Imagine yourself lounging on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, and a refreshing drink in your hand. Sounds idyllic, right? But before you get carried away ordering rounds of cocktails, it’s essential to understand how much do Carnival cruise drinks cost. This article will break down all the beverage options available onboard, from individual drink prices to various drink packages, helping you make the best choice for your budget and preferences. We’ll also cover tips on saving money and making the most of your onboard beverage experience.
Carnival Cruise Drink Prices: A Detailed Overview
This section provides a comprehensive look at the prices of various drinks available on Carnival cruise ships. We’ll cover everything from alcoholic beverages like cocktails, beer, and wine, to non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, and specialty coffees. Understanding the individual prices will help you determine whether purchasing a drink package is worthwhile or if paying as you go is more cost-effective for you.
Alcoholic Beverages: Cocktails, Beer, and Wine
The alcoholic beverage offerings on Carnival cruises are extensive. Here’s a breakdown of typical prices:
- Cocktails: Expect to pay around $9 to $14 for standard cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and mojitos. Premium cocktails, made with top-shelf liquor, may cost even more. The exact price can vary depending on the specific bar or venue on the ship.
Cocktails are a popular choice, especially for enjoying by the pool or at one of the ship’s many bars. Carnival offers a wide range of cocktails, from classic favorites to unique creations. Be sure to check the daily specials for potential discounts.
- Beer: Domestic beers typically cost around $7 to $8, while imported beers can range from $8 to $9. Craft beers, if available, might be priced slightly higher.
Beer is a versatile and refreshing beverage option. Carnival usually stocks a variety of domestic and imported beers to cater to different tastes. Checking the bar menus will give you a clearer idea of the beer selection and their corresponding prices.
- Wine: Wine prices vary significantly depending on the type and bottle. A glass of house wine usually starts at around $8 to $10, while a bottle of wine can range from $30 to upwards of $100, depending on the vintage and quality.
Wine is a great accompaniment to dinner or a relaxing evening. Carnival offers a diverse wine list, including reds, whites, and rosés. If you plan on drinking a lot of wine, consider purchasing a bottle, as it’s often more economical than buying individual glasses.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Soda, Juice, Coffee, and More
Carnival also provides a wide array of non-alcoholic drinks:
- Soda: Individual sodas typically cost around $3 to $4. However, purchasing a soda package can significantly reduce the cost per soda.
Soda is a classic choice for staying hydrated throughout the day. Carnival offers various soda brands, including Coca-Cola products, and you can often find them at the bars, restaurants, and buffets.
- Juice: Freshly squeezed juices usually range from $4 to $6, while packaged juices are generally cheaper.
Juice is a healthy and refreshing option, especially during breakfast or as a midday pick-me-up. Carnival typically offers orange juice, apple juice, and other popular varieties.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees can cost around $4 to $6. The prices are comparable to those at land-based coffee shops.
Specialty coffees provide a caffeine boost and a touch of luxury. Carnival’s coffee shops offer a variety of espresso-based drinks, as well as teas and pastries.
- Bottled Water: Bottled water costs around $3 to $4 per bottle. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in warm climates, so factor this into your beverage budget.
Bottled water is a convenient way to stay hydrated, especially when you’re on the go. While tap water is safe to drink on Carnival ships, some passengers prefer the taste of bottled water.
Insert a table here comparing the prices of different types of drinks on Carnival cruises.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
This section will delve into the various drink packages offered by Carnival Cruise Line. We’ll analyze what each package includes, the cost, and the potential benefits. We’ll also provide guidance on how to determine if a drink package is a good value for you based on your drinking habits and preferences.
The Cheers! Package: An Overview
The Cheers! package is Carnival’s most popular drink package, offering unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily price.
- Cost: The Cheers! package typically costs around $64.99 per person per day if purchased before the cruise, or $74.99 per person per day if purchased onboard.
The cost of the Cheers! package can add up quickly, so it’s essential to weigh the potential savings against the overall expense. If you plan on consuming multiple alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees each day, the package can be a great value.
- Inclusions: The package includes most alcoholic beverages (up to $20 USD per drink), non-alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, energy drinks, and bottled water.
