Marella Cruises vs Nicko Cruises

The core difference

This comparison pairs two European cruise operators that share almost nothing beyond the word “cruise” in their descriptions. Marella is a British ocean cruise brand. Nicko is a German river cruise operator. The ships, the waterways, the guest experience, the cultural flavour, and the target markets are all fundamentally different. The comparison exists because both lines appear in the mainstream category and both serve European itineraries — but the practical decision for an Australian traveller is not “Marella or Nicko?” but rather “Do I want an ocean cruise or a river cruise during my European trip?”

Marella Cruises is TUI UK’s dedicated cruise brand — formerly Thomson Cruises, rebranded in 2017. The fleet of five mid-size ocean ships (Discovery, Discovery 2, Explorer, Explorer 2, and Voyager) carries 1,800 to 2,200 guests on Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canary Islands, and North African itineraries departing from UK airports. The all-inclusive model bundles flights from 22 regional UK airports, all meals, selected drinks, entertainment, and gratuities. Explorer 2 is an adults-only ship with a more refined atmosphere. The onboard culture is unmistakably British. Piccadilly’s, a complimentary gastropub restaurant launched in 2025, has been rolled out across the entire fleet.

Nicko Cruises is a long-established German river cruise specialist with 30 years on Europe’s waterways since 1994. The fleet of approximately 20 river ships carries under 200 guests on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, Douro, Rhone, and other European rivers. The guiding philosophy is “time to discover” — a slow-cruising approach that prioritises extended port stays and the freedom to explore independently. Ships dock in town centres wherever possible, allowing guests to walk directly into medieval old towns and riverside markets. Nicko also operates one ocean vessel, Vasco da Gama, but the river programme is the brand’s identity. English-language sailings are relatively new, giving the onboard atmosphere a more authentically European feel.

For Australian travellers, neither line has meaningful local market presence. The comparison is most useful for Australians planning a European holiday who want to understand the choice between an affordable British ocean cruise and a value-oriented German river cruise.

What is actually included

The inclusion models reflect the different economics and expectations of ocean and river cruising.

Marella’s all-inclusive ocean package is genuinely comprehensive for the mainstream segment. The fare covers return flights from UK regional airports, full-board dining, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment, and gratuities. Upgrades to premium drinks packages are available. Shore excursions, spa treatments, and The Dining Club surcharge restaurant are additional. The TUI booking ecosystem provides financial protection and the ability to bundle flights, transfers, and pre-cruise hotels into a single package.

Nicko’s river cruise fare includes accommodation in an outside-facing cabin with window or French balcony, full-board dining with regional cuisine, and an onboard programme of entertainment and enrichment. Drinks are not included as standard — wine, beer, and soft drinks are purchased separately, though some promotional sailings bundle a drinks package. Gratuities are not included, with Nicko suggesting 10 to 13 euros per passenger per night. Shore excursions are available at additional cost, though Nicko’s town-centre docking philosophy means many ports are walkable without guided tours. English-language sailings include English-speaking guides and onboard commentary.

The inclusion philosophies differ by design. Marella wraps everything into a single price because its British market expects holiday simplicity. Nicko keeps the base fare lower and lets guests choose their extras — a common approach among German-market cruise operators where the assumption is that travellers prefer to control their own spending. Neither approach is inherently superior; they serve different cultural expectations.

Dining and culinary experience

The dining comparison illustrates the ocean-versus-river divide in cruise cuisine.

Marella’s dining serves British-friendly ocean cruise fare across multiple venues per ship. Main dining rooms offer international menus with British staples. Piccadilly’s, the 250-seat gastropub launched in 2025, serves traditional British comfort food from early morning through evening and has become a fleet-wide signature. The Dining Club on select ships provides a premium surcharge experience. Buffet dining, poolside grills, and room service round out the options. The food is honest and well-prepared — designed for the British palate rather than culinary ambition.

Nicko’s dining takes a fundamentally different approach rooted in regional authenticity. The single restaurant on each river ship serves cuisine that reflects the waterway being sailed — Austrian specialities on the Danube, Alsatian dishes on the Rhine, Portuguese-influenced menus on the Douro. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and the menu changes with the landscape outside the window. The dining experience is intimate by nature — under 200 guests in a single seating, with open seating at breakfast and lunch and typically assigned tables at dinner. There is no buffet, no surcharge restaurant, and no multiple-venue choice. What there is, however, is a focused culinary programme that connects the food to the journey in a way that ocean cruising — with its mid-ocean sea days and international menus — rarely achieves.

