Planning a Carnival cruise and wondering about the bar tab? Many cruisers ask the question: how much do alcoholic beverages cost on a Carnival cruise? After all, knowing this helps you budget properly for your vacation. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Carnival’s drink prices, drink packages, and strategies for saving money on cocktails, beer, and wine so you can enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank.
Carnival Cruise Line Drink Prices: A Detailed Breakdown
Understanding the pricing structure for alcoholic beverages on Carnival Cruise Line is crucial for budgeting your cruise. This section details the typical costs of various drinks, from beer and wine to cocktails and specialty drinks. Knowing what to expect can help you decide whether a drink package or paying individually is the better option for you.
Beer Prices
Beer prices on Carnival generally range from $7.50 to $8.50 per beer, depending on the brand and whether it’s domestic or imported. Premium beers may cost slightly more. Keep an eye out for beer buckets, which can offer a small discount when purchasing multiple beers at once.
- Domestic beers like Bud Light or Miller Lite: Around $7.50. These are your standard, readily available options.
- Imported beers such as Heineken or Corona: Typically around $8.00 – $8.50. Expect to pay a bit more for these imported favorites.
- Craft beers: Prices can vary, but usually fall in the $8.00 – $9.00 range. Selection depends on the ship and itinerary.
Wine Prices
Wine is available by the glass or by the bottle. Prices for a glass of wine usually start around $9.00 and can go up to $14.00 or more, depending on the type and quality of the wine. Bottles of wine offer better value, with prices starting around $40.00.
- House wines (by the glass): Typically priced around $9.00 to $11.00. These are usually the most affordable options.
- Premium wines (by the glass): Can range from $12.00 to $14.00 or higher, depending on the selection.
- Bottles of wine: Prices start around $40.00 and can exceed $100.00 for higher-end selections.
Cocktail Prices
Cocktails are a popular choice on cruises, and Carnival offers a wide variety. Expect to pay around $12.00 to $14.00 per cocktail, with some specialty drinks costing even more. The price often reflects the ingredients and the complexity of the drink preparation.
- Standard cocktails (Margarita, Mojito, etc.): Generally priced around $12.00 to $13.00. These are your classic cocktail staples.
- Specialty cocktails (Martinis, frozen drinks): Often range from $13.00 to $14.00 or more, depending on the ingredients and presentation.
- Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails): A great alternative, usually priced around $7.00 to $9.00.
Insert a comparison chart here showing the price range for different types of alcoholic beverages on Carnival.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
Carnival offers different drink packages that can potentially save you money if you plan to consume a significant amount of alcohol. This section explores the pros and cons of these packages, helping you determine if they are a worthwhile investment for your cruise vacation. Calculating your potential consumption is key to making the right decision.
The Cheers! Package
The Cheers! package is Carnival’s unlimited alcohol package. It typically includes alcoholic beverages up to $20 USD per drink, along with non-alcoholic beverages. As of 2024, the price is roughly $65 – $75 USD per person per day, purchased pre-cruise, or a higher price if purchased on board. Every adult in the cabin must purchase the package.
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages up to $20 USD: This covers most drinks offered onboard.
- Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages: Includes soda, juices, specialty coffees, and teas.
- Restrictions: All adults in the same cabin must purchase the package, and there’s a daily drink limit.
A 2023 analysis by Cruise Critic found that the average cruiser needs to consume approximately 6-7 alcoholic beverages per day for the Cheers! package to be financially worthwhile.
Pros and Cons of the Cheers! Package
Deciding whether or not to purchase the Cheers! package depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to consider.
- Pros: Predictable cost, convenience, access to a wide variety of drinks. Knowing your costs upfront can help with budgeting.
- Cons: High upfront cost, potential for overconsumption, requirement for all adults in the cabin to purchase it. If you don’t drink much, you’re throwing money away.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Drink Package
Before committing to a drink package, assess your typical drinking habits. Consider how many drinks you usually consume on a daily basis, what types of drinks you prefer, and how often you plan to be at the bars and lounges on the ship.
- Your drinking habits: Are you a light drinker, a moderate drinker, or a heavy drinker? This is the most important factor.
- Itinerary: Port-intensive cruises mean less time onboard to drink. Sea days offer more opportunities.
- Price vs. Individual Drink Costs: Calculate if the package cost justifies the number of drinks you’ll likely consume.
Strategies to Save Money on Drinks
Even without a drink package, there are several ways to reduce your bar bill on a Carnival cruise. This section explores various strategies, including bringing your own alcohol (where permitted), taking advantage of happy hour specials, and utilizing onboard credit for drinks.
Bringing Your Own Alcohol
Carnival has specific policies regarding bringing alcohol onboard. Generally, guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person (21 years of age or older) in their carry-on luggage at the time of embarkation. Hard liquor and beer are typically prohibited from being brought on board.
It is important to carefully review Carnival’s specific alcohol policy before your cruise to avoid any issues at embarkation. Policies can change, so staying updated is crucial.
