How Much Do Alcoholic Drinks Cost on Carnival Cruise Lines

Alcoholic drink prices on Carnival Cruise Lines typically range from $6 to $15 per drink, depending on the type and premium level—beer starts around $6, cocktails average $10–$12, and top-shelf liquor or wine by the glass can reach $15 or more. Drink packages like the Cheers! program offer savings for frequent imbibers, but à la carte purchases remain straightforward with clearly marked onboard pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Drink prices vary: Cocktails range $10–$16, beers $6–$9.
• Buy a drink package: Saves money if consuming 5+ drinks daily.
• Happy hour deals: Discounts on select drinks during specific hours.
• Premium brands cost more: Top-shelf liquors add $2–$5 per drink.
• Check for promotions: Early bookings or loyalty perks reduce costs.
• Non-alcoholic options: Mocktails and soda cost $5–$8 without a package.

How Much Do Alcoholic Drinks Cost on Carnival Cruise Lines

So, you’ve booked your Carnival cruise and you’re already dreaming of sunsets, poolside relaxation, and that first sip of a frosty cocktail. But before you start ordering mojitos by the dozen, let’s talk about the real question on every adult cruiser’s mind: how much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival Cruise Lines?

Whether you’re a casual beer drinker, a wine enthusiast, or a cocktail connoisseur, understanding the pricing of drinks on a cruise can make or break your onboard budget. Unlike some all-inclusive resorts, Carnival operates on a “pay-as-you-go” model for alcohol—meaning drinks aren’t included in your base fare (unless you opt for a drink package). And while the temptation to splurge is real, knowing the actual prices, package options, and clever ways to save can help you enjoy your vacation without a post-cruise financial hangover.

From margaritas to martinis, craft beer to premium wine, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about alcoholic drink costs on Carnival Cruise Lines. We’ll cover standard prices, drink packages, happy hour deals, and insider tips—all based on real experiences, recent pricing data, and feedback from cruisers just like you. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide to drinking smart (and responsibly) at sea.

Standard Drink Prices: What to Expect Per Beverage

One of the first things you’ll notice when you board a Carnival ship is how quickly drink orders add up. A single cocktail might not seem like much, but three or four a day? That’s when the math gets real. Let’s break down the average cost of individual alcoholic drinks across Carnival’s fleet.

Beer: From Domestic to Craft

Beer is one of the most popular choices on Carnival ships, and prices vary depending on the type and origin.

• Domestic Draft Beer (Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc.): $6.50–$7.50 per 16 oz. pint
• Import Draft Beer (Heineken, Stella Artois): $7.50–$8.50
• Bottled Domestic Beer (Budweiser, Coors Light): $6.95
• Bottled Import Beer (Corona, Guinness): $7.95–$8.95
• Craft Beer (rotating taps, local brews): $8.50–$9.50

Pro tip: If you’re a craft beer fan, keep an eye on the Carnival Craft section at the bar. These are usually higher quality and more expensive, but worth it for a treat. Also, some ships feature a dedicated “Beer Garden” during port days or themed events—prices are the same, but the atmosphere is next-level.

Wine: By the Glass and Bottle

Wine lovers, rejoice! Carnival offers a solid selection, though prices lean toward the mid-range. You won’t find $300 bottles of Bordeaux, but you will find drinkable, enjoyable options.

• House Wine (by the glass): $8.50–$9.50 (typically a Chardonnay, Cabernet, or Pinot Grigio)
• Premium Wine (by the glass): $11–$14 (think Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, or Kim Crawford)
• Wine by the Bottle: $32–$65 (most bottles fall between $38–$50)
• Sparkling Wine/Champagne (glass): $10–$15

Fun fact: Carnival has a Wine Bar on most newer ships (like the Mardi Gras and Celebration), offering curated flights and sommelier-style service. A three-glass flight costs around $24–$32, which is a great way to sample without committing to a full bottle.

Cocktails: From Classic to Fancy

This is where prices can jump—especially for specialty or premium cocktails. Carnival uses a mix of house liquors and premium brands, so the cost depends on the ingredients.

• Classic Cocktails (Margarita, Mojito, Old Fashioned): $10–$12
• Specialty Cocktails (Blue Hawaiian, Pina Colada, Carnival Signature Drinks): $12–$14
• Premium Cocktails (top-shelf liquor, fresh-squeezed juice, house-made syrups): $14–$16
• Frozen Drinks (Daiquiris, Piña Coladas): $11–$13 (often served in souvenir cups for +$5–$7)

Example: The Carnival Breeze’s “Breeze Breeze” (vodka, pineapple, coconut, mango) is $13. The “Top Shelf Margarita” with Patrón is $15.50. If you’re ordering multiple rounds, those prices stack fast.

Liquor Shots and Spirits

If you’re into shots or straight pours, Carnival offers a wide range of spirits. Most are priced by the “well” (standard) or “premium” tier.

