Ever dreamt of lounging by the pool on a Carnival cruise with a refreshing drink in hand? The reality of vacation often involves budgeting, and understanding the average cost of drinks on a Carnival cruise is crucial. Just like budgeting for excursions, understanding the cost of beverages will help you plan your spending. This post breaks down the drink prices on Carnival cruises, covering everything from alcoholic beverages to specialty coffees, so you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.
Estimating the Average Cost of Drinks on a Carnival Cruise
Knowing the average cost of drinks is vital for budgeting your cruise. From cocktails to sodas, different drink types have different price points. This section explores a range of beverage costs, helping you accurately estimate your onboard spending and decide if purchasing a drink package is the right choice for you. It also covers factors influencing prices such as the type of bar and specific offerings.
Cocktails and Alcoholic Beverages
Cocktails are a popular choice on cruises, but their prices can vary. Premium liquors and elaborate mixes will obviously cost more than simpler options. Prices generally range from $8 to $14 USD per cocktail. Be aware that a 18% gratuity is usually added to each drink purchase.
- Standard Cocktails: Think classic rum and Cokes or vodka sodas.
- Premium Cocktails: These include drinks with top-shelf liquors or complex ingredients.
- Beers and Wines: These also range in price depending on the brand and type.
These are typically the most affordable alcoholic options onboard, ranging from $8 to $10. They are a great way to enjoy a casual drink without overspending.
Expect to pay between $12 and $14 for these. If you enjoy higher-quality spirits and elaborate drinks, factor this into your budget. Keep an eye out for happy hour specials that might include these!
Beers usually cost between $6 and $8, while wines by the glass can start around $8 and go up significantly for premium selections. Consider purchasing a bottle of wine at dinner to save compared to multiple glasses.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those who don’t drink alcohol, or those who want to stay hydrated in the sun, non-alcoholic beverages are a necessity. Understanding these costs is just as important as knowing the prices of alcoholic drinks.
- Sodas and Juices: These are usually priced individually.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees are available at coffee shops onboard.
- Bottled Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, and bottled water is readily available.
Expect to pay around $3 to $4 per soda or juice. Purchasing a soda package might be beneficial if you plan on drinking several sodas per day. Carnival offers both a Bottomless Bubbles soda package and a CHEERS! drink package (which includes unlimited soda).
These often cost between $4 and $6 per drink. If you’re a coffee aficionado, these costs can add up quickly. The CHEERS! package usually covers these drinks.
Bottled water typically costs around $3 to $4 per bottle. Consider bringing your own reusable water bottle to refill at water stations to save money and reduce plastic use.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors can influence the prices you see onboard. Understanding these can help you plan your spending more effectively.
- Specific Bars: Different bars on the ship may have slightly different pricing.
- Promotions and Specials: Carnival often offers promotions on certain drinks or at specific times.
- Gratuities: Remember that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drink purchases.
For example, a premium bar focusing on craft cocktails might charge more than a poolside bar offering simpler drinks. Check the menus at each bar to compare prices before ordering.
Take advantage of happy hour deals or daily specials to save money. Keep an eye out for announcements or check the Carnival HUB app for the latest offers.
This can significantly increase the final cost of each drink. Factor this into your budgeting to avoid surprises on your final bill.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
Carnival offers drink packages that can potentially save you money, depending on your consumption habits. Evaluating whether a drink package makes sense for you involves considering your average daily beverage intake and comparing the package cost to individual drink prices. This section delves into the details of Carnival’s drink packages to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the CHEERS! Package
The CHEERS! package is Carnival’s most comprehensive drink package, offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- What it Includes: The CHEERS! package includes almost all drinks up to a certain price ($20 USD).
- Restrictions: There are restrictions, such as a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages.
- Cost Breakdown: The CHEERS! package typically costs between $60 and $80 per person per day (plus gratuity), depending on when you purchase it.
This encompasses cocktails, beers, wines, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks. It also includes non-alcoholic frozen drinks.
This is designed to prevent excessive alcohol consumption. You must also purchase the package for the entire duration of the cruise, and everyone over 21 in the same stateroom must purchase it as well. Some very high-end liquors are also excluded.
