How Much Are Mixed Drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines Revealed

Mixed drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines typically range from $8 to $15, depending on the drink type, location, and whether you’re using a drink package. Premium cocktails and specialty beverages may cost more, but the CHEERS! beverage package offers unlimited options for a flat daily rate—ideal for frequent imbibers looking to maximize value.

Key Takeaways

• Mixed drinks start at $6: Affordable options available across all bars.
• Premium cocktails cost $10–$14: Higher-end liquors and craft mixes.
• Buy a drink package: Save money if consuming 5+ drinks daily.
• Happy hour discounts: Save 30–50% during select daily timeframes.
• Non-alcoholic options: Mocktails priced at $5–$7 for budget-friendly sips.
• Check for daily specials: Unique, lower-cost drinks featured each day.

How Much Are Mixed Drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines Revealed

Let’s be real—when you’re dreaming about your next Carnival cruise, visions of tropical beaches, poolside relaxation, and maybe a few (okay, several) colorful cocktails are probably dancing in your head. And honestly, who can blame you? Carnival’s vibrant atmosphere, lively entertainment, and endless onboard activities make it a top pick for vacationers who want fun, sun, and a little liquid courage to kick off the good times.

But before you start picturing yourself sipping a piña colada under a palm tree on the Lido Deck, you’re probably asking: how much are mixed drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines? It’s a fair question. After all, no one wants to be shocked by a $14 margarita when they were expecting something closer to $7. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a casual sipper, or someone just trying to budget wisely, knowing the real cost of drinks on a Carnival cruise can make or break your vacation experience. In this post, we’re diving deep—no fluff, no vague estimates—just straight talk about what you’ll actually pay for your favorite mixed drinks, how to save money, and what to expect from Carnival’s drink scene. So grab your favorite beverage (responsibly, of course), and let’s break it all down.

Understanding Carnival’s Drink Pricing Structure

Carnival doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to drink pricing. Instead, they use a tiered system based on the type of drink, where you buy it, and whether you’re using a drink package. This means your cocktail of choice could cost $9 at the pool bar but $12 in the main dining room. Confusing? A little. But once you understand the breakdown, you’ll be way ahead of the game.

Standard Mixed Drink Pricing

Most classic mixed drinks—think margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, rum runners, and piña coladas—fall into the $9 to $12 range on Carnival. This is the baseline for what you’ll pay at most onboard bars, including the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar, and poolside bars. For example:

• Classic Margarita (on the rocks): $9.50
• Mango Daiquiri: $10.50
• Strawberry Mojito: $11.00
• Painkiller (Caribbean favorite): $11.50
• Piña Colada (frozen): $11.75

These prices are consistent across most Carnival ships, though newer or larger vessels (like the Carnival Celebration or Mardi Gras) may have slightly higher prices due to premium ingredients or specialty bars. Still, the $9–$12 range is a solid benchmark.

Premium and Specialty Cocktails

If you’re looking for something fancier—like craft cocktails, infused spirits, or drinks with premium liquor—expect to pay more. These are typically found at specialty bars such as the Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Pub, or Mixx Bar. Prices here range from $12 to $16, depending on the complexity and ingredients.

For example:

• Alchemy Bar’s “Smoked Old Fashioned”: $14.50 (includes house-infused bourbon, bitters, and a theatrical presentation)
• RedFrog Pub’s “Frog’s Punch” (tropical rum blend): $13.75
• Mixx Bar’s “Cosmo 2.0” (vodka, elderflower, prosecco): $13.00

These drinks are pricier, but many cruisers say the experience—especially at the Alchemy Bar, where bartenders act like mad scientists—is worth the extra cost. It’s not just a drink; it’s a show.

Location Matters: Where You Buy Affects the Price

Here’s a pro tip: where you order your drink can change the price. Carnival often charges more for the same cocktail in certain locations. For instance:

• Poolside or Lido Deck bars: $9–$11 (most affordable)
• Main dining room or specialty restaurants: $11–$13 (slightly higher due to service and ambiance)
• Specialty bars (Alchemy, RedFrog, etc.): $12–$16 (premium pricing)
• Room service: $12–$15 + delivery fee (least cost-effective)

So if you’re watching your budget, stick to the casual bars during the day and save the specialty spots for a splurge night. Also, note that drink prices don’t include gratuity. Carnival automatically adds a 15% service charge to all drink purchases, which is standard across the cruise industry. That means your $10 cocktail actually costs $11.50 after the tip.

The Role of Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

Ah, the million-dollar question (or at least the $50-a-day question): Should you get a Carnival drink package? The answer depends on your drinking habits, budget, and how much you value convenience. Carnival offers several packages, but the most popular one for mixed drink lovers is the Bottomless Bubbles and Cheers! programs.

