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How Much Do Drinks Cost on Carnival Cruise Lines? Your Comprehensive Guide

Alright, let’s cut right to the chase. You’re planning a Carnival cruise, and the big question buzzing in your brain is: how much are those vacation cocktails really going to set me back? In short, expect to pay roughly $7 to $14 for most standard alcoholic beverages like beers, cocktails, and glasses of wine. Non-alcoholic drinks typically range from $3 to $8. However, that’s just scratching the surface. Factors like the specific drink, the venue onboard, and whether you opt for a drink package can drastically alter the final tab.

Breaking Down the Carnival Cruise Drink Costs

The price of a drink on a Carnival cruise isn’t a fixed number across the board. It depends on a few key elements:

Type of Beverage: The most obvious factor. A domestic beer will be cheaper than a fancy, top-shelf margarita. A soda will cost less than a specialty coffee.
Specific Bar or Venue: Some bars, especially specialty cocktail bars, may have slightly higher prices due to the ingredients used or the overall ambiance.
Ingredients & Complexity: A simple rum and coke will be less expensive than a layered cocktail with fresh fruit and multiple liquors.
Packages vs. A La Carte: Deciding whether to purchase a drink package or pay for drinks individually will significantly impact your average cost per beverage. More on this later.

Typical Price Ranges for Common Drinks:

Domestic Beers: $7 – $8
Imported/Craft Beers: $7.50 – $8.50
Well Liquor Cocktails: $7 – $9
Premium Liquor Cocktails: $9 – $14
Glasses of Wine: $8 – $14 (price varies significantly based on the wine)
Sodas/Juices: $3 – $4
Specialty Coffees: $4 – $6
Bottled Water: $3 – $4
Mocktails: $5 – $8

Don’t Forget the Gratuity!

Crucially, Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity to all beverage purchases. This applies whether you’re buying a single beer, a cocktail, or utilizing a drink package. So, that $8 beer suddenly becomes $9.44. Factor this into your budgeting.

The Carnival Drink Package: Is It Worth It?

Carnival offers two primary drink packages: Cheers! (for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and Bottomless Bubbles (for non-alcoholic drinks only).

Cheers! Drink Package:

The Cheers! package is Carnival’s comprehensive drink package. It includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, up to a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per day.

Price: Typically around $64.99 per person, per day if purchased before the cruise, or $74.99 per person, per day if purchased onboard. Keep an eye out for pre-cruise sales!
Restrictions: All adults (21+) in the same stateroom must purchase the Cheers! package if one person does. There’s also the 15-drink-per-day limit, and you can only order one drink at a time. Also, certain super-premium liquors are excluded.
Is it worth it? This depends entirely on your drinking habits. If you plan on consuming 6 or more alcoholic drinks per day (including cocktails, beers, and glasses of wine), the Cheers! package is likely a worthwhile investment. If you’re a lighter drinker, paying a la carte might be more economical.

Bottomless Bubbles:

The Bottomless Bubbles package covers unlimited sodas and juices.

Price: Around $6.99 per person, per day for adults and $4.99 per person, per day for children if purchased before the cruise. Purchasing it onboard is slightly more expensive.
Is it worth it? If you or your kids consume multiple sodas per day, especially if you dislike tap water, this package can save you money. Otherwise, it may not be necessary.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks

Even if you don’t opt for a drink package, there are ways to reduce your beverage expenses:

Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Carnival allows you to bring a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as soda, juice, and water (check Carnival’s website for current restrictions on quantity and packaging).
Take Advantage of Free Drinks: Carnival often offers complimentary beverages at certain events, like the Captain’s cocktail party. Keep an eye on your Fun Times newsletter.
Drink in Port: Drinks are often significantly cheaper in port than onboard the ship. Explore local bars and restaurants.
Happy Hour Specials: Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Drinks on Carnival

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

Carnival strictly limits the amount of alcohol you can bring onboard. Guests are generally permitted to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+) in their carry-on luggage at embarkation. However, it is subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room or steakhouse. No hard liquor or beer is allowed. Any alcohol found in checked luggage will be confiscated.

2. What are the hours for the Cheers! drink package?

The Cheers! package is valid from 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM on the following day.

3. Are specialty cocktails included in the Cheers! package?

Yes, most specialty cocktails are included in the Cheers! package, as long as they fall within the $20 price limit per drink set by the package. Some ultra-premium cocktails may be excluded.

4. What drinks are NOT included in the Cheers! package?

Bottles of wine, drinks served in souvenir glasses, drinks from room service, and drinks from the mini-bar are typically not included in the Cheers! package. Drinks over $20 are also excluded, though you can pay the difference.

5. Is there a discount for buying multiple Bottomless Bubbles packages?

No, there is no discount for purchasing multiple Bottomless Bubbles packages. Each guest pays the individual rate.

6. Can I share my drink package with someone else?

No, sharing drink packages is strictly prohibited. Carnival monitors drink orders and will revoke the package if sharing is suspected.

7. Are there any non-alcoholic beers or wines available on Carnival?

Yes, Carnival generally offers a selection of non-alcoholic beers and wines. These are often included in the Cheers! package.

8. Can I use my Cheers! package on Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays (Carnival’s private islands)?

Yes, the Cheers! package is typically valid on Carnival’s private islands, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, when they are the ship’s designated “homeport.”

9. Does Carnival offer a soda package for kids?

Yes, the Bottomless Bubbles package is available for children at a lower price than the adult version.

10. What if I don’t want to purchase a drink package, but I want to buy a bottle of wine for dinner?

You can absolutely purchase a bottle of wine a la carte to enjoy with your meal in the dining room or steakhouse. Note the 18% gratuity will apply.

11. Are there any restrictions on the types of drinks I can order with the Cheers! package?

Besides the $20 price limit and the 15-drink-per-day maximum, there are no major restrictions on the types of drinks you can order with the Cheers! package, as long as they are served individually.

12. Where can I find a menu with drink prices on board the ship?

Drink menus with prices are usually available at each bar on the ship. You can also often find a general menu with price ranges in your stateroom or through the Carnival HUB app.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to drinks costs on Carnival Cruise Lines. By understanding the pricing structure, exploring your options, and planning ahead, you can sip and sail responsibly without breaking the bank! Now go forth and enjoy your vacation!