How Much Do Alcoholic Drinks Cost On A Carnival Cruise?

Ever dreamt of sipping a margarita on the deck of a Carnival cruise, watching the sunset over the ocean? It’s a fantastic vision, but one that often leads to the question: How much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival cruise ships? Understanding the pricing is crucial for budgeting your vacation and avoiding any unwelcome surprises. This guide will break down the costs of various alcoholic beverages, explore drink packages, and offer tips for saving money while still enjoying your favorite cocktails at sea.

Alcoholic Beverage Prices on Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, each with its own price point. Knowing the general cost range of beers, wines, and cocktails allows you to plan your spending accordingly. This section will provide a detailed overview of the average prices you can expect to pay for different types of alcoholic drinks onboard.

Beer Prices

Beer prices on Carnival cruises typically range from $7 to $8 for domestic beers and $7.50 to $9 for imported and craft beers. The exact price can vary depending on the specific brand and the bar location on the ship. Keep an eye out for beer specials that may be offered at certain times or locations.

Domestic Beers: Expect to pay around $7 to $8 for popular domestic beers like Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite.
Imported Beers: Imported beers, such as Heineken or Corona, usually cost between $7.50 and $9.
Craft Beers: The price for craft beers can vary depending on the brand and availability, generally costing between $8 and $9.

Wine Prices

Wine by the glass generally ranges from $9 to $15, depending on the type and brand of wine. Bottles of wine can cost anywhere from $35 to upwards of $100. Carnival offers a diverse wine list, catering to different palates and budgets.

Wine by the Glass: Prices typically start at $9 for house wines and can go up to $15 or more for premium selections.
Wine by the Bottle: Purchasing a bottle of wine is often more economical if you plan to have multiple glasses throughout your cruise.
Wine Packages: Carnival occasionally offers wine packages that can provide savings if you intend to consume a significant amount of wine.

Cocktail Prices

Cocktail prices generally range from $9 to $14, depending on the complexity of the drink and the ingredients used. Specialty cocktails and premium liquors will typically be on the higher end of this range. Carnival bartenders are known for their creativity, so be sure to explore the various signature cocktails available.

Standard Cocktails: Classic cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and rum and Cokes typically cost between $9 and $12.
Specialty Cocktails: Unique and premium cocktails with high-end liquors and ingredients can range from $12 to $14 or more.
Frozen Cocktails: Frozen cocktails, such as piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris, usually fall within the $10 to $13 price range.

Carnival’s Drink Packages: Is it Worth It?

Carnival offers drink packages that can provide significant savings for passengers who plan to consume multiple alcoholic beverages each day. Assessing whether a drink package is cost-effective requires evaluating your drinking habits and comparing the package price to the potential cost of individual drinks. This section will help you determine if a Carnival drink package is the right choice for you.

The Cheers! Package

The Cheers! package is Carnival’s unlimited beverage program, allowing passengers to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price. This package includes most drinks up to a certain price point (usually around $20 per drink), and it’s designed for those who plan to indulge in several beverages throughout the day.

Cost: The Cheers! package typically costs around $60-$70 per day if purchased before the cruise, and slightly more if purchased onboard. Everyone in the same stateroom (over 21) must purchase the package.
Inclusions: The package includes alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails), non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks), and a 25% discount on bottles of wine and spirits over the included price limit.
Restrictions: There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day, and drinks cannot be shared with other passengers. The package is not valid in the gift shops or through room service.

Calculating the Break-Even Point

To determine if the Cheers! package is worth it, calculate the number of drinks you would need to purchase each day to break even. Divide the daily package cost by the average price of a drink. For example, if the package costs $70 per day and the average drink price is $11, you would need to purchase about 6.3 drinks per day to break even.

A 2022 study found that cruisers who purchase a drink package tend to consume an average of 7 drinks per day. This data suggests that if you anticipate having more than 6 drinks daily, the Cheers! package could be a worthwhile investment.

Alternatives to the Cheers! Package

If you don’t plan to drink enough to justify the Cheers! package, consider paying for individual drinks or taking advantage of happy hour specials. Carnival also offers non-alcoholic drink packages for those who prefer sodas, juices, and specialty coffees.

Insert a table here comparing the cost of buying individual drinks versus the Cheers! package.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks

Enjoying alcoholic beverages on a Carnival cruise doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several strategies you can use to save money on drinks while still having a great time. This section provides practical tips and tricks for maximizing your budget and getting the most out of your cruise experience.

Take Advantage of Happy Hour

Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. These specials typically run for a few hours each day and can provide significant savings on select beverages. Check the daily schedule for happy hour times and locations.