• Well Liquor (Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Smirnoff): $8.50 per shot
• Premium Liquor (Grey Goose, Patron, Maker’s Mark): $11–$13 per shot
• Ultra-Premium (Johnnie Walker Black, Hennessy VSOP): $14–$16
• Shots with Mixers (e.g., Rum & Coke): $9–$11 (depending on the spirit)

Note: Carnival doesn’t allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board (with very limited exceptions for wine), so you’ll be relying on their bar menu for all your drinking needs.

Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question—literally. Should you buy a drink package, or pay per drink? The answer depends on your drinking habits, budget, and how long your cruise is.

Cheers! Beverage Package: The Most Popular Option

Carnival’s flagship drink package is called Cheers!, and it’s the go-to choice for many cruisers. Here’s how it works:

• Cost: $59.95 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity = ~$70.75/day)
• What’s Included:
  • Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day (any combo of beer, wine, cocktails, shots)
  • Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, bottled water, coffee, tea)
  • Discounts on bottles of wine (25% off bottles over $40)
• Exclusions:
  • Drinks over $20 (e.g., premium champagne, top-shelf cocktails)
  • Room service drinks
  • Mini-bar items

Is it worth it? Let’s do the math. If you’re drinking:

• 2 cocktails ($13 each) = $26
• 2 beers ($7 each) = $14
• 1 wine ($9) = $9
• Total: $49

That’s just under the daily cost of Cheers! But if you add a third cocktail or a premium shot, you’re already saving. For someone who enjoys 4–5 drinks per day, Cheers! pays for itself. For light drinkers (1–2 drinks/day), it’s likely overkill.

Cheers! Plus: For the Heavy Drinkers

Newer ships now offer Cheers! Plus, which removes the $20 drink cap and includes premium bottles, top-shelf cocktails, and even select champagne. It costs $79.95/day (~$94.35 with gratuity).

This makes sense only if you’re regularly ordering $20+ drinks. For example:

• 3 premium cocktails at $16 each = $48
• 1 bottle of champagne at $60 = $60
• Total: $108 — Cheers! Plus would save you ~$14

But if you’re not drinking champagne every day, this package is likely not cost-effective.

Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package

• Buy early: You can purchase Cheers! up to 72 hours before departure (sometimes even earlier online). Buying onboard adds a $10 surcharge.
• Use the 15-drink limit wisely: You don’t have to drink 15 in one day—but you can’t carry unused drinks over. Use it for multiple rounds, or share with your partner (if they’re also on the package).
• Take advantage of the wine discount: If you love wine, buy a $50 bottle and get 25% off—that’s $12.50 saved, nearly covering a drink.
• Check for promotions: Carnival occasionally offers “buy one, get one 50% off” for Cheers! during booking. Always ask.

Alternatives: Non-Alcoholic and Specialty Packages

Not everyone drinks alcohol. Carnival offers:

• Bottomless Bubbles: $12.95/day for unlimited soda, juice, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Great for kids and designated drivers.
• Water Package: $10–$15 for a set number of bottled waters (varies by ship). Useful if you’re not on Cheers!
• Specialty Coffee Package: $15–$20 for unlimited lattes, cappuccinos, etc. (available on select ships)

Happy Hours, Promotions, and Discounts

Want to save money without skipping the fun? Carnival runs several drink deals throughout the cruise—many of which are easy to miss if you don’t know about them.

Daily Happy Hours

Most ships have a daily Happy Hour, usually from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During this time:

• Select cocktails are $5–$7 (usually a featured drink like a “Sunset Margarita”)
• Domestic draft beer is $5
• House wine is $7

Happy Hour is a fantastic way to try new drinks without the full price tag. It’s especially popular at the pool bars and main lounges. The featured drink changes daily, so check the Fun Times daily newsletter for the schedule.

Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) Events

Every cruise has at least one BOGO Happy Hour, often during the first sea day or a special event (e.g., “Sip & Sail”). During these:

• Buy one drink, get one free (same or lower price)
• Valid on select cocktails, beer, and wine
• Usually lasts 1–2 hours

Pro tip: Go early. Lines get long, and the free drink must be claimed at the same time as the paid one. Bring cash or have your SeaPass card ready.

Wine Tastings and Cocktail Classes

Carnival hosts paid events like:

• Wine Tasting: $20–$30 for 4–5 small pours and snacks
• Cocktail Making Class: $15–$20 to learn to mix 2–3 drinks

These are fun, interactive, and often include a discount on bottles or future drinks. Plus, you get to keep the recipe cards!

Loyalty Perks: Carnival VIFP Club

If you’ve cruised with Carnival before, you’re likely in their VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club. Higher tiers (Platinum, Diamond) get:

• Free drink coupons (e.g., 2 free drinks on a 7-day cruise)
• Happy Hour discounts
• Priority bar service

Even if you’re just Silver or Gold, you’ll get small perks like free soda or a welcome drink. Always ask at Guest Services if you’re eligible.

Regional and Seasonal Pricing Differences

You might think drink prices are the same on every Carnival ship, but that’s not quite true. Costs can vary based on itinerary, ship class, and even the time of year.

