Picture yourself lounging on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, the sun shining, and the ocean breeze blowing. You’re ready to relax with a refreshing cocktail, but a thought pops into your head: “How much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival cruise lines?” It’s a valid question! Knowing the beverage prices beforehand helps you budget and avoid any surprises on your vacation. This post will break down the alcohol costs on Carnival cruises, explore drink packages, and offer tips to save money while still enjoying your favorite beverages.
Understanding Carnival’s Drink Prices
Understanding the pricing structure for alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises is essential for planning your onboard spending. Carnival operates a cashless system, so all drink purchases are charged to your Sail & Sign card. The cost of drinks can vary depending on the type of beverage, the venue, and any ongoing promotions. Knowing the general price ranges allows you to anticipate expenses and make informed decisions about whether a drink package is right for you.
Typical Drink Prices
Here’s a general overview of what you can expect to pay for alcoholic beverages on a Carnival cruise. Keep in mind that prices are subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the specific ship and itinerary.
- Beers: Domestic beers like Bud Light and Coors Light typically cost around $7.49 – $7.99. Imported and craft beers are usually priced slightly higher, ranging from $7.99 to $8.99.
Carnival usually offers a good selection of both popular domestic beers and a variety of imported and craft options. The availability of specific brands can vary by ship. The price differences reflect the production costs and the origin of the beer.
- Cocktails: Mixed drinks, such as margaritas, daiquiris, and rum punches, generally cost between $10.95 and $12.95. Premium cocktails with top-shelf liquor can be even more expensive, sometimes reaching $14.95 or higher.
Cocktails are a popular choice on cruises, and Carnival offers an extensive menu of classic and signature drinks. The price is affected by the quality of the ingredients, the complexity of the recipe, and the size of the drink.
- Wine: Wine prices vary widely depending on the bottle. Individual glasses of wine typically range from $9 to $15. Bottles of wine start at around $30 and can go much higher depending on the vintage and varietal.
Carnival’s wine list includes a selection of reds, whites, and rosés from various regions. Guests can purchase wine by the glass or bottle, allowing them to choose according to their preferences and budget. Sommeliers can often offer suggestions for pairings.
- Liquor: A standard shot of liquor (such as vodka, rum, or whiskey) usually costs between $8.95 and $10.95. Prices may increase for premium brands and specialty liquors.
Carnival offers a range of liquor options, from standard well brands to premium and top-shelf selections. Guests can order shots neat, on the rocks, or as part of a mixed drink. Pricing reflects the quality and exclusivity of the liquor.
Keep in mind that a gratuity of approximately 18% is automatically added to each drink purchase on Carnival cruises. This covers the service provided by the bartenders and other beverage staff.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors can influence the cost of alcoholic drinks on Carnival cruise lines. Being aware of these factors can help you anticipate changes in prices and plan accordingly.
- Specific Cruise Ship: Prices can vary slightly from ship to ship within the Carnival fleet. Newer ships or those with more specialized bars may have slightly higher prices.
Newer ships often feature upgraded amenities and venues, which can sometimes translate to slightly higher prices for food and beverages. Additionally, ships that cater to specific demographics or itineraries might adjust their pricing based on demand.
- Itinerary: The length and destination of the cruise can also play a role. Longer cruises or those visiting more remote ports may have slightly higher prices due to logistical factors.
Longer cruises require more supplies and resources, which can impact the overall cost of operations. Similarly, cruises to remote destinations may face higher transportation costs, leading to increased prices for onboard purchases.
- Special Promotions: Carnival frequently offers drink specials and promotions, such as happy hour discounts or themed drink nights. These promotions can significantly reduce the cost of alcoholic beverages.
Keep an eye out for daily or weekly specials advertised in the Carnival Hub app or on the ship’s daily planner. Taking advantage of these promotions can help you save money on your favorite drinks.
- Bar Location: Different bars on the ship may have varying prices. For example, a premium bar specializing in cocktails may charge more than a casual poolside bar.
