Back to Blog

How many drinks can you get a day with a Marella Cruises drink package?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 29 May 2026

How many drinks can you get a day with a Marella Cruises drink package?

Based on publicly available information, Marella Cruises does not publish a specific maximum number of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks allowed per day under its standard all-inclusive package.

Instead, the cruise line operates under a responsible service and fair-use policy. In practical terms, guests may order drinks throughout the day, but crew members can refuse service if:

  • A passenger appears intoxicated
  • Drinks are being shared
  • Ordering patterns suggest misuse
  • Local port regulations restrict alcohol service

Most guests report being able to order drinks freely during opening hours at bars and restaurants without encountering a numeric limit.

That said, “unlimited” does not necessarily mean unrestricted in every situation.

Key Takeaway

For most passengers:

  • There is no confirmed fixed daily drink cap
  • Drinks are served individually
  • Sharing packages is prohibited
  • Crew retain discretion under responsible alcohol service rules

If Marella changes its policy in the future, passengers should always verify directly with the cruise line before sailing.

Understanding Marella Cruises Drink Packages

Marella Cruises is known for its strong all-inclusive model compared with many mainstream cruise operators. Many fares already include:

  • Selected alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks
  • Juice
  • Tea and coffee
  • House wine
  • Beer
  • Basic cocktails and spirits

This differs from cruise lines where beverage packages must be purchased separately at significant extra cost.

Types of Marella Beverage Packages

Marella generally offers:

Standard All-Inclusive

Usually included in cruise fares.

Typical inclusions:

  • House spirits
  • Selected cocktails
  • Draft beer
  • House wine by the glass
  • Soft drinks
  • Tea and coffee

Premium All-Inclusive Upgrade

An optional paid upgrade that expands beverage choices.

Often includes:

  • Premium spirits
  • Wider cocktail menus
  • Specialty coffees
  • Enhanced wine selection
  • Branded beverages

Available inclusions can vary by ship and itinerary.

Does Marella Cruises Have an Official Drink Limit?

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed official daily drink limit similar to policies used by some rival cruise operators.

However, passengers should understand the distinction between:

Term Meaning
Unlimited drinks No publicly stated numeric cap
Responsible service Staff may deny service when appropriate
Fair use Excessive ordering may trigger review
Included beverages Only eligible drinks qualify

 

Many cruise lines avoid publishing exact limits because enforcement often depends on onboard circumstances.

What Drinks Are Included?

Drink inclusions vary slightly depending on the ship and sailing, but commonly available beverages include:

Alcoholic Drinks

  • House vodka
  • Gin
  • Rum
  • Whiskey
  • Draft beer
  • Lager
  • House wine
  • Selected cocktails

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

  • Cola and lemonade
  • Fruit juice
  • Mocktails
  • Tea
  • Filter coffee
  • Water in dining venues

Premium Package Extras

Premium upgrades may include:

  • Premium whiskey
  • Champagne by the glass
  • Craft cocktails
  • Bottled water
  • Espresso-based coffee drinks

Passengers should always review the most recent onboard menus before sailing.

Are There Hidden Restrictions?

Although there may not be a fixed numeric cap, there are several practical restrictions.

One Drink Per Order

Guests are usually limited to ordering one alcoholic beverage at a time.

This policy helps prevent:

  • Sharing
  • Excessive consumption
  • Misuse of packages

No Sharing Allowed

Drink packages are intended only for the purchaser.

Crew members may intervene if:

  • One guest repeatedly orders for others
  • Multiple drinks are passed around
  • Minors receive alcohol

Bar Opening Hours Apply

Availability depends on:

  • Venue operating hours
  • Port regulations
  • Local alcohol laws

Certain destinations may temporarily restrict alcohol service while docked.

How Marella Compares With Other Cruise Lines

Here’s how Marella’s approach compares with major competitors.

Cruise Line Daily Drink Limit Included in Fare? Notes
Marella Cruises No confirmed fixed cap Often yes Fair-use policy applies
Carnival Cruise Line 15 alcoholic drinks/day No Strict cap
Royal Caribbean No official cap Usually extra cost Responsible service policy
Norwegian Cruise Line No fixed cap Promotional packages common Terms apply
MSC Cruises Varies by package Sometimes included Package restrictions apply

 

Marella’s all-inclusive structure is one reason many UK travelers view it as strong value.

Is a Marella Premium Drink Package Worth It?

The answer depends on your drinking habits and travel style.

It May Be Worth It If You:

  • Enjoy premium spirits
  • Drink specialty coffees daily
  • Prefer cocktails over beer
  • Want premium wine selections
  • Spend long sea days onboard

It May Not Be Worth It If You:

  • Drink minimally
  • Spend most time ashore
  • Prefer basic beverages
  • Rarely consume alcohol

Example Daily Beverage Usage

Here’s a realistic example of what many passengers might consume in one day.

Time Beverage
Breakfast Coffee + juice
Poolside 2 cocktails
Lunch Beer or wine
Afternoon Soft drink
Dinner 2 glasses of wine
Evening show Cocktail or spirit

 

This moderate usage could already represent significant onboard savings versus paying individually.

Responsible Drinking at Sea

Cruise vacations often encourage relaxation and social drinking, but health experts emphasize moderation.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive alcohol consumption can increase risks related to:

  • Injuries
  • Dehydration
  • Poor sleep
  • Cardiovascular strain
  • Accidents

Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that binge drinking raises both short-term and long-term health concerns.

Cruise environments can intensify alcohol effects because of:

  • Heat exposure
  • Sunlight
  • Dehydration
  • Motion sickness
  • Irregular sleep schedules

Tips for Safe Drinking on a Cruise

  • Alternate alcohol with water
  • Eat before drinking
  • Use sunscreen consistently
  • Avoid excessive consumption during excursions
  • Follow crew safety guidance

Can You Share a Drink Package on Marella Cruises?

