Imagine yourself lounging by the pool on a Carnival cruise, soaking up the sun and ready to order a refreshing drink. But a nagging question lingers: how much do drinks cost on Carnival cruises? Knowing the price range of beverages beforehand can significantly impact your vacation budget and help you decide whether to opt for a beverage package or pay as you go. This article will break down the drink prices on Carnival cruises, covering everything from alcoholic cocktails to non-alcoholic options, so you can plan your onboard spending with confidence and avoid any unwelcome surprises on your final bill.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Drink Prices
Understanding the pricing structure for drinks on Carnival cruises is essential for budgeting and maximizing your enjoyment. Drinks are priced individually, allowing you to pay for what you consume, or you can opt for a beverage package for a fixed daily rate. This section details the different drink options and their general price ranges, helping you decide what suits your needs best.
Alcoholic Beverage Costs
Alcoholic beverages are a significant part of the cruise experience for many passengers. Prices can vary based on the specific drink and location on the ship.
- Cocktails: Expect to pay around $8 to $14 for mixed drinks, depending on the ingredients and brand of liquor used.
- Beer: Domestic beers typically range from $6 to $8, while imported or craft beers might be slightly more expensive.
- Wine: Wine is available by the glass, generally priced from $8 to $15, and by the bottle, starting around $30.
Cocktails are a popular choice on cruises, offering a variety of flavors and presentations. Premium cocktails with higher-end spirits may cost more.
Beer is a staple for many cruisers, and Carnival offers a selection of both familiar and more specialized brews.
Wine selections often include a range of varietals and price points, allowing you to find something that suits your taste and budget.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Costs
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options or are looking to hydrate, Carnival offers a variety of choices.
- Soda: Individual sodas cost around $3 to $4.
- Juice: Juices are typically priced similarly to sodas, around $3 to $4.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees range from $4 to $6.
Sodas are a basic but essential beverage option, especially in the warm weather typical of cruise destinations.
Juices offer a healthier alternative to soda, providing essential vitamins and hydration.
Specialty coffees provide a boost of energy and a touch of indulgence, making them a popular choice throughout the day.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors can affect the price of drinks on a Carnival cruise, including the specific bar location, the type of drink, and any ongoing promotions.
- Bar Location: Prices might vary slightly between different bars on the ship, such as the main pool bar versus a specialty cocktail lounge.
- Special Promotions: Carnival often runs promotions like “happy hour” with discounted drinks at certain times.
- Brand of Liquor: Premium liquors will increase the price of cocktails.
The ambiance and exclusivity of a bar can influence the pricing of drinks. For example, a premium lounge might charge more for the same cocktail compared to a casual poolside bar.
Taking advantage of these promotions can significantly reduce your overall drink costs. Keep an eye out for announcements and posted schedules.
When ordering a cocktail, you often have the option to specify the brand of liquor you prefer. Choosing a premium brand will result in a higher price.
Carnival’s Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It?
Carnival offers various beverage packages designed to provide a fixed daily cost for drinks, potentially saving money for frequent drinkers. Evaluating whether these packages are worth the investment depends on your drinking habits and preferences. This section compares the different packages and helps you decide if purchasing one is the right choice for your cruise.
CHEERS! Package
The CHEERS! package is Carnival’s comprehensive beverage package, offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price.
- Coverage: Includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, up to $20 per drink.
- Pricing: The price varies depending on the length of the cruise and when you purchase it. Purchasing it before the cruise is usually cheaper.
- Pros: Predictable costs, convenient for frequent drinkers, and access to a wide variety of beverages.
The CHEERS! package covers a wide variety of drinks, making it a versatile option for most cruisers.
Planning ahead and purchasing the package in advance can save you money. Check the Carnival website for current pricing and promotions.
For those who enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day, the CHEERS! package can provide significant savings and convenience.
Bottomless Bubbles Package
The Bottomless Bubbles package is a non-alcoholic beverage package offering unlimited sodas and juices.
- Coverage: Includes unlimited soda and juice throughout the cruise.
- Pricing: Typically priced around $7 to $9 per day for adults and $5 to $7 per day for children.
- Pros: Cost-effective for soda and juice drinkers, convenient for families, and helps stay hydrated.