The dining comparison comes down to preference rather than quality. Marella offers more venues and more variety. Nicko offers more regional authenticity and a more intimate dining atmosphere. For food-motivated travellers who value local cuisine as part of the cultural experience, river cruising in general — and Nicko specifically — delivers a connection between plate and place that ocean cruising cannot replicate.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison reflects the physical constraints and design philosophies of ocean ships versus river vessels.

Marella’s staterooms span the standard ocean cruise range — inside cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony staterooms, and suites across five ships. The cabins are functional and well-maintained through regular TUI refurbishment, though none are new-build standard. Marella Voyager (formerly Mein Schiff Herz, joined 2023) offers the most contemporary accommodation. Explorer 2’s adults-only policy means a quieter cabin corridor experience. Suites are available but modest — these are mid-market ships, and the top categories reflect that positioning.

Nicko’s cabins are shaped by the dimensional constraints of European river navigation. River ships must fit through narrow locks — the Main-Danube Canal being the most restrictive — so cabins are necessarily more compact than ocean equivalents. All Nicko cabins are outside-facing with windows or French balconies, a standard feature across the river cruise industry. The flagship NickoVision (220 passengers on the Danube) features a split-level design with extensive glass creating a genuine sense of space. Smaller vessels like NickoSPIRIT (170 passengers) offer a more intimate, boutique atmosphere. Nicko classifies ships by a wave rating system (three to five waves), roughly equivalent to four- to five-star hotel standards. The cabins are comfortable and well-appointed for the category, though they will feel compact to travellers accustomed to ocean cruise staterooms.

The accommodation tradeoff is inherent to the format. Ocean cabins are larger with more category variety. River cabins are smaller but every one faces the ever-changing riverbank scenery through a window or French balcony — and the proximity to shore means you are watching medieval castles, vineyard hillsides, and village church spires glide past from your pillow.

Pricing and value

Both lines position themselves as value leaders within their respective segments, though direct price comparison is meaningless given the entirely different products.

Marella’s seven-night Mediterranean all-inclusive cruise including flights from a UK airport starts from approximately GBP 800 to 1,200 per person — roughly AUD 1,600 to 2,400. This represents the full holiday cost from a British doorstep. For Australians, add AUD 2,000 to 4,000 for return flights to the UK. The total — AUD 3,600 to 6,400 per person — is competitive for a two-week holiday incorporating a UK visit and an ocean cruise.

Nicko’s seven-night European river cruise starts from approximately EUR 900 to 1,500 per person — roughly AUD 1,500 to 2,500 — for accommodation, full-board dining, and the onboard programme. Add drinks, gratuities, transfers, and flights to reach the embarkation city. Nicko’s pricing sits noticeably below premium river brands like Viking (from approximately AUD 3,500 per week), AmaWaterways, and Uniworld. The line also offers no-fly options with rail connections from the UK, which appeals to British travellers but has limited relevance for Australians.

For Australian travellers considering a European river cruise, Nicko offers genuine savings over the premium brands — the difference can fund additional nights in European cities before or after the cruise. For an all-inclusive ocean cruise as part of a UK holiday, Marella’s bundled pricing is hard to beat.

Spa and wellness

Marella’s spa facilities include treatment rooms, sauna, and fitness centre on each ship. Explorer 2’s adults-only environment provides a more tranquil wellness setting without the poolside energy of family ships. Treatments span standard massage, facial, and beauty services at prices typical of mid-market ocean cruising. The pool deck on each ship offers sun loungers and a swimming pool — a category of outdoor relaxation that river ships cannot match. The spa is a functional addition rather than a headline feature — adequate for the price point but not a reason to choose the line.

Nicko’s river ships offer limited spa facilities by ocean cruise standards — some ships feature a small fitness area, sauna, or massage room, but the emphasis is on off-ship activity rather than onboard wellness. Most river ships carry a sun deck with loungers for watching the scenery, but there is no pool, no water sports, and no extensive fitness programme. The river cruise wellness proposition is fundamentally different: daily walking in port cities, cycling along towpaths, and the inherent relaxation of watching vineyard-covered hillsides and medieval castle ruins glide past at a gentle eight knots. Dedicated spa travellers should look to ocean ships or premium river lines with more extensive facilities. For travellers who define wellness as slow-paced cultural immersion rather than gym equipment and treatment menus, Nicko’s format delivers a different kind of restoration.

Entertainment and enrichment

Marella’s entertainment programme is tailored for British audiences — West End-style theatre shows, live bands, comedians, quiz nights, tribute acts, and a sociable pub-like atmosphere in the evenings. The recently added Piccadilly’s gastropub doubles as a social venue. Explorer 2 offers more sophisticated evening programming suited to its adults-only positioning. The entertainment is not cutting-edge but it is well-suited to its audience — holiday-makers who want to be entertained without pretension.

