Remember that incredible Carnival cruise you took back in 2019? Sunshine, ocean breezes, and…cocktails! You might be trying to budget for a future cruise and wondering, how much do drinks cost on a Carnival cruise 2019? This blog post is designed to jog your memory and provide a comprehensive look at the drink prices you likely encountered, helping you estimate costs for your next sailing. We’ll cover everything from individual drink prices to the popular Cheers! beverage package, so you can plan your onboard spending effectively.
Understanding 2019 Carnival Cruise Drink Prices
This section aims to provide a detailed breakdown of the typical drink prices you would have found on a Carnival cruise in 2019. We’ll cover the general cost ranges for various types of beverages, from alcoholic cocktails and beers to non-alcoholic options like sodas and juices. Understanding these base prices is essential for budgeting and deciding whether the Cheers! package is right for you.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic drinks are often a significant expense on a cruise. Understanding the 2019 price ranges can help you budget effectively. These prices are subject to change, but this provides a good historical point of reference.
- Cocktails: Expect to have paid between $8 and $12 for standard cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and mojitos. Specialty cocktails may have been priced higher. The exact cost depended on the specific bar and ingredients used.
- Beer: Domestic beers (Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light) were typically priced around $6 to $7 per can or bottle. Imported beers (Heineken, Corona) were slightly more expensive, around $7 to $8.
- Wine: Wine prices varied widely depending on the type and quality. Expect to pay $8 to $15 per glass for house wines and significantly more for premium selections. Bottles of wine could range from $30 to hundreds of dollars.
These prices reflected the cost of the liquor, mixers, and the expertise of the bartenders crafting the drinks. Cruise lines also add gratuities to these purchases, further increasing the cost.
The selection of beers available varied depending on the specific bar and cruise ship. Some ships had a wider selection of craft beers, which typically came at a premium price.
Wine lists on Carnival cruises usually include a variety of reds, whites, and rosés. Some bars also offer wine flights, which allow you to sample several different wines.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Staying hydrated is important, and knowing the cost of non-alcoholic drinks is crucial. While some options are free, others come at a price.
- Soda: Individual sodas (Coke, Sprite, etc.) were typically priced around $3 each. Purchasing a soda package could offer significant savings if you consume multiple sodas per day.
- Juice: Juices (orange, apple, cranberry) were often available for free during breakfast. However, purchasing them at other times of the day might have cost around $3 each.
- Bottled Water: Bottled water was typically priced around $3 to $4 per bottle. Staying hydrated can be expensive if you rely solely on bottled water.
Soda packages allowed unlimited fountain soda throughout the cruise. This could be a cost-effective option, especially for families with children.
Freshly squeezed juices were usually available at a premium price. These were often found at specialty bars or during breakfast buffets.
Bringing your own refillable water bottle and utilizing water fountains or filling stations can help reduce these costs. Carnival also offers bottled water packages for purchase.
Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Package in 2019
The Cheers! beverage package was a popular option for many Carnival cruisers in 2019. This section explores the details of the package, including its cost, inclusions, and limitations. Understanding these details can help you determine if the package is a worthwhile investment for your cruising style.
Cost and Inclusions
The Cheers! package offered unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily price. In 2019, the cost was generally around $51.95 per person, per day, plus a 15% gratuity if purchased pre-cruise or $54.95 plus gratuity if purchased onboard. It included:
- Alcoholic Beverages: All cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass priced at $20 or less.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
- Other Perks: 25% discount on bottles of wine and larger format bottles of liquor.
This included a wide range of popular drinks, making it a convenient option for those who enjoy alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
The inclusion of specialty coffees and energy drinks added value for those who enjoy these beverages in addition to alcoholic options.
This discount was helpful for those who wanted to purchase bottles of wine for dinner or bring liquor back to their cabins.
Limitations and Considerations
While the Cheers! package offered great value, it also came with certain limitations and considerations. It’s important to understand these before purchasing the package.
- All Adults in Cabin: If one adult in a cabin purchased the Cheers! package, all adults (21 years or older) in the same cabin were required to purchase it as well.
- Daily Limit: There was a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per person.
- Sharing Prohibited: Sharing drinks with others who did not have the package was strictly prohibited.
This policy was in place to prevent sharing of drinks among those who have and have not purchased the package. It was a significant consideration for couples or groups with varying drinking habits.
This limit was designed to prevent excessive drinking. While 15 drinks might seem like a lot, it’s important to be aware of the limit, especially on longer cruises.
Carnival closely monitored compliance with this rule. Violators risked having their Cheers! package revoked without a refund.
Was Cheers! Worth It in 2019?
