Remember the excitement of planning that Carnival cruise back in 2019? Sun, sea, and relaxation were the goals! But between the shore excursions and onboard activities, understanding the budget, especially for beverages, was key. Many people ask, how much do drinks cost on Carnival cruise 2019? This article dives deep into the 2019 drink prices on Carnival cruises, helping you understand what to expect (before all the recent changes) and how to budget for your next vacation, giving a historical perspective. We’ll cover everything from individual drink prices to the popular Cheers! package.
Carnival Cruise Line Drink Prices in 2019
This section breaks down the drink prices prevalent on Carnival cruises during 2019. Understanding these costs allows one to gauge the value of drink packages and helps budget accordingly, especially considering how much prices have changed since then. By examining typical costs, future cruisers can make informed choices to enhance their onboard experience without unexpected expenses.
Individual Drink Costs
Individual drinks are the a la carte option. This is the method you should go for if you’re an infrequent drinker or just want a couple of drinks on a sea day.
- Beer: Expect to pay around $6.50 – $7.50 for a domestic beer like Bud Light or Coors Light. Imported beers and craft beers might range from $7.00 to $8.50.
- Cocktails: Mixed drinks, such as margaritas, daiquiris, and rum punches, typically cost between $9.50 and $12.00. Premium cocktails or those with top-shelf liquor can be higher.
- Wine: Wine prices vary depending on the type and brand. You can typically find glasses of house wine starting around $8.50, while premium wines by the glass could be $12 or more. Bottles of wine are also available.
- Sodas and Juices: These non-alcoholic beverages usually cost around $2.50 – $3.50 each.
Domestic beers, being more widely available and cheaper to acquire, naturally land in a lower price range. Imported beers, due to additional transportation and handling costs, generally command a slightly higher price. For those with a taste for craft beers, unique brewing methods and premium ingredients often lead to an elevated price point.
The pricing of cocktails reflects the intricacy of their preparation and the quality of ingredients used. Simple mixes with standard liquors sit at the lower end of the range. However, when bartenders use premium spirits or craft unique flavor combinations, the price naturally increases. The skill and artistry of the mixologist also factor into the overall price of these beverages.
Wine pricing closely aligns with the variety and vintage of the wine, influencing its market value. House wines, often more common and accessible, start at a modest price, offering an accessible entry point for wine enthusiasts. Premium wines, sourced from renowned vineyards and expertly aged, understandably fetch higher prices due to their exclusivity and exquisite qualities.
Sodas and juices are generally priced at the lower end of the scale, appealing to a broad customer base. These refreshments, readily available and conveniently packaged, offer a budget-friendly option for those seeking a simple thirst quencher. Their affordability makes them a common choice for individuals and families alike looking to stay hydrated during their vacation.
The Carnival Cheers! Drink Package (2019)
The Cheers! package was Carnival’s all-inclusive drink package that included most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Understanding the terms and conditions is vital before purchasing to ensure it aligns with your expected consumption patterns. Weighing the cost against your average drink consumption can reveal the value it holds for your voyage.
- Price: The Cheers! package typically cost around $51.95 per person, per day, plus an 18% gratuity, if purchased before the cruise. Purchasing onboard usually resulted in a higher daily rate.
- Inclusions: The package included almost all drinks up to $20, including cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
- Restrictions: Each adult in the cabin had to purchase the package if one person did. There was a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per person.
The pricing of the Cheers! package considers factors like beverage variety, daily consumption limits, and the overall duration of the cruise. Carnival structured its pricing to offer both convenience and value for frequent drinkers. Early purchase of the package typically unlocks more favorable rates, encouraging cruisers to commit in advance.
The Cheers! package encompassed a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, catering to varied preferences. This inclusive offer, set at a specific price point, gives cruisers the freedom to explore a diverse selection of beverages without incurring individual costs. This also allows them to indulge in a wider range of options to enhance their vacation experience.
The stipulations behind the Cheers! package ensure fair usage and responsible consumption. Requiring all adults in the same cabin to opt-in prevents sharing and maintains consistency. The imposition of a daily alcohol limit encourages moderate drinking habits, promoting a positive experience for all guests. These controls strike a balance between providing value and ensuring responsible practices.
