Marella Cruises to purchase Mein Schiff Herz from TUI, announces US cruises for 2023

Marella Cruises will acquire Mein Schiff Herz from TUI Cruises and rename the ship Marella Voyager, the cruise line has confirmed.

Marella Voyager, currently sailing as Mein Schiff Herz, will be the fifth ship in the Marella fleet and is intended to enter service for the line in June, 2023.

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Also announced this week were Marella Cruises new 2023 US cruise itineraries. Although Marella Voyager will not be deployed to the States, her addition to the fleet gives Marella Cruises a greater degree of flexibility for deployment.

Marella’s new US cruises feature three new seven-night itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida, as part of its summer 2023 program on the Marella Discovery.

“Being able to set sail into the USA next year is another milestone for us,” said Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Cruise for TUI UK & I. “Expanding our program allows our customers to experience once-in-a-lifetime adventures and we’ve made sure there really is something for everyone.”

“The excitement for cruising is well and truly back and we’re delighted to be able to continue to offer new experiences for our customers,” he added.

The new(ish) Marella Voyager meanwhile will be deployed to destinations such as Barcelona and the south of France after she has undergone a thorough refurbishment to bring her in-line with the rest of the fleet.

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Familiar Marella spots onboard will include Surf and Turf and Nonna’s and Snack Shack, but cruisers can also expect a brand-new Mexican eatery and a “Secret Speakeasy bar,“ the cruise line said.

Marella Voyager will be family-friendly and will include kid’s clubs and several swimming pools. An onboard gym, Broadway Show Lounge, as well as 10 all-inclusive bars and 10 restaurants, feature in her entertainment offerings.

“After a challenging year for the industry, we couldn’t be more thrilled to finally announce we’ll be welcoming Marella Voyager, the fifth ship in our fleet, in Spring 2023 with her first sailing taking place in June,” said Hackney.

“This ship builds on our already popular fleet and offers loyal customers and new customers more choice,” he added. “We know what our customers like and so we want to ensure we keep some Marella Cruises favorites but also adding a different flavor to the Marella Voyager too.”