Latest news with #Aberdonian
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ice hockey team of tragic teen who fell to death at Ibiza Rocks reveal moving tribute
Gary Kelly died in a suspected fall from a balcony in the Ibiza Rocks Hotel on Monday. A Scots ice hockey club have retired the shirt number of their former player who died in a suspected fall from a hotel balcony in Ibiza. On Monday, Gary Kelly, 19, who played for the Dundee Stars, died at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in San Antonio. The club announced yesterday that 'as a mark of respect ', one of his teammates has opted to change his shirt number for the upcoming season. In a social media post, the club explained: 'As a mark of respect, Dominick Jaglar has opted to change his number for the upcoming season from 45 to 72. '45 was the number Gary Kelly wore on two occasions, making his Elite league debut for his hometown team the Dundee Stars in 2024-25.' Flowers, pictures and team tops have been left in tribute outside the club's home venue - the Dundee Ice Arena - with the club thanking those who had done so. 'Floral tributes are being left at Dundee Ice Arena for one of our own, Gary Kelly,' the club said on social media. 'If you wish to leave flowers, please feel free to do so.' A fundraiser has been set up for the Kelly family, which has so far received donations from over 700 people totalling £17,700, with a target of £22,000. The GoFundMe page reads: 'We are all feeling the loss of young Gary Kelly. 'I know you can't put a price on life. But hopefully we can help the family through this, as a nicer young man and family you would struggle to find. John Colley, chairman of Scottish Ice Hockey and Aberdeen Lynx – where Mr Kelly also played – said on Tuesday the entire hockey community is still 'coming to terms with the devastating loss of Gary Kelly'. He went on: 'Gary was a young man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met – not just through his incredible talent on the ice, but through his warmth, generosity, and infectious charisma. 'We are a hockey family, and Gary was a cherished part of that family. His absence will be felt deeply – not just in Aberdeen, but across the Scottish hockey community and further afield. 'Above all, Gary valued family – both his own and the wider hockey family. As we reflect on the joy and impact he brought to so many, we want to come together to honour his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.' In a statement issued following the news of Mr Kelly's death, the Dundee Stars said everyone at the club was ' heartbroken '. The club added: ' Gary was hugely talented and charismatic individual who had a great future ahead of him. 'His loss will impact many in the ice hockey community and beyond. He will be sadly missed. 'We respect and support the family's request for privacy at this extremely difficult time.' The incident came after another Scottish holidaymaker, Evan Thomson, 26, fell to his death at the same hotel just two weeks ago. The Aberdonian had been on holiday with his pals celebrating his birthday. In the days after Evan's death his loved ones raised questions about safety and blasted the hotel where he died over the way the situation was handled. Evan's sister Teila said: "Ibiza is known for its partying and it just stuns me that they don't have higher safety precautions. Pray nobody else suffers. And, once it did happen, the hotel's response was just completely heartbreaking; almost as if it never happened. I pray no other family has to go through this." His pal, Blair Robertson, 25, discovered Evan was no longer in their hotel room at around 6am. Moments later, the group realised he had fallen from the balcony at the hotel. said: 'Security took us away to front desk. Paramedics didn't arrive for about 30 minutes. Forensic officers didn't speak English. We were just standing there, not knowing what was going on. Reception gave us false hope. "We heard the jet washes cleaning the ground where Evan died. That was the worst thing for us — how fast they tried to get things back to normal." Ibiza Rocks have suspended all events following the deaths. A statement from Ibiza Rocks on Monday afternoon read: "We are deeply shocked and devastated by the recent incidents that have tragically occurred. "Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations. "The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority. Given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved, we believe it is right to pause our advertised events programme at this time. "All customers will be informed directly via email." Dizzee Rascal was scheduled to play at the hotel on today as part of the venue's '20th birthday celebrations', while Rudimental were set to play on July 30. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scotsman
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
'It feels amazing' - David Law boosts DP World Tour card bid with Czech Challenge win
