How can I change my Marella Cruises booking?

Booking a cruise holiday is exciting, but sometimes plans change. Whether due to work schedules, family commitments, health reasons, or simply a desire to upgrade your holiday experience, you may find yourself needing to amend your reservation.

If you’ve booked a holiday with Marella Cruises, part of the TUI Group, you’ll be pleased to know that the cruise line provides flexibility for passengers who want to adjust their bookings. But as with any travel provider, there are rules, deadlines, and fees to be aware of.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to change your Marella Cruises booking, the types of amendments allowed, costs involved, and insider tips to make the process smoother and more affordable.

Understanding Marella Cruises’ Booking Structure

Marella Cruises operates under TUI UK’s package holiday model, which means your cruise booking is often bundled with flights, transfers, and sometimes pre- or post-cruise hotels. Because of this, changes can affect multiple elements of your booking.

A Marella booking may include:

• Cruise fare (cabin, meals, entertainment)

• Flights (as part of fly-cruise packages)

• Transfers to/from the port

• Excursions and add-ons

• Travel insurance (if booked through TUI)

Knowing what’s included in your package helps you understand how changes will apply.

Can You Change a Marella Cruises Booking?

Yes, you can change a Marella Cruises booking, but the options and costs depend on:

1. What you want to change – Dates, cabin type, passenger names, flights, etc.

2. When you request the change – Earlier is cheaper and easier.

3. Availability – All changes are subject to cabin and flight availability.

4. Booking channel – Whether you booked directly through TUI/Marella or a third-party agent.

Types of Changes You Can Make

Here’s a breakdown of the most common changes travelers request:

1. Changing Cruise Dates or Itinerary

• You can move your booking to a different cruise date or destination.

• Must usually be within the same season (e.g., summer to summer).

• Fare differences apply—if the new cruise is more expensive, you pay the difference.

2. Changing Cabins

• Upgrade from an inside cabin to an ocean-view, balcony, or suite.

• Downgrades may be allowed, but refunds are rare—check terms carefully.

3. Passenger Name Changes

• If a passenger can’t travel, you can transfer the booking to another person.

• Name change fees apply per passenger.

4. Changing Flight Details

• Switch to a different UK airport (subject to availability).

• Amend flight times if alternatives are available.

• Flight amendments usually cost extra due to airline rules.

5. Shore Excursions and Add-Ons

• Excursions can be changed or canceled before the deadline (usually a few days before sailing).

• Drinks packages, Wi-Fi, and dining reservations can also be modified before departure.

How to Change a Marella Cruises Booking

Changing your Marella booking involves a few clear steps:

Step 1: Identify What You Want to Change

Be specific about the amendment—are you changing dates, names, cabins, or flights? Different rules apply to each type of change.

Step 2: Check Availability

Before contacting Marella, look online at available cruises, cabins, and flights. This helps you know your options and avoids delays.

Step 3: Contact Your Booking Channel

• If booked through TUI or Marella directly:

  • Use the “Manage My Booking” portal on the TUI website.

  • Call Marella customer services.

  • Visit a TUI travel shop.

• If booked through a travel agent:

  • You must contact the agent directly. Marella cannot amend third-party bookings.

Step 4: Pay Amendment Fees (if applicable)

You’ll be informed of any amendment charges and fare differences before confirming changes.

Step 5: Receive Updated Booking Confirmation

Once the change is processed, you’ll receive an updated confirmation email or document with your new cruise details.

Marella Cruises Amendment Fees

Marella charges standard amendment fees depending on when and what you change:

• Early Changes (more than 70 days before departure): Small fixed fees plus fare differences.

• Closer to Departure (within 70 days): Higher amendment fees. In some cases, changes may be treated as cancellations and subject to cancellation fees.

Typical amendment fees may include:

• Name change: Around £50 per passenger.

• Date/itinerary change: £50–£150 per booking, plus fare difference.

• Flight changes: Airline-specific charges, often £50–£100 per person.

(Note: Fees vary depending on promotions and terms at booking. Always check your confirmation invoice.)

Special Considerations

1. Flexible Booking Policies

At times, TUI introduces flexible booking options (e.g., during the pandemic), allowing free or reduced-cost amendments. Check if your booking qualifies.

2. Travel Insurance

Some insurance policies cover amendment costs if you change due to illness, bereavement, or other valid reasons.

3. Group Bookings

Amendments for group bookings may have different rules. Always confirm with your group booking coordinator.

Can You Cancel Instead of Changing?

If you cannot amend your booking to suitable dates, you may need to cancel. Marella’s cancellation policy involves tiered charges based on how close you are to departure. For example:

• 70+ days before departure: Loss of deposit.

• 62–49 days before: 50% charge.

• 28–15 days before: 90% charge.

• 14–0 days before: 100% charge.

Sometimes, canceling and rebooking may be more costly than amending, so compare both options carefully.

Tips for Changing Your Marella Cruises Booking

1. Act Early – The sooner you request changes, the cheaper and easier it is.

2. Stay Flexible – Have multiple date and cabin options ready.

3. Upgrade Instead of Downgrade – Upgrading is usually simpler and avoids refund disputes.

4. Use Loyalty Discounts – If rebooking, check if loyalty perks apply.

5. Consider Insurance – It may cover amendment fees if you’re changing for valid reasons.

6. Monitor Promotions – Sometimes Marella offers reduced amendment fees during special campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my Marella cruise online?

Yes, small changes like excursions and add-ons can be made via the Manage My Booking portal. Larger changes require phone or in-person assistance.

2. Can I change my cruise after final payment?

Yes, but amendment fees are higher and some changes may be treated as cancellations.

3. Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Yes, passenger names can be changed for a fee, provided the new traveler meets all requirements.

4. Can I upgrade my cabin after booking?

Yes, upgrades are possible if availability allows. Fare differences must be paid.

5. What if Marella changes my cruise itinerary?

If Marella changes or cancels your sailing, you may be entitled to a full refund or free amendment without fees.

Marella Cruises booking

Changing your Marella Cruises booking is absolutely possible, but the ease and cost depend on what you’re changing and when. Early action, flexibility, and awareness of fees are key to minimizing costs.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Early changes = lower fees.

• Late changes = higher costs, sometimes treated as cancellations.

• Always check availability before requesting changes.

• Consider travel insurance to protect against unexpected amendment fees.

With proper planning and understanding of Marella’s amendment policy, you can adjust your cruise booking to fit your new travel needs—without unnecessary stress.