Carnival Cruise offers an extensive range of drinks on board. Many people, particularly first-time travelers, want to know the prices of the drinks. Whether you want to have a fruity cocktail on the deck or a latte to kickstart your day, knowing the prices will make it easy to budget your trip.
In this blog, we will explore how much are drinks on Carnival Cruise, including the prices of individual drinks and beverage packages. Read on to make smart budget decisions on your voyage.
30-Second Summary
Carnival Cruise and its fun onboard experience make it a favorite of many cruise-lovers. However, it is important to know how much are drinks on Carnival Cruise, particularly if you are traveling for the first time and want to plan a budget.
This guide has a breakdown of individual drink costs and beverage packages. It will help you decide which package is perfect for you, depending on your drinking habits. So, keep reading to make wise spending decisions.
Average Cost of Beverages on Carnival Cruise
Typically, the drinks on Carnival Cruise are not included in the base fare except for water, iced tea, and buffet coffee. You will have to pay separately for individual drinks and beverage packages.
You can opt for either non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks based on your preferences. Alcoholic drinks usually cost around $4 to $16, depending on whether you order wine, beer, or a premium spirit.
Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, and mocktails are around $2 to $6.
The general prices of drinks on this cruise line are:
| Drinks | Prices |
| Cocktail | $12 to $14 |
| Glass of Wine | $10 to $15 |
| Beer | $7.50 to $9.75 |
| Non-alcoholic Cocktail | $9.25 to $10 |
| Specialty Coffee | $3 to $8.75 |
| Soft Drink | $3.25 |
| Energy Drink | $5 |
| Bottled Water | $2.25 to $4.50 |
| Water, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Drip Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Juice | Included in base fare |
The dilemma that confuses most cruisers is whether they should buy a drink package or choose to pay for individual drinks. If you like to indulge in drinks a lot, a beverage package will be excellent. However, for an occasional drinker, buying individual drinks will save more money.
Breakdown of Drink Prices
Have a look at both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage prices. All drinks have a gratuity of 18% that is added automatically to your bill.
Alcoholic Drinks
Beer: The price of domestic beers is around $6 to $7.50. The imported and craft beers are generally a little expensive, ranging from $7.50 to $9.
Cocktails and Frozen Drinks: Each cocktail costs around $10 to $14. Frozen margaritas and pina coladas fall in this price range as well.
Wine: A glass of wine is about $8 to $11, while the whole wine bottle can cost $30 to $50+, depending on the label.
Spirit and Shots: Standard mixed drinks with basic spirits cost around $8 to $10. The premium brands or specialty shots range from $12 to $14.
Non-alcoholic Beverages
Soda and Soft Drinks: A single can of soda costs about $2.75 to $3.50 plus gratuity.
Bottled Water: The price of a small water bottle is $1.50 to $2. Larger bottles or sparkling water are $3 to $5.
Specialty Teas and Coffees: Cappuccino, lattes, and iced coffees $3 to $6 each.
Mocktails and Smoothies: These beverages cost about $5 to $7.
Energy Drinks and Juices: Energy drinks are $4 to $6, while premium juices are $3 to $5.
Carnival Cruise Beverage Packages
The main benefit of purchasing a Carnival beverage package is the consolidation of pay-per-drink into a single payment. You just have to present your Sail and Sign card to enjoy a seamless payment without any additional receipts to sign.
Let’s dive into each drink package.
Cheers! Drink Package
This beverage package is a cut above the rest. In this package, you get both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, whether you want to enjoy them after dinner or at the pool.
Cost: It costs around $82.54 per day per person (including gratuity) if purchased in advance before sailing. If purchased on board, the price becomes $88.44 per day per person (including gratuity).
What it covers: It includes beer, wine, spirits, 500ml bottled water, soft drinks, premium mocktails, specialty coffees and teas, juices, smoothies, and milkshakes at select venues.
Limit: You can drink upto 15 alcoholic beverages per day. The non-alcoholic options are unlimited.
Best for: The Cheers package is perfect for guests who plan on drinking multiple cocktails, shots, and coffees every single day.
Bottomless Bubbles
This package allows you and your family to enjoy unlimited fountain beverages (non-alcoholic) and juices throughout the cruise.
Cost: For children under 18, it costs $8.20 per day (with gratuity). For adults, the price is $11.21 per person per day (including gratuity).
What it covers: It includes unlimited sodas and non-alcoholic fountain beverages.
Best for: It is ideal for families with kids or adults who prefer drinking non-alcoholic drinks.