Specialty bars often use higher-quality ingredients, employ skilled mixologists, and offer a more exclusive atmosphere, which justifies the higher prices. Poolside bars, on the other hand, may prioritize volume and convenience, resulting in lower prices.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Is It Worth It?
Carnival offers various drink packages that allow you to pay a flat daily rate for unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Deciding whether a drink package is worth the investment depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Carefully consider the costs and benefits to determine if a package is right for you. Let’s look closely at the cost of drink packages on Carnival cruise lines.
Types of Drink Packages
Carnival offers two main types of drink packages: the Cheers! Package and the Bottomless Bubbles Package. Each package offers different benefits and restrictions, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a decision.
- Cheers! Package: This package includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to $20 per drink, as well as specialty coffees, energy drinks, and bottled water. It also offers a 25% discount on bottles of wine and spirits. Everyone over 21 in the same stateroom must purchase the Cheers! package.
The Cheers! package is ideal for guests who plan to enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages each day, as well as specialty drinks and other non-alcoholic options. The requirement that everyone in the stateroom purchases the package is designed to prevent sharing.
- Bottomless Bubbles Package: This package includes unlimited sodas and juices for a fixed daily price. It is a great option for those who do not drink alcohol or for families with children.
The Bottomless Bubbles package is a cost-effective way to stay hydrated on your cruise, especially if you are a frequent soda or juice drinker. It eliminates the need to pay for each individual drink and allows you to enjoy unlimited refills throughout the day.
Cost of Drink Packages
The price of Carnival’s drink packages varies depending on the length of the cruise and when you purchase the package. It’s typically cheaper to purchase the package before your cruise, rather than onboard.
- Cheers! Package Cost: If purchased before the cruise, the Cheers! package typically costs around $64.99 per person, per day, plus gratuities. If purchased onboard, the price is usually around $74.99 per person, per day, plus gratuities.
Purchasing the Cheers! package in advance can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying it onboard. The daily cost covers all eligible beverages, making it a convenient and predictable expense.
- Bottomless Bubbles Package Cost: The Bottomless Bubbles package costs approximately $9.50 per person, per day for adults and $6.99 per person, per day for children.
This package is a budget-friendly option for families with children or individuals who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. It provides unlimited access to sodas and juices, ensuring that everyone stays refreshed throughout the cruise.
Break-Even Point: To determine if the Cheers! package is worth it, calculate how many alcoholic drinks you would need to consume each day to break even. For example, at $64.99 per day plus gratuities, you would need to drink approximately 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day to make the package worthwhile. Consider your typical drinking habits and whether you are likely to consume that many drinks each day.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Drink Package
Several factors should be taken into account before deciding whether to purchase a drink package on a Carnival cruise. Consider your personal drinking habits, preferences, and budget to make the best decision for your vacation.
- Drinking Habits: Assess how much alcohol you typically consume on vacation. If you only have a few drinks per day, purchasing drinks individually may be more cost-effective.
If you are a light drinker or plan to spend a significant amount of time on shore excursions, where you may not be drinking onboard, the drink package may not be the best value for you.
- Cruise Itinerary: Consider the length and itinerary of your cruise. On port-intensive cruises, you may spend more time off the ship and less time drinking onboard.
If your cruise includes many port days, where you will be exploring different destinations, you may not have as much opportunity to take advantage of the drink package. In this case, purchasing drinks individually may be a better option.
- Non-Alcoholic Preferences: Evaluate whether you will also take advantage of the non-alcoholic beverages included in the Cheers! package, such as specialty coffees and energy drinks.
If you enjoy specialty coffees, bottled water, and energy drinks, the Cheers! package can provide additional value beyond just alcoholic beverages. These items can quickly add up if purchased individually.
- Group Dynamics: If you are traveling with a group, discuss your drinking habits and preferences together. Remember that everyone over 21 in the same stateroom must purchase the Cheers! package if one person does.