Deciding whether the Cheers! package was worth it depended on your individual drinking habits. To determine if it made financial sense, you needed to calculate how many drinks you would need to consume each day to break even.
- Break-Even Point: To break even, you generally needed to consume around 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day, depending on the specific prices of the drinks you ordered.
- Non-Alcoholic Benefits: Don’t forget to factor in the value of the included non-alcoholic beverages, such as sodas, juices, and specialty coffees.
- Personal Preferences: Consider your personal preferences and cruising style. If you prefer to relax by the pool with a cocktail or enjoy wine with dinner, the package could be a good fit.
Consider your average drink consumption on vacation. If you typically consume more than 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day, the Cheers! package was likely a worthwhile investment.
If you regularly consume these beverages throughout the day, the Cheers! package could be even more beneficial.
If you only drink occasionally or prefer to explore ports of call during the day, the package might not be the best value for you.
Comparing Carnival Drink Prices to Other Cruise Lines (2019)
Understanding how Carnival’s drink prices compared to other major cruise lines in 2019 provides context for budgeting and choosing the right cruise line for your needs. This section offers a brief comparison, highlighting key differences and similarities in drink costs.
Price Ranges
Generally, Carnival’s drink prices were considered to be in the mid-range compared to other cruise lines. Some luxury lines charged significantly more, while some budget-friendly lines offered slightly lower prices.
- Royal Caribbean: Drink prices were generally similar to Carnival, with cocktails ranging from $8 to $13 and beers from $6 to $8.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Drink prices were often slightly higher than Carnival, with cocktails ranging from $9 to $14 and beers from $7 to $9.
- Princess Cruises: Drink prices were generally comparable to Carnival, with cocktails ranging from $8 to $12 and beers from $6 to $8.
Royal Caribbean also offered a beverage package, similar to Carnival’s Cheers! package, with comparable pricing and inclusions.
Norwegian Cruise Line offered a “Free at Sea” promotion that often included a beverage package, which could make it a more appealing option for some cruisers.
Princess Cruises also offered a beverage package option, with similar pricing and inclusions to Carnival’s Cheers! package.
Factors Influencing Price
Several factors influenced drink prices across different cruise lines in 2019. These factors included the type of cruise line (luxury vs. budget), the itinerary, and the specific bar or venue on the ship.
- Cruise Line Type: Luxury cruise lines typically charged higher prices for drinks due to the premium ingredients and service they offered.
- Itinerary: Cruises to more exotic or remote destinations might have had higher drink prices due to increased transportation costs.
- Bar or Venue: Specialty bars or venues on the ship, such as martini bars or wine bars, often charged higher prices for their premium selections.
Budget-friendly cruise lines often offered lower prices to attract a wider range of passengers.
Cruises to popular destinations with established supply chains might have had lower prices.
Main bars or lounges typically offered standard drink prices.
Data Table: Sample Drink Prices (2019)
Insert a comparison chart here
| Drink | Carnival | Royal Caribbean | Norwegian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margarita | $9 | $10 | $11 |
| Domestic Beer | $6.50 | $7 | $7.50 |
| Glass of Wine | $8 | $9 | $10 |
| Soda | $3 | $3.25 | $3.50 |
Please note that these prices are estimates based on average prices in 2019 and may vary slightly depending on the specific ship and itinerary. This table gives you a good sense of how prices compared across different major cruise lines.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks on a Cruise
Cruises can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on drinks without sacrificing enjoyment. This section offers practical tips and strategies for reducing your onboard drink expenses.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars on Carnival cruises offered happy hour specials in 2019. Taking advantage of these specials could significantly reduce your drink costs. Look for promotional signage around the ship or ask bartenders for information on happy hour times and discounts.
- Check the Daily Program: The daily program, or Fun Times, typically listed happy hour specials and locations.
- Visit Multiple Bars: Different bars might have offered different happy hour specials. Explore various bars to find the best deals.
- Arrive Early: Popular happy hour locations could get crowded quickly. Arriving early ensured you got a seat and could take advantage of the specials.
Review the daily program each day to identify opportunities to save money on drinks.
Some bars might have offered discounts on specific drinks, while others might have offered a general percentage off all drinks.
Arriving early also allowed you to avoid long lines at the bar.
Bring Your Own Beverages (Within Limits)
Carnival allowed passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard in 2019. This was a great way to save money on drinks like bottled water and soda.
- Allowed Items: Passengers were typically allowed to bring one 12-pack of canned or bottled non-alcoholic beverages per person.
- Restrictions: Alcoholic beverages were generally not allowed to be brought onboard, with the exception of one bottle of wine or champagne per adult.
