How Much Are Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line A Complete Guide

Drink prices on Carnival Cruise Line vary widely, from $2.50 for bottled water to over $15 for premium cocktails and specialty coffees. While basic non-alcoholic options are affordable, alcoholic drinks, wine, and drinks in souvenir glasses cost significantly more—especially without a beverage package. Planning ahead with a Cheers! alcohol package or knowing when happy hour deals apply can help you save big while enjoying your cruise.

Key Takeaways

• Drink prices vary: Expect $2–$15+ depending on beverage type and venue.
• Buy a package: Save with the Cheers! unlimited alcohol or soda packages.
• Non-alcoholic deals: Free water, tea, and coffee; mocktails cost $5–$8.
• Happy hour savings: Look for daily drink specials at bars and lounges.
• Bring your own: One bottle of wine per person allowed onboard.
• Gratuities included: 18–20% service charge added to all drink purchases.

How Much Are Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line: A Complete Guide

So, you’ve booked your Carnival cruise—congrats! Now, the real fun begins: planning your vacation down to the last detail. One of the biggest questions on every cruiser’s mind (especially if you’re a first-timer) 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 Alchemy Bar, or ordering a glass of wine with dinner, drink prices can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared.

I remember my first Carnival cruise. I was so focused on the excursions, the shows, and the food that I didn’t think about drinks. Then I got my final bill—yikes. A few cocktails and a few glasses of wine later, and my wallet felt lighter than a helium balloon. That’s why I’m sharing this guide: to help you avoid sticker shock and enjoy your vacation with peace of mind. From soda and bottled water to premium cocktails and wine, we’ll break down exactly what to expect when it comes to drink pricing on Carnival Cruise Line. Whether you’re budgeting tightly or just want to know your options, this guide has you covered.

Understanding Carnival’s Drink Pricing Model

Let’s start with the big picture. Carnival Cruise Line operates on a pay-as-you-go system for most drinks, meaning you’re charged per drink at the time of purchase. Unlike some luxury lines that include drinks in the fare, Carnival keeps base fares lower but gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you want on beverages.

Pay-As-You-Go vs. Drink Packages

The core of Carnival’s drink model is choice. You can choose to:

• Pay for each drink individually—ideal if you only want a few sodas, a cocktail at dinner, or a beer at the pool.
• Buy a drink package—best for heavy drinkers, families, or those who want unlimited access to a wide range of beverages.

I’ve tried both approaches. On my first cruise, I went pay-as-you-go and spent about $120 over five days (mostly on cocktails and wine). On my second, I bought the Bottomless Bubbles package for my kids and the Cheers! package for myself—and saved nearly $50 overall. The key is knowing your drinking habits before you board.

How Pricing Is Structured

Drink prices on Carnival are generally comparable to upscale bars on land, but with cruise-specific nuances:

• Prices are listed in U.S. dollars and include a 15% automatic gratuity (service charge).
• You don’t tip extra—Carnival handles that automatically.
• Prices are consistent across ships (though specialty bars may have unique offerings).
• You can view current menus and prices in the HUB app once onboard.

Pro tip: Download the Carnival HUB app before your cruise. It lets you check drink menus, prices, and even pre-order drinks at some venues—handy for avoiding long lines at the bar.

Where You Buy Matters

Not all bars are priced the same. A beer at the RedFrog Pub might cost the same as one at the main pool bar, but a craft cocktail at the Alchemy Bar or Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse will be pricier due to ingredients and preparation. For example:

• A domestic beer at the pool: $7.95
• A craft cocktail at Alchemy: $12.95
• The same beer at the steakhouse: $8.50

So, if you’re budget-conscious, stick to standard bars for everyday drinks and save the specialty spots for special occasions.

Individual Drink Prices: What to Expect Per Glass

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty: how much you’ll pay for individual drinks on Carnival. These are the most up-to-date prices (as of 2024), but keep in mind that Carnival reviews pricing annually, so always double-check once onboard.

Beer & Hard Seltzers

Beer lovers, rejoice! Carnival offers a solid selection, from domestic staples to international imports and craft brews.

• Domestic beer (Bud, Miller Lite, Coors Light): $7.95
• Import beer (Heineken, Corona, Guinness): $8.95
• Craft beer (Rotating selection, e.g., Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas): $8.95–$9.95
• Hard seltzers (White Claw, Truly, Bon & Viv): $8.50

Tip: The RedFrog Pub is your go-to for beer. They often have daily specials and a relaxed vibe. If you’re on a Carnival Horizon or newer ship, check out the RedFrog Brewery for fresh, onboard-brewed beers.

Cocktails & Mixed Drinks

This is where prices start to climb. Carnival’s mixologists craft everything from classic cocktails to over-the-top tropical creations.