Consider whether everyone in your group is likely to take advantage of the drink package. If some members of your group are light drinkers, it may be more cost-effective to purchase drinks individually for them.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, there are still several ways to save money on drinks during your Carnival cruise. By taking advantage of promotions, bringing your own beverages, and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank. Saving money on drinks means more money to spend on other fun activities!
Take Advantage of Promotions
Carnival frequently offers drink specials and promotions throughout the day and evening. Keep an eye out for these deals to save money on your favorite beverages.
- Happy Hour: Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour specials, with discounted prices on select drinks. Check the daily schedule or the Carnival Hub app for happy hour times and locations.
Happy hour is a great way to enjoy your favorite drinks at a reduced price. Take advantage of these specials to save money while still enjoying the onboard atmosphere.
- Drink of the Day: Carnival often features a “drink of the day” at a discounted price. These themed cocktails are a fun way to try new drinks and save money.
The drink of the day is usually a popular cocktail offered at a special price for a limited time. This is a great opportunity to sample different drinks and save money.
- Bucket Deals: Some bars offer bucket deals on beers or other beverages. These can be a cost-effective way to enjoy drinks with friends or family.
Bucket deals usually involve purchasing multiple beers or drinks at a discounted price. This can be a great option for groups looking to share and save money.
Bring Your Own Beverages
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. This can help you save money on bottled water, sodas, and juices.
- Allowed Beverages: Passengers are typically allowed to bring one 12-pack of unopened cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per person.
Take advantage of this policy to bring your favorite sodas, juices, or bottled water onboard. This can significantly reduce your spending on non-alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise.
- Restrictions: Glass bottles are generally not allowed for safety reasons. Be sure to check Carnival’s beverage policy for the most up-to-date information.
To comply with Carnival’s policy, ensure that your beverages are in cans or cartons, rather than glass bottles. This will prevent any issues during embarkation.
Be Mindful of Your Spending
It’s easy to lose track of your spending while on vacation. Set a budget for drinks and monitor your purchases throughout the cruise to avoid overspending.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on drinks each day and stick to your budget.
Setting a budget can help you stay on track and avoid overspending. Use the Carnival Hub app to monitor your spending and make adjustments as needed.
- Track Your Purchases: Use the Carnival Hub app or your Sail & Sign card account to track your drink purchases and stay within your budget.
Regularly checking your account balance can help you stay aware of your spending and make informed decisions about future purchases.
- Consider Alternatives: Opt for complimentary beverages, such as water, coffee, and tea, which are available throughout the ship.
Taking advantage of complimentary beverages can help you save money on drinks. These options are readily available in various locations throughout the ship.
Debunking Common Myths about Drink Costs
There are several misconceptions surrounding the cost of alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruise lines. Let’s debunk some common myths to provide accurate information and help you make informed decisions.
- Myth: Drinks are Always Cheaper Onboard: While there may be occasional promotions, drinks are generally not cheaper onboard than at a typical bar on land.
Many people assume that drinks will be cheaper on a cruise ship, but this is not always the case. The cost of drinks is comparable to what you would find at a bar or restaurant in a tourist destination.
- Myth: The Cheers! Package is Always Worth It: The Cheers! package is only worth it if you plan to drink a significant amount of alcohol each day. For light drinkers, purchasing drinks individually may be more cost-effective.
It’s important to carefully assess your drinking habits before purchasing the Cheers! package. If you only have a few drinks per day, the package may not be the best value for you.
- Myth: You Can Share Drinks with the Cheers! Package: Carnival strictly prohibits sharing drinks with the Cheers! package. Everyone over 21 in the same stateroom must purchase the package if one person does.
The requirement that everyone in the stateroom purchases the Cheers! package is designed to prevent sharing. Violating this policy can result in the package being revoked.
Insert a comparison chart here comparing the cost of individual drinks vs. the Cheers! drink package, highlighting the break-even point based on different daily consumption levels.