- Pack Smart: Pack your beverages in your carry-on luggage to avoid any issues during the embarkation process.
Check Carnival’s specific policy regarding allowed beverages and quantities before your cruise, as these policies are subject to change.
If you attempted to bring more than the allowed amount of alcohol, it was typically confiscated and returned to you at the end of the cruise.
Clearly label your beverages to avoid confusion with other passengers’ belongings.
Consider Purchasing a Soda Package
If you consumed a lot of soda, purchasing a soda package could be a cost-effective option. These packages typically allowed unlimited fountain soda throughout the cruise.
- Cost Savings: Calculate how many sodas you typically consume per day to determine if a soda package would save you money compared to purchasing individual sodas.
- Convenience: A soda package offered the convenience of unlimited fountain soda without having to worry about paying for each individual drink.
- Restrictions: Soda packages typically only included fountain soda and did not include bottled beverages or specialty drinks.
Soda packages were typically priced around $7 to $8 per day. If you consumed more than two or three sodas per day, the package was likely a good value.
This was especially helpful for families with children who consumed a lot of soda.
Be sure to understand the specific inclusions and limitations of the soda package before purchasing it.
Debunking Common Myths About Cruise Drink Prices
There are many misconceptions about drink prices on cruises. This section aims to debunk some common myths and provide accurate information to help you make informed decisions.
Myth: All Drinks are Exorbitantly Expensive
While some drinks on cruises can be pricey, this isn’t always the case. There are ways to find affordable options and save money on drinks. The perception that *all* drinks are overly expensive is often an exaggeration.
- Free options: Water, coffee (in certain locations), tea and juice are free at specific times.
- Happy Hour: Most cruise lines offer significant discounts during happy hours.
- Drink Packages: Can be cost effective if you plan to drink several drinks per day.
Myth: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Cruise lines have strict policies about bringing alcohol onboard, and security measures are in place to prevent smuggling. Attempting to sneak alcohol onboard can result in confiscation and potential penalties. Most cruisers are caught, it’s a huge gamble.
- X-Ray Scanners: Luggage passes through X-ray scanners to detect hidden liquids.
- Zero Tolerance: Lines impose strict polices to increase sales of drinks onboard.
- Consequences: Confiscation of alcohol and potential fines if caught.
Myth: Drink Packages Always Save Money
Drink packages are not always the most cost-effective option for everyone. It depends on your individual drinking habits and preferences. If you only consume a few drinks per day, a drink package might not be worth the investment. A 2018 Cruise Critic survey showed that only 40% of purchasers felt like they actually saved money.
- Calculating Consumption: Estimate drinks needed daily to justify package cost.
- Alternative Options: Consider Happy Hours or individual purchases.
- Package Inclusions: Evaluate what drinks are covered in the package vs. your normal purchases.
FAQ
Question: How much was a can of soda on Carnival in 2019 if I didn’t have a package?
Without a soda package, you could have expected to pay around $3 for a can of soda on a Carnival cruise in 2019. This price could vary slightly depending on the specific bar or venue.
Question: What alcoholic drinks were included in the Cheers! package in 2019?
In 2019, the Cheers! package included all alcoholic beverages (cocktails, beer, wine by the glass) priced at $20 or less. Premium liquors and certain specialty drinks might have been excluded.
Question: Did Carnival offer any free alcoholic drinks in 2019?
Carnival generally did not offer free alcoholic drinks in 2019, except possibly at specific events or promotions. Keep an eye on the cruise line’s website, as promotions change frequently.
Question: Was gratuity included in the 2019 Carnival drink prices?
Gratuity was typically not included in the listed price of individual drinks on Carnival in 2019. A 15% gratuity was usually added to each purchase. Many cruisers prepay the gratuities when they book the cruise.
Question: Could I use onboard credit to pay for drinks on a Carnival cruise in 2019?
Yes, you could generally use onboard credit to pay for drinks on a Carnival cruise in 2019. Onboard credit could be used for almost any purchase made on the ship, including drinks.
Question: How has the drink pricing changed on Carnival since 2019?
Drink pricing on Carnival, like many things, has likely increased since 2019 due to inflation and other economic factors. It’s best to check the current Carnival website or recent cruise reviews for up-to-date pricing.
Final Thoughts
Recalling how much do drinks cost on a Carnival cruise 2019 provides a helpful benchmark for planning future cruises. While prices are likely to have increased, understanding the past pricing structure can inform your budgeting and decision-making regarding beverage packages. Remember to research current pricing, consider your drinking habits, and utilize money-saving tips to enjoy your next Carnival cruise without breaking the bank. Cheers to smooth sailing!