Purchasing it before your cruise usually results in a lower daily rate compared to buying it onboard. Calculating the total cost for your cruise is crucial for determining its value.
Analyzing Your Drinking Habits
To determine if a drink package is worthwhile, honestly assess your typical drinking habits.
- Average Daily Drink Count: Estimate how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you consume per day.
- Types of Drinks Consumed: Consider the types of drinks you usually order.
- Days at Sea vs. Port Days: Factor in whether you’ll be spending more time on the ship or exploring ports.
Be realistic! Consider drinks you’ll have by the pool, at dinner, and during evening entertainment. If you typically have 5-6 alcoholic drinks a day, plus several sodas or coffees, the package might be a good deal.
If you primarily drink premium cocktails that cost $12-$14 each, the package could save you a significant amount. If you mostly stick to beer or sodas, the savings might be less substantial.
On port days, you might not drink as much on the ship, making the package less valuable for those days. A good estimate would be to only count half of your normal drinks if you are off-ship.
Example Scenario: Calculating Potential Savings
Let’s look at an example to illustrate potential savings with the CHEERS! package.
- Scenario: A cruiser typically enjoys 4 cocktails ($12 each), 2 beers ($7 each), and 3 sodas ($4 each) per day.
This is a common amount for many cruisers. It’s important to be as accurate as possible to estimate your total cost.
- Cost Without Package: (4 x $12) + (2 x $7) + (3 x $4) = $48 + $14 + $12 = $74 per day + 18% Gratuity = $87.32.
Note that this is already higher than the daily cost of the CHEERS! package, even with gratuity.
- Cost With Package: Assuming the CHEERS! package costs $70 per day (plus gratuity), the total daily cost is $82.60.
In this scenario, the cruiser would save $4.72 per day or 33.04 across a 7-day cruise ($4.72 x 7).
- Considerations: This example doesn’t include specialty coffees or bottled water, which are also included in the CHEERS! package.
If the cruiser also enjoys these beverages, the savings would be even greater. It’s important to consider the complete range of beverages you consume.
Insert a comparison chart here showing different drink scenarios and potential savings with the CHEERS! package.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Regardless of whether you choose a drink package, there are several strategies you can use to minimize your onboard spending. From BYOB policies to strategic ordering, these tips can help you enjoy your cruise without blowing your budget. This section provides practical advice for keeping your drink costs down.
Carnival’s BYOB Policy
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of their own alcohol onboard. This can be a great way to save money, especially on wine and soda.
- Allowed Items: Each passenger over 21 can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne and a 12-pack of canned or bottled soda or juice.
- Corkage Fees: If you bring your own wine to the dining room, a corkage fee (around $15) may apply.
- No Hard Liquor: Hard liquor is not allowed to be brought onboard.
This provides a decent amount of beverages to enjoy in your cabin or at dinner. Remember to pack these items in your carry-on luggage, as they are not allowed in checked luggage.
Consider drinking your own wine in your cabin to avoid this fee. You can also inquire about the specific corkage fee policy onboard to make an informed decision.
Any hard liquor found in your luggage will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. Stick to wine, champagne, soda, and juice to comply with Carnival’s policy.
Strategic Ordering
Making smart choices when ordering drinks can significantly reduce your spending.
- Happy Hour Specials: Take advantage of happy hour deals to get discounted drinks.
- Drink of the Day: The “Drink of the Day” is usually offered at a discounted price.
- Avoiding Upsells: Be mindful of upsells when ordering drinks.
Carnival often offers happy hour specials at various bars throughout the ship. Check the daily schedule or the Carnival HUB app for timings and locations.
If you enjoy the featured cocktail, this is a great way to save money. It’s also a good way to try new drinks you might not normally order.
Bartenders might suggest upgrading to premium liquor or adding extra ingredients. Politely decline if you’re trying to save money. Stick to the standard options to stay within your budget.
Other Cost-Saving Strategies
Beyond BYOB and strategic ordering, other approaches can help you save on drink costs.
- Refilling Water Bottles: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at water stations onboard.