Other Packages
Not every guest wants to buy a whole drink package. Carnival Cruise caters to these passengers by offering small enhancements.
Cruise the Vineyard and Premium Wine Packages: You can buy 3,5, or 7 bottles of wine at a discounted price.
Bottled Water: You can pre-order 12 or 24 bottles of water that will be delivered to your cabin.
Alcohol Gift Set: You can pre-purchase mixers and spirits for special occasions.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
These tips will help you keep your bill under control, even if you do not purchase a drink package.
Bring Your Own Drinks: This cruise line allows adults to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne in carry-on luggage. You can also bring a small supply of non-alcoholic beverages, like 12 cans of soda per person.
Happy Hours and Drink Specials: Carnival Cruise often runs daily specials on beers and cocktails, which can save you some money.
Casino and Event Perks: Frequent casino players may get free drinks. Special events, such as the captain’s toast, also include complimentary beverages.
Loyalty Perks: Loyal travelers with the Carnival VIFP program may get free drink vouchers.
Stick to Free Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, buffet coffee, and water are always free in the main dining area.
Important Things to Know
There are some important things you should know before budgeting for your Carnival Cruise Planning.
Gratuities: An automatic 18% service charge is added to all individual drinks and beverage packages.
Restrictions: Drink packages cannot be shared. Every adult in one cabin has to buy the same package if one person does.
Daily Limits: The Cheers package has a strict limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per day, which resets at 6 AM.
Inclusions: Basic beverages like water, iced tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and standard coffee are free. You do not necessarily have to buy a package if that’s all you drink.
Age Limitations: The minimum age to buy a Cheers package or any individual alcoholic drink is 21 years (on sailings to and from the U.S). For some international sailings, the minimum age is 18.
One Drink at a Time: You are allowed to be served only one drink at a time. It is also not allowed to get multiple drinks or doubles at the same time.
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
This is a common question for first-time cruisers. The answer depends on what type of drinker you are.
Light Drinker: If you only plan to drink one glass of wine at dinner or a cocktail by the pool, you will be spending only $15 to $20 per day. In that case, purchasing the Cheers package is unnecessary.
Moderate Drinker: If you like to enjoy 4 to 5 alcoholic beverages per day with a few sodas, you will be spending around $50 to $70. Purchasing Cheers in this case is perfect, as you do not have to track your spending.
Heavy Drinker: For heavy drinkers, how much are beverages on carnival cruises is the primary concern. If you indulge in drinks a lot during the day and night, you will be spending $80 to $100. The Cheers package will help you save a significant amount of money.
When and Where to Purchase?
Before Departure: The ideal and least expensive way to purchase a drink package is before sailing through Carnival’s “Manage My Booking” page.
On board: You can also buy packages in lounges, kiosks, and bars during the first few days of the sailing.
Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Know your typical drinking habits during a vacation before investing in a package.
- Buying your package before the sailing is slightly cheaper than booking onboard.
- Carnival sometimes offers sales before departure. Keep checking your portal for discounts on packages.
- Take service charges into account as they add up quickly.
Wrapping Up
So, how much are drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? On average, alcoholic beverages cost around $4 to $16, while non-alcoholic drinks are around $2 to $6 each. It all comes down to the personal preferences of a guest.
For heavy drinkers, getting the Cheers package is worthwhile. People who are not interested in indulging in drinks a lot are better off paying for individual drinks. After all, the goal should be to enjoy your voyage to the fullest.
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FAQs
How much are drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines?
The prices of drinks vary. The average cost of alcoholic beverages is $4 to $16, while non-alcoholic drinks are about $2 to $6.
Are Drinks Free on a Carnival Cruise?
No, drinks are not free on Carnival Cruise. You need to either buy individual drinks or beverage packages. However, you can enjoy some complimentary drinks, such as water, iced tea, standard coffee, hot chocolate, and lemonade.
What is the Price of Beer on a Carnival Cruise?
Beers typically cost around $6 to $9. Domestic beers are on the lower end, while imported or craft beers are slightly expensive.
Can you bring your own Alcohol on a Carnival Cruise?
Yes, each adult can bring their own bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) in their carry-on luggage.
Does Carnival Cruise charge Gratuities?
Yes, individual drinks and beverage packages include an 18% gratuity.
Can two People Share one Drink Package on Carnival?
No, sharing is not allowed. If one person buys the Cheers drink package, all adults in the same cabin have to buy it too.
