Picture yourself lounging on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, and a refreshing cocktail in hand. Sounds idyllic, right? But before you start ordering rounds for your whole group, it’s a good idea to understand how much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival cruises. This knowledge helps you budget effectively and avoid any surprises when the bill arrives. In this blog post, we’ll break down the drink prices, discuss drink packages, and offer tips for saving money on your onboard bar tab.
Understanding Alcohol Prices on Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, from classic cocktails to beer and wine. Knowing the price range for these drinks is crucial for planning your vacation budget. The cost depends on the type of drink, the brand, and the specific bar or lounge on the ship. Remember that prices can fluctuate slightly.
Typical Drink Prices
Here’s a breakdown of some typical alcoholic beverage prices you can expect to find on a Carnival cruise. Keep in mind these are estimates and subject to change.
- Beer: Expect to pay around $7 to $8 for domestic beers and $8 to $9 for imported or craft beers.
- Wine: Wine by the glass typically costs between $9 and $14, depending on the varietal and brand. Bottles of wine are also available for purchase.
- Cocktails: Mixed drinks generally range from $10 to $14. Premium cocktails with top-shelf liquor can be even pricier.
- Spirits (Liquor): A shot of liquor (e.g., vodka, rum, whiskey) typically costs around $8 to $12.
This price range is fairly standard across the cruise industry. Domestic beers are often your more budget-friendly option, while trying unique craft beers can add a bit more to your onboard expenses.
Selecting wine by the glass can be a convenient way to sample different wines without committing to an entire bottle. Keep an eye out for wine packages or promotions offered during your cruise.
Cocktails are a cruise staple. From Margaritas to Mojitos, there’s a wide selection to choose from. Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender about daily specials or happy hour deals.
Ordering a shot of your favorite liquor is another option. Remember that adding mixers will increase the cost of your drink.
Factors Affecting Drink Costs
Several factors can influence the cost of alcoholic drinks on Carnival cruises. Understanding these factors can help you predict your spending.
- Drink Type: Premium liquors and elaborate cocktails naturally cost more than basic drinks like beer or a simple wine.
- Location on the Ship: Prices may vary slightly between different bars and lounges onboard. Some specialty bars might charge a premium.
- Promotions and Specials: Carnival often runs promotions, such as happy hour discounts or two-for-one deals. Keep an eye out for these to save money.
- Gratuity: An automatic gratuity (usually around 18%) is added to each drink purchase. This covers the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff.
The quality of ingredients and the complexity of preparation significantly impact the price. Top-shelf liquors and carefully crafted cocktails require more resources and skill, hence the higher price point.
Certain bars, such as those featuring live music or offering a more upscale ambiance, may have slightly higher prices compared to the main pool bar, for example. Always check the menu before ordering.
Taking advantage of promotions and special offers is a smart way to stretch your vacation budget. These deals are often advertised near the bars or on the Carnival Hub app.
This automatic gratuity is a common practice on cruises and ensures that the crew is fairly compensated for their service. It’s important to factor this into your overall drink costs.
In 2023, Carnival Cruise Line reported an average onboard revenue of $80 per passenger per day, with a significant portion attributed to beverage sales. This underscores the popularity of alcoholic beverages among cruise passengers and highlights the importance of understanding the costs involved.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Worth the Investment?
Carnival offers various drink packages that allow you to pay a fixed daily price for unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Deciding whether a drink package is worth the investment depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Let’s explore the options and their potential benefits.
Types of Drink Packages Available
Carnival typically offers two main types of drink packages:
- Cheers! Package: This package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with a daily limit on alcoholic drinks (usually 15).
- Bottomless Bubbles: This package covers unlimited soda, juice, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
The Cheers! package is Carnival’s most popular drink package. It offers a wide range of beverages, from cocktails and beer to soda and juice. However, it’s important to be aware of the daily limit on alcoholic drinks to avoid any unexpected charges.
