Picture this: you’re lounging by the pool on your Carnival cruise, soaking up the sun. The only thing missing is that perfect, refreshing drink. But a nagging question pops into your head: how much do drinks cost on a Carnival cruise? Planning a cruise vacation involves budgeting for various expenses, and understanding beverage costs is crucial. This article will break down the pricing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises, helping you estimate your onboard spending and make the most of your vacation. We’ll cover individual drink prices, beverage packages, and potential ways to save money so you can sip worry-free!
Understanding Drink Prices on Carnival Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of beverages, each with its own price point. From classic cocktails to refreshing sodas, knowing the average costs can help you plan your onboard budget effectively. This section explores the different types of drinks available and provides a general overview of their prices, enabling you to make informed decisions regarding your onboard spending.
Alcoholic Beverages
Carnival cruises offer a diverse selection of alcoholic drinks to cater to various tastes. Prices typically vary based on the type of drink and the specific bar location on the ship.
- Cocktails: These mixed drinks, ranging from classic margaritas to signature creations, are a popular choice. Expect to pay around $8 to $14 per cocktail, depending on the ingredients and the bar. For example, a mojito made with premium rum might cost more than a simple rum and coke.
- Beer: Carnival offers a selection of domestic and imported beers, both on tap and in bottles. Prices generally range from $6 to $8 per beer. You’ll find common brands like Bud Light and Miller Lite, as well as imports like Heineken or Corona.
- Wine: Wine by the glass typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on the varietal and the brand. Carnival also offers wine by the bottle, which can be a more economical option for groups or those who plan to drink wine regularly throughout the cruise.
- Spirits: Individual shots of liquor usually range from $7 to $12, depending on the brand and quality. Popular choices include vodka, rum, whiskey, and tequila, which can be ordered neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails.
Understanding the price range for each type of alcoholic beverage will help you estimate how much you’ll spend if you plan on purchasing individual drinks during your cruise. Keep in mind that prices may vary slightly depending on the specific bar or lounge on the ship.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Carnival Cruise Line also offers a wide array of non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer to abstain from alcohol or are looking for refreshing alternatives.
- Soda: Individual sodas typically cost around $3 to $4 each. Carnival offers a variety of popular soda brands like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper. Purchasing a soda package might be a cost-effective option if you plan on consuming multiple sodas per day.
- Juice: Juices, such as orange juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice, are available at most bars and restaurants. Expect to pay around $3 to $5 per glass. These are often included during breakfast in the main dining room or buffet.
- Specialty Coffee: For coffee lovers, Carnival offers specialty coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. These typically cost between $4 and $6 per drink. Coffee cards or beverage packages might be worthwhile if you’re a frequent coffee drinker.
- Bottled Water: Bottled water is available for purchase and usually costs around $3 to $4 per bottle. Staying hydrated is important, especially in warm climates, so budgeting for bottled water is a good idea if you don’t want to rely on tap water.
Knowing the costs of non-alcoholic beverages is essential for budgeting, especially if you’re traveling with children or prefer non-alcoholic options. Consider purchasing a beverage package or bringing your own reusable water bottle to save money.
Carnival’s Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It?
Carnival offers various beverage packages that can provide significant savings for guests who plan to consume multiple drinks per day. Evaluating the pros and cons of these packages and calculating your potential savings can help you decide if they are a worthwhile investment for your cruise.
The Cheers! Package
The Cheers! package is Carnival’s comprehensive beverage package, offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s designed for guests who want to enjoy unlimited beverages throughout their cruise.
- What’s Included: The Cheers! package includes virtually all alcoholic beverages (spirits, beer, wine, and cocktails) up to a certain price limit per drink, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. The current price limit per drink is typically around $20.
- Pricing and Restrictions: As of late 2024, the package typically costs around $60-$70 per person per day, plus an 18% gratuity. It must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, and all adults in the same stateroom must purchase the package. Some restrictions apply, such as a limit on the number of alcoholic drinks that can be ordered at one time.
- Calculating the Break-Even Point: To determine if the Cheers! package is worth it, calculate how many alcoholic drinks you would need to consume each day to break even. For example, if the package costs $70 per day and the average cocktail costs $12, you would need to drink approximately six cocktails per day to justify the cost.
