Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages

Drinks On Deck: Carnival Cruise Line’s Drink Packages

Ahoy, boozehounds and teetotalers alike! Carnival Cruise Line offers a liquid buffet that can make you feel like a king or send you to financial ruin (okay, maybe not “ruin,” but you’ll definitely feel the sting). Let’s dive into the frothy seas of Carnival’s drink packages, uncovering what’s included, what’s excluded, and if these packages are worth more than the paper the menu is printed on.

The Package Options: Cheers to That!

Carnival keeps it relatively simple with its drink packages. You’ve got two main contenders: the Cheers! package for alcohol-lovers and the Bottomless Bubbles package for those who prefer their bubbles non-alcoholic.

• Cheers! Beverage Package: This all-inclusive option covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. As of October 2023, it costs $59.95 per day, per person, plus an 18% service charge. That’s about $70.74 per day. The package includes cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffees, energy drinks, and sodas. However, don’t get too excited. If you want to toast with a bottle of wine, prepare to pay extra, as only glasses are included.
• Bottomless Bubbles: At $6.95 per day for kids and $9.50 per day for adults, plus an 18% gratuity, this package covers unlimited soda and juice. Sorry, no mocktails included, but we’ll talk hacks later.

Cheers! Package: What’s Included and Excluded?

The Cheers! package is like an all-you-can-drink buffet, but don’t think it’s a free-for-all. Here’s what you can knock back on Carnival:

• Spirits, cocktails, and beer
• Wine by the glass
• Non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, specialty coffees, and even some bottled water

Now, the not-so-fun fine print:

• No sharing allowed. If you’re caught slipping a drink to your unhydrated friend, they’ll charge both of you for the package.
• The price tag for individual drinks is capped. Anything over $20 per serving is not included.
• Forget about bottles of wine or champagne—you’re on the hook for those.

When Does It Pay for Itself?

Let’s do the math. To break even on a $70.74 daily fee, you’d need to consume roughly 5-6 drinks a day if the average drink is $12. Here’s a rough itinerary:

• Morning: Specialty coffee ($5)
• Late Morning: Mimosa or Bloody Mary ($10)
• Afternoon: Cocktail by the pool ($12)
• Evening: Wine with dinner ($10)
• Late Night: Nightcap cocktail ($12)

If this sounds like a typical day at sea for you, the package may be a savvy choice. But if you’re more the type to sip a rare drink here and there, skip it. You’ll find more details in our hidden costs section on Carnival.

Specialty Drink Markups: How Much Is That Cocktail in the Window?

Carnival’s drink prices aren’t cheap, but they’re not daylight robbery either. Expect to pay:

• Cocktails: $10-$15
• Beer: $6-$8
• Wine by the glass: $8-$14

With these markups, one thing is clear: drink packages can offer savings if you’re drinking a minimum of 5 drinks a day.

Non-Alcoholic Quenchers

For the designated drivers of the sea, the Bottomless Bubbles package is straightforward. It covers sodas and juices, but no sparkling water or canned sodas—just fountain drinks. If you’re on a diet soda binge, this package may be a good fit. But, if you love fancy non-alcoholic cocktails, you might want to go à la carte.

Sharing Rules: No, You Can’t!

Carnival is serious about its no-sharing policy. Each adult in the cabin must purchase the Cheers! package if one does. So, if you’re thinking about splitting drinks with your partner, think again. And don’t even think about passing your cup. Carnival’s drink police are watching.

Pro Tips and Hacks

You’ve been on a boat long enough to know there’s always a way to game the system (within legal bounds, of course):

• Wine Lovers, Rejoice! Bring a bottle of wine onboard. Carnival allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne. Pair it with your dinner without incurring their astronomical bottle prices.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle. Water stations are available, so save your Cheers! package for the fun stuff.
• Mocktail Lovers Tips: Get creative at the soda bar! Mix your own mocktails using the juices and sodas included in the Bottomless Bubbles package.