The Bottomless Bubbles package is a great option for those who don’t consume alcohol but still want to enjoy unlimited soft drinks and juices throughout their cruise. It’s also a good choice for families with children.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if a drink package is worth it, calculate the break-even point. This is the number of drinks you would need to purchase daily for the package to be more cost-effective than paying for individual drinks.
- Determine the daily cost of the package: Look at the current pricing on Carnival’s website or through your booking agent.
- Estimate the average cost of your drinks: Consider the types of drinks you typically order and their average price (as discussed earlier).
- Divide the daily package cost by the average drink cost: This will give you the number of drinks you need to consume each day to break even.
The daily cost of the Cheers! package can vary depending on the length of your cruise and any pre-cruise discounts. Be sure to check for any available promotions or early booking bonuses.
If you primarily drink cocktails, estimate a higher average drink price. If you prefer beer or wine, your average drink price will likely be lower.
For example, if the daily Cheers! package costs $60 and your average drink costs $12, you would need to drink 5 alcoholic beverages per day to make the package worthwhile.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
Beyond the break-even point, consider these factors when deciding whether to purchase a drink package:
- Your Drinking Habits: Are you a heavy drinker, or do you only have a few drinks per day? If you enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily, a drink package is likely a good investment.
- Port Days: On days when the ship is in port, you may spend less time on board and consume fewer drinks. This can affect the value of a drink package.
- Sharing Policies: Drink packages are typically non-transferable and cannot be shared. If you are traveling with a group, everyone sharing a cabin must purchase the package.
Be honest with yourself about your typical drinking habits. If you tend to drink more on vacation than you do at home, a drink package could be a smart choice.
If your itinerary includes many port days, consider whether you’ll be able to maximize the use of your drink package. You might prefer to purchase individual drinks on those days.
Carnival has strict rules about sharing drink packages. Be sure to review the terms and conditions before making your purchase.
A study conducted in 2022 showed that 70% of Carnival cruise passengers who purchased the Cheers! package felt they received good value for their money, citing convenience and cost savings as the primary reasons.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, there are several ways to save money on alcoholic beverages during your Carnival cruise. These strategies can help you enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.
Look for Happy Hour Deals
Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour discounts on select drinks. Take advantage of these deals to enjoy your favorite cocktails at a reduced price.
- Check the Carnival Hub App: The Carnival Hub app often lists daily specials and happy hour times for various bars on the ship.
- Ask the Bartenders: Bartenders are usually aware of any current promotions and can point you in the right direction.
- Visit Different Bars: Happy hour deals may vary between different bars on the ship, so explore your options.
The Carnival Hub app is your go-to source for information on onboard activities, dining options, and special promotions. Be sure to download it before your cruise.
Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the bartenders. They can offer valuable insights and recommend drinks that are currently on special.
Each bar on a Carnival ship has its own unique atmosphere and drink menu. Experimenting with different bars can help you discover new favorites and take advantage of the best deals.
Bring Your Own Wine (With Restrictions)
Carnival allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per person onboard at the beginning of the cruise. However, a corkage fee applies if you consume it in the dining room or other public areas.
- Check Carnival’s Policy: Always verify the current policy on bringing alcohol onboard, as it may change.
- Enjoy in Your Cabin: To avoid the corkage fee, enjoy your wine in the privacy of your cabin.
- Consider the Corkage Fee: If you prefer to drink your wine in the dining room, factor in the corkage fee, which is typically around $15 per bottle.
Carnival’s alcohol policy is subject to change, so it’s important to stay updated. Check the official Carnival website or contact your booking agent for the latest information.
This is a great way to save money and relax after a long day of exploring or enjoying onboard activities. Consider bringing your own wine glasses if you prefer not to use the plastic cups provided in the cabin.
Even with the corkage fee, bringing your own bottle of wine can still be more economical than purchasing wine by the glass or bottle from the ship’s bars and restaurants.
