INSIDE the classic red phone box, we pick up the phone and whisper our secret password: “Mr Gigglejuice”.
A hidden door swings open and we’re in — plush red-velvet banquettes are filled with regulars sipping on cocktails in a gorgeous art deco-style speakeasy.
“Dahling! Welcome to the party!” says Talulah, a flapper girl balancing a champagne flute in one hand and cigarette holder in the other.
Over the next two hours we’re invited to join in the fun with live music, dancing and singalongs in an hilarious interactive show.
Waiters in braces and Peaky Blinder caps deliver potent cocktails to your table from an authentic drinks trolley complete with comedy squeaky wheels.
It’s one of two immersive experiences in The Exchange secret bar – costing just £15 per person — and is a brilliant addition to Marella Voyager, the cruise line’s latest and largest ship.
The ship joined the Marella fleet, owned by travel giant TUI, last month following a multi-million-pound makeover across its 13 decks.
It is currently sailing the Mediterranean this summer before heading to the Caribbean this November.
The ship is aimed squarely at the British market and its all-inclusive pricing, including drinks and all tips as well as flights from 21 regional UK airports, means it delivers great choice and value.
Voyager features a staggering 17 restaurants for its 1,912 guests to enjoy, including several that are unique and new to the ship.
The buffet restaurant has been given an innovative makeover, with a sparkling new food hall featuring eight themed stations.
Highlights include traditional roast dinners at Gravy Boat, Asian curries at Banyan Leaf, and Greek-style pittas at Athenas.
As well as the stunning two-deck main dining room, Latitude 53 with its floor-to-ceiling windows, there are a host of new options.
These include Abuela’s, a new Mexican serving up tacos and nachos at lunch and dinner.
New speciality restaurants, at extra charge, include Silver Fork, promising refined British favourites with a modern twist and Platter for sharing boards of cheese, meats and veggies paired with complimentary wines.
There are also ten bars to explore — including Flutes, a champagne bar over two floors with a gold grand piano, and buttons to press for bubbles to be delivered to your table.
By day, I am sure the Summer House will be hugely popular — set between Abuela’s Mexican and Nonna’s pizzeria, the plant-filled venue has a retractable roof plus open-air seating with great sea views.
By night, the party goes on into the early hours at the Electric Rooms Bar.
This neon-light space features a club as well as casino and lounge.
Or there are perfect pints served up at the Squid and Anchor pub.
Entertainment in the main theatre will see a variety of West End-style shows every night, while there is also live music in the many bars.
The ship’s cinema has daily showings, with family favourites in school holidays.
There’s plenty of outdoor space, including on the main pool deck with whirlpools, jogging track and even a mini-golf course.
Those looking for a pamper can enjoy the expansive Oceans spa.
Families are well catered for with a children’s pool and kids’ clubs, with free sessions for three to 11- year-olds at the M Club.
Tweens and teens have The Hideout – a relaxed space with TV, games consoles and those all-important plug sockets for charging phones.
Cabins are also impressive — with Voyager having the largest number of balcony cabins in the Marella fleet.
All have been refreshed and feel light and airy, there’s plenty of storage — and the ensuite in my balcony cabin had one of the best showers I’ve used at sea.
Family cabins can sleep five and larger balcony cabins feature a hammock and sunlounger as well as table and chairs for making the most of the outside space.
There’s also a selection of single cabins, perfect for solo cruisers.
Overall, the ship feels welcoming and the sheer range of food and drink venues will keep even the fussiest cruiser happy for a week or more.
It may not be a new cruise ship but the value and ease offered by Marella’s all-inclusive concept targeted solely at British passengers means it is a serious contender.
GO: Marella Voyager
GETTING / SAILING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive onboard Marella Voyager’s Cosmopolitan Classics itinerary is from £1,012pp including full board, drinks, tips and service charges.
The cruise sails round-trip from Palma, Majorca to Palamos, Spain, Villefranche in France, Piombino and Naples in Italy and Olbia in Sardinia.
Fare includes return flights from Gatwick on October 14, 2023.
To book, go to tui.co.uk/cruise.
