How to pay for drinks on a Marella Cruises?

A cruise holiday is all about convenience, relaxation, and indulgence. One of the most common questions first-time cruisers ask is: “How do I pay for drinks onboard?” With many cruise lines requiring passengers to purchase expensive drinks packages or settle large bar bills at the end of the trip, this is a fair concern.But Marella Cruises is unique. Unlike most cruise lines, Marella includes an all-inclusive drinks package in every fare. That means many of your drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are already covered in your cruise price. However, there are also options for premium upgrades, specialty drinks, and additional purchases, which require some understanding of how payments work.This article will walk you through everything you need to know about how to pay for drinks on Marella Cruises, including what’s included, what costs extra, how to use your onboard account, and tips for getting the best value.

The Marella Cruises All-Inclusive Drinks Concept

Marella is one of the few cruise lines to offer all-inclusive drinks as standard. While other companies charge £40–£70 per person, per day for drinks packages, Marella builds it into the fare, making life much easier onboard.

What’s Included in the Standard Drinks Package?

When you board, you automatically have access to the standard all-inclusive package. It covers:

• Draught beers and ciders

• House wines (red, white, and rosé)

• Spirits and mixers (gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila)

• A selection of classic cocktails

• Non-alcoholic mocktails

• Soft drinks and juices

• Filter coffee, hot chocolate, and tea

These drinks can be ordered at any bar, restaurant, or lounge without paying extra.

 That means in most cases, you don’t even need to think about paying for drinks at all.

Premium Drink Package: Paying for an Upgrade

For those who prefer more choice, Marella offers a Premium Drinks Package.

What’s Included in Premium?

• Branded spirits (Bombay Sapphire, Absolut, Jack Daniel’s, etc.)

• Wider range of cocktails

• Premium wines by the glass

• Bottled beers and ciders

• Bottled water (great for excursions)

• Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee)

Cost of Premium Package

• Around £80–£100 per person, per week

• That’s just £11–£14 per day, far cheaper than competing cruise lines

How to Pay for the Upgrade

You can:

1. Pre-book before your cruise (often cheaper).

2. Add it once onboard via reception or any bar.

The cost is added to your onboard account and settled at the end of your cruise.

When Do You Actually Pay for Drinks?

Even though most drinks are included, there are times you’ll need to pay separately:

1. Premium Drinks without a Package

   • If you order branded gin or premium cocktails without the upgrade, the cost is charged individually (typically £5–£7 each).

2. Specialty Coffees

   • Lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso are included only with Premium. Otherwise, they’re about £2.50–£3.50 each.

3. Bottled Water

   • Free filtered water is available, but bottled water is charged unless you have Premium.

4. Drinks in the Coffee Port or Specialty Bars

   • Some premium coffee shops and bars onboard may charge extra.

5. Shore Excursions or Port Purchases

   • Drinks purchased off the ship are never included.

Payment System Onboard Marella

Marella operates a cashless system. Here’s how it works:

Cruise Card (Your Onboard Key)

• At check-in, you’ll receive a cruise card (also your room key).

• Every purchase—drinks, spa treatments, excursions—is charged to this card.

• Just hand it to the bartender or waiter when ordering.

Onboard Account

• All charges are recorded under your cabin.

• You can check your balance at reception or on the Marella Cruises app.

• At the end of the cruise, your total bill is settled.

Payment Methods Accepted

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express

• Cash: Pounds sterling

• Pre-paid travel money cards

 Tip: Register a credit card at check-in for smooth checkout.

Comparing Payment for Drinks: Marella vs Other Cruise Lines

Here’s why Marella’s system is so attractive:

Cruise LineStandard FareDrink PackageAverage Daily Cost

MarellaAll-inclusivePremium Upgrade (~£12/day)£0–£12

Royal CaribbeanNot includedDeluxe Package (£60/day)£60

P&O CruisesNot includedClassic Drinks Package (£45/day)£45

MSC CruisesNot includedEasy Plus (€49/day)€49

 On Marella, you’ll rarely face surprise bar bills—unlike other cruises where passengers spend hundreds extra.

Tips for Managing Drink Payments

1. Know what’s included – Before ordering, check whether your favorite drink is part of the standard or premium package.

2. Pre-book Premium – It’s often cheaper than buying it onboard.

3. Use bottled water wisely – If you don’t upgrade, bring a refillable bottle and use the ship’s water stations.

4. Track your account – Check balances regularly to avoid surprises.

5. Skip unnecessary extras – If you don’t drink branded spirits, you may not need Premium.

6. Budget for specialty treats – Plan a little extra spending for specialty coffees or portside drinks.

Real-Life Examples: How Costs Add Up

Passenger A: Light Drinker

• 1 glass of house wine at dinner

• 1 soft drink in the afternoon

• 1 hot chocolate at nightCost: £0 (all included)

Passenger B: Cocktail Enthusiast without Premium

• 2 premium cocktails per night (£7 each)

• 1 specialty coffee each morning (£3.50)Weekly Cost: ~£77.50👉 Almost the same price as Premium Package!

Passenger C: Premium Upgrader

• 1 branded gin & tonic (£6)

• 1 specialty coffee (£3.50)

• 1 bottled water (£2)

• 1 premium wine glass (£6)Value per day: ~£17.50Cost of Premium: £12/day Daily saving of £5.50

FAQs About Paying for Drinks on Marella Cruises

Q1. Can I pay with cash at the bar?

No. All drinks are charged to your cruise card. You settle your account at the end.

Q2. Are gratuities included in drink prices?

Yes. Marella has a no-tipping policy—no added service charges.

Q3. Can I buy drinks for others with my package?

No. Packages are non-transferable and for personal use only.

Q4. Can I use onboard credit for drinks?

Yes. If you’ve been given onboard credit, it can be used towards drinks not included.

Q5. Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Marella’s policy generally prohibits bringing large amounts of alcohol onboard. Small allowances may apply for wine.

Final Thoughts: Paying for Drinks on Marella Cruises

On Marella Cruises, paying for drinks is refreshingly simple compared to most cruise lines. With a generous all-inclusive package included in every fare, you don’t need to worry about bar tabs piling up. For most passengers, this means you can enjoy beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks without ever reaching for your wallet.

If you want extra choice—branded spirits, bottled water, premium wines, and specialty coffees—the Premium Drinks Package is a cost-effective upgrade at just £11–£14 per day. Payment is handled through your cashless onboard account, making the whole process seamless.

So, whether you stick with the included drinks or upgrade for more variety, Marella ensures your cruise holiday is smooth, stress-free, and indulgent.