How Do We Drink for Cheap on Carnival Cruise Lines Tips and Tricks

Skip the drink packages and take advantage of Carnival’s free drinking water, tea, and coffee stations to stay hydrated without spending a dime. Look for daily happy hour specials and discounted drink coupons in the ship’s newsletter to enjoy cocktails and beer at near-land prices—timing your purchases right can slash your bar tab significantly.

Key Takeaways

• Skip the drink packages: Only buy if you drink 5+ alcoholic drinks daily.
• Bring your own wine: One bottle per person is allowed onboard.
• Happy hour deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks during daily specials.
• Free water stations: Refill bottles at hydration stations to save cash.
• Share cocktails: Split drinks to cut costs and reduce waste.
• Non-alcoholic options: Choose free juices, tea, or coffee instead.

How Do We Drink for Cheap on Carnival Cruise Lines Tips and Tricks

Ah, the open sea, the sun-kissed decks, and the sound of waves lapping against the hull. There’s something undeniably magical about being on a cruise. But let’s face it—one of the biggest draws (and expenses) is the drinks. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine at dinner, or toasting with friends at a late-night bar, the costs can add up quickly. I remember my first cruise—I thought I was being smart by skipping the drink package, only to be hit with a $300 bar tab at the end of the week. Ouch!

So, how do we drink for cheap on Carnival Cruise Lines without sacrificing the fun? The good news is, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank. From clever hacks to insider tips, I’ve gathered everything you need to know to keep your wallet happy while still enjoying the cruise experience. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you save on drinks without missing out on the fun. Let’s dive in!

1. Skip the Drink Package (Yes, Really)

One of the biggest misconceptions about drinking on a Carnival cruise is that you need a drink package to save money. But here’s the truth: the drink packages (like the Cheers! Beverage Package) can actually cost more than you’d spend buying drinks individually—especially if you’re not a heavy drinker. Let’s break it down.

When the Drink Package Makes Sense

If you’re a heavy drinker—think 6-8 alcoholic drinks per day, plus specialty coffees and bottled water—the Cheers! Package might be worth it. At around $59.95 per day (plus 18% gratuity), it covers most alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffee, and bottled water. But if you’re not drinking that much, it’s overkill.

When to Skip It

For most people, skipping the package is smarter. Here’s why:

• You don’t drink every day. Maybe you have a cocktail at dinner and call it a night. The package doesn’t prorate—you pay the full daily rate even if you only use it once.
• You’re a light drinker. If you’re sipping one or two drinks per day, buying them individually will almost always be cheaper.
• You prefer non-alcoholic drinks. The package includes bottled water and specialty coffee, but if you’re happy with tap water and free coffee in the dining room, you’re paying for extras you don’t need.

Pro Tip: Compare Your Habits

Before booking, estimate your daily drink consumption. For example, if you’re buying two cocktails ($12 each), one soda ($3), and a bottled water ($4), your daily total is $31. Compare that to the package’s $59.95 + gratuity. The package only makes sense if you’re spending more than that daily.

2. Leverage Free Drinks and Promotions

Carnival isn’t shy about offering free drinks—you just have to know where to look. Here are the best ways to score complimentary beverages without spending a dime.

Free Drinks at the Casino

If you enjoy gambling (or even just pretending to), the casino is your best friend. Carnival offers free drinks to players at the tables and slot machines. The rules:

• You don’t have to bet big. Even a $5 bet on blackjack or a few spins on a slot machine can get you a free cocktail.
• Stick to basic drinks. The free drinks are usually well liquors (like rum, vodka, or whiskey) and beer. If you order a premium cocktail, you’ll pay the difference.
• Tip the bartender. Even though the drink is free, a small tip ($1-$2) goes a long way in keeping the service friendly.

My personal story: On my last cruise, I spent $10 on slots and got three free rum and Cokes. The bartender even threw in a fourth because I tipped well. Total savings: $40+.

Happy Hour and Drink Specials

Carnival’s bars run daily happy hour promotions, usually from 5-7 PM. Look for:

• Half-price cocktails. Many bars offer 50% off select drinks during happy hour.
• Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deals. Common at pool bars and lounges.
• Specialty promotions. For example, “Tequila Tuesday” might offer discounted margaritas.

Pro Tip: Download the Carnival Hub app before your cruise. It often lists daily drink specials and happy hour times.

Free Coffee and Tea

Don’t overlook the freebies in the dining rooms and buffet areas. Carnival offers unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and lemonade at no extra cost. Skip the $5 specialty lattes and stick to the basics.

3. Bring Your Own (Yes, Really—But Follow the Rules)

Carnival allows you to bring some drinks onboard, but there are strict limits. Here’s how to do it right.

What You Can Bring

• Two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per person. Great for celebrating at dinner or in your cabin.
• 12 cans of soda per person. Perfect for mixers or non-alcoholic drinks.

Important: You cannot bring beer or hard liquor. Carnival confiscates these at embarkation.

How to Use Your Brought-On Drinks

• Wine at dinner. Carnival charges a corkage fee (around $15 per bottle), but it’s still cheaper than buying wine onboard ($40+ per bottle).
• Mixers in your cabin. Bring soda, juice, or tonic to pair with duty-free liquor bought at ports.
• Share with friends. Split a bottle of wine at a group dinner to save even more.

Pro Tip: Pack Smart

Use a wine sleeve or wrap bottles in clothing to prevent breakage. For soda, pack cans in a hard-sided cooler to avoid crushing.

