Planning a cruise with Marella Cruises often raises one important question before boarding: How much is the Marella Cruises drink package, and is it worth the money?
For many travelers, drinks are a major part of the onboard experience. Whether you enjoy specialty coffees at breakfast, cocktails by the pool, wine with dinner, or premium spirits during evening entertainment, understanding Marella’s drinks packages can help you avoid unexpected onboard expenses and maximize value.
This detailed guide explains:
The information in this article is based on publicly available data from official cruise resources, travel agencies, cruise passenger reports, and industry publications available as of 2026.
Marella Cruises includes an All Inclusive drinks package in many cruise fares, which is one reason the cruise line remains popular among UK travelers seeking value-focused holidays.
Unlike many competitors that charge separately for basic beverages, Marella’s standard package often includes:
However, not every drink is covered. Premium brands, upgraded cocktails, champagne, and specialty coffees may require either:
Understanding the difference between the included package and the upgraded version is essential before booking.
On many Marella cruises, the standard drinks package is already included in the fare.
If it is not included, pricing generally ranges between:
| Package Type | Estimated Daily Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard All Inclusive | £45–£55 per person/day | Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks |
| Premium All Inclusive Upgrade | £12–£20 extra per person/day | Premium brands, upgraded cocktails, wider wine selection |
Prices can vary depending on:
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed fixed pricing structure across all sailings because Marella periodically adjusts onboard package rates.
Travelers who want access to premium drinks typically pay an additional daily fee.
Typical upgrade pricing includes:
| Upgrade Feature | Approximate Cost |
| Premium spirits | Included in upgrade |
| Premium cocktails | Included in upgrade |
| Specialty coffees | Included on many sailings |
| Upgraded wines | Included |
| Champagne selections | Partially included |
The Premium upgrade often costs less than comparable packages on premium cruise lines, which is one reason Marella attracts budget-conscious travelers.
The standard package covers a surprisingly wide selection of beverages.
Most standard alcoholic drinks are covered, including:
Availability may vary by ship and bar location.
Marella also includes many soft beverages.
This makes the package appealing even for travelers who drink little alcohol.
Despite the generous inclusions, several beverages usually cost extra.
| Drink Type | Usually Extra? |
| Premium champagne | Yes |
| Luxury whisky brands | Yes |
| High-end gin labels | Yes |
| Some specialty coffees | Sometimes |
| Fresh smoothies | Often |
| Energy drinks | Usually |
| Bottled wines | Mostly |
Premium-brand enthusiasts may find the upgrade worthwhile.
For many travelers, yes.
However, value depends entirely on your drinking habits.
The package usually offers excellent value if you:
You may not benefit if you:
Without a package, onboard drink spending adds up quickly.
| Drink | Approximate Price |
| Beer | £5–£7 |
| Cocktail | £8–£11 |
| Glass of wine | £7–£10 |
| Soda | £2–£4 |
| Specialty coffee | £3–£5 |
A traveler consuming:
could easily spend £35–£50 daily.
This explains why many cruisers choose all-inclusive pricing.
| Feature | Standard Package | Premium Upgrade |
| House spirits | Yes | Yes |
| Premium spirits | No | Yes |
| Basic cocktails | Yes | Yes |
| Premium cocktails | Limited | Yes |
| Standard wine | Yes | Yes |
| Upgraded wine list | No | Yes |
| Specialty coffee | Limited | More included |
| Champagne | Limited | Better selection |
Visit the official Marella Cruises website and access your booking.
Navigate to:
Review:
Booking online before embarkation may save money compared with onboard purchases.
Your cruise card will typically reflect the upgraded package once onboard.
Drink packages are available across most of the fleet.
Drink selections can vary slightly by ship size and itinerary.
One major advantage of Marella Cruises is simplified pricing.
Unlike many American cruise lines, gratuities are often already included in fares and drink pricing.
This reduces surprise charges at the end of the cruise.
However, travelers should still verify:
Policies may change periodically.
| Cruise Line | Average Drink Package Cost | Included in Fare? |
| Marella Cruises | Often included | Frequently yes |
| Royal Caribbean | £70–£100/day | Usually no |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | £80–£110/day | Promotions only |
| MSC Cruises | £50–£80/day | Sometimes |
| Carnival Cruise Line | £60–£90/day | Rarely |
Marella remains competitive for travelers prioritizing affordability.
Many cruise deals already include beverages, which may cost less than upgrading later.
Travel agencies frequently advertise:
If you spend most of your day ashore, individual purchases may cost less than package upgrades.
Some travelers upgrade unnecessarily without checking whether their preferred drinks are already included.
Cruise spending can escalate quickly. Discuss beverage budgets before sailing, especially for family or group travel.
Cruise alcohol policies vary.
Based on publicly available information, Marella generally restricts passengers from bringing large quantities of alcohol onboard for cabin consumption.
Policies may include:
Always review the latest terms directly through:Marella Cruises Guest Information
Cruises often encourage social drinking, but moderation matters.
Organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and CDC recommend responsible alcohol consumption to reduce risks associated with dehydration, impaired judgment, and excessive intake.
These steps can help travelers enjoy their cruise safely.
Passenger reviews often highlight:
However, some guests report:
As with most cruise experiences, expectations and personal preferences matter significantly.
Not all premium brands are covered.
Travelers may overestimate how often they’ll drink onboard during port-intensive itineraries.
Some passengers discover their favorite drinks were already part of the standard package.
Specialty coffees can add up quickly for daily drinkers.
The included package often offers excellent value for couples seeking predictable spending.
Families with teenagers consuming soda and mocktails may benefit substantially from inclusive pricing.
Travelers who rarely consume alcohol may prefer cruise-only fares without upgrades.
Premium upgrades typically make sense for guests frequently ordering premium cocktails or branded spirits.
Cruise beverage programs continue evolving.
Industry trends suggest:
Cruise lines increasingly compete on all-inclusive value, which benefits travelers.
No. Many fares include All Inclusive drinks, but some promotional or cruise-only fares may not.
Typically £12–£20 extra per person daily, depending on itinerary and ship.
Yes, many standard cocktails are included in the standard package.
Some venues include bottled water, but policies vary by package and ship.
Yes. All ships offer pay-as-you-go beverage pricing.
In many cases, yes. However, travelers should confirm current policies before sailing.
Basic coffee is included. Specialty coffees may require the Premium package or separate payment.
Children generally receive access to soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.
It depends on your drinking habits and beverage preferences.
Based on publicly available information, there is no universally published daily drink cap across all sailings.
For many travelers, Marella Cruises offers one of the better-value beverage programs in mainstream cruising.
Key advantages include:
Travelers who enjoy multiple daily drinks often recover the package value quickly, while lighter drinkers may prefer paying individually.
Before booking, compare:
Doing this ensures you choose the most cost-effective option for your cruise style.
For official pricing and current package terms, consult:
Because cruise pricing changes regularly, always verify the latest package details before departure.
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