Planning a Carnival cruise and wondering about the beverage budget? Many first-time cruisers are surprised by the cost of drinks onboard. It’s essential to know how much do drinks cost on a Carnival cruise so you can properly budget for your vacation. This guide will break down the prices of various beverages, explore drink packages, and provide tips for saving money on drinks during your voyage. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Drink Prices
Understanding the pricing structure for beverages on a Carnival cruise is the first step to managing your onboard expenses. Carnival offers a variety of drinks, from non-alcoholic options to cocktails, beer, and wine, each with its own price point. Knowing these costs allows you to decide whether purchasing individual drinks or opting for a drink package is the most economical choice for you.
Basic Drink Prices
Carnival’s basic drink prices are fairly standard for the cruise industry. Understanding these prices gives you a baseline for budgeting.
- Non-alcoholic beverages: Sodas typically cost around $3-$4 per can or glass. Juices and specialty coffees can range from $3-$6.
- Beer: Domestic beers usually cost between $7-$8 per bottle or draft, while imported beers can be slightly more expensive.
- Wine: Wine prices vary depending on the type and brand. Expect to pay around $9-$15 per glass for house wines and more for premium selections. Bottles of wine are also available for purchase.
- Cocktails: Mixed drinks and cocktails typically range from $10-$14, depending on the ingredients and complexity of the drink.
Many people find that purchasing individual sodas adds up quickly, especially for families. Consider whether a soda package, if offered on your sailing, might be a better value.
If you’re a beer drinker, it’s worth noting which brands are included in any drink packages you might be considering. Certain premium or craft beers might not be included.
Many cruisers choose to purchase bottles of wine to enjoy in their cabin or at dinner. This can often be more economical than buying individual glasses throughout the cruise.
Cocktails are a popular choice on cruises, but they can quickly add up. Look for daily specials or happy hour promotions to save money on your favorite drinks.
Factors Influencing Drink Costs
Several factors can influence the drink costs on a Carnival cruise. These include the specific bar or venue, promotions, and the inclusion of gratuities.
- Bar location: Different bars on the ship may have slightly different prices for the same drinks. For example, a specialty cocktail at a premium bar might be more expensive than at a poolside bar.
- Promotions: Carnival frequently offers drink specials and happy hour promotions. Keep an eye out for these deals in the daily cruise planner.
- Gratuities: Carnival automatically adds a gratuity (typically around 18%) to all drink purchases. This is important to factor into your overall cost calculations.
- Specialty Drinks: Drinks served in souvenir glasses often have a higher initial cost, but you get to keep the glass.
Take a look at the drink menus at various bars around the ship to find the best deals or the specific ambiance you’re looking for.
Checking the daily cruise planner is essential for finding out about any special drink deals or promotions that are happening around the ship.
Remember that the price you see on the menu isn’t the final price you’ll pay. Be sure to add the gratuity to your calculations when budgeting for drinks.
If you plan on purchasing several of these types of drinks, the novelty glassware might make the higher initial cost worth it for you as a souvenir.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
Carnival offers drink packages that can provide a fixed cost for beverages throughout your cruise. Deciding whether a drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and preferences. By evaluating your consumption patterns and comparing them to the package price, you can make an informed decision.
The “Cheers!” Drink Package
The “Cheers!” drink package is Carnival’s most popular beverage package, offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price.
- Inclusions: The “Cheers!” package typically includes most alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails) up to a certain price limit (usually around $20 per drink), as well as non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
- Restrictions: There are usually restrictions on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order per day (often 15). You must also wait at least 5 minutes between ordering alcoholic drinks.
- Cost: The daily cost of the “Cheers!” package varies depending on the length of the cruise and whether you purchase it before boarding. Pre-purchasing is usually cheaper. As of 2024, you can expect to pay approximately $60-$70 per day, per person (plus gratuities) if purchased before the cruise, and a higher rate if purchased onboard.