Nicko’s enrichment follows the river cruise model — destination-focused commentary, cultural lectures related to the waterway, and occasional local performers boarding at port stops. Evening entertainment is modest — a pianist, regional folk musicians, or a themed dinner reflecting the day’s itinerary. The philosophy is that the destination is the entertainment. Nicko’s “time to discover” approach means extended port stays where guests explore independently, returning to the ship for dinner and a quiet evening. For travellers who value cultural immersion over onboard spectacle, this is a feature. For those expecting nightly shows, it will feel sparse.

Fleet and destination coverage

Marella operates five ocean ships covering the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Caribbean, and North Africa from UK airports. The fleet is compact and geographically focused — all itineraries are designed around UK departure logistics. No ships sail in Australian waters or the Asia-Pacific.

Nicko operates approximately 20 river ships across Europe’s major waterways — the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, Douro, Rhone, and others — plus one ocean vessel. The river network is extensive, covering classic routes (Rhine and Danube) alongside lesser-sailed waterways (Elbe, Main-Danube Canal) that the premium brands also serve. Nicko’s advantage is offering these routes at lower prices with a more authentically European onboard atmosphere. English-language sailings have expanded the line’s accessibility beyond the German market.

For Australian travellers, neither fleet sails in the southern hemisphere. Both require international travel to Europe to board. The destination choice is between Mediterranean and Atlantic ocean itineraries (Marella) and inland European waterways (Nicko) — complementary rather than competing options.

Where each line excels

Marella excels in:

• All-inclusive ocean cruising. Flights from 22 UK airports, meals, selected drinks, entertainment, and gratuities bundled into a single transparent price. No onboard account to settle.
• Adults-only cruising. Explorer 2 is a genuinely adults-only ship with a refined atmosphere, The Dining Club, and cocktail bars — rare at this price point in mainstream cruising.
• Piccadilly’s gastropub. The 2025 fleet-wide launch of a 250-seat British gastropub adds a distinctive dining and social venue to every ship.
• TUI financial protection. ATOL protection, single-package booking, and the ability to bundle flights, transfers, and pre-cruise hotels through the TUI ecosystem.

Nicko excels in:

• Value river cruising. Pricing sits noticeably below Viking, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld for comparable European waterways — the saving can fund additional nights in European cities before or after the cruise.
• Town-centre docking. Ships dock in the heart of riverside cities wherever possible — walk off the gangway into Vienna’s old quarter, Budapest’s waterfront, or a medieval Rhine village. No tender or transfer required.
• Regional cuisine. Dining menus reflect the waterway being sailed — Austrian specialities on the Danube, Alsatian dishes on the Rhine, Portuguese flavours on the Douro. The food connects to the landscape outside the window.
• “Time to discover” philosophy. Extended port stays and an emphasis on independent exploration rather than coach-tour schedules. The slow pace is the product’s defining feature.
• Authentic European atmosphere. English-language sailings are relatively new, giving the onboard culture a more authentically Continental European feel than the Americanised river cruise experience on some premium brands.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Marella

Marella Explorer 2: Western Mediterranean (7 nights, adults-only, from UK departure point). The adults-only ship on a sun-and-culture Mediterranean route is the strongest Marella option for Australian couples visiting the UK. All-inclusive pricing from a regional British airport, refined onboard atmosphere, and Mediterranean ports of call. Treat it as a holiday-within-a-holiday during a UK trip.

Marella Explorer 2: Canary Islands (7 nights, adults-only, from UK airport). A warm-weather option from UK airports visiting Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria. For Australians visiting Britain during winter months, this provides sunshine and warmth without the long flight to the Mediterranean’s eastern reaches.

Nicko

NickoVision: Classic Danube (7-8 nights, Passau to Budapest or reverse). The quintessential European river cruise through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary — Melk Abbey, Wachau Valley vineyards, Bratislava, and Budapest. Nicko’s town-centre docking means walking directly into Vienna’s old quarter and Budapest’s waterfront. The flagship NickoVision’s split-level layout and extensive glass make the most of the Danube’s broad river scenery. Pricing starts significantly below Viking’s equivalent Danube sailing. Fly to Munich or Vienna from Australian gateways via Singapore, Dubai, or Doha.

NickoSPIRIT: Rhine and Moselle (7-10 nights). Castles, vineyards, and medieval towns along two of Europe’s most scenic waterways. NickoSPIRIT (170 passengers) offers an intimate experience on rivers that feel purpose-built for small-ship cruising. Regional Riesling and Alsatian cuisine reflect the landscape outside the dining room windows. Accessible from Frankfurt or Amsterdam — both well-served by direct connections from Australian east coast cities.