Comparing the Cheers! Package to Individual Drinks
Here we’ll examine a realistic scenario to determine at what point the Cheers! package becomes more cost-effective than paying for drinks individually. A few drinks each day may quickly add up to the cost of the package, or you could come out ahead by paying for each drink separately.
- Break-Even Point: To break even on the Cheers! package, you needed to consume approximately 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day (at the average price of $10 per drink, including gratuity).
- Light Drinker vs. Heavy Drinker: If you only plan to have a drink or two per day, paying for individual drinks is likely more economical. However, if you anticipate enjoying multiple cocktails, beers, or glasses of wine throughout the day, the Cheers! package is the better value.
- Other Considerations: Consider the length of your cruise. On longer cruises, the Cheers! package becomes increasingly beneficial if you drink consistently. Also, factor in non-alcoholic beverages, as these are also included in the package.
The break-even point of the Cheers! package centers on how many alcoholic beverages one must consume to justify the price. Calculating this number requires factoring in the daily cost of the package, including gratuities. It provides a clear guideline for cruisers to assess whether their average consumption aligns with the package’s potential benefits. It is an important analysis to determine value.
The choice between the Cheers! package and individual drinks boils down to one’s drinking habits. For individuals who partake in a drink or two occasionally, the cost of the package may outweigh the convenience. On the other hand, for those planning to indulge in several alcoholic beverages, the package can offer financial advantages and freedom from tab tracking. Knowing your consumption patterns is crucial.
Cruise duration plays a pivotal role in assessing the value of the Cheers! package. On longer cruises, the cumulative costs of individual drinks can far exceed the price of the package, making it more economical. Factoring in non-alcoholic beverages, such as sodas and juices, can further enhance the package’s value, especially for individuals who enjoy a variety of refreshments.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
This section presents practical tips and tricks to reduce your onboard beverage expenses without sacrificing your vacation enjoyment. These options can make your cruising adventure more affordable while allowing you to indulge in select beverages.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Taking advantage of happy hour can stretch your dollar a little further when purchasing drinks.
- Find the Specials: Many Carnival bars offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Check the daily schedule for times and locations.
- Time it Right: Plan your drinks around happy hour to maximize savings.
Carnival’s bars regularly host happy hour specials, providing opportunities to enjoy select drinks at reduced prices. Scanning the daily schedule ensures timely information on when and where these specials occur. This practice allows budget-conscious cruisers to savor their favorite beverages without breaking the bank.
Strategizing your drink consumption around happy hour times allows you to optimize your savings. By aligning your beverage choices with discounted periods, you can enjoy more drinks while staying within your budget. Planning can significantly enhance your overall value proposition and make your cruising experience more affordable.
Bring Your Own Wine (With Corkage Fee)
Some passengers take advantage of the option to bring a limited amount of their own wine onboard, offering more control over costs and wine preferences.
- Carnival’s Policy: Carnival allows guests to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) in their carry-on luggage.
- Corkage Fee: If you consume your wine in the dining room or another public area, a corkage fee (typically around $15 per bottle) will apply.
Carnival’s wine policy permits guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per adult, subject to age restrictions. This allowance gives cruisers the freedom to select their favorite wines and enjoy them in the privacy of their stateroom. This is a welcome option for those seeking a personalized touch to their vacation experience.
Carnival applies a corkage fee for wine consumed in dining rooms or public areas to account for service and glassware. This fee, which averages around $15 per bottle, helps cover costs associated with providing service and amenities. It’s a reasonable compromise that allows guests to enjoy their own wine while supporting the onboard staff.
Purchase a Soda Package
For non-alcoholic drinkers or those who consume a lot of soda, the soda package can be more cost-effective than buying individual drinks.
- Unlimited Soda: Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package provides unlimited fountain sodas and juices throughout the cruise.
- Cost-Effective for Soda Lovers: If you drink multiple sodas a day, this package can save you money compared to buying individual cans or glasses.
Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package is a great option for those who prefer sodas and juices. This package provides unlimited access to fountain drinks throughout the cruise. It offers a refreshing and budget-friendly way to stay hydrated, enhancing the cruise experience for soda enthusiasts.
The Bottomless Bubbles package becomes an economical choice for individuals who frequently consume sodas. The investment in the package allows unlimited access to fountain drinks. This can result in significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual beverages throughout the cruise.
Alternatives to the Cheers! Package
For those who don’t find the Cheers! package a good fit, exploring alternative ways to enjoy beverages on board is key. From focusing on complimentary options to strategically purchasing individual drinks, there are methods to tailor your experience. These strategies can offer greater control over your spending and a more personalized selection of drinks.
Focusing on Complimentary Beverages
On Carnival cruises, free beverages are available at various locations, offering opportunities to stay refreshed without additional costs. These options include basics like water, tea, and select juices during specific hours.
- Water, Tea, and Coffee: Complimentary water, tea, and coffee are available at the Lido deck beverage stations and in the dining room.
- Juice at Breakfast: Complimentary juice is available during breakfast hours in the buffet and dining room.
Carnival makes complimentary water, tea, and coffee available at convenient locations. The Lido deck beverage stations offer convenient access to these essential refreshments. These free options allow guests to stay hydrated and refreshed, saving money on individual beverage purchases.
Complimentary juice during breakfast hours provides a refreshing start to the day. These juices, readily available in the buffet and dining room, allow cruisers to enjoy a variety of flavors. This can also reduce the need to purchase extra beverages early in the morning.
Strategic Individual Drink Purchases
Planning and timing your drink purchases strategically can help you manage your expenses. Consider buying a drink at a discount when available and prioritizing drinks you truly enjoy.
- Buy During Specials: Look for daily drink specials at different bars around the ship.
- Prioritize Your Drinks: Decide which drinks are most important to you and purchase those, while sticking to complimentary options for the rest.
Taking advantage of daily drink specials at various bars can help cruisers stretch their beverage budget. These specials highlight selected drinks at discounted prices. By checking the daily schedule and strategically timing their purchases, cruisers can save money while still enjoying their favorite beverages.
Focusing on drinks that you prioritize allows for a more tailored and cost-effective experience. By selecting the specific beverages that bring you the most enjoyment, you can allocate your funds accordingly. You can then complement those drinks with complimentary options.
Leveraging Carnival’s Drink Promotions
Keep an eye out for limited-time drink promotions or special offers, which can provide significant savings. This approach enables one to take advantage of unique opportunities to reduce costs.
- Monitor Onboard Promotions: Sometimes, Carnival offers limited-time promotions on specific drinks or drink packages.
- Check Pre-Cruise Offers: Keep an eye on pre-cruise emails for potential discounts on drink packages or onboard credits.
Carnival occasionally offers limited-time promotions on specific beverages or drink packages, providing passengers with opportunities to save money. Monitoring onboard promotions ensures that passengers are aware of these special deals. Grasping and using these promotions can enhance the value of their onboard expenses.
Keeping an eye on pre-cruise emails can reveal potential discounts on drink packages or onboard credits. These pre-cruise offers provide a chance to save money. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of your vacation. This gives you access to exclusive deals not available once you board the ship.
The Impact of Inflation Since 2019
Since 2019, inflation has significantly impacted prices across various sectors, including the cruise industry. Understanding how inflation has influenced drink prices provides essential context for budgeting and planning future cruises. By recognizing these changes, cruisers can prepare for increased expenses and adjust their expectations accordingly.
How Inflation Affects Cruise Prices
Inflation raises the cost of goods and services, including the ingredients, labor, and transportation involved in providing drinks on cruises. This results in higher prices for both individual drinks and drink packages.
- Increased Costs for Ingredients: The prices of ingredients like alcohol, mixers, and garnishes have risen due to inflation.
- Higher Labor Costs: Wages for bartenders and other staff have increased, adding to the overall cost of drinks.