It’s important to check the specifics of what is included in the package before purchasing, as some premium or high-end beverages may not be covered.
These restrictions are in place to prevent over-consumption and ensure responsible drinking onboard.
Be sure to factor in the gratuities when calculating the total cost of the package.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if the “Cheers!” package is worth it, you need to calculate how many drinks you would need to consume each day to break even.
- Determine the daily cost: As mentioned above, the daily cost is around $60-$70 (plus gratuities) if purchased before the cruise. Let’s use $65 as an example. With an 18% gratuity, the total daily cost is approximately $76.70.
- Determine the average cost per drink: Consider the types of drinks you typically order. If you mostly drink cocktails costing around $12 each, that’s your average.
- Calculate the break-even point: Divide the total daily cost ($76.70) by the average cost per drink ($12). In this example, you would need to drink about 6.4 drinks per day to break even.
If you typically consume 6 or more alcoholic drinks (plus other included non-alcoholic beverages) each day, the “Cheers!” package is likely a good value. If you drink less than that, purchasing individual drinks might be more cost-effective. A 2022 analysis by Cruise Critic found that the average cruiser needed to consume at least 5-6 alcoholic beverages daily for the “Cheers!” package to be worthwhile.
Alternative Drink Packages and Options
Besides the “Cheers!” package, Carnival may offer other drink packages or promotions that cater to different preferences. You should always check the availability of these options before your cruise.
- Bottomless Bubbles: This package includes unlimited soda and juice. It’s a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol but enjoy soft drinks.
- Specialty Coffee Cards: If you’re a coffee lover, consider purchasing a specialty coffee card, which provides a discount on multiple specialty coffee drinks.
- BYOB Wine Policy: Carnival allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per person on board at embarkation. This can save you money on wine consumption.
If you mostly consume soda, juice, and specialty coffee, this package could be a cost-effective alternative to the “Cheers!” package.
This option can be more economical than buying individual specialty coffees, especially if you have one every morning.
This is a great way to enjoy your favorite wine without paying the inflated prices onboard. Note that there is a corkage fee if you consume your wine in the dining room.
Strategies for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you don’t opt for a drink package, there are several strategies you can employ to save money on drinks during your Carnival cruise. These include taking advantage of happy hours, purchasing drink cards, and bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages.
Happy Hour and Drink Specials
Carnival frequently offers happy hour promotions and drink specials at various bars around the ship. These deals can significantly reduce the cost of your drinks.
- Check the daily cruise planner: The daily cruise planner will list all happy hour times and drink specials for each day.
- Visit different bars: Different bars may have different specials, so it’s worth exploring to find the best deals.
- Take advantage of “two-for-one” deals: Some bars may offer “two-for-one” deals on certain drinks during specific times.
Pay attention to the times and locations of happy hours so you can plan your day accordingly.
Try out a few different bars to find your favorite spot and the best prices.
These deals are a great way to save money if you’re traveling with a partner or friend.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Carnival has a specific policy regarding bringing beverages onboard. Understanding these rules can help you save money on drinks.
- Allowed items: Passengers are typically allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per person on board at embarkation.
- Prohibited items: Hard liquor, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages (except for a limited amount of sealed bottled water) are usually prohibited.
- Exceptions: There may be exceptions for medical reasons or for infants. Check with Carnival directly for specific allowances.
This can be a significant cost-saver, especially if you enjoy wine with dinner.
Carnival’s policy is designed to encourage passengers to purchase beverages onboard.
If you have specific dietary needs or medical requirements, contact Carnival customer service to inquire about bringing necessary beverages onboard.
Other Cost-Saving Tips
Beyond happy hours and bringing your own beverages, there are other ways to reduce your drink costs on a Carnival cruise.
- Purchase drink cards: Some bars offer drink cards that provide a discount on multiple drinks. These can be a good value if you plan to drink frequently.