Nicko: Elbe River (8-10 nights, from Prague or Berlin). A less-travelled waterway for return river cruisers who have already done the Rhine and Danube. The Elbe passes through Dresden, Meissen, and the Saxon Switzerland National Park — culturally rich territory less crowded with tourist boats. Nicko’s smaller vessels suit the Elbe’s narrower dimensions. Fly to Berlin or Prague from Australian gateways via the Middle East or London.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

For Marella, book Explorer 2 — the adults-only ship with The Dining Club and cocktail bars that feel a step above the rest of the fleet. Voyager is the next best option as the newest hull. Avoid the Discovery ships for a first Marella experience unless the itinerary is compelling — they are the oldest vessels in the fleet.

For Nicko, the NickoVision (220 passengers, Danube) is the flagship with the most spacious design and extensive glass creating a genuine sense of place on the river. NickoSPIRIT (170 passengers, Rhine and Moselle) offers a more intimate, boutique atmosphere on the most scenic waterways. English-language departures are essential for non-German-speaking travellers — confirm language at booking.

For Australian travellers specifically

Neither Marella nor Nicko targets the Australian market, and this is the most important practical consideration in this comparison.

Marella is booked through TUI UK, includes flights from British airports, and has no Australian sales presence, website, or AUD pricing. To sail Marella, an Australian must travel to the UK independently and then join a cruise package from a regional airport. The line makes sense only as an add-on to an existing UK holiday — and for that specific purpose, the all-inclusive value is genuinely strong.

Nicko is bookable through UK specialist agent Light Blue Travel for English-language sailings. There is no Australian office or local representation. However, Nicko’s European river itineraries are accessible from Australian gateways — fly to Munich, Vienna, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam via standard one-stop connections, and embark on a river cruise at a meaningful saving over Viking, AmaWaterways, or Uniworld. The authentically European atmosphere and value pricing make Nicko an appealing alternative for Australian travellers who have done a premium river cruise and want to explore different waterways without paying premium prices a second time.

The onboard atmosphere

Marella’s atmosphere is British holiday relaxation. The guest mix is overwhelmingly from the United Kingdom, and the cultural references — quiz nights, roast dinners, afternoon tea, tribute bands — are tailored accordingly. Explorer 2 is the exception, offering a grown-up atmosphere with cocktail bars and a more refined evening programme. The dress code is smart casual throughout — no formal nights, no jacket expectations. The energy is sociable, warm, and uncomplicated — a floating British holiday village at its best. For Australians, the atmosphere will feel culturally familiar to those who enjoy British humour and social traditions, though the guest mix is exclusively British rather than the international blend found on most mainstream lines.

Nicko’s atmosphere is Continental European and unhurried. The guest mix on standard sailings is predominantly German, with English-language departures attracting British, Australian, and other English-speaking travellers. The pace is deliberately slow — extended port stays, leisurely meals, and evenings spent watching the riverbank from the lounge or sun deck. The ambience is four-star European hotel rather than holiday resort. Conversation at dinner tends toward the day’s exploration rather than onboard entertainment — fellow guests are typically well-travelled Europeans in their 50s to 70s with a genuine interest in culture and history. For travellers who enjoy a quieter, more culturally immersive cruise experience, Nicko’s atmosphere is a welcome contrast to the organised entertainment of mainstream ocean lines. For Australians accustomed to the social energy of P&O or Royal Caribbean, the pace will feel notably different — and for many, refreshingly so.

The bottom line

Marella and Nicko are not competitors — they are entirely different cruise formats serving different European regions from different cultural bases. The comparison is useful only for Australian travellers choosing between an ocean cruise and a river cruise as part of a European trip.

Choose Marella for a budget-friendly, all-inclusive British ocean cruise — ideally on Explorer 2 — as an add-on to a UK holiday. The flights-included model, transparent pricing, and adults-only option make it a low-risk, high-value proposition for couples already visiting Britain. Accept that the ships are older refurbished vessels, that the onboard culture is exclusively British, and that the line has no Australian market presence.

Choose Nicko for an authentic, value-priced European river cruise that undercuts the premium brands without sacrificing the core river cruise experience — town-centre docking, regional cuisine, extended port stays, and intimate ships under 200 guests. Accept that the fleet varies in standard, that English-language sailings are limited, that drinks and gratuities are extra, and that the line is unfamiliar outside the German-speaking market. For Australian travellers who have experienced Viking or AmaWaterways and want to explore more waterways at a lower cost, Nicko is worth the investigation.