How much is a beverage package on Marella Cruises?

For many cruise travelers, one of the first questions that comes to mind when planning a holiday is: “How much will I spend on drinks?” On most cruise lines, the answer involves researching beverage packages, calculating daily drink consumption, and trying to determine whether an upgrade is worth it.

With Marella Cruises, part of the TUI Group, things are refreshingly straightforward. Unlike many other lines, every Marella cruise includes a standard beverage package in your fare. That means house wines, draught beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, and hot drinks are already included—no need to worry about an unexpected bar bill at the end of your trip.

But Marella also offers an optional Premium Beverage Package upgrade for guests who want access to branded spirits, specialty coffees, bottled water, and a wider cocktail selection. So, how much does it cost, and is it worth it? Let’s break it all down.

Marella Cruises’ All-Inclusive Beverage Concept

Most cruise lines charge separately for drinks packages. For example:

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package: ~£60–£70 per person, per day.
MSC Cruises’ Easy Plus Package: ~€49 per day.
P&O Cruises’ Classic Drinks Package: ~£44.95 per day.

By comparison, Marella Cruises includes a standard all-inclusive package in the price of every sailing. This makes it one of the most affordable cruise options for travelers who don’t want to worry about budgeting drinks daily.

What’s Included in Marella’s Standard Beverage Package?

The included package already covers a wide variety of drinks:

House wines: red, white, rosé.
Draught beers and ciders.
House spirits: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, etc.
Classic cocktails from a set menu.
Soft drinks: sodas, juices, mocktails.
Hot beverages: tea, coffee, hot chocolate.

For most casual drinkers, this package offers plenty of choice without needing to spend extra.

The Premium Beverage Package

For those who prefer branded spirits, bottled beers, premium wines, and specialty coffees, Marella offers a Premium Beverage Package upgrade.

Price of the Premium Package

Around £80–£100 per person, per week.
Equivalent to £11–£14 per day.

What It Includes

Branded spirits such as Jack Daniel’s, Bombay Sapphire, Absolut, Bacardi.
Bottled beers and branded ciders.
Expanded cocktail list with international classics.
Premium wines by the glass.
Bottled water (in bars and restaurants).
Specialty coffees like cappuccino, latte, iced coffee.

This package is optional but highly popular with passengers who enjoy variety.

Cost Comparison: Standard vs Premium Beverage Packages

Let’s illustrate the difference with an example:

Standard Package (Included)

Glass of house wine: £0
House gin & tonic: £0
Draught lager: £0
Basic cocktail: £0

Total daily spend: £0 extra (already included).

Premium Package (~£12 per day)

Without upgrading, ordering these drinks individually would cost:

Branded gin & tonic: £6
Premium cocktail: £7
Specialty coffee: £3.50
Bottled water: £2
Premium wine: £6

Daily total: £24.50Premium package cost: ~£12/day

Value gained: £12.50 saved daily if you drink 3–5 premium beverages.

How to Purchase the Beverage Package

You can purchase the Premium upgrade in several ways:

At booking: Add it as part of your cruise reservation.
Pre-departure: Through the TUI “Manage My Booking” portal.
On board: Visit reception or any bar to upgrade.

Tip: Pre-booking is usually cheaper, as onboard rates can be slightly higher.

Are There Limits to the Beverage Package?

Marella Cruises does not set a strict daily cap on the number of drinks you can order. However, there are rules to ensure responsible service:

One drink served per person at a time (no sharing).
Bar staff may refuse service if a guest appears intoxicated.
Alcoholic drinks are only available to guests aged 18+.

This makes the package effectively unlimited, unlike cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean or Carnival, which cap drinks at 15 alcoholic beverages per day.

Is the Premium Beverage Package Worth It?

Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your preferences.

It’s Worth It If:

You drink cocktails daily.
You prefer branded spirits or premium wines.
You enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, or iced coffees.
You want bottled water included (instead of filtered).

It May Not Be Worth It If:

You’re happy with house wines, beers, and spirits.
You drink fewer than 2–3 alcoholic drinks per day.
You don’t mind standard coffee or filtered water.

Comparing Marella’s Beverage Packages to Other Cruise Lines

Marella Cruises Premium Package: £11–£14 per day.
Royal Caribbean Deluxe Package: £60–£70 per day.
MSC Cruises Easy Plus: ~€49 per day.
P&O Cruises Classic Drinks: £44.95 per day.

Marella offers one of the most affordable premium beverage upgrades in the industry, especially since a standard package is already included.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Beverage Package

Pre-book the upgrade – save money compared to onboard prices.
Use premium coffees daily – they quickly add up in savings.
Try new cocktails – expand beyond your usual favorites.
Stock up on bottled water – perfect for excursions and cabins.
Mix in non-alcoholic drinks – smoothies and mocktails add variety.

Passenger Experiences

Cruise forums and reviews often highlight:

The standard package is enough for many travelers.
Premium upgrade is excellent value for cocktail lovers.
Service is quick and efficient, with no daily drink limits.
Coffee drinkers especially appreciate the specialty options.

FAQs About Marella Cruises Beverage Packages

Q1. How much is the Premium Beverage Package?

Around £80–£100 per person, per week.

Q2. Can you buy it just for a few days?

No. It must be purchased for the full duration of your cruise.

Q3. Is bottled water included?Only in the Premium Package. Standard package includes tap/filtered water.

Q4. Can you share the package?

No. Packages are non-transferable.

Q5. Do under-18s get a package?

Yes, they can purchase a non-alcoholic premium package (~£40–£50 per week).

Q6. Do gratuities apply on drinks?

No. Marella operates a no-tipping policy—prices are final.

how much is a beverage package on Marella Cruises?

The Standard All-Inclusive Beverage Package is included in your fare—at no extra cost.
The Premium Beverage Package upgrade costs around £80–£100 per person, per week (~£11–£14 per day).
Non-alcoholic premium packages cost about £40–£50 per week.

For travelers who enjoy cocktails, branded spirits, specialty coffees, or bottled water, the Premium upgrade offers excellent value. But for light drinkers, the included package is already generous and may be more than enough.

Either way, Marella Cruises offers one of the best-value beverage models in the cruise industry, ensuring your holiday stays stress-free and budget-friendly.