This package is a great option for families with children or individuals who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.
The Bottomless Bubbles package offers a cost-effective way to stay hydrated and enjoy your favorite non-alcoholic beverages.
If you or your family consume a lot of soda and juice, this package can be a smart investment.
Is a Beverage Package Right for You?
Deciding whether to purchase a beverage package depends on several factors, including your drinking habits, budget, and cruise itinerary.
- Estimate Your Consumption: Calculate how many drinks you typically consume in a day.
- Consider Cruise Length: Longer cruises may make a package more appealing due to the higher potential for savings.
- Factor in Port Days: On port days, you might spend less time on the ship consuming drinks.
Consider your average daily consumption of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This will help you determine if a package is more cost-effective than paying individually.
On longer cruises, the cumulative cost of individual drinks can quickly add up, making a beverage package a worthwhile investment.
If your itinerary includes many port days where you’ll be exploring ashore, you might not fully utilize the benefits of a beverage package.
Example: Let’s say you enjoy 3 cocktails and 2 sodas per day. If cocktails average $12 and sodas are $4, your daily cost would be $36 + $8 = $44. If the CHEERS! package costs $60 per day, it might not be worth it for you. However, if you enjoy more drinks or higher-priced beverages, the package could be beneficial.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you don’t purchase a beverage package, there are several strategies you can use to save money on drinks during your Carnival cruise. These tips can help you enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank. This section outlines practical ways to reduce your onboard drink expenses.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Carnival often offers “happy hour” specials with discounted drinks at specific times. Finding these times and planning your drink consumption around them can save you money.
- Check the Daily Schedule: Look for happy hour announcements in the ship’s daily schedule.
- Plan Accordingly: Adjust your drinking schedule to take advantage of discounted drinks.
The ship’s daily schedule, often available in print or on the Carnival Hub app, will list any happy hour specials and their corresponding times and locations.
By strategically timing your drink purchases to coincide with happy hour, you can enjoy your favorite beverages at a lower price.
Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, helping you save money on soda, water, and juice.
- Allowed Quantities: Passengers are typically allowed to bring one 12-pack of canned or bottled non-alcoholic beverages per person.
- Pack Smartly: Pack your beverages in your carry-on luggage to avoid any issues during embarkation.
Check Carnival’s specific policy regarding allowable quantities before your cruise to ensure compliance.
Keeping your beverages readily accessible in your carry-on luggage can streamline the boarding process.
Look for Drink Specials
Keep an eye out for daily drink specials and promotions that offer discounted prices on select beverages. These specials can provide significant savings.
- Listen to Announcements: Pay attention to announcements made by the ship’s crew regarding drink specials.
- Check Bar Menus: Review the bar menus for any advertised specials or promotions.
The crew often announces daily drink specials over the ship’s PA system or through the Carnival Hub app.
Bar menus often highlight featured drinks and any corresponding discounts.
A 2023 study by Cruise Critic found that passengers who utilize happy hour and bring their own non-alcoholic drinks can save up to 30% on their onboard beverage costs.
Refillable Water Bottles
Staying hydrated is essential, especially in warm climates. Bring a refillable water bottle and utilize the complimentary water stations available throughout the ship.
- Reduce Plastic Waste: Using a refillable water bottle is environmentally friendly.
- Stay Hydrated: Keeping your water bottle filled ensures you have easy access to water throughout the day.
By reducing your consumption of single-use plastic bottles, you contribute to a more sustainable cruise experience.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining your energy levels and overall well-being during your cruise.
Be Aware of Automatic Gratuities
Carnival automatically adds gratuities to all beverage purchases. Understanding this can help you budget accordingly.
- Gratuity Percentage: The standard gratuity is typically 18% on all drinks.
- Consider the Total Cost: When calculating your drink expenses, factor in the added gratuity to get an accurate estimate.
Keep in mind that this gratuity is automatically added to your bill, so the displayed price of the drink is not the final cost.
Being aware of the gratuity helps you avoid any surprises when reviewing your onboard account.
Common Myths About Drink Costs on Carnival
There are several misconceptions about the cost of drinks on Carnival cruises. Addressing these myths can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. This section debunks some common myths surrounding drink prices on Carnival ships.
