Marella Cruises Announces Major Celebrity Lineup for 30th Anniversary Voyages
Marella Cruises, the UK cruise line operated by TUI, has revealed an expanded roster of headline acts for its upcoming 30th birthday sailings in May 2026. The celebrations will feature British music icons Pixie Lott and Lemar, alongside other notable personalities, across a series of special seven-night voyages on its fleet of five ships.
Star-Studded Performances and Exclusive Events
The anniversary cruises will include a variety of unique onboard activities designed to evoke nostalgia for the 1990s, the decade when Marella Cruises launched. Guests can look forward to a Birthday Gala, themed parties such as Party Like it's 1996, quayside celebrations, 1990s trivia quizzes, and curated TV box sets from that era.
Brit Award-nominated singer-songwriter Pixie Lott will perform on the Marella Discovery, showcasing her classic hits like 'All About Tonight', 'Cry Me Out', and 'Boys and Girls'. Lott expressed her excitement, stating, 'I'm thrilled to be performing at Marella Cruises' 30th birthday celebrations! I can't wait to bring the party to life and make the celebrations unforgettable for everyone onboard.'
Joining her is double Brit Award winner Lemar, who will entertain guests on the Marella Explorer 2 with his seven top 10 singles. Additionally, beloved broadcaster Michaela Strachan will host live Q&A sessions on multiple ships, sharing anecdotes from her 40-year career in television, spanning children's shows, music programmes, and wildlife documentaries.
Fleet-Wide Festivities and Additional Highlights
All Marella vessels will participate in the milestone celebrations starting May 1, 2026. Key highlights across the fleet include:
- Marella Discovery 2 in Palma: Features a performance by Fleur East with hits like 'Uptown Funk' and 'Sax', plus a Q&A with Olympic legend Eddie the Eagle (Michael Edwards).
- Marella Explorer in Palma: Hosts BoyzLife (Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden) performing Boyzone and Westlife songs, along with another session with Eddie the Eagle.
- Marella Voyager: Showcases a headline act by La Voix, a favourite from Strictly Come Dancing and Drag Race, offering powerhouse vocals and showstopping tunes.
- Marella Discovery in Limassol: Includes a live Q&A with television presenter Anthea Turner, reflecting on her career in British TV.
Executive Insights and Booking Details
Chris Hackney, CEO of Marella Cruises, commented on the announcement: 'With Marella Cruises marking 30 years in the UK, we're excited to announce even more headline acts with British stars such as Pixie Lott and Lemar, for both new and returning cruise customers. Our customers value our all-inclusive offering and seamless end-to-end service, and 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.'
Prices for the 30th birthday sailings begin at £1,056 per person, offering an all-inclusive experience that combines luxury travel with exclusive entertainment. The expanded lineup and themed events aim to enhance the celebratory atmosphere, making these voyages a memorable experience for passengers seeking both relaxation and vibrant onboard activities.