• Classic cocktails (Martini, Old Fashioned, Mojito): $10.95–$12.95
• Tropical cocktails (Piña Colada, Blue Hawaiian, Miami Vice): $11.95–$13.95
• Frozen drinks (Daiquiri, Margarita, Strawberry Breeze): $10.95–$12.95
• Premium cocktails (Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555): $13.95–$16.95

Real talk: I once ordered a “Frozen Volcano” at the pool bar—three layers of frozen cocktails in a giant glass. It was $14.95, but it was also Instagram-worthy and lasted me two pool sessions. Worth it? For the experience, yes. For my budget? Maybe not every day.

Wine by the Glass

Wine drinkers, take note. Carnival’s wine list is surprisingly good, with options from California, France, Italy, and Australia.

• House wine (red, white, rosé): $9.95–$10.95
• Mid-tier wine (e.g., Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon): $12.95–$14.95
• Premium wine (e.g., Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley): $15.95–$19.95
• Sparkling wine / Champagne: $13.95–$24.95

Pro tip: Ask your dining room server for wine pairings. They’re happy to recommend a glass that complements your meal—and sometimes even offer a slight discount on a bottle if you order multiple glasses.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Don’t worry, non-drinkers and kids aren’t left out. Carnival has a wide range of non-alcoholic options.

• Soda (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite): $3.95
• Bottled water (16.9 oz): $3.50
• Juices (orange, apple, cranberry): $4.50
• Specialty mocktails (e.g., “Virgin Piña Colada”): $5.95–$7.95
• Specialty coffee (espresso, cappuccino): $4.95–$6.95

Note: Tap water, coffee, and tea at meals are free. You can also bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at hydration stations (usually near pools and gyms).

Carnival Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question: Should you buy a drink package? The answer depends on how much you plan to drink, your budget, and your preferences.

The Bottomless Bubbles Package

What it includes: Unlimited soda, bottled water, juices, and energy drinks (non-alcoholic).

• Price: $9.95 per person, per day
• Best for: Kids, non-drinkers, or families who want soda for everyone.

Is it worth it? Let’s do the math. If your child drinks 3 sodas a day at $3.95 each, that’s $11.85—more than the package. For two kids, it pays for itself in just over a day. Highly recommended for families.

The Cheers! Beverage Package

What it includes: Unlimited drinks up to $20 each, including beer, wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and premium coffee.

• Price: $59.95 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity)
• Best for: Adults who plan to drink 5–7 drinks per day.

Is it worth it? Let’s break it down:

• 5 cocktails at $12 each = $60
• 2 beers at $8 = $16
• 1 glass of wine at $13 = $13
• Total: $89

So yes—if you’re drinking more than 5 standard drinks a day, Cheers! pays for itself. But if you’re a light drinker (1–2 cocktails a day), it’s probably not worth it.

Important rules:

• You must buy the package for the entire cruise—no partial days.
• Everyone in the stateroom must buy it (if one adult buys, all adults must).
• You can’t use it for drinks over $20 (e.g., premium champagne).

Other Package Options

Carnival also offers:

• RedFrog Pub Package: $19.95/day for unlimited beer, rum, and RedFrog cocktails (only valid at RedFrog bars).
• Specialty Coffee Package: $19.95/day for unlimited espresso drinks (great for coffee lovers).

Tip: These niche packages are only worth it if you’re a dedicated fan of that particular venue or drink type.

How to Decide: Ask Yourself These Questions

• How many drinks do I usually have per day?
• Do I like trying new cocktails or sticking to beer/wine?
• Am I traveling with kids or non-drinkers?
• Do I want to avoid worrying about the bill at the end?

If you answered “yes” to most, a package might be right for you. If not, stick to pay-as-you-go.

Smart Tips to Save Money on Drinks

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy drinks on Carnival. Here are real, practical ways to save—based on my own experience and tips from seasoned cruisers.

Bring Your Own (With Limits)

Carnival allows you to bring:

• One 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person (no corkage fee if consumed in your stateroom).
• One 12-pack of non-alcoholic drinks (soda, water, juice).

Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at hydration stations. You’ll save $3.50 per bottle and help the environment.

Take Advantage of Free Options

You’d be surprised how much is free:

• Water: Tap water is safe and free at all bars and restaurants.
• Coffee & tea: Free at breakfast and dinner. Use the coffee machines in the Lido buffet.
• Fruit-infused water: Available at poolside hydration stations.
• Happy hours: Many bars offer 2-for-1 specials during certain times (check the HUB app).

Use Drink Vouchers & Promotions

Carnival often runs promotions:

• Early booking discounts: Save up to 20% on Cheers! if you buy 7+ days before sailing.
• Onboard credit deals: Some sailings include drink vouchers (e.g., “$100 OBC for drinks”).
• Group bookings: Traveling with 8+ people? Ask about group drink discounts.

Skip the Fancy Glasses & Extras

Want to save $2–$3 per drink? Avoid:

• Drinks in souvenir glasses (add $3–$5).
• Premium add-ons (e.g., “top-shelf” liquor, extra shots).
• Room service drinks (higher markup).

