Planning a Carnival cruise is exciting! Imagining sunny days, delicious food, and fun activities is a great way to start your vacation. But one thing that can catch cruisers off guard is the cost of drinks. Understanding how much drinks cost on a Carnival cruise ship can help you budget effectively and avoid any surprises when you get your final bill. In this guide, we’ll break down the prices of different beverages, explore drink packages, and offer tips on how to save money while still enjoying your time at sea.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Drink Prices
It’s important to know the pricing structure for beverages onboard Carnival ships. Understanding the base costs will let you figure out if a beverage package is right for you. From soda to specialty cocktails, knowing what to expect at the bar will allow for a more relaxing trip. It’s always a good idea to research the prices to prepare your trip budget accordingly.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages cover a wide range, and the prices vary accordingly.
- Soda: A typical soda (Coke, Sprite, etc.) usually costs around $3-$4 per can or glass.
- Juice: Freshly squeezed juices and bottled juices generally range from $4-$6.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees typically cost between $4-$7.
- Bottled Water: A bottle of water might cost around $3-$5.
Most cruises offer complimentary tap water, iced tea, and lemonade at various locations, but if you crave the fizz of soda, be prepared to pay per drink. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle to refill with complimentary beverages.
While complimentary juice is usually available during breakfast in the buffet, getting a glass of orange juice later in the day will cost extra. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to purchase a drink package.
If you are a coffee lover, the expenses of daily specialty coffees can add up quickly. Carnival has dedicated coffee shops where you can indulge in your favorite caffeinated beverages.
Staying hydrated is important, especially in the sun. Purchasing bottles of water each day can become expensive. A great alternative is to bring your own reusable bottle and fill it with water from the buffet or your stateroom tap.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are a significant expense for many cruisers, so it’s crucial to understand the pricing.
- Beer: Domestic beers usually cost $6-$8, while imported beers can be $7-$9.
- Wine: Wine by the glass typically ranges from $8-$15, depending on the type and brand. Bottles of wine start around $30.
- Cocktails: Mixed drinks and cocktails generally cost $9-$14.
The price of beer can depend on the brand and location on the ship. Happy hour deals are a great way to reduce these costs.
If you prefer wine, consider purchasing a bottle to share with friends or family. Many cruise lines will allow you to bring your own wine onboard for a corkage fee.
Cocktails can be one of the more expensive drink options. Prices can fluctuate with different bars and special drinks. Watch for happy hour deals to make them more affordable.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors can affect the cost of drinks on a Carnival cruise ship.
- Ship Class: Newer or more luxurious ships might have slightly higher prices due to upgraded amenities and premium ingredients.
- Itinerary: The length and destination of the cruise can also impact prices. Longer cruises or those visiting more expensive ports might have higher costs.
- Promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions or happy hour deals that can significantly reduce the cost of drinks.
Newer ships may also have specialty bars that serve higher-end drinks, leading to higher prices.
Cruises to destinations where alcohol is heavily taxed may also increase the cost of drinks.
Some promotions might offer discounted drinks during specific hours or at certain bars on the ship.
Carnival’s Drink Packages Explained
One popular way to manage drink costs is through Carnival’s drink packages. Knowing what packages Carnival offers, along with the fine print, can save you a lot of money and ensure you don’t get any surprise fees at the end of your cruise. It’s wise to compare the cost of the packages with your likely drinking habits before purchasing.
The Cheers! Package
The Cheers! Package is Carnival’s comprehensive drink package, offering a wide range of beverages.
- Inclusions: This package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails, beer, wine, soda, juice, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
- Price: The cost of the Cheers! Package varies but generally ranges from $55-$70 per person per day, plus an 18% gratuity.
- Restrictions: There’s a 15-drink limit per day, and you must purchase the package for the entire duration of the cruise. Also, if one adult in a cabin purchases the Cheers! Package, all adults (21+) in the same cabin must also purchase it.
The Cheers! Package offers a lot of flexibility to try a variety of beverages throughout your trip.
Be sure to check the current pricing when booking your cruise, as it can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the specific sailing.
This requirement can be a drawback for some travelers, particularly those who don’t plan to drink a lot of alcohol.
The Bottomless Bubbles Package
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the Bottomless Bubbles package is a cost-effective option.
- Inclusions: This package includes unlimited soda and juice.
- Price: The Bottomless Bubbles package typically costs around $7-$10 per person per day, plus an 18% gratuity.
- Considerations: This package doesn’t include specialty coffees, bottled water, or energy drinks, so factor in those costs if you enjoy those beverages.
If you and your children love soda and juice, this package could offer significant savings.
