Drink Prices On Carnival Cruise Ships: What To Expect

Imagine yourself relaxing on a Carnival cruise, soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze. Suddenly, you have a craving for a refreshing cocktail, a cold beer, or a simple soda. But before you order, you’re probably wondering, how much do drinks cost on Carnival cruise ships? Understanding the pricing structure can help you budget your trip and avoid any surprises. This article will break down the costs of various beverages, from alcoholic to non-alcoholic options, and explore different ways to save money on drinks while sailing.

Carnival Cruise Drink Prices: An Overview

This section provides a general overview of the beverage prices you can expect on a Carnival cruise. It covers the typical cost ranges for various drinks, including alcoholic beverages like cocktails, beer, and wine, as well as non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, and specialty coffees. This information is crucial for planning your cruise budget.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises vary in price depending on the type and brand. Here’s a general idea:

Cocktails: Expect to pay around $9 to $14 for a standard cocktail. This can vary based on the ingredients and the specific bar you’re at.

A Mojito typically costs between $11 and $13, influenced by the quality of rum and mint.
Margaritas, a popular choice, can range from $9.50 to $12.50, often depending on whether it’s a premium tequila blend or a standard mix.

Beer: Domestic beers generally cost $7 to $8, while imported or craft beers might be a bit more, around $8 to $9.

Bud Light and Miller Lite usually fall into the $7 – $7.50 range.
Heineken, Corona, and other imports are typically priced around $8 to $9.

Wine: Wine by the glass is usually between $8 and $15, depending on the wine selection. Bottles of wine are also available, ranging from $30 to upwards of $100.

House wines are generally the most affordable, around $8 – $10 per glass.
Premium wines from established vineyards or specific vintages can easily climb above $15 per glass.

For example, a recent traveler recounted ordering a round of cocktails for her group, which cost around $60. This highlighted the importance of knowing the prices beforehand to manage spending. It is also worth noting that a gratuity (usually 18%) is automatically added to all beverage purchases.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

If you prefer non-alcoholic options, here’s what to expect regarding pricing:

Soda: Individual sodas typically cost around $3 to $4.

A can of Coke or Sprite from the bar usually lands in the $3.25 – $3.75 price range.

Juice: Juices like orange juice or cranberry juice are often similarly priced, around $3 to $4.

Orange juice is often complimentary at breakfast buffets. However, ordering juice at the bar will incur a charge.

Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees can cost between $4 and $6.

A basic latte or cappuccino usually starts at around $4.50.
Espresso-based drinks with flavored syrups or specialty toppings can cost up to $6.

Bottled Water: Can be as much as $3-$5, depending on the size and brand.

Small bottles are cheaper but require frequent purchases.
Larger bottles offer better value if you plan on consuming a lot of water.

Many guests choose to purchase a soda package to save money on non-alcoholic drinks. Others bring their own refillable water bottles to avoid constantly buying bottled water. Free water, tea, and coffee are usually available at the buffet areas.

Ways to Save Money on Drinks

This section delves into strategies and options that can help you reduce your spending on beverages during your Carnival cruise. From purchasing drink packages to taking advantage of happy hour deals and bringing your own drinks (where permitted), this section provides practical tips for budget-conscious cruisers.

Purchasing a Drink Package

Carnival offers various drink packages that can save you money if you plan on consuming a lot of beverages. The most popular is the Cheers! drink package.

Cheers! Drink Package: This package includes virtually all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a certain price limit (usually $20 per drink). It can be a great value if you plan on having several drinks each day.

Typically costs around $60 – $80 per day, depending on when you purchase it (before the cruise or onboard).
Allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Includes sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.

Bottomless Bubbles Package: This package covers unlimited soda and juice and is a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol.

More affordable than the Cheers! package, typically around $7 – $10 per day for adults and $5 – $8 per day for children.
Offers a variety of soda flavors and juice options.

A 2022 survey by Cruise Critic found that passengers who purchase the Cheers! package often save up to 25% on their beverage costs compared to buying individual drinks. To maximize the value, calculate your estimated drink consumption and compare it to the package cost.

Happy Hour and Special Promotions

Taking advantage of happy hour deals and special promotions is another effective way to save money on drinks.

