Grecian Discovery with Marella Discovery 2: A Surprisingly Brilliant Late‑Summer Escape

When a rare window opened for a family holiday, we found ourselves booking a cruise just two weeks before departure. It wasn’t the most typical way to plan a summer getaway, but sometimes the best trips are the ones that come together at the last minute. And this one, sailing the Grecian Discovery itinerary aboard Marella Discovery 2, turned out to be exactly that.

I’ll be honest: Marella has always been a cruise line I wasn’t entirely sure about. I’d often wondered whether the “all‑inclusive package holiday at sea” concept would feel a bit confused. Over the years we’ve berthed alongside Marella ships in ports around the world, always curious but never quite tempted. But with the Greek Islands high on our list and the appeal of a simple, all‑in package, this itinerary felt like the right opportunity to finally give Marella a try.

First Impressions of the Ship

Marella Discovery 2 is a small ship by today’s standards, originally sailing as Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas. At 30 years old, she’s certainly a classic, and yes, some areas show their age - mainly the cabins. But refurbishment is ongoing, and the balcony and suite cabins on decks 7 and 8 already have a fresh, modern feel.

We stayed in two interconnecting Oceanview cabins (3114 & 3116) on a lower deck. Although these haven’t yet been refurbished, I was pleasantly surprised. The décor may be dated, but the storage was excellent, and being at the end of the corridor meant blissful peace with no foot traffic. We did hear some docking noise in the mornings, but nothing disruptive.

For anyone who prefers smaller ships, as we increasingly do, then Discovery 2 hits a sweet spot. She’s easy to navigate, intimate without feeling cramped, and has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that quickly puts you at ease.

Dining: Casual, Flexible, and Better Than Expected

One of the biggest differences with Marella is the absence of set dining times. You simply turn up at the restaurant you fancy, and if there’s no table available, you’re handed a pager and encouraged to enjoy a drink nearby. It’s a wonderfully relaxed system that suits the ship’s personality.

Over the week, we sampled a good mix of venues:

·        Gallery 47° – Italian with a View

Located on the upper level of the main dining room, this Italian‑themed restaurant became a favourite. The menu changes slightly through the week, and the Spaghetti Carbonara which is finished at the table was a standout.

·         47° – The Main Dining Room

This became our breakfast go‑to. I always prefer a sit‑down breakfast over a buffet, and 47° delivered consistently. We also dined here twice in the evenings, including gala night, and the menu didn’t disappoint. One thing I loved: wine is offered as soon as you sit down. No waiting, no fuss just a smooth, all‑inclusive experience.

·       The Glass House – Tapas by the Pool

In the evenings, this indoor‑pool‑side venue transforms into a tapas and pizza restaurant. The calzone was as good as anything I’ve had ashore. It can get warm in there, so shorts were definitely the right call.

·        Islands Buffet & The Snack Shack

We don’t usually gravitate toward buffets in the evening, but on embarkation night it was the only option due to a delayed flight and it was absolutely fine. The self‑serve lager and wine taps were a fun touch.

At lunchtime, we alternated between the buffet and the Snack Shack. Highlights included:

•             A brilliant salad bar

•             Freshly prepared “salad of the day”

•             Roast‑of‑the‑day filled rolls (the beef and horseradish bap was superb)

•             Grab‑and‑go salads, wraps, and fruit pots from the Snack Shack

·        The Sushi Bar – A Birthday Treat

We pre‑booked the Sushi Bar for a birthday celebration, and despite never having tried sushi before, I left a convert. The whole experience was exceptional - beautifully presented, fresh, and full of flavour.

There are two other speciality restaurants: Kora‑La and Surf & Turf which we didn’t have time to try, plus the new British‑themed Piccadilly’s. Next time, they’re on the list.

Flights & Transfers: Smooth and Stress‑Free

Flying from Bournemouth was a huge convenience for us. Our outbound flight was delayed by about an hour, but once airborne it was smooth and quick. The best part of booking Marella’s flight-inclusive package is the peace of mind: the ship won’t leave without you.

Transfers were well organised both ways. The bonded luggage service on the return journey was a brilliant perk, once we left our cases outside the cabin the night before, we didn’t see them again until Bournemouth arrivals.

Life Onboard: Warm, Welcoming, and Wonderfully Relaxed

What truly elevated this cruise was the crew. They were exceptional, they were genuinely friendly, attentive without being intrusive, and always ready for a chat. Our cabin attendants, a team of three, greeted us every time we walked down the corridor. It felt personal in a way that’s increasingly rare on larger ships.

Marella still offers evening turndown service, complete with towel animals and chocolates on the pillow, a small touch, but one that many cruise lines have quietly stopped.

Entertainment

The production team performs an impressive 12 shows over 14 nights. We saw six, all varied and entertaining. The all‑inclusive drinks service in the show lounge - cans of beer, wine, soft drinks, or a pre‑mixed cocktail handed to you as you enter which felt wonderfully civilised.

Dress Code

Evenings onboard are relaxed. Tailored shorts and a polo shirt were perfectly acceptable for men, even on gala night where smart‑casual was the dominant look. It made evenings comfortable and easygoing.

Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Marella?

Absolutely, especially for anyone who usually books an all‑inclusive beach holiday and is curious about trying a cruise.

Marella Discovery 2 exceeded my expectations. The ship may be older, but she’s charming. The crew are outstanding. The dining is varied and enjoyable. And the all‑inclusive model removes so much of the usual onboard decision‑making.

For us, it was a relaxed, memorable family holiday and a reminder that sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink.

If you’d like to know more about Marella, the Grecian Discovery itinerary, or want help planning your own cruise, I’m always happy to chat.

 

I’m Rich Rochester, a travel specialist and franchise owner with GoCruise & Travel. As a CLIA Ambassador and ABTA/ATOL‑protected member, I bring decades of first‑hand experience across more than 40 cruises on 15 different lines. My role is to make travel personal, matching the right journey to each client’s style, whether that’s a family holiday, a luxury escape, or an expedition adventure.

📧 rich.rochester@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk

📞 01489 661199

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