One of the United Kingdom's most prominent and beloved cruise operators, Marella Cruises, has unveiled its grand plans to commemorate three decades of operation with a series of celebratory voyages that promise a heavy dose of 1990s nostalgia and star-studded entertainment. The headline acts for these milestone sailings have been confirmed, featuring live performances from singer and radio presenter Fleur East, the supergroup Boyzlife – comprising former Boyzone member Keith Duffy and ex-Westlife star Brian McFadden – and the acclaimed British drag performer La Voix.
Festive Itineraries and Celebrity Appearances
The special birthday sailings will commence on May 1st and will span across Marella's fleet of five ships, offering passengers an immersive experience filled with music, interactive sessions, and themed events. Each vessel will host unique attractions, ensuring a varied and memorable celebration for all guests on board.
Palma-Based Celebrations
The festivities will be centred in Palma, where the Marella Discovery 2 will serve as a key hub for the anniversary events. Fleur East is set to headline here, performing some of her best-known tracks, including Uptown Funk and Sax, to set a vibrant tone for the celebrations. Additionally, guests on this sailing will have the opportunity to participate in a live question-and-answer session with Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, who will share captivating stories from his iconic participation in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Also departing from Palma, the Marella Explorer will welcome Boyzlife to the stage, where Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden will deliver a performance packed with the greatest hits from both Boyzone and Westlife, offering a nostalgic trip back to the heyday of 1990s boy bands. This voyage will similarly feature a live Q&A with Eddie Edwards, delving deeper into his personal journey and his status as one of the world's most cherished Olympians.
Additional Highlights Across the Fleet
Meanwhile, the Marella Voyager is gearing up for a comprehensive birthday celebration at sea, headlined by La Voix, a favourite from Strictly Come Dancing and Drag Race. La Voix will entertain guests with her powerful vocals and a repertoire of classic showstopping tunes, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere on board.
Over in Limassol, Cyprus, the Marella Discovery will host a live Q&A session with television presenter Anthea Turner, who will reflect on her illustrious career, including her roles on beloved British TV shows such as Blue Peter, GMTV, and Wish You Were Here.
Onboard Events and Themed Activities
All guests on these special sailings can look forward to a range of exclusive events designed to enhance the celebratory experience. These will include a grand Birthday Gala, themed parties under the banner 'Party Like it's 1996', vibrant quayside celebrations, 1990s-themed trivia quizzes, and curated TV box sets from the decade. The adults-only Marella Explorer 2 will also play a central role in the festivities in Palma, with further headline acts for both this ship and the Marella Discovery to be announced in the coming months.
Executive Insights and Guest Reactions
Chris Hackney, the Chief Executive Officer at Marella Cruises, expressed his enthusiasm for the anniversary celebrations, stating: 'With Marella Cruises marking 30 years in the UK, we're excited to announce these headline acts and Q&A sessions for both new and returning cruise customers. Our customers value our all-inclusive offering and seamless end-to-end service. This celebration will take them on a nostalgic journey back to 1996 with music, quizzes, and onboard entertainment inspired by the era. We can't wait to welcome guests aboard our ships to celebrate this milestone birthday with us.'
Fleur East, who previously competed in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, shared her excitement about participating in the milestone event: 'Being able to be a part of this milestone for 30th birthday celebrations for Marella Cruises is truly exciting. After performing onboard Marella Discovery 2 during the launch of the ship, I am excited to be back playing again for all customers onboard to enjoy.'
Pricing and Booking Information
The 30th birthday sailings offer an all-inclusive experience, with prices starting from £1,305 per person. This comprehensive package ensures that guests can enjoy the celebrity performances, interactive sessions, and themed events without additional hidden costs, making it an attractive proposition for cruise enthusiasts and nostalgia seekers alike.