Happy Hour: Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour deals with discounted drinks, typically during the late afternoon.

Keep an eye out for signage or ask bartenders about specific happy hour times and deals.
Savings can range from $1 to $3 per drink during happy hour.

Drink Specials: Carnival often has daily drink specials advertised throughout the ship.

These specials usually feature a specific cocktail at a reduced price.
Take advantage of these offers to try new drinks and save money.

For instance, Carnival sometimes offers a “Drink of the Day” at a discounted price. By opting for these specials, you can save a few dollars per drink and sample different cocktails. Some bars also offer discounts during port days when many passengers are off the ship.

Bringing Your Own Drinks

Carnival has specific policies regarding bringing your own drinks onboard. Adhering to these policies can help you save on beverage costs.

Wine and Champagne: Carnival allows guests to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) in their carry-on luggage.

This is a great way to enjoy a bottle of your favorite wine in your cabin without paying onboard prices.
A corkage fee may apply if you bring your own bottle to the dining room or a bar.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Guests are also allowed to bring a reasonable quantity of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda, water, and juice, in their carry-on luggage.

This can help reduce the cost of buying these drinks onboard.
Be mindful of space limitations and any restrictions on the quantity of beverages allowed.

Carnival’s website states that excessive amounts of beverages may be confiscated. Stick to a reasonable quantity to avoid any issues. Some passengers bring reusable water bottles and refill them at water stations onboard, further reducing their drink costs.

Factors Influencing Drink Prices on Carnival

This section explores the factors that contribute to the pricing of drinks on Carnival cruise ships. Understanding these influences, such as the type of bar, the specific ingredients used in cocktails, and the gratuity charges, can help you make informed decisions about your beverage purchases.

Type of Bar

The type of bar you’re at on the ship can influence drink prices. Specialty bars often have higher prices than standard bars.

Specialty Bars: Bars like the Alchemy Bar (known for its handcrafted cocktails) or the RedFrog Rum Bar (focused on rum-based drinks) often have higher prices due to the premium ingredients and specialized expertise involved.

Cocktails at Alchemy Bar, for example, can be $12-$14, while a similar drink at a standard bar might be $9-$11.

Main Bars: Standard bars located throughout the ship, such as those by the pool or in the main lounge, typically offer drinks at the standard prices.

These bars are generally more budget-friendly than specialty bars.

Consider the ambiance and drink selection when choosing a bar. If you’re on a budget, stick to the main bars for more affordable options. Specialty bars are great for trying unique cocktails but come at a higher cost.

Ingredients and Brands

The quality of ingredients and the brand of alcohol used in a drink significantly affect its price.

Premium Brands: Drinks made with premium liquor brands (e.g., Grey Goose vodka, Patron tequila) will be more expensive than those made with standard brands.

When ordering a drink, specify your preferred brand if you have one.

Fresh Ingredients: Cocktails made with fresh juices, herbs, and other high-quality ingredients will also be pricier.

Bars that prioritize fresh ingredients often charge more for their drinks to cover the cost.

For example, a margarita made with a premium tequila like Don Julio will cost more than one made with a standard tequila. Similarly, a mojito with fresh mint and lime juice will likely be more expensive than one with pre-made mix.

Gratuities and Taxes

Gratuities and taxes are automatically added to all beverage purchases on Carnival cruises, which can increase the overall cost.

Gratuities: Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity to all bar purchases.

This covers the service provided by the bartenders and bar staff.

Taxes: Depending on the itinerary, some ports may add additional taxes to beverage purchases.

Be aware of these additional charges when budgeting for drinks.

It’s important to factor in the gratuity when calculating the actual cost of a drink. For example, a $10 cocktail will actually cost $11.80 after the gratuity is added. Some passengers pre-pay gratuities as part of their cruise fare, but this typically doesn’t cover bar purchases.

Debunking Common Myths About Drink Prices

This section addresses and clarifies common misconceptions regarding drink prices on Carnival cruise ships. By dispelling these myths, you can have a more accurate understanding of beverage costs and avoid any surprises during your cruise.