Cheers! Beverage Program: The Mixed Drink Game-Changer

The Cheers! package is Carnival’s all-inclusive drink option. As of 2024, it costs $59.95 per person, per day (plus a 15% gratuity), and it covers:

• All drinks up to $20 in value (including premium cocktails)
• Unlimited beer, wine, spirits, soda, and specialty coffee
• 50% off bottles of wine (over $50)
• Free bottled water and energy drinks

For mixed drinks, this is huge. Remember those $14 Alchemy Bar cocktails? With Cheers!, they’re free—as long as they’re under $20 (which most are). Even the $16 “Smoked Old Fashioned” is covered.

But is it worth the $60/day price tag? Let’s do the math:

• 5 standard cocktails at $10 each = $50
• 2 premium cocktails at $14 each = $28
• Total: $78

That’s already $18 over the daily cost of Cheers!—and we didn’t even include wine, soda, or coffee. If you plan to have 3+ drinks a day, especially premium ones, Cheers! almost always pays for itself.

Bottomless Bubbles: For the Light Sippers

If you’re more of a casual drinker—say, one cocktail at dinner and a soda by the pool—Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package might be a better fit. At $13.95 per day, it includes:

• Unlimited soda, juices, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Free bottled water and energy drinks
• 50% off alcoholic drinks (including mixed drinks)

That last point is key: with Bottomless Bubbles, your $10 cocktail becomes $5. So if you’re having 2–3 drinks a day, you’re saving $10–$15 daily. But if you’re a heavy drinker, Cheers! is still the better deal.

Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package

If you do buy a package, here’s how to get the most value:

• Buy early: Cheers! is often discounted if purchased before the cruise (sometimes up to 20% off).
• Use it for premium drinks: Save your package for high-end cocktails, not $9 margaritas.
• Share with a partner: If you and your spouse both drink, split a Cheers! package (it’s per-person, but you can coordinate).
• Check for promotions: Carnival sometimes offers “buy one, get one free” on drink packages during certain sailings.

One downside: Cheers! has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day. It’s rare to hit that cap (that’s a drink every 90 minutes!), but it’s good to know.

Non-Package Drink Strategies: How to Save Without a Plan

Not ready to commit to a $60/day package? No worries. There are plenty of ways to enjoy Carnival’s mixed drinks without blowing your budget. Here are some tried-and-true strategies from cruisers who’ve been there, sipped that.

Happy Hour Deals and Daily Specials

Carnival runs daily drink specials, often called “Happy Hour” or “Cocktail of the Day”. These typically run from 4–6 PM and feature:

• Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) cocktails
• $5–$7 mixed drinks (half the regular price)
• Free appetizers with drink purchase

For example, during a recent 7-day cruise, the Lido Deck offered a “Tropical Sunset Special”: buy one $10 piña colada, get one free. That’s $5 per drink—a steal!

To find these deals:

• Check the Carnival Hub app daily (it lists all onboard events and specials)
• Look for flyers at guest services
• Ask bartenders—they often know about unadvertised deals

Stick to Classic Cocktails

Fancy drinks cost more. If you’re watching your wallet, stick to standard recipes like:

• Margarita (tequila, lime, triple sec)
• Piña Colada (rum, coconut, pineapple)
• Daiquiri (rum, lime, sugar)
• Old Fashioned (whiskey, bitters, sugar)

These use common ingredients and are usually priced at the lower end of the scale. Avoid drinks with premium spirits (like Grey Goose or Patron) or rare mixers (like elderflower liqueur), which can push the price to $14+.

Use Cash or Pre-Pay for Drinks

Here’s a psychological trick: pre-pay for a set number of drinks. For example, if you budget $100 for cocktails, buy $100 in drink coupons before the cruise (Carnival sells these online). Once the money’s gone, you’re done. This helps avoid “just one more” syndrome.

Alternatively, use a separate credit card just for drinks. It’s easier to track spending when it’s not mixed with souvenirs and excursions.

Free Alternatives and Non-Alcoholic Options

Don’t forget: non-alcoholic drinks are often free or very cheap on Carnival. You can get:

• Unlimited soda, iced tea, and coffee (free at dining rooms and bars)
• Free water stations (refill your bottle)
• Mocktails for $6–$8 (same recipes as cocktails, just no alcohol)

So if you’re cutting back, a virgin piña colada at $6 is way cheaper than the $11.75 alcoholic version—and just as refreshing.

Special Events, Themed Nights, and Premium Experiences

Carnival isn’t just about casual sipping—they go all out for themed nights, special events, and premium experiences that can affect drink pricing (and your enjoyment).