No. Beverage packages are intended for individual guest use only.

Sharing can violate cruise policy and may result in:

  • Package suspension
  • Additional charges
  • Service refusal

Most cruise lines monitor ordering behavior electronically.

What Happens if You Drink “Too Much”?

Even without a fixed limit, crew members are trained in responsible alcohol service.

Bar staff may:

  • Refuse further alcoholic service
  • Recommend water or food
  • Contact onboard security or medical staff in serious situations

Cruise operators prioritize passenger safety and maritime compliance.

Are Soft Drinks Unlimited Too?

Generally, yes for included package beverages.

Passengers can usually access:

  • Soda
  • Juice
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Mocktails

However, premium bottled beverages or specialty café items may require upgrades.

Can You Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Policies vary depending on:

  • Departure port
  • Destination
  • Current cruise rules

Many cruise lines restrict or limit outside alcohol.

Passengers should verify current rules directly with Marella Cruises Official Website before departure.

How to Check Your Drink Package Before Sailing

1: Review Your Booking Confirmation

Look for:

  • “All Inclusive”
  • “Premium All Inclusive”
  • Beverage package inclusions

2: Check Ship-Specific Details

Different ships may offer slightly different menus.

3: Verify Terms Before Departure

Policies can change.

Always review current FAQs and package terms on the official cruise website.

 4: Ask Onboard if Unsure

Crew members can explain:

  • Eligible drinks
  • Premium upgrades
  • Venue exclusions

Tips to Maximize Value From Your Drink Package

Use Specialty Coffee Benefits

Premium coffees can quickly add value if included.

Enjoy Sea Days

Drink packages provide best value during longer onboard days.

Try Included Cocktails

Experimenting with included beverages can reduce additional spending.

Know What Costs Extra

Avoid surprise charges by identifying excluded premium items early.

Common Misunderstandings About Cruise Drink Packages

“Unlimited” Does Not Mean Unlimited Intoxication

Cruise lines still enforce safety standards.

Not Every Drink Is Included

Premium labels may carry surcharges.

Port Laws Matter

Alcohol service rules can change depending on destination.

Real-World Passenger Experiences

Many travelers report positive experiences with Marella’s beverage offerings because:

  • Ordering is straightforward
  • Packages feel less restrictive than some US-based cruise lines
  • Basic drinks are widely available

However, some passengers note:

  • Premium brands may require upgrades
  • Cocktail selection varies by venue
  • Certain wines are excluded

Experiences can differ depending on ship, itinerary, and season.

Is Marella Better Than Paying Per Drink?

For many travelers, yes.

Drink Packages Often Benefit:

  • Couples
  • Social travelers
  • Poolside vacationers
  • Evening entertainment attendees

Paying Individually May Suit:

  • Light drinkers
  • Port-focused travelers
  • Guests who rarely consume alcohol

Budgeting for Drinks on a Cruise

Even with all-inclusive fares, passengers should still budget for:

  • Premium upgrades
  • Specialty wines
  • Champagne
  • Bottled beverages
  • Gratuities where applicable

Cruise spending can add up quickly without planning.

Health Considerations for Cruise Drinking

The National Institutes of Health recommends moderation in alcohol intake and warns that excessive consumption can impair judgment, sleep quality, and hydration.

Cruise travelers should be especially cautious during:

  • Excursions
  • Swimming
  • Hot weather
  • Tender operations
  • Adventure activities

Hydration is particularly important at sea.

What Happens if Policies Change?

Cruise policies evolve regularly due to:

  • Operational updates
  • Passenger behavior trends
  • Maritime regulations
  • Health and safety considerations

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on future numeric drink caps for Marella Cruises.

Passengers should verify current terms before sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many alcoholic drinks can you get per day on Marella Cruises?

Based on publicly available information, Marella Cruises does not currently publish a fixed daily alcoholic drink limit for standard all-inclusive packages.

Does Marella Cruises have a 15-drink limit like Carnival?

No publicly available evidence suggests Marella uses a strict 15-drink daily cap similar to some competitors.

Are cocktails included on Marella Cruises?

Yes, selected cocktails are generally included in standard all-inclusive fares, while premium cocktails may require upgrades.

Can I order multiple drinks at once?

Typically, passengers may order one alcoholic beverage per transaction.

Is the premium drink package worth it?

It may be worthwhile for guests who enjoy premium spirits, specialty coffees, and upgraded wines throughout the cruise.

Are soft drinks unlimited on Marella Cruises?

Included soft drinks are generally available without a published daily limit.

Can staff refuse alcohol service?

Yes. Crew members may refuse service for safety or responsible drinking reasons.

Can I share my drink package with family members?

No. Sharing drink packages is generally prohibited.

Are specialty coffees included?

Some specialty coffees may only be included with premium beverage upgrades.

Do drink package rules vary by ship?

Yes. Menus and package details can differ slightly between ships and itineraries.

Final Verdict: How Many Drinks Can You Get With a Marella Cruises Drink Package?

For most passengers, Marella Cruises offers one of the more flexible all-inclusive beverage experiences in mainstream cruising. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed fixed daily drink limit, unlike some competitors that enforce strict caps.

Instead, the cruise line appears to rely on:

  • Responsible alcohol service
  • Fair-use monitoring
  • Individual bartender discretion

That means most guests can comfortably enjoy beverages throughout the day without worrying about hitting a published maximum number.

Still, passengers should remember that:

  • Sharing is prohibited
  • Premium drinks may cost extra
  • Staff can refuse service when necessary
  • Policies may change over time

Before sailing, always confirm the latest beverage package terms directly through Marella Cruises Official Website to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

logo

Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

© 2026 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service