New discoveries with Marella Cruises

Anyone who has previously cruised on Discovery will feel at home on Discovery 2, with its additional attractions appealing to couples of all ages, families and first-time cruisers.

During my four-night sailing from Malaga to Barcelona, I go ashore in Marseille, where I join a tour to the fishing port turned beach resort of Cassis, whose picturesque surroundings retain a local feel thanks to locals’ efforts to ban the mega-yachts that swamp St Tropez and Cannes.

“We are like St Tropez but without the snobbism,” says our guide proudly, as we stroll along the cobbled, pedestrianised streets and soak up the local ambience.

It is easy to while away the hours here, browsing in the swish boutiques and savouring the catch of the day at one of the waterfront restaurants.

But back onboard there is plenty of opportunity to eat well, too, and my favourite is the Asian Kora La restaurant, both for its excellent vantage point overlooking the main deck with views out to sea, and delicious treats that include popcorn prawns, curries prepared to each diner’s personal preference and succulent duck and watermelon salad.

If you want to eat here, it will set you back £19.95pp but it is worth it. Nearby is speciality steakhouse Surf & Turf, costing a little more at £24.95pp but still a treat with its gentleman’s club ambience and selection of prime cuts.

Of the five complimentary dining options the main restaurant is 47°, so named because this is the latitude of the French shipyard where Discovery 2 was built. It is light and airy, serving “traditional fare with a modern twist” while upstairs on the balcony level is Gallery 47°.

On Discovery, this was an Italian restaurant but has been scaled back and now offers the main dining menu or Italian alternative.

When it comes to after-dinner entertainment, Marella knows how to rock the boat, and I find myself spoilt for choice.

The hub of Discovery 2’s night-time scene is the Live Room, where I join crowds enraptured by singers belting out Abba and Motown classics that propel everyone to their feet, while a pianist on the neon yellow grand piano leads rousing sing-songs from the enthusiastic crowd.

Upstairs at Bar Eleven a live DJ keeps the beat going by spinning the latest sounds long after everywhere else has closed, and with Discovery 2 being all-inclusive, I do not have
to worry about ramping up the bar bill either.

It is a combination that seals this ship’s winning appeal.

Book it: A seven-night Adriatic Explorer round-trip sailing from Corfu on Marella Discovery 2, including calls at Venice, Split and Dubrovnik and departing on May 25, costs from £1,292pp with flights.

• tui.co.uk/cruise