The increasing cost of ingredients directly impacts the pricing of drinks on cruise ships. With inflation affecting items like spirits, mixers, and fruits, cruise lines face increased expenses. This often translates to higher prices for beverages to offset the rising costs of raw materials.
The higher cost of labor, encompassing bartenders and other onboard staff, contributes to the increased prices of drinks. As wages rise, cruise lines need to balance these costs with the prices of their beverages. This is often done by adjusting prices to ensure that the wage costs are covered.
Comparing 2019 Prices to Today’s Prices
Comparing drink prices from 2019 to today highlights the extent of inflation’s impact. Typically, one can expect to pay noticeably more for the same drinks in the current market.
- Price Increases: Expect to pay approximately 15-25% more for drinks on a Carnival cruise today compared to 2019.
- Cheers! Package Price Adjustments: The price of the Cheers! package has also increased to reflect higher costs.
Compared to 2019, passengers can anticipate paying roughly 15-25% more for drinks on Carnival cruises. This increase reflects the broad inflationary pressures affecting the cruise industry. Budgeting for this increased cost will ensure you have the correct resources for your adventure.
Adjustments to the pricing of the Cheers! package mirror the broader inflationary trends affecting the cruise industry. Increased costs for goods and services influence the overall pricing strategy. Recognizing these price adjustments ensures that cruisers are well-informed when planning their onboard beverage expenses.
Planning for Higher Drink Costs
Adjusting your budget to account for inflation is essential for accurately planning your cruise expenses. Consider setting aside additional funds for drinks or exploring strategies to minimize these costs.
- Set a Realistic Budget: Account for the increased prices when budgeting for drinks on your cruise.
- Explore Cost-Saving Strategies: Look for ways to save on drinks, such as taking advantage of happy hour specials or bringing your own wine.
Accounting for increased prices is key when budgeting for drinks on your cruise. Higher prices due to inflation should be factored into your overall cruise budget. This will provide a realistic financial outlook, reducing the likelihood of unexpected expenses.
Exploring cost-saving strategies allows one to minimize drink expenses while still enjoying their cruise. Using happy hour specials is a great tool. You should also consider the tips described above.
FAQ
What was the average cost of a beer on a Carnival cruise in 2019?
In 2019, the average cost of a domestic beer like Bud Light or Coors Light was around $6.50 – $7.50. Imported and craft beers typically ranged from $7.00 to $8.50. Prices could vary slightly depending on the specific bar and ship.
How much did the Cheers! drink package cost in 2019?
The Cheers! package typically cost around $51.95 per person, per day, plus an 18% gratuity, if purchased before the cruise. Purchasing the package onboard usually resulted in a higher daily rate. This package included most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to $20.
Was the Cheers! package worth it in 2019?
Whether the Cheers! package was worth it depended on individual drinking habits. To break even, you needed to consume approximately 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day. If you planned on having fewer drinks, paying for individual drinks was likely more economical. Consider the length of the cruise and inclusion of non-alcoholic beverages when making your decision.
Could you bring your own alcohol on a Carnival cruise in 2019?
Carnival allowed guests to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) in their carry-on luggage. If you consumed your wine in the dining room or another public area, a corkage fee (typically around $15 per bottle) would apply.
What non-alcoholic drink options were available on Carnival in 2019?
Carnival offered a variety of non-alcoholic options, including sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks. Sodas and juices typically cost around $2.50 – $3.50 each. The Bottomless Bubbles package provided unlimited fountain sodas and juices throughout the cruise.
How has inflation affected drink prices on Carnival cruises since 2019?
Inflation has significantly impacted prices across various sectors, including the cruise industry. Expect to pay approximately 15-25% more for drinks on a Carnival cruise today compared to 2019. The price of the Cheers! package has also increased to reflect higher costs.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on Carnival cruise 2019 provides a valuable historical benchmark for planning future cruises. While prices have increased due to inflation, knowing the past costs and current strategies for saving money can help you budget effectively. Evaluate your drinking habits, consider drink packages, and take advantage of promotions to enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank. It’s time to start planning your next adventure!