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Marella Cruises All Inclusive: What Is Included in 2026? The Complete UK Guide

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-01 · 11 min read

Here’s precisely what’s included in 2026—drinks, dining, tips—and what still costs extra, plus smart ways to save.

If you’re eyeing up a 2026 sailing and wondering exactly what Marella’s All Inclusive includes (and what it doesn’t), this is your definitive guide—written for UK travellers who prefer pounds to dollars and straight answers over small print. To apply those inclusions to one ship, read the Marella Discovery 2 review for 2026, which separates the published standard package from chargeable dining and upgrades.

What ‘All Inclusive’ Means on Marella in 2026

Marella’s All Inclusive is genuinely generous for a mainstream line. Unlike most big-brand cruise lines that make you add a drinks package and daily gratuities, Marella includes a solid drinks list and all service charges as standard. In practice, that means you could step onboard, drink and dine very well, watch a West‑End‑style show nightly, and leave without a surprise bill—unless you opt for extras like speciality dining, Wi‑Fi, or premium coffees and spirits.

Which Drinks Are Included (Standard All Inclusive)

The standard All Inclusive roster is broader than most mass‑market lines. It’s ideal if you enjoy classic cocktails and house pours rather than niche craft labels.

• Draught lager/beer and house cider by the glass
• House wines by the glass (red, white, rosé)
• A selection of cocktails from the All Inclusive menu (classic styles using standard spirits)
• House spirits (e.g., vodka, gin, rum, whisky) with standard mixers
• Soft drinks by the glass (cola/lemonade/soda/tonic)
• Juices at breakfast (e.g., orange, apple) from dispensers
• Tea and filter coffee in dining venues
• Mocktails from the included list

What’s Not Included in the Standard Drinks List

A few drink categories sit outside the standard umbrella; these are either paid a‑la‑carte or covered if you upgrade to the premium package.

• Premium/branded spirits (e.g., aged/single‑malt whiskies, small‑batch gins)
• Full list craft beers and canned/bottled beers
• Premium wines by the glass and wine by the bottle
• Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies
• Speciality coffees (barista espresso-based drinks) from dedicated coffee bars
• High‑end or signature cocktails not on the included list
• Mini‑bar and room service beverages

Dining That’s Included

You won’t go hungry on Marella. The main restaurants and buffet cover breakfast, lunch and dinner with substantial variety, plus snacks at casual venues throughout the day.

• Main dining rooms: multi‑course dinners with rotating menus and waiter service
• Buffet restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner with themed nights
• Casual grills/snack spots (e.g., burgers, fish and chips, wraps) at no extra cost
• Afternoon tea items or light bites in included venues
• Late‑night snacks in select venues on many sailings
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options available on request in MDRs

Dining That Costs Extra (Speciality)

Marella’s speciality restaurants are excellent value compared with other lines—great for a date night or celebration.

1. Steakhouse/Surf & Turf: around £25–£40
2. Pan‑Asian (e.g., Kora La on some ships): about £20–£35
3. Chef’s Table or Tasting Menu (where offered): around £35–£60
4. Premium coffee/gelato bars: roughly £2.50–£6 per item
5. Wine pairing flights: around £12–£25
6. Private dining experiences: pricing varies, often £50+ depending on menu

Gratuities and Service Charges—Are Tips Included?

Yes. One of Marella’s biggest perks is that tips (service charges) are included in the fare. There’s no daily per‑person service charge added to your account, and there’s no expectation to add gratuities to bar or restaurant bills unless you wish to for exceptional service.

Many cruise lines add approximately £10–£18 per person, per day in service charges on top of cruise fares. On a 7‑night cruise for two, that can usually be £140–£250. Marella’s inclusive approach makes budgeting simple and transparent for UK travellers.

Wi‑Fi and Connectivity on Marella in 2026

Wi‑Fi is not included as part of the standard All Inclusive. Packages are typically sold by device and speed tier (e.g., messaging/browsing vs streaming). As a realistic 2026 guide, expect roughly £10–£20 per device, per day depending on package speed and duration, with discounts for full‑cruise plans. Signal quality varies by region; it’s usually strongest on sea days in open water.

You can usually purchase Wi‑Fi via the ship’s portal once onboard. Log one device out before logging another in to avoid extra charges. For email and WhatsApp, the lowest tier is typically fine; if you plan on video calls or uploading reels, consider the higher tier.

Cabin Amenities: What’s Included

Marella’s cabins are practical and well‑equipped for UK guests.