Aberdonian up to third in Road to Mallorca Rankings in battle for 20 top-tour tickets Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... David Law boosted his bid to be back playing on the DP World Tour next year after shooting the lights out to land a second title triumph on the HotelPlanner Tour. The Aberdonian followed an opening 71 with blistering efforts of 62-62-63 to win the D+D REAL Czech Challenge by two shots with a 22-under-par total at Royal Beroun Golf Club. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad David Law shows off the trophy after winning the D+D REAL Czech Challenge at Royal Beroun Golf Club in Beroun, Czech Republic |Worth €48,000, the victory lifted Law from ninth to third in the Road to Mallorca Rankings, with the top 20 at the end of the Rolex Grand Final supported by The R&A in November securing step ups to the DP World Tour. 'It feels amazing,' he said. 'It was a tough day out there and at the start there wasn't much wind, and you know all the guys are going to make birdies. 'I think it helped me going into the day two behind. I knew I had to get off to a fast start, which I thankfully did and from there it was about making as many birdies as possible.' Law landed his maiden win on what was called the Challenge Tour at the time in the 2018 SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge at Macdonald Spey Valley in Aviemore. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad That helped him graduate to the DP World Tour the following year, when he won the ISPS Handa Vic Open in just his fifth start on the main tour. The two-time Scottish Amateur champion finished 49th on the Race to Dubai before losing his season at the top table after ending up 119th on the points list last year. 'I am really determined to get my DP World Tour card back,' he said. 'This win has given me huge confidence and one of my goals was to be in contention more. 'The standard is incredibly high out here but practicing those feelings when being in contention don't change whether you're on the DP World Tour or HotelPlanner Tour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad David Law is up to third in the HotelPlanner Tour Road to Mallorca Rankings |'I've managed to get into contention this year and I am just hoping for more of the same. Looking to put myself in uncomfortable situations and get stronger as a result.'
Scotsman
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scottish trio make strong starts in BMW International Open in Munich
Jamieson, Ramsay and Forrest play well on opening day Sign up to our Golf newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Richie Ramsay may have started to think beyond his playing career but the Aberdonian admitted he is still targeting another win on the DP World Tour after being among three Scots to make strong starts in the BMW International Open in Munich. Scott Jamieson took pride of place among the Caledonian contingent with a four-under-par 68 on the opening day of the $2.75 million event at Golfclub München Eichenried, with Ramsay and Grant Forrest also handily-placed on three under. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ramsay, who missed the cut in last week's Italian Open, mixed five birdies with two bogeys in what he described as a 'steady' start in Bavaria, where Englishman Marco Penge and Malaysia's Gavin Green set the pace with matching 67s. Richie Ramsay pictured during the first round of the BMW International Open at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried in Munich. Picture;'I saved par a couple of times, which gave momentum to my round and that was really important,' said the four-time tour winner, who reckoned he'd benefitted from a lesson from his short-game coach, Graham Walker, earlier in the week. 'The greens are in great condition and I feel good over the putts, which, ask any golfer, is a nice feeling. 'I also made some good decisions. It is very tricky out there. The wind kind of moves from north, north-west to south. It changes direction a lot and that makes it tricky.' Along with Jamieson, Ramsay probably needs to land the title on Sunday to secure a spot in next week's $9 million Genesis Scottish Open after the pair found themselves a fair distance down the reserve list when entries closed last Friday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'My game is good but I think and, this is going to sound funny, I'm clear in what I want to do, not in golf but moving forward,' added 42-year-old Ramsay. 'It's no secret that I am in the autumn of my career. I definitely feel like I can still win, but there's other stuff I would love to do. 'I'd love to travel a lot and see the places we sometimes don't get to see. I really love the architecture side and would love to do that. I'm quite content and want to enjoy the moment being out here.' This week's course is playing a lot different to when Ewen Ferguson landed the title 12 months ago and Ramsay is keeping his fingers crossed that it won't be softened up over the next three days. 'It would be great if rain misses as it is playing firm,' he observed. 'It is not playing overly long, but it gets you to position the ball more with the extra firmness. I like that.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He also likes this event. 'It is a fantastic tournament,' added the Edinburgh-based player. 'BMW pull out all the stops. It is a tournament everyone pencils in at the start of the year and says 'I'll be playing that one'. Because, when you win it, it feels like there is a status. You've beaten good players in a fantastic environment.' Jamieson also signed for six birdies while Forrest, who is currently the first reserve for the Genesis Scottish Open, opened with a salvo that contained an eagle and three birdies.