The comprehensive inclusions of the Cheers! package make it an attractive option for many cruisers. The $20 limit per alcoholic beverage is generally sufficient for most standard cocktails, beers, and wines.
- Restrictions: There are some restrictions, such as a 15-drink limit per day and a requirement that all adults in the same cabin purchase the package.
The 15-drink limit is designed to prevent excessive consumption and promote responsible drinking. The requirement that all adults in the same cabin purchase the package is intended to prevent sharing and ensure fair pricing.
Other Drink Packages and Options
Carnival also offers alternative drink packages and options to cater to different needs and preferences.
- Bottomless Bubbles Package: This package includes unlimited soda and juice. It’s a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol but want unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
The Bottomless Bubbles package is a budget-friendly way to enjoy unlimited soda and juice throughout your cruise. It’s particularly appealing to families with children or individuals who prefer non-alcoholic options.
- Paying As You Go: This option allows you to pay for each drink individually. It’s suitable for those who only plan on having a few drinks during their cruise.
Paying as you go provides flexibility and control over your spending. If you only intend to have a drink or two each day, this option may be more cost-effective than purchasing a drink package.
Calculating Your Break-Even Point
Determining if a drink package is worth it involves calculating your break-even point – the number of drinks you need to consume each day to justify the cost of the package.
- Calculate the Daily Cost: Divide the total cost of the package by the number of days in your cruise. For the Cheers! package purchased before the cruise, this is typically $64.99 per day.
Knowing the daily cost of the package is the first step in determining your break-even point. This allows you to compare the cost of the package to the cost of purchasing individual drinks.
- Estimate Average Drink Cost: Estimate the average cost of the drinks you typically consume. This could be a mix of cocktails, beers, and specialty coffees.
Estimating your average drink cost requires some thought about your drinking habits. Consider the types of drinks you typically enjoy and their corresponding prices on Carnival cruise ships.
- Determine Break-Even Number of Drinks: Divide the daily cost of the package by your estimated average drink cost. This will give you the number of drinks you need to consume each day to break even.
The break-even number of drinks provides a clear benchmark for evaluating the value of the drink package. If you consistently consume more than this number of drinks, the package is likely a good investment.
For example, if your average drink costs $10, you would need to consume about 6.5 drinks per day ($64.99 / $10) to break even with the Cheers! package purchased before the cruise. Therefore, if you normally drink 7 or more drinks each day, the Cheers! package would likely save you money. According to a 2022 survey by Cruise Critic, 70% of cruisers who purchased a drink package found it to be a good value.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
This section provides practical tips and strategies for saving money on drinks while still enjoying your cruise. We’ll cover options like bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, taking advantage of happy hour specials, and using onboard credit wisely.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. Taking advantage of this policy can significantly reduce your beverage expenses.
- Allowed Beverages: Passengers are typically allowed to bring one 12-pack of canned or bottled sodas, juices, or water per person.
Knowing the specific allowance for bringing your own beverages is crucial. Exceeding the limit may result in the items being confiscated.
- Benefits: Bringing your own beverages can save you money on individual purchases and reduce the need for a soda package.
The savings from bringing your own beverages can be substantial, especially for families with children who consume a lot of soda or juice.
Happy Hour and Drink Specials
Carnival often offers happy hour specials and other drink promotions at various bars and venues onboard. Taking advantage of these deals can save you money on alcoholic beverages.
- Finding Specials: Check the daily schedule and onboard announcements for information on happy hour specials and other drink promotions.
Staying informed about the daily specials requires some effort, but the potential savings make it worthwhile. Check the Carnival HUB app or the printed daily schedule for details.
- Timing: Happy hour specials usually occur during off-peak hours, such as late afternoon or early evening.
Planning your drinking schedule around happy hour can help you maximize your savings. Consider visiting the bars during these times to take advantage of the discounted prices.
Using Onboard Credit Wisely
If you have onboard credit, consider using it to purchase drinks. This can effectively reduce the overall cost of your cruise.
- Allocation: Decide how much of your onboard credit you want to allocate to drinks.
