How Much Are Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

Drink prices on Carnival Cruise Line vary widely, from $2 for bottled water to over $15 for premium cocktails and wine. Most standard cocktails and beers range between $6–$10, with savings available through drink packages like the Cheers! Beverage Program, which can pay off for frequent imbibers. Always check current pricing and package terms before sailing to maximize value.

Key Takeaways

• Drink prices vary: Expect $5–$15 for cocktails, depending on type and venue.
• Save with packages: Beverage packages offer discounts for frequent drinkers onboard.
• Free options available: Water, tea, and coffee are complimentary at most bars.
• Happy hour deals: Take advantage of daily drink specials to cut costs.
• Premium drinks cost more: Specialty cocktails and top-shelf liquor exceed $15 each.

How Much Are Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line: An Overview

When planning a vacation on Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: How much are drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? Whether you’re sipping a piña colada by the pool, enjoying a craft beer at the RedFrog Pub, or toasting with a glass of champagne at dinner, the cost of beverages can significantly impact your overall cruise budget. Understanding Carnival’s drink pricing, package options, and onboard policies is essential to avoid unexpected expenses and maximize your vacation enjoyment.

Carnival Cruise Line, known for its fun, vibrant atmosphere and “Fun Ships,” offers a wide variety of drink choices—from soft drinks and bottled water to premium cocktails, wines, and specialty coffees. The pricing structure is tiered, with options for both à la carte purchases and all-inclusive drink packages. Unlike some luxury lines where drinks are included in the fare, Carnival operates on a pay-as-you-go model with flexible add-ons. This guide will reveal the actual costs of drinks on Carnival Cruise Line, break down the various beverage packages, and provide insider tips to help you save money while still enjoying your favorite libations at sea.

À La Carte Drink Pricing on Carnival Cruise Line

For cruisers who prefer to pay for drinks individually rather than committing to a package, Carnival offers a transparent à la carte pricing system. While prices can vary slightly by ship, itinerary, and even time of day (happy hour specials!), the following ranges reflect current standard pricing across the fleet as of 2024. These prices are per drink and typically include gratuity (a 15% service charge is automatically added to all bar purchases).

Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, and Juices

• Fountain Soda: $2.50–$3.00 (unlimited refills at self-serve stations)
• Bottled Soda (Coke, Pepsi, etc.): $3.00–$3.50
• Bottled Water (500ml): $3.50–$4.00
• Sparkling Water (Perrier, San Pellegrino): $4.50–$5.00
• Fresh Juices (Orange, Cranberry, Pineapple): $4.00–$5.00
• Premium Juices (Pomegranate, Acai, etc.): $5.50–$6.50

Tip: Carnival provides complimentary tap water and iced tea at all dining venues, buffets, and self-serve stations. You can also bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at hydration stations—this is a great way to save on bottled water costs.

Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, Wine, and Cocktails

• Domestic Beer (12 oz): $5.50–$6.50
• Import/Specialty Beer (12 oz): $6.00–$7.50
• Draft Beer (16 oz): $7.00–$8.50
• Red/White Wine (5 oz glass): $8.00–$12.00
• Premium Wine (5 oz glass): $12.00–$18.00
• House Wine (by the bottle): $28.00–$35.00
• Premium Wine (by the bottle): $40.00–$75.00+
• Standard Cocktails (margarita, mojito, daiquiri): $9.00–$11.00
• Premium Cocktails (top-shelf liquor, craft mixers): $12.00–$16.00
• Martinis & Specialty Cocktails: $13.00–$18.00
• Frozen Cocktails (pina colada, strawberry daiquiri): $10.00–$13.00

Example: A couple enjoying two glasses of wine at dinner ($10 each), a shared bottle of house wine ($32), and two frozen cocktails at the pool ($12 each) would spend approximately $76 in one day—not including gratuity, which adds about $11.40. Over a 7-day cruise, this could total nearly $540 for just two people.

Specialty Coffee and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

• Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte: $3.50–$5.00
• Specialty Coffee Drinks (caramel macchiato, mocha): $5.00–$6.50
• Smoothies & Frappés: $6.00–$8.00
• Mocktails (virgin daiquiri, virgin mojito): $6.00–$8.00
• Premium Non-Alcoholic Beverages (CBD drinks, kombucha): $7.00–$9.00

While Carnival doesn’t offer a free coffee package, the JavaBlue Coffee Card (discussed below) can help reduce costs for daily coffee drinkers.

Carnival Drink Packages: Which One Is Right for You?

To simplify drink costs and encourage spending, Carnival offers several all-you-can-drink packages tailored to different preferences. These packages can be purchased pre-cruise (at a discounted rate) or onboard (at a higher price). The key is determining whether the package will save you money based on your drinking habits.