Real example: I once ordered a margarita in a “Carnival Margarita Glass” for $15.95. The same drink in a regular glass was $12.95. I kept the glass, but I could’ve bought it later at the gift shop for $8. Lesson learned!

Track Your Spending

Use the Carnival HUB app to monitor your drink purchases. You can see your daily spending and set a mental budget. No more “Wait, how much did I spend?!” at the end.

Special Considerations: Kids, Dietary Needs, and More

Not everyone drinks alcohol—and that’s okay. Carnival has options for every guest, including kids, pregnant travelers, and those with dietary restrictions.

Kids & Teens

Kids love drinks too! Carnival offers:

• Specialty mocktails: “Frozen Banana Breeze,” “Strawberry Smoothie,” “Blue Lagoon”—all $5.95–$7.95.
• Bottomless Bubbles: As mentioned, $9.95/day for unlimited soda and juice.
• Free milk & juice: At breakfast and dinner.

Tip: The kids’ mocktails are huge and often come with umbrellas and swizzle sticks. Perfect for poolside fun.

Non-Alcoholic & Low-Sugar Options

Carnival is improving its offerings for health-conscious guests:

• Zero-sugar sodas: Available upon request.
• Fresh juices: Made daily at the Lido buffet.
• Low-sugar mocktails: Ask bartenders for custom creations.
• Alcohol-free beer: Heineken 0.0, Beck’s Non-Alcoholic—$7.95.

Note: If you have dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, diabetic), talk to the head server in the dining room. They can coordinate with the bar staff for suitable options.

Pregnant Travelers & Sober Guests

Carnival is very accommodating. You can:

• Order non-alcoholic versions of any cocktail.
• Use the Bottomless Bubbles package for unlimited safe drinks.
• Enjoy free water, tea, and coffee at all times.

And if you’re in recovery or sober, the cruise director’s team can help connect you with support resources onboard.

Final Thoughts: Plan, Enjoy, Repeat

So, how much are drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? The short answer: It depends. A single cocktail might cost $12, while a full drink package could set you back $60 per day. But with smart planning, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank.

Here’s my final advice:

• Know your drinking habits before you board.
• Use free options (water, coffee, happy hours).
• Consider a package if you drink 5+ drinks daily.
• Bring your own wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Use the HUB app to track spending and find deals.

Remember, a Carnival cruise is about fun, relaxation, and making memories. Don’t let drink prices stress you out. With a little prep, you can sip that piña colada with a smile—and a clear conscience.

Now go enjoy your cruise. And maybe order that second cocktail. You’ve earned it.

Drink Price Comparison Table (2024)

Drink Type	Price Range (USD)	Best Value Option
Domestic Beer	$7.95	RedFrog Pub (happy hour)
Import Beer	$8.95	Pool bar (standard)
Craft Beer	$8.95–$9.95	RedFrog Brewery (fresh brew)
Classic Cocktail	$10.95–$12.95	Main bar (standard)
Frozen Cocktail	$10.95–$12.95	Pool bar (happy hour)
House Wine (glass)	$9.95–$10.95	Dining room (pairing)
Soda	$3.95	Bottomless Bubbles package
Bottled Water	$3.50	Bring your own + refill
Specialty Mocktail	$5.95–$7.95	Kids’ menu (fun size)
Cheers! Package	$59.95/day + 18% gratuity	Buy 7+ days pre-cruise for discount

Note: Prices include 15% gratuity. Subject to change. Check HUB app for latest menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line are competitively priced, with cocktails averaging $8–$12 and beers around $5–$7. Carnival often offers more affordable drink packages and daily specials compared to premium lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.

Is there a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line, and is it worth it?

Yes, Carnival offers the Cheers! Beverage Program for $59.95/day (pre-cruise discount available), covering most drinks under $20. It’s worth it if you plan to have 5+ alcoholic drinks daily or want unlimited soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee.

How much are non-alcoholic drinks on Carnival Cruise Line?

Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juices, and bottled water typically cost $2–$4 each. Carnival also offers a soda package for around $8.50/day, ideal for families or frequent soda drinkers.

Are there any free drinks on Carnival Cruise Line?

Yes, basic drinks like tap water, iced tea, coffee, and select juices are free at dining venues. However, specialty coffees, bottled drinks, and alcohol incur additional charges unless covered by a drink package.

Do Carnival drink prices vary by destination or bar?

Prices are standardized across most onboard bars, but specialty lounges (e.g., Alchemy Bar) may charge slightly more for craft cocktails. Drink prices remain consistent regardless of the cruise itinerary.

Can I bring my own drinks on Carnival Cruise Line to save money?

Carnival allows each guest to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne (carry-on only); all other alcohol is confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. Non-alcoholic drinks are restricted, so a drink package is often more cost-effective.