highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience aboard the vessel. “Our winter 2027 programme will focus on the regeneration of Marella Discovery 2 returning as an adults-only ship for a second consecutive winter season,” he noted. Hackney added that the line is investing in four new onboard concepts aimed at enriching the cruise experience further.
Originally launched in 1995 as Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, Marella Discovery 2 has a capacity of approximately 1,800 passengers. The ship’s new adults-only itinerary will introduce a fresh seven-night ‘Atlantic Fusion’ cruise, which will once again include a stop in Agadir, Morocco, alongside various ports in Spain’s renowned Canary Islands.
In addition to the changes aboard Marella Discovery 2, Marella Cruises is expanding its “Cruise & Stay” programme. This initiative will include 39 new hotels across various destinations, notably in Malaga, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados. This expansion will add to the existing portfolio of 197 hotels already included in the programme, enhancing the company’s proposition for travellers seeking diverse holiday experiences.
The trend towards adults-only cruising is becoming increasingly mainstream, with other cruise lines following suit. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line recently announced four new adults-only sailings on its Carnival Firenze ship, replacing previously family-friendly voyages. These new itineraries are part of Carnival’s innovative Sailings Exclusively for Adults (SEA) programme, launched in 2025.
Virgin Voyages, another notable player in this shift, has adopted an adults-only approach since its launch in 2021. The line operates four ships in various popular destinations across the Caribbean and Europe, specifically designed to cater to an adult clientele.
As Marella Discovery 2 prepares for its transition into an adults-only ship, it joins a growing list of cruise offerings that focus exclusively on adult guests. The adjustments not only highlight Marella Cruises’ responsiveness to customer preferences but also illustrate the competitive landscape in the cruise industry as operators seek to differentiate their offerings to meet changing market demands.
As the winter 2027 season approaches, potential travellers can look forward to a reimagined experience aboard Marella Discovery 2, promising a new level of relaxation and entertainment tailored to an adult audience. With its unique features and revamped itineraries, the ship is poised to become a popular choice for those seeking memorable holidays at sea in an adult-only environment.