- Loyalty Programs: Carnival’s loyalty program offers perks, including complimentary drinks.
- Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Consider alternating alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones to pace yourself and save money.
This will save you from purchasing individual bottles of water throughout the cruise. Staying hydrated is essential, so make use of the free water stations.
As you climb the ranks of the loyalty program, you can earn benefits like free drinks, discounts, and onboard credits. Take advantage of these perks to save money on beverages.
This is a healthier approach and will help you avoid overspending on drinks. Enjoy a soda, juice, or water between alcoholic beverages.
Debunking Common Myths About Cruise Drink Costs
Many misconceptions surround drink prices on cruises. Separating fact from fiction can help you make informed decisions about your onboard spending. This section addresses common myths about the average cost of drinks on a Carnival cruise.
Myth: Drinks are Always Exorbitantly Expensive on Cruises
While some premium drinks can be pricey, there are affordable options available, and promotions can bring down costs. This isn’t always true. Carnival offers a range of drink prices to cater to different budgets. Also, many cruises have different price points.
Myth: Drink Packages are Always the Best Deal
Drink packages are not always the best deal for everyone. It depends on individual consumption habits. For light drinkers, purchasing drinks individually might be more cost-effective. You can see that in the above scenarios!
Myth: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Cruise lines are vigilant about enforcing their alcohol policies, and attempting to sneak alcohol onboard can result in confiscation or other penalties. Not recommended! It’s best to adhere to the cruise line’s policies and enjoy the drinks that are allowed.
FAQ
Question: What is the average price of a beer on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: The average price of a beer on a Carnival cruise typically ranges from $6 to $8 USD, depending on the brand and type of beer. Domestic beers are usually at the lower end of the price range, while imported or craft beers may be slightly more expensive. Keep an eye out for beer specials or promotions at different bars onboard to potentially save some money.
Question: How much does a cocktail usually cost on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: Cocktails on Carnival cruises generally range from $8 to $14 USD, with the price varying based on the ingredients and the bar you’re at. Standard cocktails made with well liquors tend to be cheaper, while premium cocktails featuring top-shelf liquors or specialty mixes will be on the higher end. Remember that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to each drink purchase.
Question: Are non-alcoholic drinks free on Carnival cruises?
Answer: No, most non-alcoholic drinks are not free on Carnival cruises. While water, coffee, tea, and lemonade are usually complimentary in the main dining room and buffet areas, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and bottled water are typically charged individually. Consider purchasing the Bottomless Bubbles soda package if you consume a lot of sodas, or the CHEERS! package, which includes a wider range of non-alcoholic beverages.
Question: Is the CHEERS! drink package worth it on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: Whether the CHEERS! drink package is worth it depends on your individual drinking habits and preferences. If you plan to consume several alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks per day, the package can be a good value. Calculate your average daily drink consumption and compare the cost to the individual drink prices to determine if the package will save you money. Also, remember that all adults in the same cabin must purchase the package.
Question: Can I bring my own drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: Yes, Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of their own drinks onboard. Each passenger over the age of 21 can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne and a 12-pack of canned or bottled soda or juice. These beverages must be packed in your carry-on luggage, as they are not allowed in checked luggage. Hard liquor is not permitted to be brought onboard.
Question: Are there any ways to save money on drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Answer: Yes, there are several ways to save money on drinks on a Carnival cruise. Take advantage of happy hour specials or the “Drink of the Day” promotions, which often offer discounted prices on select beverages. Bring your own reusable water bottle and refill it at water stations to avoid purchasing bottled water. Consider purchasing a drink package if you plan to consume a lot of drinks. Also, be mindful of upsells when ordering drinks and stick to standard options to stay within your budget.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the average cost of drinks on a Carnival cruise empowers you to plan a more enjoyable and budget-friendly vacation. By considering the different beverage options, evaluating drink packages, and utilizing cost-saving strategies, you can make informed decisions about your onboard spending. Use the tips and information provided in this post to estimate your potential drink costs and create a cruise budget that works for you. So, grab your sunscreen and get ready to sail away knowing you have a handle on your vacation budget!