Marella Cruises has expanded its Caribbean shore excursion programme with 70 new experiences across winter 2026, ranging from the world’s steepest zip lines in St Maarten to authentic steelpan lessons in Tobago.
The new tours, available for booking now, span deployments from the Dominican Republic and Barbados and have already seen strong early demand, with some experiences more than 60 per cent sold out.
The cruise line’s new excursion portfolio reflects growing passenger appetite for immersive, active shore experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing tours.
Chris Hackney, chief executive at Marella Cruises, confirmed that the Flying Dutchman zip line in St Maarten has emerged as an early favourite, with over 60 per cent of places already reserved despite the programme only recently opening for bookings.
“Our itineraries are designed to make the most of time in port so customers can really get under the skin of each destination on each sailing,” Hackney explained.
He emphasised that the additions provide guests with more opportunities to try something new ashore whilst maintaining the ease and value proposition of Marella’s all-inclusive fly-cruise holidays.
Three Ships Offering Enhanced Caribbean Programmes
The expanded excursion collection will be available across three Marella vessels operating in the Caribbean during the winter 2026 season. Marella Discovery will sail from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, whilst Marella Explorer 2 and Marella Voyager will both operate from Bridgetown, Barbados.
This deployment strategy allows the cruise line to offer consistent shore experience options across multiple vessels whilst maintaining operational flexibility.
The Caribbean remains one of Marella’s most popular winter deployment regions, attracting British holidaymakers seeking guaranteed sunshine and diverse island cultures during the colder months.
Flying Dutchman Zip Line Headlines Adventure Portfolio
Among the most anticipated new experiences is the Flying Dutchman zip line in St Maarten, which takes guests to speeds of up to 56 miles per hour down one of the world’s steepest zip line courses.
The experience begins with the Sky Explorer chairlift ascending to Sentry Hill, the island’s highest point, offering panoramic views before the adrenaline-fuelled descent.
St Maarten has established itself as an adventure tourism hub in the Caribbean, and the Flying Dutchman zip line represents one of its signature attractions.
The excursion’s popularity reflects a broader industry trend towards more active, adventure-focused shore experiences that appeal particularly to younger cruisers and multi-generational family groups.
Cultural Immersion Experiences Across Multiple Islands
Beyond adventure activities, Marella’s new programme places significant emphasis on authentic cultural encounters. The Sugar City Trolley Train in St Kitts offers a relaxed journey through
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