Marella Dream Review

4.0 / 5.0
0 reviews

Shows as good as west end standard

Review for the Western Mediterranean Cruise on Marella Dream
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Multi Trav
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

Rating by category

Cabin
Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Entertainment
Fitness & Recreation
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Sail Date: May 2018

We have been on P&O Ventura before in a balcony cabin but Marella Dream was better in many ways. The entertainment team - particularly the shows were fantastic and Keith on the last night knows how to get everyone on the dance floor. The standard AI package includes branded drinks such as Smirnoff, Barcardi, Gordens, Beefeater, loads of cocktails, Bailey's coffee, lattes Strongbow, J Smith's and now Boddington cans. So no need to upgrade unless you like special whiskey. We found the lattes, coffees from the bar that were included in our basic AI package very nice - before we found these we had paid for 4 lavazza lattes in explorer's lounge and it was discounted to just over £5 as we were AI so not expensive if u like this coffee. You could pay to upgrade to premium AI to get lavazza free but not worth it in our opinion. Our outside room 6142 was v spacious modern and had a bath/shower and kept clean by Tia. I think a balcony would be a waste of money as we fell asleep within minutes on being in the room. Ivana and Gerome in the main restaurant were particularly efficient but all staff were brilliant and friendly. Palma was a surprise in that it is so beautiful and the ship put on a free shuttle service but we had to pay 4 euros return in Barcelona which was good value. The food was lovely in the Orion restaurant with lots of gluten free options and fine in Sirens for breakfast and lunch ( just wsh they didn't do so many consome soups). The Sun deck on the top was lovely and quiet with some shade and padded beds. We found the do it yourself trips via Tui into Florence and Rome at £45 each the best option and a guide travelled on the bus giving useful info. We took more euros than required because your bill was in pounds and the ship's conversation rate is poor if you wished to settle some of it with unused euros. The spa treatments were fabulous. We had tenders in Sorrento a bit choppy and Monaco v choppy with some issues getting people off with mobility issues but to be fair they put more tenders on with less people to get them off quicker and reduce sea sickness. The ship's interior is modern and not dated and much better than expected after reading some reviews. We do 5 star hotels and whilst the ship isn't 5 stars we had to overall rate it 5 stars based on the overall experience. Pompeii Tui trip was better than DIY as we would have missed some of key points of interest. Yes tips are included and a reminder on your card but we gave some to key staff that we felt went above and beyond.

Cabin Review

Port Reviews

Palma de Mallorca (Majorca)

Gorgeous atmospheric place with beautiful architecture and squares. Best ice cream and cheapest coffees. Designer shops and chocolate shop with a wall of running chocolate fountain.

Trapani

The port itself is a 5 min walk and some nice buildings but not much to do. Immediately on the dock are buses taking 4 People at 20 euros each to Eric's a 30 min journey to this pretty hill top town. This is half price of Tui and avoids the cable car ride. l would recommend this trip.

Corsica (Ajaccio)

Lovely town short walk. Take the Lillie train we did the 1.5 hour option for 10 €.

Toulon

Not much here and a bit run and art museum was closed.

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