Venue highlight: The Exchange

This experience took place as part of our paid partnership with Marella Cruises whilst onboard Marella Voyager.

A speakeasy on a ship? But I thought drink was readily available onboard?! Well you’d be right, there are plenty of watering holes onboard Marella Voyager however, The Exchange doubles up as an up-charge venue on selected evenings during your cruise. This venue highlight is based on ‘The Lock In’ version of the show; there is another edition of the show called The Heist.

So what’s the deal? In the afternoon you’ll be sent an invitation to your cabin which contains a password – you’ll need to remember this in order to access the venue. This is where the immersive nature of the show begins. Make sure you head to the street scene of a bygone era in good time and head towards red telephone box doors and prepare to use the phone to dial your way into the bar. Once the password is verified you’ll hear a click and depending on which show you’re booked into a friendly ‘resident’ will welcome you and you’ll be taken to your table.

As your fellow guests are seated the first of your premium cocktails (three are included) is delivered by the attentive bar crew and the show begins. Welcomed to the party by the host Noel, the festivities get underway! You can join in with the songs with the handy songbooks which are available on each table (or simply enjoy the atmosphere should you prefer!) There are natural interludes along the way as your second and third premium cocktails are delivered to you.

Without giving too much a way the show is a mix of brilliant acting, singing and plenty of interactions with the cast.

Once the show is over you are asked to leave the venue in a quick but orderly fashion! However, the bar reopens a few minutes later and normal bar service resumes.

Things to know:

3 Premium cocktails are included
Be prepared for audience participation (but not compulsory!)
The doors don’t open until the advertised showtime
You can order drinks from your table using the telephone next to it
You may be required to share a table

The concept as a whole is a brilliant use of space and it turned out to be one of our favourite venues throughout our time onboard Marella Voyager – we returned to try more of the premium cocktails that this bar had to offer. The crew in this bar were brilliant: friendly, attentive and always carried the Marella smile! Be sure to check out your Cruise News for opening times so that you don’t miss out.