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How Much Do Drinks Cost on a Carnival Cruise? A Salty Sea Expert’s Guide

Let’s cut straight to the chase: you’re cruising with Carnival, and you’re wondering how much that frosty margarita by the pool is going to set you back. In short, expect to pay around $7 to $14 for most alcoholic drinks on a Carnival cruise, excluding specialty cocktails and premium liquors that can reach higher prices. Non-alcoholic beverages, excluding basic water, coffee, tea, and juices at breakfast, generally range from $3 to $8. But there’s much more to the story than these simple numbers, including drinks packages, happy hour deals, and sneaky ways to save a buck (or ten!).

Navigating the Carnival Cruise Beverage Menu

Understanding Carnival’s drink pricing is like deciphering a pirate map – a little tricky at first, but rewarding once you crack the code. The price of your drink will depend on the type of beverage, the location onboard, and any ongoing promotions.

Understanding the Price Ranges

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Beers: Domestic beers typically fall in the $7-$8 range. Imported and craft beers will be slightly more, around $8-$9.
Wines: Wine prices vary wildly depending on the vintage and quality, but you can expect a glass of house wine to be around $8-$12. More premium wines by the glass or bottle will cost considerably more.
Cocktails: This is where the price range broadens. Simple cocktails like rum and coke or gin and tonic will be on the lower end, around $7-$10. Elaborate cocktails with premium ingredients and fancy garnishes can easily cost $12-$14 or more.
Spirits: A standard pour of liquor, like vodka, rum, or whiskey, will be around $7-$10. Again, premium brands will inflate the cost.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Sodas, specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos), and mocktails typically cost between $3-$8. Bottled water and energy drinks also fall into this category and are usually priced on the higher end.

Factors Influencing Drink Prices

Several factors can influence the price you ultimately pay for your drinks:

Drink Package: This is the biggest game-changer. Carnival’s “Cheers! Package” offers a flat daily rate for unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (within specified limits and restrictions, of course). This can be a significant cost-saver for those who plan to indulge.
Happy Hour & Promotions: Keep an eye out for daily happy hour specials at various bars onboard. These often feature discounted drinks or two-for-one deals. Carnival also runs other promotional offers throughout the cruise, so pay attention to the daily program.
Location Onboard: While not always consistent, some bars or restaurants might have slightly different pricing than others. The swankier the venue, the higher the likelihood of a premium price tag.
Gratuity: This is a critical element. Carnival automatically adds a gratuity (usually 18%) to all beverage purchases. This is something you MUST factor into your budgeting.
Specialty Drinks: Unique cocktails, drinks served in souvenir glasses, or those featuring top-shelf liquor will command a higher price.

Maximizing Your Beverage Budget on Carnival

Cruising shouldn’t mean emptying your bank account. Here are some insider tips to keep those onboard beverage costs under control:

Consider the “Cheers! Package”: Crunch the numbers! If you plan on having more than 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day, the “Cheers! Package” is likely a worthwhile investment. Remember, everyone in the cabin over 21 must purchase the package if one person does.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour: Make a point of knowing where and when happy hour occurs at the different bars. This is an easy way to enjoy your favorite drinks at a discounted price.
BYOB (Within Limits): Carnival allows guests to bring aboard one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+) in their carry-on luggage. This can save you money on wine purchases throughout the cruise. Note: There is a corkage fee if you choose to drink your brought wine in the dining room.
Drink Smart, Not Hard: Alternate alcoholic beverages with water or other non-alcoholic options. This will not only save you money, but it will also keep you hydrated and feeling good throughout your vacation.
Stay Hydrated: Take advantage of the complimentary water, coffee, tea, and juices available at breakfast. Staying hydrated minimizes the temptation to purchase expensive bottled water or sodas throughout the day.
Look for Drink Specials: Keep an eye out for daily drink specials and promotions advertised in the Fun Times newsletter or on the Carnival HUB app.
Carnival Drink Recipes: Find a few of your favorite Carnival cocktails online before your cruise. Then bring a few small bottles of liquor for on-shore excursions and create your own drinks away from the ship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Carnival Cruise Drink Prices

Here are some frequently asked questions about the costs of drinks on Carnival cruises:

1. What is the “Cheers! Package” on Carnival, and is it worth it?

The “Cheers! Package” is Carnival’s all-inclusive beverage package. It includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to a specific price (usually $20 per drink). Whether it’s worth it depends on your drinking habits. If you enjoy several alcoholic beverages daily, it’s likely a good value. But if you only have a few drinks, you might be better off paying a la carte. Consider your consumption habits carefully before purchasing.

2. What drinks are included in the “Cheers! Package”?

The “Cheers! Package” includes pretty much every alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage you can imagine, up to a certain price point. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, spirits, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks. However, there are some exceptions, like super-premium liquors, bottled water purchased in bulk, and souvenir glasses.

3. Are there any limitations on the “Cheers! Package”?

Yes, definitely. There are limitations to the “Cheers! Package.” Guests are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. You can only order one drink at a time, and there’s a 5-minute waiting period between orders. Plus, everyone of legal drinking age (21+) in the same cabin must purchase the package if one person does.

4. Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?

Yes, you can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+) onboard in your carry-on luggage at the beginning of the cruise. However, beer and other spirits are not permitted.

5. Is there a corkage fee if I bring my own wine?

Yes, there is a corkage fee if you bring your bottle of wine to be opened in the main dining room, steakhouse, or other restaurant locations. If you drink in your cabin, there is no charge. The fee typically ranges from $15 to $20.

6. Are sodas free on Carnival cruises?

No, sodas are not free unless you purchase a beverage package like the “Cheers! Package.” Otherwise, you’ll need to pay for them individually.

7. Is bottled water free on Carnival cruises?

No, bottled water is not free. However, you can get complimentary water from the drink dispensers located in the buffet areas.

8. Are specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos) included in the “Cheers! Package”?

Yes, most specialty coffees are included in the “Cheers! Package” as long as they don’t exceed the package’s price limit per drink.

9. Is gratuity included in the drink prices?

No, an automatic gratuity (usually 18%) is added to all individual beverage purchases and the cost of the “Cheers! Package.”

10. What happens if a drink costs more than the “Cheers! Package” limit?

If a drink costs more than the “Cheers! Package” limit (usually $20), you’ll simply pay the difference between the drink’s price and the package limit.

11. Are there any discounts for purchasing drinks in bulk?

Carnival sometimes offers promotions on buckets of beer or discounted rates for purchasing multiple drinks at once. Keep an eye out for these deals in the daily program.

12. Can I use Carnival gift cards to pay for drinks?

Yes, you can absolutely use Carnival gift cards to pay for drinks and other onboard expenses. This is a great way to pre-pay for your cruise and control your spending.

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the world of Carnival cruise beverages and enjoy your vacation without getting a nasty surprise on your final bill. Happy sailing, and cheers!