Ship Class Matters

Newer ships (like the Excel-class: Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee) tend to have slightly higher prices due to enhanced bar concepts (e.g., the RedFrog Tiki Bar, Emeril’s Bistro, Alchemy Bar). For example:

• A craft cocktail on a 2008-era ship: $12
• The same drink on the Mardi Gras: $14 (premium ingredients, better presentation)

However, the newer ships also offer more drink package options and better happy hour deals, so it balances out.

Itinerary Impact

Drinks on longer cruises (7+ days) are often priced slightly lower than on 3–4 day “fun” cruises. Why? Carnival knows people drink more on short trips and can afford to charge a bit more. Also:

• Caribbean cruises: Slightly lower prices (high volume)
• Alaska cruises: Higher prices (fewer passengers, more premium offerings)
• Europe cruises: Prices in euros, but roughly equivalent to USD (e.g., €10 ≈ $11)

Seasonal Promotions

During holidays (e.g., New Year’s, Spring Break), Carnival may run special drink deals:

• “New Year’s Eve Champagne Special”: $10 per glass (normally $15)
• “Spring Break Margarita Madness”: $6 margaritas all day

Check Carnival’s social media or onboard announcements for these. They’re not always advertised in advance.

Smart Drinking: Budgeting and Money-Saving Tips

You don’t have to choose between fun and frugality. With a little planning, you can enjoy great drinks without blowing your budget.

Track Your Drinking Habits

Before your cruise, ask yourself:

• How many drinks do I usually have per day?
• Do I prefer cocktails, beer, or wine?
• Am I willing to drink during Happy Hour instead of peak times?

Use a simple spreadsheet or app to estimate your weekly cost. For example:

Drink	Price	Daily #	Weekly Cost
Cocktail	$12	2	$168
Beer	$7	1	$49
Wine	$9	1	$63
Total			$280

Now compare that to Cheers!: $495 for 7 days. In this case, paying per drink saves you $215.

Use the “Happy Hour Strategy”

Shift your drinking to Happy Hour. Instead of a $13 cocktail at 8 PM, get it for $6 at 5 PM. You save $7 per drink—$49 for seven drinks!

Share a Drink Package

If you’re traveling with a partner who also drinks moderately, consider splitting a Cheers! package. Carnival allows this if both guests are on the same reservation. You each get 7.5 drinks per day—plenty for casual drinkers.

Take Advantage of Free Drinks

You don’t have to pay for every drink:

• Welcome drink (often a mimosa or beer) at boarding
• Free wine with dinner (on select dining nights)
• Complimentary drinks during VIFP events
• Free cocktails during trivia or bingo (if you win!)

Skip the Souvenir Cup

Frozen drinks often come in a $5–$7 souvenir cup. Great for Instagram, not so great for your wallet. Ask for a regular cup instead—you’ll save money and can still enjoy the drink.

Know When to Say No

Bar staff may offer “free” upgrades or “complimentary” shots. These are usually upsells. Be polite but firm: “No thanks, I’m good with the regular.”

Final Thoughts: Drinking Smart on Carnival

So, how much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival Cruise Lines? The short answer: it depends. But with average prices ranging from $7 for a beer to $16 for a premium cocktail, and drink packages starting at $60/day, you can plan your budget with confidence.

Remember: Carnival wants you to have fun, but they also want you to spend money. The key is awareness. Know the prices. Use Happy Hour. Consider a package if you’re a regular drinker. And don’t be afraid to mix free perks with smart spending.

At the end of the day, your cruise is about relaxation, adventure, and making memories. Whether you’re sipping a $6 Happy Hour margarita or treating yourself to a $15 top-shelf Old Fashioned, what matters most is enjoying the moment—responsibly and affordably.

So raise your glass (but maybe not 15 times), cheers to the open sea, and drink like a smart cruiser. Your wallet—and your head tomorrow—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do alcoholic drinks cost on Carnival Cruise Lines?

Alcoholic drink prices on Carnival Cruise Lines vary by type and location onboard. Expect to pay $5–$12 for beer, $8–$15 for cocktails, and $7–$14 for wine by the glass, with premium options costing more.

Does Carnival include alcohol in their cruise fare?

No, alcoholic drinks are not included in the base cruise fare unless you purchase a drink package. Most guests pay à la carte or opt for a beverage plan like the Cheers! Package.

Is there a drink package for alcoholic drinks on Carnival?

Yes, Carnival offers the Cheers! Beverage Package, which includes unlimited alcoholic drinks (up to $20 per drink) for a daily flat fee. It covers cocktails, beer, wine, and more, making it cost-effective for heavy drinkers.

Are there happy hour or drink specials on Carnival cruises?

Carnival often features daily drink specials like “Sail Away” discounts or themed happy hours at bars and lounges. Check the daily schedule for deals on select alcoholic drinks, including half-price cocktails.

Do bars on Carnival charge extra for premium liquors or top-shelf brands?

Yes, premium liquors like Grey Goose, Patron, or Johnnie Walker Blue typically cost extra, ranging from $12–$20+ per drink. These are clearly marked on menus, and the Cheers! Package covers drinks up to $20.

Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival allows each guest to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation, but corkage fees apply if consumed in public areas. All other alcohol is prohibited and will be confiscated.