This is a much cheaper option compared to the Cheers! Package, making it attractive for families with children or those who don’t drink alcohol.
If you are a coffee or bottled water drinker, the Bottomless Bubbles may not be worth it in the long run.
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
Determining whether a drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and preferences.
- Calculate Your Consumption: Estimate how many drinks you typically consume each day on vacation. Multiply that by the cost of individual drinks to see if it exceeds the daily package price.
- Consider Your Preferences: If you primarily drink soda, juice, and a few alcoholic beverages, the Bottomless Bubbles package might be sufficient, supplemented by purchasing individual alcoholic drinks as needed.
- Factor in Gratuities: Don’t forget to include the 18% gratuity when calculating the total cost of the drink package.
For example, if you plan to have 5 cocktails a day at $10 each, that’s $50. Adding soda or coffee could easily make the Cheers! package worth it.
Think about how often you will drink alcoholic drinks before you commit to a Cheers! Package.
The gratuity can significantly increase the overall cost of the package, so make sure to factor it in when comparing costs.
Strategies to Save Money on Drinks
Even if you don’t opt for a drink package, there are several strategies to save money on drinks on a Carnival cruise ship. Some involve planning ahead, while others require flexibility to take advantage of daily specials. It’s always good to be aware of your choices to control costs.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour deals, which can significantly reduce the cost of drinks.
- Check the Daily Schedule: Look for happy hour times and locations in the ship’s daily schedule (Fun Times).
- Plan Accordingly: Schedule your drink consumption around happy hour to take advantage of lower prices.
- Be Flexible: Try different bars on the ship to see which ones have the best happy hour deals.
Fun Times schedules usually let you know what time and where happy hour will be, and which drinks are discounted.
Knowing the schedule can allow you to get happy hour drinks before doing another scheduled activity.
New bars and restaurants are being introduced to cruises consistently, and different bars may offer different discounts.
Bring Your Own Beverages (Limited)
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
- Allowed Items: Passengers are generally allowed to bring one 12-pack of unopened cans/bottles of non-alcoholic beverages per person.
- Alcohol Restrictions: Carnival generally prohibits bringing your own alcoholic beverages onboard, with the exception of one bottle of wine or champagne per adult.
- Check the Policy: Always verify Carnival’s current beverage policy before your cruise, as it can change.
This is a great way to save money on soda or bottled water, especially if you have children.
If you bring wine or champagne, you will typically be charged a corkage fee if you consume it in the dining room or other public areas.
It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest policies to avoid any issues when boarding the ship.
Look for Special Promotions and Discounts
Carnival often runs special promotions and discounts on drinks.
- Pre-Cruise Offers: Check for pre-cruise offers on the Carnival website or through your travel agent.
- Onboard Promotions: Keep an eye out for onboard promotions, such as drink specials at specific bars or discounts for certain loyalty program members.
- Join the Loyalty Program: Enroll in Carnival’s loyalty program to earn points and receive exclusive discounts on future cruises, including potential savings on drinks.
These offers may include discounted drink packages or onboard credit that can be used for beverages.
Loyalty programs can offer significant benefits, including discounts on drinks and other onboard purchases.
The loyalty program can provide long-term savings, especially if you frequently cruise with Carnival.
Opt for Tap Water
Tap water is free and readily available on Carnival ships.
- Stay Hydrated: Take advantage of complimentary tap water to stay hydrated without spending money on bottled water.
- Ice is Safe: The ice used on Carnival ships is made from purified water, so you don’t have to worry about its safety.
- Enhance the Taste: Add a slice of lemon or lime to your tap water for extra flavor.
You can refill a reusable water bottle at water stations throughout the ship.
This can help ease concerns about the quality of the tap water.
You can usually find lemon or lime slices available at the buffet or in the dining room.
Real-Life Examples: Drink Cost Scenarios
Understanding how drink costs play out in real-life situations can help you make informed decisions.
Scenario 1: The Occasional Drinker
Imagine a cruiser who enjoys a few drinks in the evening but doesn’t drink heavily throughout the day. They might have a couple of cocktails during happy hour and a glass of wine with dinner. In this case, purchasing individual drinks might be more cost-effective than buying the Cheers! Package. For example:
- Two cocktails during happy hour at $7 each: $14
- One glass of wine with dinner: $10
- Total daily cost: $24
This cruiser would save money by paying for individual drinks rather than spending $55-$70 per day on the Cheers! Package.
Scenario 2: The Soda Lover
Consider a family with two children who love to drink soda throughout the day. Purchasing individual sodas for each person can quickly add up. In this case, the Bottomless Bubbles package might be a worthwhile investment.
