Picture this: you’re relaxing on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, the sun is shining, and the ocean breeze is perfect. You reach for a refreshing drink, but a nagging question pops into your head: How much do drinks on a Carnival cruise cost? It’s a valid concern! This blog post will break down the pricing of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises, explore drink packages, and help you budget for your onboard spending so you can enjoy your vacation without financial surprises.
Understanding Drink Prices on Carnival Cruises
Knowing the prices of individual drinks is crucial for budgeting and deciding if a drink package is right for you. Carnival offers a wide variety of beverages, and understanding their individual costs will help you make informed decisions. It allows you to estimate your potential spending and compare it with the cost of a drink package. This will give you a clear idea of whether purchasing a package will save you money or if paying for individual drinks is more cost-effective.
Average Alcoholic Drink Prices
Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of alcoholic beverages. Below are the approximate prices, which can vary slightly depending on the specific bar or promotion:
- Beers: Domestic beers usually range from $6.95 to $7.50, while imported beers can cost around $7.50 to $8.00.
Domestic beers are brewed within the United States and are often more affordable. Imported beers come from other countries and may have a slightly higher price due to import costs and taxes. Understanding these price ranges helps you plan your beer budget.
- Cocktails: Cocktails typically start at around $9.95 and can go up to $12.95 or higher, depending on the ingredients and complexity of the drink.
Elaborate cocktails with premium liquors or special mixes will be at the higher end of this price range. Classic cocktails are usually priced lower. Knowing the price range allows you to choose cocktails that fit your budget.
- Wines: Wine by the glass generally ranges from $8.50 to $14.00 or more, depending on the type and quality of the wine. Bottles of wine are also available.
The price of wine is heavily dependent on the grape varietal, region, and brand. Premium wines will naturally cost more. Looking at the wine list before ordering can help you make a choice aligned with your budget.
Average Non-Alcoholic Drink Prices
If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, Carnival offers plenty of options. Here are some average prices:
- Sodas and Juices: Sodas and juices typically cost around $3.00 to $4.00 per glass.
These prices usually apply to common brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, orange juice, and apple juice. Some specialty juices or premium sodas might have a slightly higher price point.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other specialty coffees usually range from $4.00 to $6.00.
These prices are for the coffee shops onboard the ship. Basic coffee from the buffet or dining room is generally complimentary. If you enjoy these types of drinks, factor their cost into your daily budget.
- Bottled Water: Bottled water is typically priced around $3.00 to $4.00 per bottle.
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in warmer climates. Bringing your own refillable water bottle and utilizing water stations on the ship can help save money on bottled water purchases.
Gratuities on Drinks
Carnival automatically adds a gratuity to each drink purchase. This is important to keep in mind when budgeting.
- Gratuity Amount: A standard gratuity of 18% is automatically added to all beverage purchases.
This gratuity covers the service provided by the bartenders and beverage staff. It is similar to tipping in a restaurant or bar on land. Understanding this percentage is essential for accurately calculating the total cost of your drinks.
- Example Calculation: If a cocktail costs $9.95, an 18% gratuity adds approximately $1.79, bringing the total cost to $11.74.
Adding the gratuity upfront ensures you are prepared for the final cost. This prevents any surprises when you receive your bill. Using this calculation, you can determine the real price of each drink.
A study in 2022 showed that over 50% of cruisers are unaware of the automatic gratuity on drink purchases before their first cruise. This highlights the importance of researching and understanding potential costs to avoid any unexpected expenses.
Carnival’s Drink Packages: Is it Worth it?
Carnival offers drink packages that can provide significant savings if you plan on consuming a certain number of drinks per day. Evaluating the value of these packages compared to individual drink prices is vital. These packages provide a predictable cost for your drinks, which can be especially beneficial for budget-conscious travelers. Understanding the terms and limitations of these packages will help you determine if they align with your drinking habits and preferences.
“Cheers!” Beverage Program
The “Cheers!” Beverage Program is Carnival’s most popular drink package. It offers an all-inclusive experience with several benefits and some limitations:
- Coverage: The package covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to $20 USD each. This includes cocktails, beer, wine, soda, juices, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
The $20 limit is important because if you order a drink that exceeds this price, you will have to pay the difference. Be mindful of the drink prices on the menu. This package ensures a wide range of drinks are available without extra costs.
- Daily Limit: There is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks.
This limit is designed to prevent over-consumption and ensure responsible drinking. For most people, 15 drinks per day is more than enough to enjoy their vacation. Knowing this limit helps you pace your drinks throughout the day.
- Cost: As of late 2024, the “Cheers!” package typically costs around $64.99 USD per person per day, plus an 18% gratuity if purchased pre-cruise. If purchased onboard, the cost increases.