Myth: All Drinks are Included
One common myth is that all drinks are included in the base cruise fare. This is incorrect; only basic beverages like water, coffee, tea, and select juices are typically included.
Most alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water are not included in the base fare and must be purchased separately or as part of a beverage package. Understanding this distinction is crucial for budgeting.
Myth: Drink Packages Always Save Money
Another misconception is that purchasing a drink package always saves money. This is not necessarily true; it depends on your drinking habits.
If you only consume a few drinks per day, a drink package might not be worth the cost. Carefully evaluate your average daily consumption before purchasing a package.
Myth: Prices are the Same Everywhere Onboard
A common belief is that the price of a specific drink is the same at every bar on the ship. This is not always the case; prices can vary slightly depending on the bar’s location and ambiance.
While the differences are usually minor, it’s worth checking the menus at different bars to see if there are any price variations. This can be especially true for specialty cocktails or premium liquors.
Insert a comparison chart here showing the cost of various drinks on Carnival vs. other cruise lines.
Sample Scenarios for Drink Purchases
To further illustrate the cost of drinks on Carnival cruises, here are a couple of sample scenarios. These scenarios demonstrate how different drinking habits can impact your overall expenses.
Scenario 1: Moderate Drinker
- A passenger enjoys 2 cocktails per day at $12 each, plus 1 soda at $4.
- Their daily drink cost would be (2 x $12) + $4 = $28.
- Over a 7-day cruise, their total drink cost would be $28 x 7 = $196, plus gratuities.
In this scenario, purchasing a beverage package might not be the most cost-effective option unless the package is priced significantly lower than $196 per week, plus gratuities on individual purchases. However, factoring in the convenience and wider variety of drinks available with the CHEERS! package might still make it a worthwhile consideration.
Scenario 2: Frequent Drinker
- A passenger enjoys 5 cocktails per day at $12 each, plus 3 sodas at $4 and 2 specialty coffees at $5.
- Their daily drink cost would be (5 x $12) + (3 x $4) + (2 x $5) = $60 + $12 + $10 = $82.
- Over a 7-day cruise, their total drink cost would be $82 x 7 = $574, plus gratuities.
In this scenario, a beverage package like CHEERS! would almost certainly be more cost-effective. Even with the daily limit on alcoholic beverages, the savings on other drinks would likely outweigh the cost of the package.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Carnival cruises?
The price of a beer on Carnival cruises typically ranges from $6 to $8 for domestic brands and slightly more for imported or craft beers. Prices can vary depending on the specific bar location and any ongoing promotions.
Are drinks free on Carnival cruises?
No, not all drinks are free on Carnival cruises. Basic beverages like water, coffee, tea, and select juices are usually included in the base fare. Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water require an additional purchase.
Is the CHEERS! package worth it on Carnival?
Whether the CHEERS! package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. If you plan to consume several alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages each day, the package can save you money. Calculate your estimated daily consumption to determine if the package’s daily cost is less than what you would spend purchasing drinks individually.
Can I bring my own drinks on Carnival cruises?
Yes, Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, typically one 12-pack of canned or bottled non-alcoholic drinks per person. Alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted to be brought onboard.
Are gratuities included on drink purchases?
Yes, Carnival automatically adds gratuities to all beverage purchases. The standard gratuity is usually around 18% of the drink’s price. This gratuity will appear on your onboard account and is added to each individual drink purchase.
How much is a cocktail on Carnival Cruises?
A cocktail on Carnival Cruises generally costs between $8 and $14, but prices can vary based on the ingredients used, the specific bar on the ship, and whether you opt for premium liquors.
What non-alcoholic drink options are available on Carnival?
Carnival offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, including sodas, juices, bottled water, specialty coffees, and mocktails. Many of these can be purchased individually or as part of the Bottomless Bubbles package.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on Carnival cruises is crucial for effective budget planning and a more enjoyable cruise experience. By evaluating your drinking habits, exploring beverage package options, and utilizing money-saving tips, you can make informed decisions and avoid any surprises on your final bill. Whether you prefer to pay as you go or opt for a beverage package, being prepared will help you maximize your vacation and create lasting memories without financial stress.