- Four sodas per person per day at $3.50 each: $14
- For four people: $56
The Bottomless Bubbles package, at $7-$10 per person per day, would save this family money compared to buying individual sodas.
Scenario 3: The Cocktail Connoisseur
Envision a cruiser who enjoys trying different cocktails throughout the day and evening. They might want to sample various drinks at different bars on the ship. For this person, the Cheers! Package could be a great value.
- Five cocktails throughout the day at $12 each: $60
- Two specialty coffees: $10
- One energy drink: $6
- Total daily cost: $76
This cruiser would likely benefit from the Cheers! Package, as it would cover the cost of their preferred beverages and allow them to try new drinks without worrying about the price.
Common Myths About Cruise Drink Costs
There are several misconceptions about the cost of drinks on cruise ships.
Myth 1: All Drinks are Exorbitantly Expensive
While some drinks, particularly cocktails and premium alcoholic beverages, can be pricey, not all drinks are prohibitively expensive. Tap water, iced tea, and lemonade are often complimentary, and happy hour deals can make alcoholic drinks more affordable. By being mindful of your choices and taking advantage of available discounts, you can manage your drink expenses effectively.
Myth 2: Drink Packages are Always the Best Deal
Drink packages can be a great value for some cruisers, but they are not always the best option for everyone. If you only consume a few drinks per day or prefer to drink non-alcoholic beverages, you might save money by paying for individual drinks as needed. It’s essential to evaluate your drinking habits and preferences before deciding whether to purchase a drink package.
Myth 3: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Cruise lines have strict policies against bringing your own alcohol onboard (with limited exceptions for wine). Attempting to sneak alcohol onboard can result in confiscation of the beverages and potentially other penalties. It’s generally not worth the risk to try to circumvent the cruise line’s alcohol policy.
Sample Scenario: Calculating Package Value
Let’s run through the process of deciding if the Cheers! package is worth it on a seven-day cruise. Suppose it costs $65 per day, plus 18% gratuity.
- Calculate gratuity: $65 * 0.18 = $11.70
- Total daily cost: $65 + $11.70 = $76.70
- Total cost for the cruise: $76.70 * 7 = $536.90
To break even, you’d need to drink approximately 6-7 alcoholic beverages per day, assuming an average cost of $10-12 per drink. If you plan to drink less than that, you might want to opt for individual drinks and take advantage of happy hour.
Visual Aids for Understanding Drink Costs
To better understand the breakdown of costs, here are some suggested visual aids:
Insert a pie chart here showing the percentage of cruisers who purchase drink packages vs. those who don’t.
Insert a comparison chart here comparing the Cheers! Package, Bottomless Bubbles, and individual drink costs based on different consumption scenarios.
Insert a graph here illustrating the average daily drink cost for different types of beverages on a Carnival cruise.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Carnival cruise?
The cost of a beer on a Carnival cruise generally ranges from $6 to $9, depending on whether it’s a domestic or imported brand. Prices can also vary slightly depending on the bar or location on the ship. It’s always a good idea to check the menu or ask the bartender for the current prices.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival generally does not allow passengers to bring their own alcohol onboard, with the exception of one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21+). If you bring a bottle, you may be charged a corkage fee if you consume it in the dining room or other public areas. Check Carnival’s current policy before sailing.
Is the Cheers! drink package worth it?
Whether the Cheers! drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. If you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and other included drinks each day, the package can be a good value. Calculate your average daily consumption and compare it to the cost of the package to determine if it makes financial sense for you.
Are there free drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival offers several complimentary beverage options. Tap water, iced tea, and lemonade are typically available at various locations throughout the ship. Coffee and juice are usually free during breakfast in the buffet. These free options can help you save money on drinks.
How much is a soda on Carnival cruise?
A soda on a Carnival cruise typically costs around $3 to $4 per can or glass. If you prefer to drink soda regularly, consider purchasing the Bottomless Bubbles package, which offers unlimited soda and juice for a fixed daily price. This package can be a more cost-effective option for soda lovers.
Do drink prices include gratuity on Carnival?
No, drink prices on Carnival do not automatically include gratuity. An 18% gratuity is added to the price of individual drinks and drink packages. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your cruise to avoid any surprises on your final bill. The gratuity covers the service provided by the bartenders and other beverage staff.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much drinks cost on a Carnival cruise ship is essential for budgeting and making the most of your vacation. Whether you choose to purchase a drink package or pay as you go, knowing the prices of different beverages and taking advantage of money-saving strategies can help you enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to check for any current promotions or special offers before you set sail to maximize your savings. Cheers to smooth sailing!