- Stay hydrated with water: Drinking plenty of water can reduce your consumption of other beverages. Carnival provides complimentary water at various locations.
- Consider sharing drinks: If you’re traveling with a partner or friend, consider sharing larger cocktails or pitchers to save money.
- Utilize the free drink stations: Many Carnival ships offer complimentary lemonade, iced tea, and coffee at select locations and times.
Ask at the bar if they offer drink cards and compare the cost per drink to the regular price.
Staying hydrated is also essential for your health, especially in a warm climate.
This can be a fun way to try different drinks without committing to a full serving each.
These free drink stations can help you stay refreshed without spending extra money.
Common Myths About Cruise Drink Costs
There are several misconceptions about the cost of drinks on Carnival cruises. Understanding the reality behind these myths can help you plan your budget more accurately.
Myth: Drinks are always overpriced on cruises.
While cruise drinks can seem expensive, especially compared to prices on land, they are often comparable to prices at bars and resorts in tourist destinations. Carnival offers a range of options, from basic drinks to premium cocktails, catering to different budgets. Furthermore, drink packages can provide a fixed cost, potentially saving money for frequent drinkers.
Myth: You can sneak drinks onto the ship easily.
Carnival has strict policies about bringing outside beverages onboard, and security is vigilant about enforcing these rules. While some passengers may attempt to sneak drinks onto the ship, it is not recommended, as any discovered alcohol or prohibited beverages will be confiscated. It is generally better to adhere to the cruise line’s regulations and explore the available drink packages and promotions.
Myth: Drink packages are always the best deal.
Drink packages are not always the most economical choice for every passenger. Whether a drink package is worth it depends on individual drinking habits. If you only consume a few drinks per day, purchasing individual drinks might be more cost-effective than a drink package. It’s crucial to calculate your potential consumption and compare it to the cost of the package before making a decision.
FAQ
How much does a soda cost on Carnival?
A soda on Carnival typically costs around $3-$4 per can or glass. Consider purchasing the “Bottomless Bubbles” package if you drink multiple sodas each day, as this may prove to be more economical. The exact price can vary slightly depending on the specific bar or venue.
Can I bring my own water bottles on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring a limited amount of sealed bottled water onto a Carnival cruise. However, large quantities of non-alcoholic beverages are typically prohibited. Check with Carnival’s specific policies before your cruise to confirm the current regulations.
What alcoholic drinks are included in the “Cheers!” package?
The “Cheers!” package usually includes most alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and cocktails, up to a certain price limit (typically around $20 per drink). Some premium or high-end beverages may not be included, so it’s important to check the specifics of what is covered before purchasing the package. It is always a good idea to check the Carnival website for up to date information.
Is there a limit to how many alcoholic drinks I can order with the “Cheers!” package?
Yes, there are usually restrictions on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order per day with the “Cheers!” package. The limit is often around 15 drinks per day. Additionally, you must typically wait at least 5 minutes between ordering alcoholic drinks.
Can I share my “Cheers!” drink package with someone else?
No, drink packages on Carnival are non-transferable and cannot be shared. If you purchase a “Cheers!” package, it is only valid for your individual use. All adults in the same stateroom (or linked staterooms) are generally required to purchase the package if one person chooses to do so.
Are there any discounts on drinks for Carnival loyalty program members?
Yes, members of Carnival’s loyalty program, VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club, may be eligible for discounts on drinks or other onboard perks. The specific benefits vary depending on your VIFP level. Check the Carnival website or your VIFP account for details.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on a Carnival cruise is crucial for planning a budget-friendly and enjoyable vacation. By familiarizing yourself with the pricing of individual beverages, exploring drink package options, and utilizing cost-saving strategies, you can effectively manage your onboard expenses. Whether you choose to purchase a drink package or pay as you go, knowing your options will empower you to make informed decisions and enjoy your Carnival cruise to the fullest. Now go and book that vacation!