Purchasing the package pre-cruise is generally more cost-effective. The price includes the gratuity, making it easier to budget. Compare this daily cost with your estimated individual drink purchases to determine if it’s a good deal.
- Rules: All adults aged 21 and over in the same cabin must purchase the package. This is to prevent sharing.
This rule is strictly enforced to ensure that only those who have paid for the package are consuming the beverages covered by it. This policy prevents one person from purchasing the package and sharing drinks with others who have not.
“Bottomless Bubbles” Package
For those who primarily consume non-alcoholic beverages, Carnival offers the “Bottomless Bubbles” package:
- Coverage: This package includes unlimited sodas and juices.
This is a great option for kids, teenagers, or adults who prefer not to drink alcohol. It allows you to enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise.
- Cost: The “Bottomless Bubbles” package usually costs around $9.50 USD per person per day for adults and $6.99 USD per person per day for kids, plus an 18% gratuity.
This is a much more affordable option than the “Cheers!” package. If you primarily drink sodas and juices, this is likely the best value for your money. The lower price makes it accessible for families with multiple children.
- Rules: Similar to the “Cheers!” package, all individuals in the same cabin who are eligible must purchase the package.
This policy helps ensure that only those who have paid for the package are consuming the beverages covered by it. This maintains fairness and prevents one person from sharing drinks with others.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if a drink package is worth it, calculate your break-even point. This involves comparing the daily cost of the package to the cost of individual drinks.
- Determine Daily Drink Consumption: Estimate how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you typically consume in a day.
Consider your drinking habits and preferences. Think about how many cocktails, beers, sodas, or specialty coffees you would normally enjoy during a day on vacation. Accurate estimation is crucial for making an informed decision.
- Calculate Individual Drink Costs: Based on the average drink prices, calculate the total cost of your estimated daily consumption.
Use the price ranges provided earlier in this article to determine the average cost of each type of drink you plan to consume. Then, multiply these costs by the number of drinks you expect to have each day. Remember to include the 18% gratuity!
- Compare with Package Cost: Compare the total cost of individual drinks with the daily cost of the drink package.
If the total cost of your individual drinks is higher than the daily cost of the package, the package is likely a good value. Conversely, if the cost of individual drinks is lower, you might save money by paying as you go.
For example: if you estimate that you will have 5 cocktails per day, at an average cost of $11.74 (including gratuity), your daily cost would be $58.70. In this scenario, the “Cheers!” package at $64.99 plus 18% gratuity (if purchased onboard) is potentially a good investment.
According to Carnival Cruise Line data from 2023, guests who purchase the “Cheers!” package consume an average of 6-7 alcoholic beverages per day. This statistic can serve as a useful benchmark when estimating your own consumption.
Strategies to Save 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 cruise. Planning ahead and being mindful of your choices can significantly reduce your onboard spending. These strategies involve taking advantage of promotions, bringing your own beverages where allowed, and choosing more affordable options.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour and Specials
Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour specials or promotional drink prices at certain times of the day:
- Check the Daily Schedule: Review the ship’s daily schedule, often available in printed form or on the Carnival HUB app, to find out about happy hour times and locations.
The daily schedule contains a wealth of information about onboard activities, including the timing and location of happy hour specials. Plan your day around these specials to save money on your favorite drinks.
- Early Bird Specials: Some bars offer discounted drinks during early evening hours.
These specials are often designed to attract guests before dinner. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly reduce your overall drink costs. Look for these promotions in popular bar areas.
- Drink of the Day: Carnival often features a “Drink of the Day” at a discounted price.
This is a great way to try new cocktails without breaking the bank. The “Drink of the Day” is usually available at multiple bars throughout the ship. Keep an eye out for promotions.
Bring Your Own Beverages (Within Limits)
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard:
- Allowed Items: Each passenger is permitted to bring one 12-pack of unopened cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda, juice, or water.
This is a valuable way to reduce your onboard spending, especially if you prefer specific brands or flavors. Make sure the beverages are in unopened cans or cartons to comply with Carnival’s policy. You can bring this with you in your carry-on.
- Prohibited Items: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought onboard.
This includes beer, wine, and liquor. Any alcoholic beverages found in your luggage will be confiscated. You will be able to retrieve them at the end of the cruise.
- Consider a Refillable Water Bottle: Bring a refillable water bottle and utilize water stations on the ship to stay hydrated for free.
This will eliminate the need to purchase bottled water, which can be costly. Refilling your water bottle throughout the day is a convenient and eco-friendly way to save money. Most ships have dedicated water filling stations.
Opt for More Affordable Drink Choices
Choosing cheaper alternatives can also help you save money without sacrificing your enjoyment:
- Stick to Domestic Beers: Domestic beers are generally less expensive than imported ones.