Real-Life Examples
To better illustrate the costs and savings associated with drinks on Carnival cruises, let’s consider a couple of real-life scenarios.
- Example 1: The Casual Drinker: Sarah is a casual drinker who enjoys one or two cocktails per day while on vacation. She prefers to spend her time exploring the ports of call and participating in onboard activities rather than sitting at the bar. For Sarah, purchasing drinks individually is likely the more cost-effective option.
Sarah could save money by taking advantage of happy hour specials and bringing her own non-alcoholic beverages onboard. She can also opt for complimentary beverages, such as water and tea, throughout the day.
- Example 2: The Frequent Drinker: John enjoys several alcoholic beverages each day while on vacation. He likes to relax by the pool with a cocktail, enjoy wine with dinner, and have a nightcap at the bar. For John, the Cheers! package is likely a worthwhile investment.
John would likely break even or even save money by purchasing the Cheers! package. He can enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages without worrying about the cost of each individual drink.
A 2023 survey found that 60% of cruise passengers who purchase drink packages feel that they get their money’s worth, while 40% believe they would have been better off purchasing drinks individually.
| Scenario | Daily Drink Consumption | Cost of Individual Drinks | Cheers! Package Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual Drinker | 1-2 | $20-$40 | $64.99 + Gratuities | Purchase Individually |
| Frequent Drinker | 5-6+ | $100-$120+ | $64.99 + Gratuities | Cheers! Package |
Sample Scenarios: How to Navigate Carnival’s Beverage System
Here are a couple of scenarios that demonstrate how to navigate Carnival’s beverage system and save money on drinks.
- Scenario 1: Pre-Cruise Planning: Before your cruise, research Carnival’s drink packages and calculate the break-even point based on your drinking habits. Purchase the Cheers! package in advance to save money. Also, pack a 12-pack of your favorite sodas or bottled water to bring onboard.
By planning ahead, you can make informed decisions about your beverage purchases and maximize your savings. Purchasing the Cheers! package in advance and bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages can significantly reduce your onboard spending.
- Scenario 2: Onboard Savings: Once onboard, check the Carnival Hub app for daily drink specials and happy hour times. Take advantage of these promotions to save money on your favorite drinks. Also, opt for complimentary beverages whenever possible.
By staying informed about onboard promotions and taking advantage of complimentary beverages, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank. This allows you to allocate your budget to other onboard activities or souvenirs.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines?
Domestic beers typically cost between $7.49 and $7.99. Imported and craft beers are usually priced slightly higher, ranging from $7.99 to $8.99. Prices are subject to change and an 18% gratuity is added to each purchase.
How much is a cocktail on Carnival Cruise Lines?
Mixed drinks like margaritas, daiquiris, and rum punches generally cost between $10.95 and $12.95. Premium cocktails with top-shelf liquor can be even more expensive, sometimes reaching $14.95 or higher. An 18% gratuity is automatically added.
Is the Cheers! drink package worth it on Carnival?
The Cheers! package is worthwhile if you plan to consume approximately 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day, plus specialty coffees or energy drinks. Consider your drinking habits and preferences before purchasing. Remember everyone in the same stateroom over 21 must purchase it.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival’s policy states you are not allowed to bring your own beer, hard liquor, or non-alcoholic beverages onboard with the exception of one 12-pack of unopened cans/cartons per person.
How do I pay for drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival operates a cashless system. All drink purchases are charged to your Sail & Sign card, which is linked to your credit card. You can track your spending using the Carnival Hub app.
Are there any discounts on drinks on Carnival?
Yes, Carnival often offers drink specials and promotions, such as happy hour discounts and themed drink nights. Check the daily schedule or the Carnival Hub app for details. The drink of the day is usually discounted.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival cruise lines is vital for budget-conscious travelers. By familiarizing yourself with the pricing structure, exploring drink package options, and implementing money-saving tips, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without overspending. Carefully consider your drinking habits and preferences to make the best decision for your vacation and remember to enjoy the cruise!