Marella Cruises is celebrating a major milestone today as the British cruise line marks 30 years of sailing. The company, which began operations in 1996 as Thomson Cruises before rebranding to Marella Cruises in 2017, announced a series of special anniversary voyages packed with celebrity performances, themed events, and onboard celebrations.

The cruise line’s official 30th birthday falls on May 7, 2026, and five commemorative itineraries across the fleet will feature exclusive entertainment and one-off experiences designed to reflect on three decades of cruising memories.

Several well-known British entertainers and personalities are set to appear onboard during the celebrations. Singer and television presenter Fleur East will perform aboard the Marella Discovery 2, while cabaret performer La Voix joins the celebrations aboard the Marella Voyager.

Fans of classic boyband hits can expect performances from Boyzlife aboard the Marella Explorer. Former JLS star Aston Merrygold will appear onboard the Marella Discovery, while BRIT Award-winning singer Lemar is scheduled to perform aboard the Marella Explorer 2.

The anniversary sailings will also include guest appearances and Q&A sessions with television presenter Anthea Turner and Olympic ski jumper Eddie the Eagle, better known to many as Eddie the Eagle.

Alongside the celebrity appearances, Marella Cruises has planned several themed events for guests. These include a formal “Birthday Gala” with live music, special performances and retrospective footage from the company’s history, as well as a 1990s-inspired party night featuring karaoke and music from artists popular during the line’s launch year in 1996.

Marella Cruises currently operates a fleet of five ships and continues to focus primarily on the UK cruise market, offering fly-cruise itineraries across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands, and Northern Europe.