• Tea and coffee‑making facilities (kettle) in most cabins
• In‑cabin safe
• TV with ship information and basic channels
• Hairdryer
• Towels (including pool towels checked out onboard)
• Toiletries (hand/body wash; exact items vary by ship/category)
• Daily housekeeping and turndown on most sailings

Entertainment and Activities That Are Included

Marella invests heavily in entertainment, and it shows. Much of the onboard fun is included at no extra cost.

• West‑End‑style theatre shows and live music across multiple venues
• Daytime quizzes, dance classes and enrichment talks
• Use of pools, hot tubs (where fitted) and sun decks
• Access to the gym and sports courts
• Movies on the big screen (if available) and indoor cinema on select ships
• Sail‑away parties and themed nights

Families and Kids’ Clubs

Kids’ and teens’ clubs are included and run daily on sea days and selected hours on port days. Spaces can fill early on peak school‑holiday sailings, so complete registration as soon as you board. Activities range from arts and crafts to gaming tournaments and supervised sports.

Highchairs are available, kids’ menus are the norm in main dining, and early showtimes are family‑friendly. Pushchair access is good, though lifts are busy at peak times; use the stairs when you can.

Shore Excursions and Port Days

Shore excursions are not included. Expect around £35–£120 per person for common tours (city highlights, beach transfers, snorkel trips), with small‑group/unique experiences costing more. You can also explore independently—Marella’s destination team provides port maps and shuttle info when applicable. Ship‑run tours guarantee you’ll be back before sail‑away; DIY travellers should allow generous buffers.

Health, Spa & Fitness

The gym is included and usually well‑equipped with treadmills, bikes, free weights and mats. Fitness classes may be a mix of free (stretching, abs) and paid (spinning, Pilates reformer). The spa, thermal suite, salon, medi‑spa and barber services are extra. Typical 50‑minute massages run £60–£110 depending on treatment and itinerary.

Laundry and Pressing

Marella offers paid laundry and pressing with per‑item charges; periodic ‘fill a bag’ offers may appear mid‑cruise. Pack a small travel steamer (if permitted) or wrinkle‑release spray. Self‑service launderettes are not guaranteed fleet‑wide.

Beyond the Ship: Flights, Transfers and More

One big Marella difference is that most holidays are sold as fly‑cruise packages through TUI, bundling flights and transfers with your cruise. That simplifies travel for 2026 itineraries across the Med, Canaries and Caribbean. If you’re sailing from a UK port (e.g., Southampton) on selected seasons, flights aren’t needed, but coach/rail to the port is on you.

Baggage Allowance on TUI Airways (Guide)

TUI flight allowances vary by fare and route. As a typical guide for Marella fly‑cruises, checked baggage is often included (commonly 15–20kg per person) plus 1 cabin bag. Sports equipment and extra bags attract fees. Always confirm your own booking’s allowance.

Shared coach transfers between airport and ship are generally included on fly‑cruise packages. If arranging your own flights, add private transfers or taxis; ports are usually 20–45 minutes from airports on Med sailings, longer in the Caribbean.

Marella vs P&O, Cunard, MSC and Royal Caribbean in 2026

Here’s how Marella’s All Inclusive stacks up against other popular lines for UK cruisers.

Marella is the clearest value if you want drinks and tips wrapped into the fare. P&O is a strong runner‑up for UK travellers who prefer to pay as they go for drinks but avoid daily tips. Cunard, MSC and Royal Caribbean can be excellent, but you’ll need to budget for drinks and gratuities unless you snag a promo.

Real‑World Daily Costs If You Don’t Upgrade

If you stick to included venues and the standard drinks list, you can comfortably spend nothing on sea days. Here’s a realistic day to illustrate.

Sample Budget for a 7‑Night Marella Cruise in 2026 (Per Couple)

You can absolutely keep the onboard bill modest.

Itineraries Where All Inclusive Shines in 2026

In the Greek Isles and Western Med, port drinks can add up quickly ashore. Marella’s All Inclusive means you can return to the ship for a proper cocktail without worrying about the bar bill. The Caribbean in winter 2026 is another standout—beach days, sail‑aways with rum punch, and zero daily service charges equals easy budgeting.

Bar Menus and Cocktail Lists: What to Expect

Expect a core cocktail list covering mojitos, daiquiris, margaritas, piña coladas, spritzes and long drinks made with house spirits. If you want premium gins, aged rums or small‑batch bourbons, that’s where the premium upgrade earns its keep. Wine lists include house selections by the glass for free; bottles and higher‑end by‑the‑glass pours are chargeable.

Coffee and Soft Drinks

Tea and filter coffee are complimentary at meals and specified self‑service stations. Soft drinks by the glass (cola/lemonade) are included, which is a big money saver for families. Speciality coffees (latte, cappuccino, iced espresso) from dedicated cafés cost extra unless covered under a premium upgrade—typically budget £3–£4 per drink.