Happy Hour and Drink Specials
Carnival regularly offers happy hour specials and other drink promotions at various bars and lounges throughout the ship. These specials often include discounted prices on selected cocktails, beers, and wines, providing an excellent opportunity to save money. Look for daily announcements in the ship’s program or app.
- Check the daily schedule: The ship’s program lists all happy hour times and locations.
- Follow bar staff recommendations: Bartenders often promote daily specials.
- Look for multi-drink deals: Some bars offer discounts for purchasing multiple drinks at once.
Utilizing Onboard Credit
If you have onboard credit, consider using it towards your bar tab. Onboard credit is essentially free money that can be applied to various expenses, including drinks. Check with your travel agent or Carnival to see if you qualify for any onboard credit offers.
Scenario: John receives $100 in onboard credit. He uses it to purchase several cocktails, significantly reducing his out-of-pocket expenses.
Myth: Onboard credits only apply to spa services. Fact: Onboard credits can be used for nearly anything, including alcoholic beverages.
Other Money-Saving Tips
Beyond the strategies above, there are other ways to reduce your spending on drinks. Consider sharing drinks with a travel companion (if allowed), opting for non-alcoholic beverages occasionally, and taking advantage of free drink offerings at certain events.
- Share drinks (where permitted): Some bars allow you to split a large cocktail or pitcher.
- Drink water regularly: Staying hydrated means you’ll need fewer alcoholic drinks.
- Take advantage of free drinks: Some loyalty programs or special events offer complimentary drinks.
Comparing Drink Prices to Other Cruise Lines
Understanding how much alcoholic beverages cost on a Carnival cruise becomes even more valuable when compared to other major cruise lines. This section provides a brief comparison to help you make informed decisions based on your budget and preferences. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on specific itineraries and promotions.
Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean
Generally, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have similar pricing for alcoholic beverages. Both lines offer drink packages and have comparable costs for individual drinks. However, Royal Caribbean may have slightly higher prices for premium cocktails and specialty drinks.
| Drink Type | Carnival (Approximate) | Royal Caribbean (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Beer | $7.50 – $8.50 | $8.00 – $9.00 |
| Cocktails | $12.00 – $14.00 | $13.00 – $15.00 |
| Wine (Glass) | $9.00 – $14.00 | $10.00 – $15.00 |
Carnival vs. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) tends to be slightly more expensive than Carnival when it comes to alcoholic beverages. NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion often includes a drink package, but even with this perk, individual drink prices can be higher than Carnival’s.
Carnival vs. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises generally falls in the middle ground between Carnival and Norwegian. Drink prices are slightly higher than Carnival but not as expensive as NCL. Princess also offers drink packages, and the value proposition depends on individual drinking habits.
Consider the overall cost of the cruise, including fares and other expenses, when comparing drink prices across different cruise lines. A cheaper fare on one line might offset slightly higher drink prices.
FAQ
How much is a beer on a Carnival cruise?
The cost of a beer on a Carnival cruise generally ranges from $7.50 to $8.50. Domestic beers like Bud Light or Miller Lite are typically at the lower end of the range, while imported beers such as Heineken or Corona tend to cost a bit more. Craft beers can also be slightly more expensive, depending on the selection and availability.
What is the price of a cocktail on a Carnival cruise?
Cocktails on Carnival cruises typically cost between $12.00 and $14.00. Standard cocktails such as Margaritas, Mojitos, and Rum and Cokes will generally fall in this range. Specialty cocktails, which may include premium ingredients or more elaborate preparation, can be priced higher.
Is the Cheers! drink package worth it on Carnival?
The Cheers! drink package on Carnival can be worth it if you plan to consume a significant number of alcoholic beverages each day. A good rule of thumb is that if you plan to drink 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day, the package will likely be financially beneficial. Consider your typical drinking habits and the length of your cruise when making your decision.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person (21 years of age or older) in their carry-on luggage at the time of embarkation. Hard liquor and beer are generally not permitted to be brought onboard. Always check Carnival’s official policy, as these guidelines can be updated.
Are there any discounts on drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival often offers happy hour specials and other drink promotions at various bars and lounges throughout the ship. These specials can include discounted prices on selected cocktails, beers, and wines. Be sure to check the daily schedule in the ship’s program or app to find out when and where these specials are available.
What non-alcoholic options are available and how much do they cost?
Carnival offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, juices, specialty coffees, and mocktails. Sodas are often available through a separate beverage package, or individually. Mocktails typically cost between $7.00 and $9.00. Juices and some specialty coffees may be included in the Cheers! package or available for purchase individually.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much alcoholic beverages cost on a Carnival cruise and planning accordingly is essential for a smooth and enjoyable vacation. Whether you opt for a drink package or prefer to pay as you go, being informed about pricing and available money-saving strategies will help you manage your budget and avoid any surprises on your final bill. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the cruise!