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How much is the Marella Cruises drink package?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 29 May 2026

How much is the Marella Cruises drink package?

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:

  • Current Marella Cruises drink package prices
  • What’s included in each package
  • Which drinks cost extra
  • Whether upgrading makes financial sense
  • Hidden fees and cruise budgeting tips
  • Comparisons with other cruise lines
  • FAQs travelers commonly ask before booking

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.

What Is the Marella Cruises Drink Package?

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:

  • Beer
  • House wine
  • Standard cocktails
  • Soft drinks
  • Spirits
  • Tea and coffee by the cup
  • Juice by the glass

However, not every drink is covered. Premium brands, upgraded cocktails, champagne, and specialty coffees may require either:

  • Paying individually, or
  • Upgrading to the Premium All Inclusive package

Understanding the difference between the included package and the upgraded version is essential before booking.

How Much Is the Marella Cruises Drink Package

Standard All Inclusive Package Price

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:

  • Ship
  • Itinerary
  • Cruise duration
  • Booking promotions
  • Cabin category

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed fixed pricing structure across all sailings because Marella periodically adjusts onboard package rates.

Premium Drinks Package Upgrade Cost

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.

What Drinks Are Included in Marella’s Standard Package?

The standard package covers a surprisingly wide selection of beverages.

Alcoholic Drinks Included

Most standard alcoholic drinks are covered, including:

Beer

  • Foster’s
  • John Smith’s
  • Strongbow
  • Local draft beers on select itineraries

Wine

  • House red
  • House white
  • House rosé
  • Sparkling wine by the glass

Spirits

  • Gin
  • Vodka
  • Rum
  • Whisky
  • Brandy

Cocktails

  • Selected mojitos
  • Piña coladas
  • Margaritas
  • Daiquiris
  • Basic mixed drinks

Availability may vary by ship and bar location.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks Included

Marella also includes many soft beverages.

Included Non-Alcoholic Options

  • Cola
  • Lemonade
  • Tonic water
  • Fruit juices
  • Tea
  • Filter coffee
  • Mocktails
  • Bottled water at some venues

This makes the package appealing even for travelers who drink little alcohol.

What Drinks Are NOT Included?

Despite the generous inclusions, several beverages usually cost extra.

Drinks Commonly Excluded

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.

 

Is the Marella Drink Package Worth It?

For many travelers, yes.

However, value depends entirely on your drinking habits.

When the Package Is Worth It

The package usually offers excellent value if you:

  • Drink 4–6 alcoholic beverages daily
  • Enjoy cocktails regularly
  • Consume soda, coffee, or bottled water throughout the day
  • Prefer predictable vacation budgeting
  • Spend significant time onboard

When It May NOT Be Worth It

You may not benefit if you:

  • Rarely drink alcohol
  • Spend most port days ashore
  • Prefer premium wines not included
  • Only consume water and occasional soft drinks

Realistic Daily Drink Cost Comparison

Without a package, onboard drink spending adds up quickly.

Estimated Individual Drink Prices

Drink Approximate Price
Beer £5–£7
Cocktail £8–£11
Glass of wine £7–£10
Soda £2–£4
Specialty coffee £3–£5

A traveler consuming:

  • 2 cocktails
  • 2 beers
  • 2 sodas
  • 1 coffee

could easily spend £35–£50 daily.

This explains why many cruisers choose all-inclusive pricing.

Marella Premium vs Standard Package

Key Differences

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

 

How To Upgrade Your Marella Drinks Package

Step-by-Step Process

1: Log Into Your Cruise Booking

Visit the official Marella Cruises website and access your booking.

 2: Open Cruise Extras

Navigate to:

  • Cruise extras
  • Beverage packages
  • Upgrade options

 3: Compare Packages

Review:

  • Included brands
  • Daily cost
  • Cruise-wide promotional offers

 4: Purchase Before Sailing

Booking online before embarkation may save money compared with onboard purchases.

5: Confirm Package Activation

Your cruise card will typically reflect the upgraded package once onboard.

Which Marella Ships Offer Drink Packages?

Drink packages are available across most of the fleet.

Popular Marella Ships

  • Marella Explorer
  • Marella Discovery
  • Marella Discovery 2
  • Marella Voyager
  • Marella Explorer 2

Drink selections can vary slightly by ship size and itinerary.

Are Gratuities Included in Marella Drink Packages?

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:

  • Current service charge policies
  • Automatic gratuity rules
  • Regional itinerary exceptions

Policies may change periodically.

