Marella Cruises has announced actress, presenter, and all-around multitasking maven Denise van Outen as its inaugural Chief Chill-out Officer. The appointment comes as the TUI UK&I ocean cruise line reveals new research highlighting just how much the nation craves their getaway fix.
According to the survey, 72 percent of Brits say regular holidays are key to maintaining happiness and positivity, while a staggering 82 percent cite holidays abroad as the high point of their year. And it’s not just the destination that matters—the journey to mental relaxation is just as crucial.
From obsessively Googling excursions (41 percent) and pulling out the suitcase weeks in advance (32 percent), to changing your screensaver to a beach view (nine percent), the signs that Britons are yearning for a break are unmistakable. Still, despite spending roughly 200 hours a year dreaming of holidays, half of us admit it takes around four days into the trip to properly unwind.
That’s where Denise steps in. With her packed professional life and charm, she knows a thing or two about switching gears. As Marella Cruises’ Chief Chill-out Officer, Denise will offer lazy hacks and lifestyle tips to help holidaymakers hit their "mental out of office" switch earlier—ideally five days before departure, the sweet spot identified in the study.
"I’m thrilled to be Marella Cruises’ first ever Chief Chill-out Officer and help Brits switch on their ‘mental out of office’ sooner," Denise says. "We all deserve to maximise our precious holiday time and I’m excited to share our lazy hacks to help people relax faster and fully embrace the Marella Cruises’ lifestyle, before they set sail."
Denise’s top tips? Think champagne breakfasts in bed, doing chores in your holiday attire, and embracing every pre-cruise indulgence to transition smoothly into relaxation mode.
Marella Cruises makes this easy with their all-inclusive offerings: flights, cabins, entertainment, food and drinks, excursions, and transfers are all part of the package. With over 20 regional airports and cruise-and-stay options, every detail is curated to help travelers unwind effortlessly.
The data also shows Liverpool leads the pack in early mental checkouts, tuning into holiday mode nearly six days before their cruise. Meanwhile, Edinburgh residents hang on to their work mindset the longest.
As Brits average two foreign holidays a year, and begin planning the next one just 37 days after returning, Marella Cruises aims to make each one count. Denise van Outen’s new role isn’t just a title—it’s a movement toward making holiday relaxation start well before the cruise does.