Scotsman
02-07-2025
- Scotsman
Marella Discovery 2 - a ship with a trip that ticked all the boxes
"The thing about this ship," says Alan, pausing for a brief chug on his bottle of Peroni," is that everything is just right for us. That's why this is our tenth time with Marella Cruises, and the last four being on Discovery 2*." (asterisk to be explained) Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We've just embarked at Limassol, Cyprus, on the Discovery 2's Aegean Delights itinerary, and I've just struck up a conversation with my Aberdonian pool deck sunbed neighbour, gauging his opinion of this 70,000 tonner. Later at the pool bar, a chat with Coventry cruiser Peter, a five-time Discovery 2 stalwart, goes along similar lines, and it doesn't take me too long to see what they're getting at. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I've been on quite a few cruise ships in my time, some wondrous in size, and each with their own areas of excellence, but this particular vessel seems to tick all the boxes for me. Marella Discovery 2 For a start, while still no minnow among the world's ocean cruisers, it's no massive bewildering behemoth either. With 918 cabins it's big enough to encompass many different bars, places and restaurants, yet still easy to find your bearings very quickly. And then there's the gorgeous gastrogrub, exquisite entertainment and exciting excursions that just synergise to make for a week of fun, frolics and fulfilment. Marella cleverly taps into what many British cruisers look for - an all inclusive experience. So the price you pay back in the UK covers everything, including food, alcoholic drinks, entertainment and, quite importantly for many Brits, all tips! Of course there are extras you can add while on board, but we'll come to that. The ship has just had a recent makeover and oozes opulence, with an Atrium resplendent in marble, gleaming metal and glass, meticulously polished timbers, and contemporary furniture and fittings that seem incongruous to the flip-flopping of your footwear as you explore this 11-deck vessel. Some of the staterooms have been upgraded too, with our balcony cabin offering a fresh and modern look with a new bathroom, balcony and more storage and clothes space. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, feeling peckish? There are so many options to eat while on board, and always somewhere you can eat from 7am until 1am the following day. If you want to stay on the pool deck, the Snack Shack offers fish and chips, chicken wings, sandwiches and salads, all washed down with whatever you've got yourself from the bar or via the attentive and ever-smiling, courteous waiters, 'on the prowl' almost to take orders from guests without drinks! A balcony cabin on the Discovery 2 Islands is the ship's buffet restaurant - just off the pool deck - and is open for breakfast, lunch afternoon tea and dinner, and The Glass House - the ship's indoor pool area, complete with couple-sized Balinese beds - provides the same and a late-night snacks offering. Included in your price is entry to the ship's more formal waiter-service eateries. 47° offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and no reservations are required. This being the biggest of the ship's restaurants, we were always seated immediately, though depending on your time of arrival, you might be offered a pager to notify you to return when your table is ready. Gallery 47° offers the delights of an Italian trattoria, with a changing myriad menu of amazing Tuscan, Milanese and Roman dishes to tempt your tastebuds. Meanwhile, Piccadilly's offers a regularly rotating menu of reimagined British classics - so expect the likes of fish and chips with a modern twist. We really enjoyed the indulgent 'Arthur Duke Pasty Duo' (Sharing Plate) - a pork, apple and apricot wellington and a pulled beef and mushroom puff pastry served with vegetables. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you want to push the boat out (sorry, couldn't resist) the menus in all the above three formal restaurants include additional payable dishes, such as 'Seafood Thermidor Frites' (£11.95), 'Rack of Lamb' (£11.95), 'Pan Seared Sirloin Steak' (£11.95) and a decadent 'Belgian Chocolate Dome' (£4.45). The impressive Atrium on Marella Discovery 2 And if you want to make it even more special, there are three a la carte eateries which incur extra charges. The Sushi Bar entices you with spicy tuna rolls, salmon sashimi and seabass nigiri to name but a few fishy feasts, while Kora La offers a selection of pan-Asian dishes from gyozas and dumplings to curries and bespoke dishes including a Thali option - an Indian-style meal made up of a selection of dishes served on a platter. Expect some amazing amuse-bouches and 'pre-puddings' thrown in for good measure! This time we decided on a steak-par-excellence at the Surf and Turf restaurant, with my opting for a plumptious jumbo scallops starter, an umami-unctuous onion soup then followed by a marvellously-marbled juicy ribeye with all the trimmings (elasticated trousers recommended). Bars include those on the pool deck and the upper deck, Bar Eleven on Deck 11, the Atrium bar and in two of the main entertainment venues, the Live Room and The Squid and Anchor. Both offer live music from the ship's resident solo acts, bands and guest artistes, with the latter larger venue also hosting karaoke, quizzes, TV show-themed games, and the popular-for-all, Silent Disco experience - a set of headphones for each person, a choice of two tracks, with dancers seemingly dancing out of time with one another in silence for those wandering in! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is always something to do on the ship for all ages, be they ship games, quizzes, and of course the amazing clubs for tots, youngsters and hangout spaces for older teens, all supervised by professionally-accredited staff. Broadway Show Lounge Last but not least on the entertainment front is the Broadway Show Lounge - and this is no misnomer as the ship's entertainment team put on amazing Broadway/West End-quality shows, their pinpoint harmonies often inducing tears and raising hairs on the back of the neck with amazing vocal performances. There was even an 'elephant' on stage at one time! A talented team of professionals, headed by the Duracell battery-charged Cruise Director Cree, whose non-stop effervescence, humour and charm deserve a special mention. As I referred to, there are other things you can add to your experience. The Premium Drinks package (an extra £12 pp per day) allows you to add more premium brands of spirits and wines to your tipple portfolio, plus an even greater choice of cocktails and your favourite latte or cappuccino Lavazza coffee at The Coffee Port, the ship's dedicated Java lounge. And, you're on holiday, so why not pamper yourself at The Oceans Spa. We enjoyed some 75 minutes of thoroughly-relaxing Deep Tissue Muscle Massage indulgence for £149pp under the expert and dextrous fingers of therapists Shan and Ghie. Wifi internet is an optional extra, but you can log onto the ship's own wi-fi via the Navigate 'app' and access everything shipwise from restaurants to entertainment, your room bill to cocktail lists and much more, all at the push of a button. It's also recommended before your journey to visit TUI's Cruise Control 'app' where you can complete the online check-in process to access your travel documents, print your luggage labels and boarding passes for your cruise and book your excursions and onboard experiences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So much to see and do on this ship it's very difficult to cover everything. One thing I did wish to mention is that cruising with Marella is not just for couples and families, but solo travellers are welcomed with activities on board included for individuals to meet up. And the final accolade must go to the staff. Tireless, ever polite and smiling, their entire ethos is to ensure you have the time of your life. Oh, and the asterisk at the beginning of this review? It's to finish what Alan was saying to me. "That's why this is our ship," he concluded. Sums it all up really. The Live Room So where did we go? Our seven-day Aegean Delights cruise began and ended in Limassol with a day at sea (chance to dress up here in your formal clobber) and then stop-offs in Izmir, Alanya and Marmaris in Turkey, and Patmos and Rhodes in Greece. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We really enjoyed the Patmos Highlights excursion, packing in some of this picturesque Greek island's historic places including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cave of Jesus' disciple St John. It's here where he lived for two years back in 95 to 97 AD. You'll visit a monastery dedicated to him, too. It's an impressive place with huge 15th century walls that tower over Patmos Town with breathtaking views. A stroll around the nearby maze of winding streets lined with sugar cube houses saw us end up at 300-year-old Simandris House, to browse a fascinating collection of antiques including beautiful gilded mirrors and silverware. The last stop was a lovely little taverna to sample homemade meze dishes, local wine and traditional Greek dancing. (Adult £64 & child £32) While in Marmaris we enjoyed the Dalyan Riverboat Tour and Iztuzu Beach, which saw us visit one of Turkey's most pristine beaches via a gentle cruise down the River Dalyan, with stops at 'anti-ageing' mud baths to get covered in skin-softening mud, a relaxing dip in the thermal pool and a riverside restaurant for lunch. Endangered loggerhead turtles nest here and, while glimpses are not guaranteed, we were lucky enough to see quite a few of them. As we continued on the riverboat we sailed past the Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs and an amazing sight to behold. Prices were adult £46 and child £28, which I thought was great value when you consider there's a lunch included. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Aegean Delights round trip from Limassol, Cyprus on Marella Discovery 2 from £921 per person. Price based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 10 and aged 10) sharing a Deck 2/3 inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Calling at Limassol, Cyprus, day at sea, Izmir, Turkiye, Thira, Santorini, Bodrum, Turkiye, Rhodes Town, Rhodes, Alanya, Turkiye and Limassol, Cyprus. Includes flights from Bristol Airport to Paphos, Cyprus on 29 October 2025, luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. For more information and to book, visit All prices quoted are correct to the particular product package at the time of issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 26/06/2025. Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply. Holiday Extras With an early flight from East Midlands Airport, we got our break off to a relaxing start with a hotel stay the night before and parking for the duration with Holiday Extras, the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers. According to HX, last year's customers saved an average of £196 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Booking an airport hotel means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. One night's accommodation in a Standard Room at Leonardo Hotel, East Midlands Airport with eight days' parking with JetParks 2 is available for £230.00 based on arrival on 12th August 2025. Holiday Extras were also able to arrange entry to the Premium Lounge at Paphos International Airport Lounge. This costs £73.30 for two adults for entry three hours before the flight, based on entry on 20th August 2025. For more information and to book, visit or call 0800 316 5678. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad *All costs supplied are the cheapest available rates for the product specified and therefore availability may be limited at this price. Prices are correct as at 26/06/2025. Escape Lounge We eased ourself into our trip with a relaxing visit to East Midlands Airport's Escape Lounge, conveniently located just beyond the main F&B and retail area close to the departure gates. It offers passengers a chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal where all-inclusive food and drink can be enjoyed immediately prior to catching a flight. The lounge is suitable for passengers of all ages and offers fast unlimited WiFi, flight information boards, bar service for alcoholic and soft drinks, and a hot and cold buffet. Pre-book from just £35.99 per person. For more information or to book, please visit: Escape Lounge
Scotsman
02-07-2025
- Scotsman
Marella Discovery 2 - a ship with a trip that ticked all the boxes
"The thing about this ship," says Alan, pausing for a brief chug on his bottle of Peroni," is that everything is just right for us. That's why this is our tenth time with Marella Cruises, and the last four being on Discovery 2*." (asterisk to be explained) Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We've just embarked at Limassol, Cyprus, on the Discovery 2's Aegean Delights itinerary, and I've just struck up a conversation with my Aberdonian pool deck sunbed neighbour, gauging his opinion of this 70,000 tonner. Later at the pool bar, a chat with Coventry cruiser Peter, a five-time Discovery 2 stalwart, goes along similar lines, and it doesn't take me too long to see what they're getting at. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I've been on quite a few cruise ships in my time, some wondrous in size, and each with their own areas of excellence, but this particular vessel seems to tick all the boxes for me. Marella Discovery 2 For a start, while still no minnow among the world's ocean cruisers, it's no massive bewildering behemoth either. With 918 cabins it's big enough to encompass many different bars, places and restaurants, yet still easy to find your bearings very quickly. And then there's the gorgeous gastrogrub, exquisite entertainment and exciting excursions that just synergise to make for a week of fun, frolics and fulfilment. Marella cleverly taps into what many British cruisers look for - an all inclusive experience. So the price you pay back in the UK covers everything, including food, alcoholic drinks, entertainment and, quite importantly for many Brits, all tips! Of course there are extras you can add while on board, but we'll come to that. The ship has just had a recent makeover and oozes opulence, with an Atrium resplendent in marble, gleaming metal and glass, meticulously polished timbers, and contemporary furniture and fittings that seem incongruous to the flip-flopping of your footwear as you explore this 11-deck vessel. Some of the staterooms have been upgraded too, with our balcony cabin offering a fresh and modern look with a new bathroom, balcony and more storage and clothes space. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So, feeling peckish? There are so many options to eat while on board, and always somewhere you can eat from 7am until 1am the following day. If you want to stay on the pool deck, the Snack Shack offers fish and chips, chicken wings, sandwiches and salads, all washed down with whatever you've got yourself from the bar or via the attentive and ever-smiling, courteous waiters, 'on the prowl' almost to take orders from guests without drinks! A balcony cabin on the Discovery 2 Islands is the ship's buffet restaurant - just off the pool deck - and is open for breakfast, lunch afternoon tea and dinner, and The Glass House - the ship's indoor pool area, complete with couple-sized Balinese beds - provides the same and a late-night snacks offering. Included in your price is entry to the ship's more formal waiter-service eateries. 47° offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and no reservations are required. This being the biggest of the ship's restaurants, we were always seated immediately, though depending on your time of arrival, you might be offered a pager to notify you to return when your table is ready. Gallery 47° offers the delights of an Italian trattoria, with a changing myriad menu of amazing Tuscan, Milanese and Roman dishes to tempt your tastebuds. Meanwhile, Piccadilly's offers a regularly rotating menu of reimagined British classics - so expect the likes of fish and chips with a modern twist. We really enjoyed the indulgent 'Arthur Duke Pasty Duo' (Sharing Plate) - a pork, apple and apricot wellington and a pulled beef and mushroom puff pastry served with vegetables. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you want to push the boat out (sorry, couldn't resist) the menus in all the above three formal restaurants include additional payable dishes, such as 'Seafood Thermidor Frites' (£11.95), 'Rack of Lamb' (£11.95), 'Pan Seared Sirloin Steak' (£11.95) and a decadent 'Belgian Chocolate Dome' (£4.45). The impressive Atrium on Marella Discovery 2 And if you want to make it even more special, there are three a la carte eateries which incur extra charges. The Sushi Bar entices you with spicy tuna rolls, salmon sashimi and seabass nigiri to name but a few fishy feasts, while Kora La offers a selection of pan-Asian dishes from gyozas and dumplings to curries and bespoke dishes including a Thali option - an Indian-style meal made up of a selection of dishes served on a platter. Expect some amazing amuse-bouches and 'pre-puddings' thrown in for good measure! This time we decided on a steak-par-excellence at the Surf and Turf restaurant, with my opting for a plumptious jumbo scallops starter, an umami-unctuous onion soup then followed by a marvellously-marbled juicy ribeye with all the trimmings (elasticated trousers recommended). Bars include those on the pool deck and the upper deck, Bar Eleven on Deck 11, the Atrium bar and in two of the main entertainment venues, the Live Room and The Squid and Anchor. Both offer live music from the ship's resident solo acts, bands and guest artistes, with the latter larger venue also hosting karaoke, quizzes, TV show-themed games, and the popular-for-all, Silent Disco experience - a set of headphones for each person, a choice of two tracks, with dancers seemingly dancing out of time with one another in silence for those wandering in! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There is always something to do on the ship for all ages, be they ship games, quizzes, and of course the amazing clubs for tots, youngsters and hangout spaces for older teens, all supervised by professionally-accredited staff. Broadway Show Lounge Last but not least on the entertainment front is the Broadway Show Lounge - and this is no misnomer as the ship's entertainment team put on amazing Broadway/West End-quality shows, their pinpoint harmonies often inducing tears and raising hairs on the back of the neck with amazing vocal performances. There was even an 'elephant' on stage at one time! A talented team of professionals, headed by the Duracell battery-charged Cruise Director Cree, whose non-stop effervescence, humour and charm deserve a special mention. As I referred to, there are other things you can add to your experience. The Premium Drinks package (an extra £12 pp per day) allows you to add more premium brands of spirits and wines to your tipple portfolio, plus an even greater choice of cocktails and your favourite latte or cappuccino Lavazza coffee at The Coffee Port, the ship's dedicated Java lounge. And, you're on holiday, so why not pamper yourself at The Oceans Spa. We enjoyed some 75 minutes of thoroughly-relaxing Deep Tissue Muscle Massage indulgence for £149pp under the expert and dextrous fingers of therapists Shan and Ghie. Wifi internet is an optional extra, but you can log onto the ship's own wi-fi via the Navigate 'app' and access everything shipwise from restaurants to entertainment, your room bill to cocktail lists and much more, all at the push of a button. It's also recommended before your journey to visit TUI's Cruise Control 'app' where you can complete the online check-in process to access your travel documents, print your luggage labels and boarding passes for your cruise and book your excursions and onboard experiences. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So much to see and do on this ship it's very difficult to cover everything. One thing I did wish to mention is that cruising with Marella is not just for couples and families, but solo travellers are welcomed with activities on board included for individuals to meet up. And the final accolade must go to the staff. Tireless, ever polite and smiling, their entire ethos is to ensure you have the time of your life. Oh, and the asterisk at the beginning of this review? It's to finish what Alan was saying to me. "That's why this is our ship," he concluded. Sums it all up really. The Live Room So where did we go? Our seven-day Aegean Delights cruise began and ended in Limassol with a day at sea (chance to dress up here in your formal clobber) and then stop-offs in Izmir, Alanya and Marmaris in Turkey, and Patmos and Rhodes in Greece. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad We really enjoyed the Patmos Highlights excursion, packing in some of this picturesque Greek island's historic places including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cave of Jesus' disciple St John. It's here where he lived for two years back in 95 to 97 AD. You'll visit a monastery dedicated to him, too. It's an impressive place with huge 15th century walls that tower over Patmos Town with breathtaking views. A stroll around the nearby maze of winding streets lined with sugar cube houses saw us end up at 300-year-old Simandris House, to browse a fascinating collection of antiques including beautiful gilded mirrors and silverware. The last stop was a lovely little taverna to sample homemade meze dishes, local wine and traditional Greek dancing. (Adult £64 & child £32) While in Marmaris we enjoyed the Dalyan Riverboat Tour and Iztuzu Beach, which saw us visit one of Turkey's most pristine beaches via a gentle cruise down the River Dalyan, with stops at 'anti-ageing' mud baths to get covered in skin-softening mud, a relaxing dip in the thermal pool and a riverside restaurant for lunch. Endangered loggerhead turtles nest here and, while glimpses are not guaranteed, we were lucky enough to see quite a few of them. As we continued on the riverboat we sailed past the Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs and an amazing sight to behold. Prices were adult £46 and child £28, which I thought was great value when you consider there's a lunch included. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Aegean Delights round trip from Limassol, Cyprus on Marella Discovery 2 from £921 per person. Price based on 2 adults and 2 children (aged 10 and aged 10) sharing a Deck 2/3 inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Calling at Limassol, Cyprus, day at sea, Izmir, Turkiye, Thira, Santorini, Bodrum, Turkiye, Rhodes Town, Rhodes, Alanya, Turkiye and Limassol, Cyprus. Includes flights from Bristol Airport to Paphos, Cyprus on 29 October 2025, luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. For more information and to book, visit All prices quoted are correct to the particular product package at the time of issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 26/06/2025. Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply. Holiday Extras With an early flight from East Midlands Airport, we got our break off to a relaxing start with a hotel stay the night before and parking for the duration with Holiday Extras, the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers. According to HX, last year's customers saved an average of £196 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Booking an airport hotel means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. One night's accommodation in a Standard Room at Leonardo Hotel, East Midlands Airport with eight days' parking with JetParks 2 is available for £230.00 based on arrival on 12th August 2025. Holiday Extras were also able to arrange entry to the Premium Lounge at Paphos International Airport Lounge. This costs £73.30 for two adults for entry three hours before the flight, based on entry on 20th August 2025. For more information and to book, visit or call 0800 316 5678. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad *All costs supplied are the cheapest available rates for the product specified and therefore availability may be limited at this price. Prices are correct as at 26/06/2025. Escape Lounge We eased ourself into our trip with a relaxing visit to East Midlands Airport's Escape Lounge, conveniently located just beyond the main F&B and retail area close to the departure gates. It offers passengers a chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal where all-inclusive food and drink can be enjoyed immediately prior to catching a flight. The lounge is suitable for passengers of all ages and offers fast unlimited WiFi, flight information boards, bar service for alcoholic and soft drinks, and a hot and cold buffet.