4. Buy Duty-Free Liquor at Ports

One of the best-kept secrets for cheap drinks on Carnival? Buy duty-free liquor at ports of call. Here’s how it works:

Why It’s Cheaper

Alcohol sold at ports is often significantly cheaper than onboard prices. For example:

• 1L of rum: $15 at port vs. $30+ onboard.
• 1L of whiskey: $25 at port vs. $45+ onboard.

Plus, you can bring it back to your cabin and use it with your brought-on soda or mixers.

How to Do It Right

• Buy in the last port. Liquor bought at ports is held by Carnival until the last night of the cruise. If you buy early, you’ll have to carry it around all week.
• Stick to popular brands. Avoid rare or expensive bottles—stick to basics like Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, or Smirnoff.
• Check Carnival’s rules. You’re allowed to bring one bottle of duty-free liquor per person back to your cabin. Any extra is confiscated.

Pro Tip: Use a Mixer

Pair your duty-free liquor with brought-on soda or juice for custom cocktails. For example, mix rum with your brought-on cola for a DIY rum and Coke.

5. Smart Drinking Strategies Onboard

Even without a drink package, you can save big with a few smart habits. Here’s how to stretch your bar budget.

Order Smart

• Stick to well liquors. Cocktails made with well liquors (the house brands) are cheaper than premium ones. Ask for “well rum” or “house vodka” when ordering.
• Skip the extras. A “premium” cocktail with imported liqueurs or fresh fruit can cost $2-3 more. Stick to simple mixes.
• Share drinks. Some cocktails are large enough to split between two people. Just ask the bartender.

Time It Right

• Happy hour. As mentioned earlier, happy hour (5-7 PM) offers the best deals.
• Late-night bars. Some bars offer discounts after midnight. Check the daily planner for deals.
• Drinks with dinner. If you order wine or a cocktail at dinner, you’ll often get a better price than at the bar.

Use the Carnival Hub App

The app lists daily drink specials, bar hours, and happy hour times. It’s a must-have for budget-conscious cruisers.

Data Table: Carnival Drink Prices (2024)

Drink	Price (USD)	Happy Hour Price
Well Cocktail	$10.95	$5.50
Premium Cocktail	$13.95	$7.00
Domestic Beer	$7.95	$4.00
Imported Beer	$8.95	$4.50
Bottled Water	$3.95	N/A
Specialty Coffee	$4.95	N/A

6. Avoid the Sneaky Costs

Even with smart strategies, there are hidden costs that can sneak up on you. Here’s how to avoid them.

Gratuities (Service Charges)

Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity to all bar purchases. That’s $2+ on a $12 cocktail. To save:

• Tip in cash. If you’re happy with the service, tip $1-$2 in cash instead of the automatic charge.
• Pre-pay gratuities. If you’re booking a drink package, pre-paying gratuities (around $14.50 per day) can save you money.

Upselling at Bars

Bartenders might suggest “upgrading” to a premium drink or larger size. Politely decline—stick to what you want.

Mini-Bar Markup

The mini-bar in your cabin is convenient but expensive. A $5 soda onboard might cost $12 in the mini-bar. Bring your own or buy from the buffet.

Pro Tip: Track Your Spending

Use the Carnival Hub app to monitor your bar tab. If you’re approaching your budget, cut back or switch to free drinks.

So, how do we drink for cheap on Carnival Cruise Lines? It’s all about planning, timing, and knowing the rules. Skip the drink package unless you’re a heavy drinker, leverage free casino drinks and happy hour, bring your own wine and soda, buy duty-free liquor at ports, and avoid sneaky costs like gratuities and upselling. With these tips, you can enjoy the cruise experience without the financial hangover.

Remember, the goal isn’t to drink less—it’s to drink smarter. Whether you’re toasting at sunset, sipping a cocktail by the pool, or enjoying a quiet glass of wine in your cabin, these strategies will help you save money without sacrificing the fun. So pack your bags, raise a glass (of cheap rum), and set sail for an affordable adventure. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we drink for cheap on Carnival Cruise Lines without buying a drink package?

Skip the pricey drink packages and take advantage of free options like water, iced tea, lemonade, and basic coffee at the buffet. You can also bring your own alcohol (one bottle of wine per adult at embarkation) to enjoy in your room or during private events.

Does Carnival Cruise Lines offer happy hour or drink specials?

Yes! Carnival frequently runs “Cheers Happy Hour” with discounted drinks, especially during sail-away and late-night hours. Check the daily schedule for themed events like $5 margaritas or 2-for-1 cocktails.

What’s the cheapest way to buy alcohol on Carnival Cruise Lines?

Look for drink package promotions before your cruise—early bookings often get discounted rates. Alternatively, buy drinks during “drink of the day” sales, where cocktails cost as little as $5–$7.

Can we get free drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines?

While most alcohol costs extra, you’ll find complimentary options like soda, juice, and tap water at the Lido Market. Some specialty dining packages or loyalty perks (like Diamond/Platinum status) include free drinks.

Are there ways to save on drinks besides Carnival’s Cheers Package?

Absolutely. Use drink coupons from onboard promotions (e.g., bingo games) and order off-menu “well” drinks, which are cheaper than premium brands. Sharing a large drink or souvenir glass can also cut costs.

Do Carnival cruises allow us to bring our own alcohol?

Yes, but with limits: Each adult (21+) can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation. Beer and liquor are not allowed, but you can enjoy your wine in the dining room (corkage fee applies).