Prioritizing your onboard credit allocation is essential. Determine if you want to use it primarily for drinks, excursions, or other onboard expenses.
- Tracking: Keep track of your spending to ensure you don’t exceed your onboard credit limit.
Monitoring your spending is crucial to avoid unexpected charges. Use the Carnival HUB app or check your account statement regularly.
Avoiding Upselling Tactics
Be aware of upselling tactics at the bars. Sometimes bartenders will suggest a “premium” liquor that significantly increases the price of your drink.
- Know your brands: Understanding the different liquor brands can help you make informed decisions and avoid being upsold unnecessarily.
- Specify your preference: Clearly state your preferred brand when ordering to avoid surprises on the bill.
Insert a price comparison chart here illustrating the difference between standard and premium drink prices.
Myths About Carnival Cruise Drink Costs
This section will debunk some common myths and misconceptions about the cost of drinks on Carnival cruises. We’ll address misconceptions about drink packages, beverage policies, and onboard pricing.
Myth: Drink Packages Are Always Worth It
Many people assume that purchasing a drink package is always the most cost-effective option. However, this is not necessarily true.
Whether or not a drink package is worth it depends entirely on your drinking habits and preferences. If you only plan on having a few drinks per day, paying as you go may be more economical. As a general rule, consider a package if you plan to consume six or more alcoholic beverages per day.
Myth: You Can’t Bring Any Beverages Onboard
Some people believe that Carnival prohibits passengers from bringing any beverages onboard. This is incorrect.
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages, as outlined in their beverage policy. Taking advantage of this allowance can help you save money on drinks during your cruise.
Myth: Drinks Are Significantly More Expensive Than On Land
While drinks on Carnival cruises are not necessarily cheap, they are not significantly more expensive than drinks at bars and restaurants on land.
The prices of drinks on Carnival cruises are generally comparable to those at similar establishments on land. However, factors such as location and convenience can influence the perceived cost. Furthermore, drink packages can reduce the overall cost compared to purchasing individual drinks.
FAQ
Question: How much does a beer cost on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: The cost of a beer on a Carnival cruise typically ranges from $7 to $9. Domestic beers are usually at the lower end of that range, while imported and craft beers are often priced slightly higher. Prices can vary depending on the specific bar or venue on the ship. Check the bar menus for the most accurate pricing information.
Question: Is the Cheers! drink package worth it?
Answer: The Cheers! drink package can be worth it if you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages each day. To determine if it’s a good value for you, calculate your break-even point by dividing the daily cost of the package by the average cost of your drinks. If you consistently drink more than that number of drinks, the package will likely save you money.
Question: Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: No, Carnival does not allow passengers to bring their own alcoholic beverages onboard, with the exception of one bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) at embarkation. These bottles are subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room. Any alcohol purchased in the ship’s duty-free shops will be held until the end of the cruise.
Question: What non-alcoholic options are available on Carnival cruises?
Answer: Carnival offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, juice, specialty coffees, energy drinks, bottled water, and mocktails. Individual sodas typically cost around $3 to $4, while specialty coffees can range from $4 to $6. The Bottomless Bubbles package provides unlimited soda and juice for a fixed daily price.
Question: Are there any discounts on drinks available on Carnival cruises?
Answer: Yes, Carnival often offers happy hour specials and other drink promotions at various bars and venues onboard. Check the daily schedule and onboard announcements for information on these deals. Additionally, using onboard credit to purchase drinks can effectively reduce your overall beverage expenses.
Question: What happens if I exceed the 15-drink limit with the Cheers! package?
Answer: The Cheers! package has a 15-drink limit per day. Once you reach that limit, you will have to pay for any additional drinks individually. Carnival implements this limit to promote responsible drinking and ensure the safety of all passengers. It is designed to prevent excessive alcohol consumption.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do Carnival cruise drinks cost is crucial for planning your vacation budget. By analyzing individual drink prices, exploring drink package options, and implementing money-saving tips, you can enjoy your onboard beverage experience without breaking the bank. Remember to consider your personal drinking habits and preferences when making your decision, and don’t be afraid to explore all the options available to find the best fit for you. Now you’re well-equipped to sail into a sea of savings!