Myth: Drinks are Always Cheaper Onboard Than On Land

While some drinks might be competitively priced, this isn’t always the case. Some standard cocktails may be similar in price to what you’d find at a bar on land, especially when gratuities are factored in. Premium drinks can often be more expensive due to the convenience factor and the captive audience.

Myth: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily

Carnival has strict policies against bringing excessive amounts of alcohol onboard. Security measures are in place to detect concealed alcohol, and if found, it will be confiscated. Attempts to sneak alcohol onboard can also result in penalties.

Myth: The Drink Package Always Saves You Money

While the Cheers! drink package can be a great value, it’s not always the case for everyone. If you only plan on having a few drinks per day, or if you primarily drink water, soda, or other non-alcoholic beverages, the package might not be worth the cost. Carefully assess your drinking habits before purchasing a package.

Sample Scenarios and Drink Strategies

This section provides real-life scenarios and suggested strategies for managing drink costs on Carnival cruises. These examples will help you apply the information discussed earlier and plan your beverage spending effectively.

Scenario 1: The Casual Drinker

Scenario: You enjoy a couple of cocktails by the pool during the day and a glass of wine with dinner. You also drink soda and water throughout the day.
Strategy: In this case, purchasing the Cheers! drink package might not be the most cost-effective option. Instead, consider buying individual drinks and taking advantage of happy hour specials. Bring your own water bottle and refill it at water stations to save on bottled water costs.

Scenario 2: The Cocktail Enthusiast

Scenario: You love trying different cocktails and plan on having several drinks each day, including premium options from specialty bars.
Strategy: The Cheers! drink package is likely a good investment for you. It allows you to sample a variety of drinks without worrying about the cost of each individual beverage. Just be mindful of the daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks.

Scenario 3: The Family Cruiser

Scenario: You’re cruising with your family, and your kids mainly drink soda and juice. You enjoy a couple of drinks during the evenings.
Strategy: Purchase the Bottomless Bubbles package for your kids to cover their soda and juice consumption. For yourself, consider buying individual drinks and taking advantage of happy hour. Bringing your own wine bottle can also save money on dinner drinks.

FAQ

How much does the Cheers! drink package cost?

The Cheers! drink package typically costs between $60 and $80 per day, depending on whether you purchase it before the cruise or onboard. Buying it in advance usually offers a lower price. The package includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a certain price limit per drink.

Can I share my Cheers! drink package with someone else?

No, the Cheers! drink package is non-transferable and can only be used by the person who purchased it. Carnival requires all adults in the same cabin to purchase the package if one person opts to get it. This policy prevents sharing the benefits of the package among multiple people.

What happens if I exceed the 15-drink limit with the Cheers! package?

If you exceed the 15-alcoholic drink limit with the Cheers! package, you will be charged the full menu price for any additional drinks, plus the 18% gratuity. It’s essential to track your consumption to avoid unexpected charges.

Are there any drinks not included in the Cheers! package?

While the Cheers! package covers a wide range of beverages, some exclusions apply. Drinks exceeding the price limit (usually $20), bottled liquor, and souvenir glasses are typically not included. Also, the package is not valid in the casino.

Can I bring my own soda and water onboard Carnival?

Yes, Carnival allows guests to bring a reasonable quantity of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda, water, and juice, in their carry-on luggage. This can help you save money on these drinks during your cruise. However, be mindful of space limitations and any restrictions on the quantity of beverages allowed.

Do I have to pay gratuities on drinks purchased with the Cheers! package?

No, gratuities are included in the price of the Cheers! drink package. You don’t need to pay any additional gratuities on drinks covered by the package. This is one of the benefits of purchasing the package, as it simplifies your budgeting.

Are drink prices the same on all Carnival ships?

While the general price ranges for drinks are similar across the Carnival fleet, there might be slight variations depending on the specific ship, itinerary, and availability of certain ingredients. It’s always a good idea to check the onboard menus for the most accurate pricing information.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how much drinks cost on Carnival cruise ships is key to planning a successful and enjoyable vacation. By being aware of the various factors influencing drink prices, exploring money-saving strategies like purchasing drink packages, and taking advantage of happy hour deals, you can effectively manage your beverage expenses and maximize your cruise experience. Remember to research the specific options available on your cruise and budget accordingly to avoid any surprises. Enjoy your cruise!