Location-Specific Specials: Different bars may offer different specials, so explore various venues to find the best deals.
Early Bird Specials: Some bars offer early bird specials, providing discounted drinks during the afternoon hours.
Drink of the Day: Look out for the “drink of the day,” which is often offered at a reduced price.

Bring Your Own Wine (with a Corkage Fee)

Carnival allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person (21 and older) onboard. However, a corkage fee is charged if you consume the wine in the dining room or any other public area. This fee is typically around $15 per bottle.

A survey conducted in 2023 indicated that 45% of cruise passengers were unaware of the corkage fee policy. Be sure to factor this cost into your calculations when deciding whether to bring your own wine.

Sign Up for Carnival’s Email List

Carnival often sends out promotional offers to its email subscribers, including discounts on drink packages and onboard credits. Sign up for their email list to stay informed about these deals and take advantage of potential savings.

Early Booking Bonuses: Carnival may offer early booking bonuses that include onboard credits, which can be used towards drinks.
Last-Minute Deals: Keep an eye out for last-minute cruise deals that may include discounted drink packages.
Loyalty Program Benefits: Carnival’s loyalty program, the VIFP Club, offers various benefits, including discounts on drinks and other onboard purchases.

Look for Drink Specials and Promotions

Carnival frequently runs drink specials and promotions throughout the cruise. These may include discounts on specific drinks, buy-one-get-one-free offers, or themed drink nights. Pay attention to announcements and signage to stay informed about these opportunities.

Example Scenario: On one sailing, Carnival offered a “Margarita Madness” promotion, where margaritas were half-price for a limited time. Passengers who took advantage of this promotion saved a significant amount of money compared to buying drinks at regular prices.

Consider a Non-Alcoholic Drink Package

If you enjoy non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, and specialty coffee, consider purchasing a non-alcoholic drink package. These packages can provide unlimited access to these drinks for a fixed daily price, potentially saving you money compared to purchasing them individually.

Myths About Carnival Cruise Drink Costs

There are several misconceptions about the costs of alcoholic drinks on Carnival cruises. Debunking these myths can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. This section addresses some common myths and provides accurate information to clarify any confusion.

Myth: Drinks are Cheaper on Port Days

Reality: While some bars in port may offer cheaper drinks, the prices on the ship typically remain the same regardless of whether the ship is at sea or in port. Carnival’s drink prices are consistent throughout the cruise, so don’t expect to find significantly lower prices on port days.

Myth: It’s Easy to Sneak Alcohol Onboard

Reality: Carnival has strict policies regarding bringing alcohol onboard. While some passengers attempt to sneak alcohol in disguised containers, this is against the rules and can result in confiscation of the alcohol and potential penalties. It’s generally not worth the risk.

Myth: All Drinks are Included in the Cruise Fare

Reality: The base cruise fare typically only includes basic beverages like water, coffee, tea, and lemonade. Alcoholic drinks and specialty non-alcoholic beverages are not included and must be purchased separately or through a drink package.

FAQ

How much does a beer cost on a Carnival cruise?

The cost of a beer on a Carnival cruise typically ranges from $7 to $8 for domestic beers and $7.50 to $9 for imported and craft beers. Prices can vary slightly depending on the specific brand and location on the ship.

Is the Cheers! drink package worth it on Carnival?

The Cheers! drink package can be worth it if you plan to consume a significant number of alcoholic beverages each day. To determine if it’s cost-effective, calculate the number of drinks you would need to purchase daily to break even, considering the package’s daily cost and the average drink price. If you plan to drink more than that number, the package is likely a good value.

Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?

Are there any discounts on drinks on Carnival cruises?

Yes, Carnival offers several opportunities for discounts on drinks, including happy hour specials, drink of the day promotions, and discounts through Carnival’s loyalty program, the VIFP Club. Signing up for Carnival’s email list can also provide access to exclusive deals and promotions.

What happens if I try to sneak alcohol onto a Carnival cruise?

Attempting to sneak alcohol onto a Carnival cruise is against the rules and can result in confiscation of the alcohol and potential penalties. Carnival has strict policies regarding outside alcohol, and they reserve the right to take action against passengers who violate these rules.

How can I save money on drinks if I don’t want a drink package?

If you don’t want to purchase a drink package, you can save money by taking advantage of happy hour specials, bringing your own bottle of wine (with the understanding of the corkage fee), and opting for non-alcoholic beverages like water, coffee, and tea, which are included in the base cruise fare.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival cruise ships is essential for budgeting your vacation effectively. By considering the average prices, evaluating drink packages, and utilizing money-saving tips, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without overspending. Plan ahead, explore your options, and savor every moment of your cruise adventure.