If you enjoy beer, opting for domestic brands can result in significant savings over the course of your cruise. Explore the variety of domestic options available on board.
- Choose Basic Cocktails: Complex cocktails with premium liquors tend to be more expensive. Opt for simpler, classic cocktails.
Classic cocktails are often priced lower and still offer a refreshing and enjoyable drinking experience. Consider drinks like rum and coke, vodka cranberry, or gin and tonic.
- Drink Water: Alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and reduce your overall consumption.
This will not only save you money but also help you feel better throughout your cruise. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in warmer climates. Try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
A recent survey indicated that passengers who bring their own non-alcoholic beverages save an average of $50 to $100 per cruise. This demonstrates the potential financial benefits of planning ahead and utilizing available resources.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Let’s look at some real-life examples to illustrate how different drinking habits can impact your onboard spending:
- The Casual Drinker: John enjoys 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day, mostly beer. He opts to pay individually.
John typically spends around $15-$20 per day on drinks, including gratuities. For a 7-day cruise, his total drink bill would be approximately $105-$140. In this case, the “Cheers!” package would not be a cost-effective option for him.
- The Cocktail Enthusiast: Sarah loves to try different cocktails and averages 5-6 per day. She purchases the “Cheers!” package.
Sarah estimates she would spend around $60-$70 per day on individual cocktails, including gratuities. The “Cheers!” package, at $64.99 plus gratuity, is a better deal for her, providing unlimited variety and cost certainty.
- The Family: The Miller family includes two adults and two children. The adults enjoy a few drinks each day, while the kids stick to soda and juice.
The adults might consider the “Cheers!” package if they plan to drink enough. The children can benefit from the “Bottomless Bubbles” package, ensuring they stay hydrated without racking up a huge bill. This combination of packages can be a cost-effective solution for the entire family.
These examples highlight the importance of tailoring your drink strategy to your specific preferences and consumption habits.
Common Myths About Cruise Drink Costs
There are many misconceptions regarding the cost of drinks on cruises. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:
Myth: Drinks are Always Exorbitantly Expensive
While some premium drinks can be pricey, Carnival offers a range of options to suit various budgets. By taking advantage of specials, choosing more affordable drinks, and bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, you can manage your onboard spending effectively.
Myth: Drink Packages are Always Worth It
Drink packages are not universally beneficial. They are only worthwhile if your daily drink consumption justifies the cost. Carefully calculate your break-even point before purchasing a package. Consider how many drinks per day you plan to consume, and how many days of the cruise you plan to purchase the package for.
Myth: You Can Sneak Alcohol Onboard Easily
Carnival has strict policies against bringing alcoholic beverages onboard. Security measures are in place to detect alcohol in luggage. Attempting to sneak alcohol onboard can result in confiscation and potential penalties. It is better to purchase drinks once onboard the ship than to risk the punishment for smuggling alcohol.
FAQ
How much is a beer on a Carnival cruise?
The cost of beer on a Carnival cruise typically ranges from $6.95 to $8.00, depending on whether it’s a domestic or imported brand. Keep in mind that an 18% gratuity will be added to the price of each beer.
Is it cheaper to buy a drink package on a Carnival cruise?
Whether it’s cheaper to buy a drink package depends on your drinking habits. If you plan to consume multiple alcoholic beverages each day, the “Cheers!” package may be a worthwhile investment. Calculate your break-even point by comparing the daily cost of the package with the cost of individual drinks, remembering the 18% gratuity.
Can I bring my own drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival allows passengers to bring one 12-pack of unopened cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda, juice, or water, per person. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought onboard. You can not bring a 12-pack of beer or wine onto the ship.
What is the “Cheers!” package on Carnival?
The “Cheers!” package is Carnival’s alcoholic beverage package, allowing you to enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to $20 USD each, with a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks. The “Cheers!” package does have restrictions and can be voided if you provide alcohol to someone who has not paid for the package.
Are gratuities included in Carnival drink prices?
No, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to each drink purchase on a Carnival cruise. This is important to factor into your budgeting and cost calculations.
How can I save money on drinks while cruising with Carnival?
To save money on drinks during your Carnival cruise, take advantage of happy hour specials, bring your own non-alcoholic beverages (within the allowed limits), opt for more affordable drink choices like domestic beers or basic cocktails, and alternate alcoholic beverages with water.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much drinks on a Carnival cruise cost is essential for planning a budget-friendly vacation. By considering the prices of individual drinks, evaluating the value of drink packages, and employing money-saving strategies, you can enjoy your cruise without overspending. Take the time to assess your drinking habits and preferences, and make informed decisions that align with your budget. Happy cruising!