Water: Tap vs Bottled

Tap water onboard is safe to drink. Ask for iced water in restaurants and bars for free. Bottled water and canned soft drinks typically incur a charge unless included with a premium package promotion.

Dietary Needs and Special Requests

Marella handles dietary needs well. For coeliac, vegan, halal or low‑sodium diets, advise TUI/Marella pre‑cruise and speak to the maître d’ on day one. The kitchens can prepare off‑menu items with notice. Always reconfirm at each meal, especially on excursions with lunches.

Solo Travellers: Is All Inclusive Good Value?

Yes—especially on port‑intensive itineraries where you’ll use the included drinks and entertainment nightly without paying daily gratuities. Marella often prices well for solos compared with big US brands once you factor in drinks and tips elsewhere.

Couples and Groups: Smarter Dining and Bar Strategy

Book speciality dining for formal nights if you want a quieter venue; otherwise, enjoy the main dining room’s changing menus. For groups, meet in one bar pre‑dinner to streamline service and order from the included cocktail list to keep the tab at zero.

Embarkation Day Strategy: Make the Most of All Inclusive

A few small moves on day one set the tone for a brilliant week.

1. Drop hand luggage and head to the buffet for an unrushed lunch.
2. Confirm dietary notes with the maître d’.
3. Visit the speciality desk to grab a preferred dining time (if you plan one paid night).
4. Check bar menus and note which cocktails are included.
5. Register kids for clubs during open house hours.
6. Buy Wi‑Fi (if needed) on a full‑cruise plan for best value.
7. Order your first included cocktail on deck and enjoy sail‑away.

Disembarkation Day: What Stays Included

Breakfast and non‑alcoholic drinks remain included on the final morning until you disembark. Bars may limit cocktail service ahead of clearance times. Keep a small day bag with passports, meds and a refillable water bottle.

Money‑Saving Hacks we Use on Marella

• Alternate between included cocktails and soft drinks to pace your day
• Enjoy MDR lunches on sea days—they’re relaxed and cost £0
• Split speciality dining across your group if unsure (book for fewer people and add on only if everyone’s keen)
• Ask for carafes of tap water at meals
• Download maps and playlists before boarding; use airplane mode and ship Wi‑Fi only when needed
• Consider a mid‑week spa treatment when promos pop up

Image suggestion: Sunlit pool deck on a Marella ship with guests enjoying included cocktails at sail‑away, blue sea in the background.

Common Misconceptions About Marella All Inclusive

• It is: a robust included drinks list and zero daily service charges
• It isn’t: unlimited premium brands and speciality coffees by default
• It is: dining in main restaurants and buffets without extra fees
• It isn’t: free speciality restaurants every night
• It is: proper UK‑friendly pricing in pounds with flights and transfers commonly bundled
• It isn’t: a guarantee that Wi‑Fi, excursions or room service are included

Final Verdict: Is Marella’s All Inclusive Worth It in 2026?

In a word, yes—especially for UK travellers who want an easy, predictable holiday budget. With drinks and gratuities included, solid MDR and buffet dining, and nightly entertainment, Marella delivers excellent value on 2026 itineraries. Add a premium drinks upgrade only if you’re brand‑loyal with spirits or crave speciality coffees daily. Otherwise, enjoy the included list and spend your savings on a memorable excursion or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Marella’s All Inclusive include Wi‑Fi in 2026?

No. Wi‑Fi is sold separately. Expect roughly £10–£20 per device, per day depending on speed and duration, with better value on full‑cruise plans.

Are tips included on Marella Cruises?

Yes. Service charges are included in your fare, so there’s no daily gratuity added to your account. You can tip extra in cash for exceptional service if you wish, but it’s not expected.

Is bottled water free on Marella?

Tap water is safe and complimentary. Bottled water typically costs extra unless covered under a specific promotion or premium package. Ask for iced water in bars and restaurants to avoid charges.

What are typical speciality dining prices on Marella in 2026?

Most speciality venues run about £20–£40 per person, with premium experiences or tasting menus higher. Coffee bars and gelato are usually £2.50–£6 per item.

How does Marella compare to P&O, Cunard, MSC and Royal Caribbean?

Marella includes a wide list of drinks and all tips as standard, making budgeting simple. P&O includes tips but not drinks; Cunard, MSC and Royal Caribbean generally charge for both drinks and daily gratuities unless you buy packages or book a promotion. Wi‑Fi is extra on all of them unless included in a deal.

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