Everything You Need to Know About Carnival Cruise Drink Package: Is It Worth the Cost?
When you're setting sail with Carnival Cruise Line, one thing’s for sure—you’re in for some serious fun! But what about the drinks? From cocktails on the Lido Deck to sipping a morning latte at sea, the Carnival drink package offers convenience and savings for those looking to enjoy a variety of beverages. We’re diving into all things drinks aboard a Carnival Cruise, including the drink package, drink costs, what you can bring on board, and those all-important freebies.
Why You Should Consider the Carnival Drink Package
The Carnival drink package, called Cheers!, is designed to simplify your onboard experience. With this package, you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—without constantly pulling out your wallet. It’s ideal for cruisers who want the freedom to enjoy their favorite beverages without worrying about a big bill at the end of their trip. We always recommend the Cheers package to those who love the convenience of pre-paying and pre-budgeting for their vacation. A cruise can be excellent since so much is already included. Those pesky add-ons that most cruise lines nowadays love to spring on can make budgeting more complicated when planning the right cruise. We don’t focus on the number of drinks per day; instead, we don’t have to worry about additional charges while on the ship, reducing the cruise charges onboard. We sailed both with and without the drink package and in both instances, we drank the same number of drinks per day and ended up spending more without the Cheers package. That’s because of Carnival's pre-sail discount for each cruise sailing. Prices will differ by ship and length of cruise.
What’s Included in the Cheers! Drink Package:
Alcoholic Beverages: 15 Cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and more (up to $20 per drink).
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soda, bottled water, energy drinks, specialty coffee, and tea.
Discounts: 25% off beverages over $20, wine by the bottle, and beverage seminars.
Regarding beverage seminars, Carnival hosts several, from cocktail/martini classes to a brewery tour session. This discount is a nice savings if you plan on attending those classes.
Answering Your Most Common Questions About Carnival Drinks
Are Carnival Drinks Watered Down?
A common concern for cruisers is whether the drinks on a Carnival Cruise are watered down. Rest assured, Carnival is known for delivering quality in its drink offerings. While some may feel that drinks made with ice seem diluted, the alcohol content remains the same as you’d expect at any land-based bar. Also, a good cocktail should be well-balanced, and technically speaking, the alcohol content should not be the only flavor that is tasted.
Tip: If you're concerned about dilution, consider ordering drinks without ice or opt for beers, wines, or a straight-up shot of your flavor liqueur.
What Drinks Can You Bring on a Carnival Cruise?
Carnival does allow guests to bring some beverages onboard, but there are limitations:
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: You can bring up to 12 cans or cartons (12 ounces or smaller) of non-alcoholic beverages like soda or juice.
Tip: Carnival currently offers Pepsi products, therefore, no Coca-Cola products are onboard. If that is a deal breaker, consider bringing your 12-pack of soda onboard. You will need to carry this on and it cannot be checked with your luggage with the cruise porters.
Wine and Champagne: Each guest can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne in their carry-on. However, be aware of the corkage fee if you plan to drink it in one of the ship’s dining areas.
Tip: Don’t try to re-cork your bottle and smuggle in vodka or other liqueurs. They can test this at the port, and it will be confiscated from you. Don’t be that person holding up the line because you got caught!
Note: Hard liquor, beer, and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited to be brought onboard.
How Much Do Carnival Cruise Drinks Cost?
Suppose you’re not purchasing the Cheers! Package: here’s a breakdown of typical drink prices on board. These are estimates, and prices may vary by ship, destination, and cruise duration.
Cocktails: $10–$12
Beer: $6–$8 per bottle
Wine by the Glass: $10–$14
Specialty Coffee: $3–$6
Soda: $2.50–$3 per can
Bottled Water: $3–$5
For those who like to indulge in multiple drinks daily, the Cheers! When you're setting sail with Carnival Cruise Line, one thing’s for sure—you’re in for some serious fun! But what about the drinks? From cocktails on the Lido Deck to sipping a morning latte at sea, the Carnival drink package offers convenience and savings for those looking to enjoy a variety of beverages. In this post, we’ll dive into drinks aboard a Carnival Cruise, including the drink package, drink costs, what you can bring on board, and those all-important freebies.
Final Thoughts on Carnival Cruise Drinks
Whether you decide to go with the Cheers! package or pay-per-drink, Carnival Cruise Line offers plenty of drink options to suit every taste. From refreshing cocktails and specialty coffees to free lemonade and iced tea, there’s something for everyone onboard. The convenience factor should be considered since you will have little to spend onboard and can focus on relaxation and fun. Alcoholic beverages are limited to 15 per day, but that is not an issue for most folks. The variety of drinks onboard allows you to try new adult beverages you may not usually spend your money on. Ultimately, it will depend on what you seek in your Carnival Cruise. Hopefully, this was helpful for you to find the right package for your next cruise. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more cruise and travel tips.
Check out some of the menu offerings from Carnival for your pre-cruise planning.