Captain’s Night and Formal Evenings

On formal nights, drinks in the main dining room and specialty restaurants often cost $1–$2 more than usual. That’s because the ambiance, service, and presentation are elevated. For example:

• Regular margarita at Lido: $9.50
• Same margarita at dinner: $11.00

But here’s the good news: Carnival often includes a free welcome cocktail during Captain’s Night. It’s usually a signature drink (like a “Captain’s Punch”) and is a nice perk—especially if you’re not on a drink package.

Specialty Bars and Themed Events

Carnival’s newer ships feature themed bars and events that can be pricey but are worth it for the experience. For example:

• RedFrog Pub’s “Frog Hour”: BOGO drinks every afternoon (great deal)
• Alchemy Bar’s “Mixology Class”: $25 per person (includes 3 cocktails and a take-home recipe book)
• “Carnival Cocktail Challenge”: A fun competition where winners get free drinks

These aren’t everyday options, but they’re perfect for a special night. And if you’re on Cheers!, most of these events are free (though classes may have a small fee).

Port Day vs. Sea Day Pricing

Here’s a lesser-known tip: drink prices are often lower on port days. Why? Because Carnival wants you to stay onboard and spend money while others are ashore. So if you’re in Nassau or Cozumel, head back early for a $7 “Port Day Special” cocktail.

Conversely, on sea days, prices are standard—but the bars are busier, so you might get faster service if you order simpler drinks.

Real Data: A Week-Long Cruise Drink Cost Breakdown

To give you a real-world example, let’s look at a 7-day Carnival cruise with a couple (2 adults) and their actual drink spending. We’ll compare no package, Bottomless Bubbles, and Cheers! options.

Drink Type	Quantity (per person)	Price (No Package)	Cost (Bottomless Bubbles)	Cost (Cheers!)
Standard Cocktails	14 (2/day)	$140 ($10 avg)	$70 ($5 after 50% off)	$0 (covered)
Premium Cocktails	6 (special nights)	$84 ($14 avg)	$42 ($7 after 50% off)	$0 (covered)
Soda/Water	Unlimited	$35 (est.)	$0 (covered)	$0 (covered)
Wine at Dinner	7 glasses	$56 ($8 avg)	$28 (50% off)	$0 (covered)
Total (per person)		$315	$140	$0
Total (2 people)		$630	$280	$0
Package Cost (2 people)		N/A	$195 ($13.95 x 7 x 2)	$839 ($59.95 x 7 x 2 + 15% gratuity)
Net Savings		N/A	$85 ($280 – $195)	-$209 ($0 – $839)

Note: Negative savings mean you spent more on the package than you would have without it. But if the couple had 10+ premium drinks, Cheers! would have saved them $100+.

This breakdown shows that Bottomless Bubbles is a smart middle ground for moderate drinkers, while Cheers! is only worth it for heavy drinkers or those who love premium cocktails. If you’re not sure, estimate your consumption and run the numbers.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Fun and Budget on Carnival

So, how much are mixed drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines? The short answer: $9 to $16 per drink, depending on type, location, and time of day. But the real answer is more nuanced. It depends on your drinking style, your budget, and whether you’re willing to plan ahead.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of cruising: Carnival makes it easy to spend—but also easy to save. If you’re smart, you can enjoy amazing cocktails without feeling guilty about the cost. Use happy hour deals, stick to classic recipes, and consider a drink package if you’re a regular sipper. And remember: the goal is to have fun, not to max out your credit card.

At the end of the day, a Carnival cruise is about experiences. That piña colada at sunset, the mojito during a live band set, the shared laugh over a silly cocktail name—those are the memories that last. Whether you pay $9 or $14 for that drink, what matters is the moment. So sip wisely, savor the flavor, and enjoy every second of your Carnival adventure. Cheers to that! 🍹

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are mixed drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines?

Mixed drinks on Carnival Cruise Lines typically range from $6 to $15, depending on the type of cocktail and premium ingredients. Specialty or branded cocktails (e.g., Patron or Grey Goose) usually cost more.

Do Carnival drink packages include mixed drinks?

Yes, the Cheers! Beverage Program includes most mixed drinks under $15, along with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. It’s a cost-effective choice if you plan to have multiple cocktails daily.

Are there any discounts for mixed drinks on Carnival?

Carnival often offers drink specials during happy hours or themed events, with select mixed drinks priced at $5–$7. Check your daily cruise planner for promotions.

What’s the average cost of a cocktail without a drink package?

Without a package, standard mixed drinks like margaritas or mojitos average $9–$12. Premium liquors and souvenir glasses can push prices higher.

Can I bring my own alcohol and avoid mixed drink prices?

Carnival prohibits bringing alcohol onboard (except wine/champagne, with a corkage fee). Packaged drinks or duty-free purchases are the only alternatives to onboard pricing.

Are gratuities included in Carnival’s mixed drink prices?

No, a 15–18% automatic gratuity is added to all mixed drink purchases. This tip supports the bartenders and service staff.