Is it worth buying a drink package on Marella Cruises?

When planning a cruise holiday, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “Should I buy a drink package?” For most cruise lines, the answer involves weighing the cost of daily drink consumption against the price of the package.But Marella Cruises is different. Unlike competitors such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, or P&O, Marella includes a standard all-inclusive drinks package in the cost of every cruise fare. That means you’ll already enjoy house wines, draught beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, and hot beverages without paying extra. if drinks are already included, why would anyone consider paying more? The answer lies in Marella’s Premium Beverage Package—an upgrade that unlocks branded spirits, premium wines, bottled beers, bottled water, and specialty coffees.

Understanding Marella Cruises’ Drinks Policy

To appreciate the value of the Premium Package, you first need to know what’s already included.

Standard All-Inclusive Drinks Package (Included in Fare)

Draught beers and ciders
House wines (red, white, rosé)
Basic spirits (rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila)
Classic cocktails from a set menu
Soft drinks, juices, and mocktails
Hot drinks (tea, filter coffee, hot chocolate)

For many passengers, this generous standard package is more than enough.

Premium Drinks Package (Optional Upgrade)

Price: Around £80–£100 per person, per week (~£11–£14 per day).

What you get:

Branded spirits like Jack Daniel’s, Absolut, Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi
Bottled beers and branded ciders
Wider cocktail menu with premium options
Premium wines by the glass
Bottled water (restaurants, bars, cabin service)
Specialty coffees (cappuccino, latte, espresso, iced coffee)

Cost vs Value: Breaking It Down

Let’s crunch some numbers to see if the Premium Package makes financial sense.

Without Premium (Standard Package)

House wine (included): £0
House gin & tonic: £0
Draught lager: £0
Standard cocktail: £0

Daily spend = £0 extra.

With Premium (Upgrade ~£12/day)

Suppose you drink daily:

1 branded gin & tonic (normally £6)
1 premium cocktail (£7)
1 specialty coffee (£3.50)
1 bottled water (£2)
1 glass of premium wine (£6)

Daily value = £24.50Upgrade cost = £12/daySavings = £12.50/day

If you drink 3–5 premium beverages daily, the Premium Package pays for itself.

Who Should Buy the Premium Drink Package?

The upgrade is worth it if you:

Prefer branded spirits over house spirits.
Enjoy cocktails daily and want a wider variety.
Like cappuccinos, lattes, or iced coffees.
Drink bottled water instead of filtered water.
Want premium wines by the glass.

It may not be worth it if:

You’re happy with house spirits, draught beers, and standard cocktails.
You only drink 1–2 alcoholic drinks per day.
You don’t mind filtered tap water or regular coffee.

Comparing Marella to Other Cruise Lines

To put things in perspective, let’s compare with other major lines:

Royal Caribbean Deluxe Package: £60–£70/day.
P&O Cruises Classic Drinks Package: £44.95/day.
MSC Cruises Easy Plus Package: €49/day.
Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Package: £69/day.

Marella’s Premium Package is a fraction of the cost of other cruise lines. Even if you’re unsure, the relatively low upgrade price makes it attractive.

Pros and Cons of Buying the Premium Package

Pros

Affordable compared to industry averages.
Unlimited branded spirits and cocktails.
Bottled water for excursions and cabin use.
Specialty coffee and premium wines included.
Excellent value if you drink 3–5 upgraded beverages daily.

Cons

Must be purchased for the entire cruise duration.
Cannot be shared between passengers.
Light drinkers may not get enough value.
Standard package is already generous, making the upgrade unnecessary for some.

Scenarios Where the Premium Package Is Worth It

Cocktail LoversIf you like sampling different cocktails each evening, the wider menu is a big win.
Spirit EnthusiastsIf you’re particular about your gin, rum, or whiskey brand, you’ll enjoy the upgrade.
Coffee DrinkersSpecialty coffees quickly add up—2 cappuccinos per day alone cover half the cost.
Excursion TravelersBottled water is handy for long shore days.

Scenarios Where the Standard Package Is Enough

Casual DrinkersIf you’re fine with house wines and spirits, the included package is already generous.
Families with KidsChildren don’t benefit from the alcohol side of the Premium Package.
Wellness TravelersIf you prefer juices, smoothies, and mocktails, the upgrade isn’t essential.

Tips for Maximizing Value from the Premium Package

Pre-book the upgrade – it’s often cheaper than buying onboard.
Try new cocktails daily – don’t just stick to your usual order.
Order bottled water regularly – take some back to your cabin or excursions.
Use premium coffee daily – morning latte, afternoon cappuccino, evening espresso.
Mix branded spirits into your cocktails – for the best taste and value.

FAQs About Marella’s Drink Packages

Q1. Is the standard package enough for most people?

Yes, many find the included drinks perfectly adequate.

Q2. How much is the Premium Package?

Around £80–£100 per week (~£11–£14 per day).

Q3. Can I buy it for just a few days?

No, it must be purchased for the full cruise.

Q4. Can children get a non-alcoholic upgrade?

Yes, non-alcoholic premium upgrades cost about £40–£50 per week.

Q5. Do Marella Cruises limit drinks per day?

No strict limit—staff serve responsibly but there’s no daily cap.

Q6. Do gratuities apply?

No. Marella operates a no-tipping policy—what you see is what you pay.

Is It Worth It?

is it worth buying a drink package on Marella Cruises?

If you’re a light drinker who’s satisfied with house wines, draught beers, and basic cocktails, the included package is more than enough—no need to upgrade.
If you enjoy branded spirits, premium cocktails, bottled water, and specialty coffees, the Premium Beverage Package is excellent value at just ~£12 per day.

Compared to other cruise lines where drink packages cost four to six times more, Marella’s approach stands out as one of the most budget-friendly and flexible options in the industry.

In short: yes, it can be worth it—but only if your drinking habits match the benefits.