Cheers! Beverage Package

The Cheers! Package is Carnival’s flagship unlimited drink program. It includes:

• All alcoholic drinks up to $20 per drink (including cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits)
• Unlimited soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and non-alcoholic cocktails
• 15% discount on bottles of wine over $20
• Free soft drinks for children under 18 (with adult purchase)

Pricing (2024): $59.95 per person, per day (pre-cruise), $69.95 (onboard). A 15% gratuity is added automatically.

Break-even point: You need to consume 6–7 standard drinks per day to justify the cost. For example, if you have two cocktails ($10 each), a glass of wine ($10), a beer ($6), and two sodas ($3 each), that’s $32 in drinks—well below the package cost. But if you enjoy multiple premium cocktails, wine with dinner, and a few poolside drinks, the savings add up fast.

Tip: The package is per person, per day and must be purchased for every day of the cruise (including port days). It’s only available for guests 21+; minors get unlimited soft drinks for free.

Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package

Ideal for families or non-drinkers, the Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited fountain sodas, iced tea, lemonade, and juices.

• Pricing: $9.95 per person, per day (pre-cruise), $11.95 (onboard)
• Includes: All fountain drinks at bars, dining rooms, and self-serve stations

Break-even point: If you drink more than 3–4 sodas per day, this package pays for itself. For families with kids, it’s often worth the cost.

JavaBlue Coffee Card

For coffee lovers, the JavaBlue Card provides 15 specialty coffee drinks (espresso, latte, cappuccino, etc.) for a flat rate.

• Pricing: $39.95 (pre-cruise), $44.95 (onboard)
• Value: Each drink costs about $2.67 with the card vs. $5–$6 à la carte

Break-even point: 7–8 specialty coffees. If you drink coffee twice daily, the card saves you money by day 4.

Tips for Maximizing Drink Package Value

• Buy early: Pre-cruise pricing saves $10–$15 per package.
• Check for promotions: Carnival often offers “buy 4 days, get 2 free” deals or discounts for loyalty members.
• Share with a group: The Cheers! package isn’t transferable, but you can coordinate with travel companions to share costs.
• Use on port days: The package covers drinks even when you’re off the ship at Carnival’s private islands (e.g., Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays).
• Watch for exclusions: Premium bottles (e.g., Dom Pérignon), mini-bar items, and room service drinks aren’t included.

Happy Hour, Drink Specials, and Free Beverages

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous opportunities to enjoy drinks at reduced prices or even for free. Savvy cruisers can stretch their budgets by taking advantage of these promotions.

Daily Happy Hour

From 4–6 PM daily, most bars offer happy hour specials, including:

• Buy One, Get One Free on select cocktails and beer
• $2 off premium cocktails
• 50% off bottled beer and house wine

Example: Two $11 mojitos during happy hour cost $11 total instead of $22. That’s a $11 savings—enough to cover a soda and a snack.

Free Beverages Included in Your Fare

Not everything on Carnival requires a purchase. Complimentary drinks include:

• Tap water (available at all bars, dining rooms, and hydration stations)
• Iced tea, lemonade, coffee, and hot tea (self-serve in dining areas)
• Juice (at breakfast buffets)
• Non-alcoholic cocktails (on request at bars)
• Wine with lunch/dinner (one glass per person, per meal—varies by itinerary)

Tip: Always ask, “Is there a free non-alcoholic drink option?” Many bars will offer a complimentary soda, iced tea, or water with your order.

Special Event Drink Deals

Carnival hosts themed nights (e.g., RedFrog Rum Party, Margarita Monday) with discounted or free drinks:

• RedFrog Pub: Free 16 oz draft beer during the 10 PM “Beer O’Clock” event
• Margarita Bar: $1 off all margaritas on Mondays
• Wine Tastings: Free samples during onboard wine seminars (usually $15–$25 to attend, but includes 5–6 tastings)

Insider Tip: Attend the Welcome Aboard Party on embarkation day—many ships offer free welcome drinks (often a signature cocktail or glass of wine).

Bringing Your Own Drinks: Rules and Strategies

Unlike some cruise lines, Carnival allows guests to bring certain drinks onboard—but with strict limits. Knowing the rules can help you save money without violating policy.

Alcohol Policy

• At embarkation: You may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person (21+). Additional bottles will be held and returned on the last night.
• At private islands: You can bring one 12-pack of beer or soda per person from Carnival’s private islands (e.g., Half Moon Cay).
• At international ports: Alcohol purchased in ports is not allowed in your cabin. It will be confiscated and returned on the last night.