The Cheers! package can be a great value for heavy drinkers, but it’s essential to consider your drinking habits and preferences before purchasing. Evaluate whether you would consume enough beverages each day to make the package cost-effective.
The Bottomless Bubbles Package
For guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soda and juice throughout the cruise. It’s a popular option for families with children or individuals who don’t consume alcohol.
- What’s Included: The Bottomless Bubbles package includes unlimited soda and juice at all bars and restaurants on the ship. It’s a great way to stay hydrated and enjoy your favorite soft drinks without paying for each one individually.
- Pricing and Restrictions: The package typically costs around $7-10 per person per day for adults and a lower price for children, plus an 18% gratuity. It must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, but not all adults in the same stateroom are required to purchase it.
- Is it Worth It?: If you typically drink several sodas or juices each day, the Bottomless Bubbles package can be a cost-effective option. Calculate how many drinks you would need to consume to break even and compare it to your usual consumption habits.
The Bottomless Bubbles package is an excellent choice for soda and juice lovers. However, if you only drink a few of these beverages per day, it might be more economical to purchase them individually.
Case Study: Comparing Drink Package Savings
Consider a scenario where a couple is going on a 7-day Carnival cruise. One person enjoys alcoholic beverages and estimates they will drink 5 cocktails per day at an average cost of $12 each. The other person prefers non-alcoholic drinks and anticipates drinking 4 sodas per day at $3.50 each.
If they purchased the Cheers! package for one person at $70 per day (plus gratuity) and the Bottomless Bubbles package for the other at $10 per day (plus gratuity), their total beverage package cost would be approximately $630. Without the packages, the alcoholic drinker would spend $420 on cocktails, and the non-alcoholic drinker would spend $98 on sodas, totaling $518. In this scenario, purchasing the packages would cost them more than paying for individual drinks, but they would also have the freedom to try additional beverages without worrying about the cost.
Now, consider a scenario where the alcoholic drinker consumes 8 cocktails per day. The cost of individual drinks would be $672, making the Cheers! package a more cost-effective option. These examples highlight the importance of estimating your consumption habits and comparing them to the cost of the beverage packages to determine the best value for your cruise.
Hidden Costs and Saving Tips
While understanding the base price of drinks and beverage packages is important, there are also potential hidden costs and strategies to save money on beverages during your Carnival cruise. Being aware of these factors can help you manage your onboard spending effectively.
Gratuities and Service Charges
Most beverage purchases on Carnival cruises are subject to an automatic gratuity or service charge, typically around 18%. This means that the final price you pay for each drink will be higher than the listed price. Keep this in mind when budgeting and calculating the cost of individual drinks versus beverage packages.
- Understanding Gratuities: Gratuities are automatically added to your onboard account to cover the cost of service provided by bartenders and other crew members. This is a standard practice in the cruise industry and helps ensure fair compensation for the staff.
- Prepaid Gratuities: When purchasing a beverage package like the Cheers! package, you’ll typically pay gratuities upfront. This means you won’t have to worry about additional charges for each drink you order.
- Calculating the Total Cost: To accurately estimate your beverage expenses, remember to factor in the 18% gratuity when calculating the cost of individual drinks or beverage packages. This will help you avoid surprises when you receive your final bill.
Knowing about gratuities and service charges is crucial for accurate budgeting. Always factor in the additional cost when calculating your total beverage expenses.
Bringing Your Own Beverages Onboard
Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you have specific preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Restrictions on Beverages: Carnival typically allows guests to bring one 12-pack of unopened, non-alcoholic canned or bottled beverages per person. This includes soda, juice, and water. Alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited, and any found in your luggage may be confiscated.
- Saving Money: Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages can significantly reduce your onboard expenses, especially if you consume a lot of soda or bottled water. Consider packing a 12-pack of your favorite drinks to enjoy throughout the cruise.
- Following the Rules: Be sure to adhere to Carnival’s beverage policy when bringing drinks onboard. Violating the policy could result in confiscation of the beverages and potential penalties.
Taking advantage of Carnival’s policy on bringing non-alcoholic beverages onboard is a simple way to save money. Pack a 12-pack of your favorite drinks to enjoy throughout the cruise.
Happy Hour Specials and Promotions
Carnival Cruise Line often offers happy hour specials and promotions on drinks at various bars and lounges throughout the ship. Taking advantage of these deals can help you save money on your favorite beverages.