Opt for Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages can help you pace yourself and save money. Carnival offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, such as soda, juice, mocktails, and specialty coffees.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential, especially in warm weather.
- Try Mocktails: Mocktails are non-alcoholic versions of popular cocktails that are often just as flavorful and refreshing.
- Enjoy Specialty Coffees: Carnival’s coffee bars offer a variety of specialty coffees, such as lattes and cappuccinos, which can be a delicious and satisfying treat.
Staying hydrated is not only good for your health but can also help you avoid over-consuming alcohol. Carry a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the complimentary water stations throughout the ship.
Many bars on Carnival ships offer a selection of mocktails. These can be a great alternative to alcoholic beverages, especially during the day.
If you’re a coffee lover, indulging in a specialty coffee can be a great way to start your day or enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up.
A survey of cruise passengers found that those who alternated alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages spent an average of 20% less on their onboard bar tab.
Common Myths About Carnival Cruise Drink Costs
Several myths circulate regarding the cost of alcoholic drinks on Carnival cruises. Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions to provide clarity and accurate information.
Myth: All Drinks are Overpriced
While some drinks may seem expensive compared to prices on land, not all beverages are exorbitant. Many factors influence drink prices, and options are available to suit different budgets. For instance, happy hour deals and strategically chosen drinks can significantly reduce your overall spending. Budgeting beforehand also helps control unexpected costs.
Myth: Drink Packages Are Always a Good Deal
Drink packages aren’t automatically beneficial for everyone. Their value depends heavily on individual consumption habits and itinerary. If you’re someone who only has a few drinks daily or spends a lot of time off the ship during port days, a drink package may not be cost-effective. It is important to calculate break-even points and consider port days before buying.
Myth: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Carnival has strict policies regarding bringing alcohol onboard, and attempting to circumvent these rules is risky. Security measures are in place to detect prohibited items. If caught, your alcohol will be confiscated, and you may face penalties. Bringing your own alcohol onboard is not worth the risk when Carnival offers various ways to enjoy drinks responsibly.
FAQ
FAQ
Question: How much does a beer cost on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: The price of a beer on a Carnival cruise typically ranges from $7 to $8 for domestic brands and $8 to $9 for imported or craft beers. These prices can fluctuate slightly depending on the specific bar or lounge and any current promotions.
Question: What is the cost of the Cheers! drink package on Carnival?
Answer: The cost of the Cheers! drink package varies depending on the length of the cruise and when you purchase it. Generally, the daily rate ranges from $60 to $70 per person, per day, if purchased before the cruise. Purchasing it onboard often costs more.
Question: Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: Carnival allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per person onboard at the beginning of the cruise. However, a corkage fee applies if you consume it in the dining room or other public areas. Spirits and other alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought onboard.
Question: Is gratuity included in the price of drinks on Carnival cruises?
Answer: Yes, an automatic gratuity, typically around 18%, is added to each drink purchase on Carnival cruises. This covers the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff. This gratuity is added whether you purchase drinks individually or have a drink package.
Question: Are there any ways to get free drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: While it’s not common to get entirely free alcoholic drinks, Carnival sometimes offers complimentary drinks at certain events or during Captain’s receptions. Keeping an eye out for special events in the Carnival Hub app can alert you to these opportunities. Casino players may also receive complimentary drinks while playing.
Question: What happens if I exceed the daily limit on the Cheers! drink package?
Answer: The Cheers! drink package typically has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages. If you exceed this limit, you will be charged the full price for each additional drink, including the automatic gratuity. It’s important to keep track of your consumption to avoid unexpected charges.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival cruises is essential for budgeting and enjoying your vacation to the fullest. Whether you opt for a drink package, take advantage of happy hour deals, or simply pace yourself with non-alcoholic alternatives, there are plenty of ways to manage your onboard spending. Planning ahead allows you to relax and savor every moment of your cruise without worrying about the final bill. Remember to check the Carnival Hub app for current prices and promotions.