Tip: Bring your wine to dinner and ask for a corkage fee waiver. Most waiters will waive the $15–$25 fee if you buy a drink at the bar.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Water, soda, and juice: You may bring up to 12 sealed, non-alcoholic beverages (12 oz or less) per person at embarkation.
• Refillable containers: Allowed, but must be empty when boarding.

Strategy: Pack a reusable water bottle and fill it at hydration stations. Bring a few cans of soda or juice to avoid buying expensive bottled drinks on port days.

Mini-Bar and Room Service

The in-cabin mini-bar is not included in any drink package. Prices are steep:

• Beer: $7.00
• Wine: $12.00
• Soda/Water: $3.50

Room service drinks are similarly priced. Skip the mini-bar—visit the Lido Deck bar or use your drink package instead.

Data Table: Carnival Drink Costs at a Glance

Drink Category	Item	Price Range	Package Included?	Break-Even Tip
Non-Alcoholic	Fountain Soda	$2.50–$3.00	Yes (Cheers!, Bottomless Bubbles)	3+ sodas/day
	Bottled Water	$3.50–$4.00	Yes (Cheers!)	2+ bottles/day
	Specialty Coffee	$5.00–$6.50	Yes (Cheers!), JavaBlue Card	JavaBlue: 7+ coffees
Alcoholic	Domestic Beer	$5.50–$6.50	Yes (Cheers!)	6+ drinks/day
	House Wine	$8.00–$12.00	Yes (Cheers!)	5+ glasses/day
	Standard Cocktail	$9.00–$11.00	Yes (Cheers!)	6+ cocktails/day
	Premium Cocktail	$12.00–$16.00	Yes (Cheers!)	4+ premium drinks/day
Happy Hour	BOGO Cocktails	$0–$11.00	No (but package holders benefit)	Visit 4–6 PM daily
Free Drinks	Tap Water, Iced Tea	$0	Always free	Use self-serve stations

Conclusion: Smart Strategies for Managing Drink Costs on Carnival

So, how much are drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? The answer depends on your preferences, habits, and willingness to plan ahead. À la carte prices range from $2.50 for a soda to $18 for a premium cocktail, with most drinks falling between $5 and $12. While it’s easy to spend $50–$100 per person daily on drinks, Carnival offers multiple ways to control costs and enhance value.

For heavy drinkers, the Cheers! Package is often the best investment—especially when purchased pre-cruise and used on port days. Families should consider Bottomless Bubbles for kids, while coffee enthusiasts will love the JavaBlue Card. Don’t forget to leverage happy hour deals, free beverages, and BYO policies to stretch your budget further.

Ultimately, the key to enjoying drinks on Carnival without breaking the bank is balance: mix paid drinks with free options, use packages wisely, and take advantage of promotions. Whether you’re toasting at sunset, sipping a latte by the pool, or sharing a bottle of wine at dinner, Carnival’s drink scene is designed to be fun, flexible, and—with the right strategy—affordable. So raise a glass (responsibly!) and enjoy every moment of your Carnival cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are drinks on Carnival Cruise Line compared to other cruise lines?

Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line are generally mid-range in price, with alcoholic beverages like beer averaging $5–$8 and cocktails $9–$12. Carnival’s prices are slightly lower than premium lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean) but higher than budget-focused options like Norwegian’s drink packages.

Does Carnival Cruise Line offer a drink package, and is it worth it?

Yes, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles (soda/juice) and Cheers! (alcohol) packages start at $25–$60/day. The Cheers! package pays for itself after 4–5 drinks daily, making it ideal for heavy drinkers or families with teens.

Are non-alcoholic drinks free on Carnival Cruise Line?

Basic non-alcoholic options like water, iced tea, coffee, and lemonade are complimentary at dining venues. Specialty drinks (e.g., smoothies, bottled soda) and the Bottomless Bubbles package ($10.95/day) cost extra.

How much are cocktails on Carnival Cruise Line during happy hour?

Happy hour (typically 5–7 PM) offers 50% off select cocktails, bringing prices down to $4–$6. Themed bars like RedFrog Pub or Alchemy Bar often feature exclusive discounted drinks during these times.

Can I bring my own drinks on Carnival Cruise Line?

Guests 21+ can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person at boarding; additional bottles incur a $15 corkage fee. Beer, hard liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks are prohibited and confiscated at security.

Do Carnival drink prices change during peak seasons?

Base drink prices remain consistent year-round, but specialty cocktails or limited-time promotions may cost more during holidays or themed cruises. The Cheers! package price also increases during high-demand sailings.