- Finding Happy Hour: Check the daily schedule or Carnival Hub app to find out when and where happy hour specials are being offered. These specials may include discounted prices on select cocktails, beer, and wine.
- Participating Bars: Happy hour specials are typically offered at multiple bars and lounges throughout the ship, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Look for signs or ask bartenders for information on current promotions.
- Strategic Drinking: Plan your drinking schedule around happy hour specials to maximize your savings. Enjoy discounted drinks during these times and explore other activities during non-discounted hours.
Keeping an eye out for happy hour specials and promotions can help you save money on drinks without sacrificing your enjoyment. Check the daily schedule and take advantage of these opportunities.
Myth: “The Cheers! package is always the best deal.”
This is a common misconception. While the Cheers! package can be a great value for heavy drinkers, it’s not always the most cost-effective option for everyone. As we discussed earlier, you need to consume a certain number of alcoholic drinks each day to break even. If you’re not a heavy drinker, you may end up paying more for the package than you would if you purchased individual drinks.
Myth: “Water is free onboard.”
While tap water is available for free in your stateroom and at certain locations throughout the ship, bottled water is not free. If you prefer bottled water, you’ll need to purchase it individually or as part of a beverage package. Staying hydrated is important, so consider bringing a reusable water bottle and filling it with tap water to save money.
Sample Scenario: Setting up a Drink Budget
- Estimate Your Consumption: Determine how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you typically consume each day. Consider your preferences, vacation habits, and any planned activities.
- Calculate Individual Costs: Research the average prices of your preferred drinks on Carnival cruises. Remember to factor in gratuities and service charges.
- Evaluate Beverage Packages: Compare the cost of the Cheers! package and the Bottomless Bubbles package to your estimated individual drink costs. Determine which option, if any, offers the best value.
- Set a Daily Budget: Based on your calculations, set a daily budget for beverages. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending during your cruise.
- Track Your Spending: Monitor your beverage expenses throughout the cruise. Use the Carnival Hub app or your onboard account to track your spending and make adjustments as needed.
A 2022 survey by Cruise Critic found that 45% of cruisers regret not budgeting enough for onboard expenses, including drinks. Planning ahead and setting a drink budget can help you avoid this common mistake and enjoy your cruise without financial stress.
Insert a table here to compare the Cheers! Package, Bottomless Bubbles, and Individual Drink Costs in terms of price, inclusions, and potential savings.
FAQ
How much is a can of soda on a Carnival cruise?
A can of soda on a Carnival cruise typically costs between $3 and $4, plus an 18% gratuity. If you plan on drinking multiple sodas per day, consider purchasing the Bottomless Bubbles package for unlimited soda and juice.
Are there any free drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival offers complimentary beverages such as tap water, coffee (in the buffet), tea, lemonade, and iced tea. These are available at select locations and times. Keep in mind that specialty coffee drinks and bottled water are not free.
Can I bring my own water bottles on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival allows guests to bring one 12-pack of unopened, non-alcoholic canned or bottled beverages per person. This can include water, soda, and juice. This is a great way to save money on onboard beverages.
Is the Cheers! package worth it if I don’t drink a lot of alcohol?
The Cheers! package is generally not worth it if you don’t drink a significant amount of alcohol. To break even, you typically need to consume around 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day. If you drink less than that, it’s more cost-effective to purchase individual drinks.
What happens if I exceed the drink limit on the Cheers! package?
The Cheers! package allows you to purchase alcoholic beverages up to a certain price limit (usually around $20) per drink. If you order a drink that exceeds this limit, you will be charged the difference. There is also a limit on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order at one time.
Are drink prices the same at all bars on a Carnival ship?
While drink prices are generally consistent across most bars and lounges on a Carnival ship, there may be slight variations depending on the specific venue. Premium bars or specialty restaurants might have slightly higher prices for certain drinks. Checking the menu at each bar is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much drinks cost on a Carnival cruise is essential for planning your vacation budget effectively. By researching individual drink prices, evaluating beverage packages, and taking advantage of saving tips, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank. Remember to consider your drinking habits, factor in gratuities, and take advantage of happy hour specials to maximize your savings. With a little planning, you can sip on delicious drinks and create unforgettable memories on your Carnival cruise.