How Marella Compares With Other Cruise Lines

Cruise Drink Package Comparison

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.

Tips To Save Money on Marella Drinks

1. Book All Inclusive Fares

Many cruise deals already include beverages, which may cost less than upgrading later.

2. Check Seasonal Promotions

Travel agencies frequently advertise:

  • Free upgrades
  • Premium package discounts
  • Early booking perks

3. Use Port Days Strategically

If you spend most of your day ashore, individual purchases may cost less than package upgrades.

4. Review the Drinks Menu Before Upgrading

Some travelers upgrade unnecessarily without checking whether their preferred drinks are already included.

5. Share Cabin Budget Expectations

Cruise spending can escalate quickly. Discuss beverage budgets before sailing, especially for family or group travel.

Can You Bring Alcohol Onto Marella Cruises?

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:

  • Corkage fees
  • Confiscation until cruise end
  • Quantity limits

Always review the latest terms directly through:Marella Cruises Guest Information

Health and Responsible Drinking Considerations

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.

Cruise Drinking Safety Tips

  • Alternate alcoholic beverages with water
  • Eat before drinking
  • Stay hydrated in warm climates
  • Know your alcohol tolerance
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure after drinking

These steps can help travelers enjoy their cruise safely.

What Frequent Marella Cruisers Say

Passenger reviews often highlight:

  • Good package value
  • Wide cocktail availability
  • Convenient all-inclusive pricing
  • Fewer surprise onboard expenses

However, some guests report:

  • Limited premium spirit selections
  • Long bar queues during peak hours
  • Variation in cocktail quality by venue

As with most cruise experiences, expectations and personal preferences matter significantly.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Assuming Every Drink Is Included

Not all premium brands are covered.

Forgetting Port Day Usage

Travelers may overestimate how often they’ll drink onboard during port-intensive itineraries.

Upgrading Without Comparing Menus

Some passengers discover their favorite drinks were already part of the standard package.

Ignoring Coffee Costs

Specialty coffees can add up quickly for daily drinkers.

Best Strategy for Different Traveler Types

Couples

The included package often offers excellent value for couples seeking predictable spending.

Families

Families with teenagers consuming soda and mocktails may benefit substantially from inclusive pricing.

Non-Drinkers

Travelers who rarely consume alcohol may prefer cruise-only fares without upgrades.

Cocktail Enthusiasts

Premium upgrades typically make sense for guests frequently ordering premium cocktails or branded spirits.

Future Trends in Cruise Drink Packages

Cruise beverage programs continue evolving.

Industry trends suggest:

  • More app-based ordering
  • Dynamic package pricing
  • Expanded alcohol-free options
  • Premium craft cocktail menus
  • Wellness-focused beverage programs

Cruise lines increasingly compete on all-inclusive value, which benefits travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Marella drink package included in all cruises?

No. Many fares include All Inclusive drinks, but some promotional or cruise-only fares may not.

2. How much does the Premium upgrade cost?

Typically £12–£20 extra per person daily, depending on itinerary and ship.

3. Are cocktails included?

Yes, many standard cocktails are included in the standard package.

4. Is bottled water free on Marella Cruises?

Some venues include bottled water, but policies vary by package and ship.

5. Can I buy drinks individually instead of purchasing a package?

Yes. All ships offer pay-as-you-go beverage pricing.

6. Does Marella include gratuities on drinks?

In many cases, yes. However, travelers should confirm current policies before sailing.

7. Are specialty coffees included?

Basic coffee is included. Specialty coffees may require the Premium package or separate payment.

8. Can children use drink packages?

Children generally receive access to soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.

9. Is the Premium package worth it?

It depends on your drinking habits and beverage preferences.

10. Are there drink limits per day?

Based on publicly available information, there is no universally published daily drink cap across all sailings.

Final Verdict: Is Marella’s Drink Package Good Value?

For many travelers, Marella Cruises offers one of the better-value beverage programs in mainstream cruising.

Key advantages include:

  • Frequent inclusion in cruise fares
  • Lower upgrade costs than competitors
  • Broad selection of beverages
  • Reduced surprise expenses

Travelers who enjoy multiple daily drinks often recover the package value quickly, while lighter drinkers may prefer paying individually.

Before booking, compare:

  • Your expected daily consumption
  • Package inclusions
  • Port-heavy itineraries
  • Upgrade pricing
  • Seasonal promotions

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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