How much is the Marella Cruises drink package?

When planning a cruise holiday, one of the biggest questions travelers ask is: “How much are the drinks on board, and should I buy a drinks package?” With Marella Cruises, part of the TUI Group, passengers enjoy a different experience compared to many other cruise lines. That’s because Marella offers all-inclusive cruises as standard—meaning a range of drinks are already included in the fare.

However, for those who want more choice, premium brands, or extra perks, Marella also offers an upgradeable drinks package. So, how much does the Marella Cruises drink package cost? What does it include? And is it worth the upgrade?

This in-depth guide will cover everything you need to know about Marella Cruises’ drinks packages, including prices, inclusions, differences between packages, value for money, and tips for making the most of it.

Understanding Marella Cruises’ All-Inclusive Concept

Unlike most cruise lines where basic drinks (water, tea, coffee) are free but alcohol costs extra, Marella Cruises makes things simpler.

Standard All-Inclusive (Included in Fare)

Every Marella cruise comes with a complimentary all-inclusive package. This means you don’t start your holiday worrying about extra drink charges unless you want premium upgrades.

The included package typically covers:

House wines (red, white, rosé)
Draught beers and ciders
Selected spirits (house vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, etc.)
Soft drinks, juices, and mocktails
Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
Cocktails from a select menu

This already provides excellent value compared to lines like Royal Caribbean or MSC Cruises, where similar packages can cost £50–£70 per person, per day.

Marella Cruises Drinks Package Options

Marella offers two main upgrades:

1. Premium Drinks Package

Price: Around £80–£100 per person, per week (≈ £11–£14 per day).
What’s Included:
- Premium spirits (e.g., Bombay Sapphire, Absolut, Jack Daniel’s).
- Branded beers and ciders.
- Specialty wines by the glass.
- Extended cocktail list, including international classics.
- Premium coffee options at specialty venues.
- Bottled water in bars and restaurants.

2. Non-Alcoholic Premium Package (for teetotalers or under 18s)

Price: Around £40–£50 per week (≈ £6–£7 per day).
What’s Included:
- Freshly squeezed juices.
- Mocktails and smoothies.
- Premium soft drinks and non-alcoholic beers.
- Speciality teas and coffees.

Cost Breakdown: How Much Will You Spend?

Example 1: 7-Night Cruise – Standard Package (No Upgrade)

Already included in fare.
If you’re content with house brands and select cocktails, you’ll spend £0 extra.

Example 2: 7-Night Cruise – Premium Drinks Upgrade

£90 per person per week (average).
For two people, that’s £180 total.

Example 3: Buying Premium Drinks Individually

If you don’t upgrade but buy premium drinks separately, costs can add up:

Premium cocktail: £6–£8
Branded spirit & mixer: £5–£7
Premium wine: £5–£7 per glass
Speciality coffee: £3–£4

If you’d drink more than 2–3 premium drinks a day, the package usually pays for itself.

What’s the Difference Between Standard and Premium Packages?

Here’s a clear comparison:

FeatureStandard (Included)Premium (Upgrade)

House wine & beer Included Included

Branded beers No Yes

House spirits Included Premium brands

CocktailsLimited menuFull menu

Premium wine No Yes

Bottled water No Yes

Speciality coffee No Yes

Is the Marella Premium Drink Package Worth It?

The value of the upgrade depends on your drinking habits.

It’s Worth It If:

You enjoy branded spirits like Tanqueray, Bacardi, or Grey Goose.
You drink cocktails regularly.
You want bottled water included (instead of tap/filtered).
You’re a coffee lover who prefers cappuccinos, lattes, and iced coffees.

It May Not Be Worth It If:

You’re satisfied with house drinks.
You only have 1–2 alcoholic drinks per day.
You rarely drink premium coffee or water bottles.

How to Purchase the Drink Package

You can upgrade in several ways:

At the time of booking – often cheaper if bundled.
Through the “Manage My Booking” portal before departure.
On board at reception or any bar.

Tip: Buying before you sail can save money, as onboard upgrades sometimes cost slightly more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is bottled water free on Marella Cruises?

Filtered water is available free, but bottled water is only included with the Premium Drinks Package.

2. Can I share my drinks package?

No. Packages are personal and non-transferable. Sharing may result in your package being revoked.

3. Do under-18s get a package?

Yes, they can have a non-alcoholic premium package for a reduced cost.

4. What if I don’t drink alcohol?

You can still benefit from premium non-alcoholic options such as smoothies, mocktails, and specialty coffees.

5. Can I buy the package for only part of the cruise?

No, packages must be purchased for the full duration of the cruise.

6. Are gratuities included in drinks prices?

Yes. Marella operates a no-tipping policy, so there are no extra service charges on drinks.

Tips to Maximize Value from Your Drinks Package

Order bottled water daily – especially if upgraded.
Try specialty cocktails – make the most of the extended menu.
Use premium coffee options – instead of paying £3–£4 per cup.
Enjoy branded spirits – experiment with new drinks.
Book in advance – to lock in the lower pre-sailing price.

Comparing Marella’s Drink Package with Other Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean: Drinks packages cost £60+ per person/day.
P&O Cruises: Classic package costs £44.95/day.
MSC Cruises: Easy Plus package costs €49/day.
Marella Cruises: Premium package ≈ £11–£14/day.

Marella offers one of the most affordable upgrade options in the cruise industry, especially since a base all-inclusive package is already included in your fare.

Real Passenger Experiences

Many past guests note:

Standard package is enough for casual drinkers.
Premium package is a bargain compared to other cruise lines.
Coffee drinkers and cocktail fans benefit the most from the upgrade.

how much is the Marella Cruises drink package?

The Standard All-Inclusive Package is included in your fare, at no extra cost.
The Premium Drinks Package upgrade costs around £80–£100 per person, per week.
Non-alcoholic premium packages are around £40–£50 per week.

Whether you should upgrade depends on your personal preferences. If you love premium cocktails, branded spirits, or specialty coffees, the package is fantastic value. But if you’re happy with house wine, beer, and soft drinks, the included package may already be perfect.

Marella’s approach to all-inclusive cruising makes it one of the best-value cruise lines for those who don’t want to worry about surprise bar bills.