Ever dreamt of lounging by the pool on a Carnival cruise, sipping a refreshing mixed drink? That dream becomes a reality for many, but the question of cost often arises. Understanding the price of cocktails can significantly impact your onboard budget. This guide will dive deep into how much mixed drinks cost on a Carnival cruise, explore factors affecting pricing, and offer tips for saving money while still enjoying your favorite beverages. You’ll learn about drink packages, onboard specials, and alternative strategies to make your cruise more affordable and enjoyable.
Typical Cost of Mixed Drinks on Carnival
Understanding the baseline cost of cocktails onboard a Carnival cruise is crucial for budgeting your trip. This section will provide an overview of the average prices you can expect to pay for various mixed drinks, highlighting any price fluctuations and typical bar offerings.
Average Drink Prices
Carnival cruise lines offer a wide variety of mixed drinks, and the prices generally reflect the ingredients and complexity of the drink. Expect to pay around $8 to $14 for most cocktails. Premium cocktails, those made with top-shelf liquor or unique ingredients, can range from $12 to $18 or more. A simple rum and coke might be on the lower end, while a more elaborate martini or margarita would be on the higher end.
- Basic cocktails (Rum & Coke, Vodka Cranberry): Usually fall in the $8 – $10 range. These are your standard, easy-to-make drinks.
- Specialty cocktails (Margaritas, Mojitos): Typically priced between $10 – $14. These often involve more ingredients and a bit more effort to prepare.
- Premium cocktails (Martinis, Manhattans): Can range from $12 – $18 or more, depending on the liquor used. These are often made with top-shelf spirits and may have more complex flavor profiles.
These drinks are generally priced lower due to the common ingredients and ease of preparation. They are a good option if you’re looking for something simple and refreshing without breaking the bank.
The higher price reflects the need for fresh ingredients like limes and mint, as well as the skill required to balance the flavors properly. They are a popular choice for vacationers seeking something a bit more exciting.
These drinks appeal to those who appreciate a higher quality spirit and a more sophisticated cocktail experience. The price reflects the use of premium ingredients and the attention to detail in their preparation.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors can affect the price of mixed drinks on a Carnival cruise. The type of liquor used, the complexity of the drink, and even the specific bar or venue on the ship can all play a role.
- Liquor quality: Drinks made with premium or top-shelf liquor will always be more expensive than those made with well liquor.
- Complexity of the drink: Cocktails with multiple ingredients or those that require more time to prepare will typically cost more.
- Specific bar or venue: Some bars on the ship might specialize in certain types of drinks, and their prices may vary. A high-end martini bar might charge more than a poolside bar.
Top-shelf liquors are generally aged longer and have a smoother, more refined taste. This enhanced quality justifies the higher cost, which is then passed on to the consumer.
Drinks involving muddled ingredients, layered flavors, or special techniques require more bartender time and effort, thus contributing to the higher price.
Specialty bars often create a unique atmosphere and offer a more curated selection of drinks. The ambiance and exclusivity can influence the pricing.
Typical Bar Offerings
Carnival cruise lines boast numerous bars, each offering its unique ambiance and cocktail menu. From lively poolside bars to elegant lounges, you’ll find a diverse range of drinks to suit your taste.
- Poolside bars: Offer a range of fruity and refreshing cocktails, perfect for enjoying in the sun.
- Lounge bars: Provide a more relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on classic cocktails and a wider selection of spirits.
- Specialty bars: Focus on specific types of drinks, such as martini bars or tequila bars.
These bars tend to focus on quick and easy-to-make drinks that are ideal for the casual atmosphere of the pool deck. Think frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, and classic rum punches.
Lounges are often designed for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner relaxation. You can expect to find a more extensive menu with martinis, Manhattans, and other sophisticated cocktails.
These bars offer a curated selection of drinks made with high-quality ingredients and often feature signature cocktails unique to the venue. They cater to those seeking a more specialized drinking experience.
Saving Money on Drinks: Drink Packages and Promotions
One of the biggest concerns for cruise passengers is managing their onboard expenses, particularly when it comes to beverages. Carnival Cruise Line offers several options to help you save money on drinks, including drink packages and various promotions. This section will detail these strategies, offering insight into their cost-effectiveness.
Carnival’s Cheers! Drink Package
The Cheers! Drink Package is Carnival’s most popular way to save money on drinks. It allows you to enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily price. Understanding the ins and outs of this package is crucial to determining if it’s the right fit for your cruising style.
- What it includes: The package generally includes most alcoholic beverages (spirits, beer, wine, and cocktails) up to a certain price limit (usually around $20 per drink), as well as non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, specialty coffee, and energy drinks.
- Cost and requirements: The price varies depending on when you purchase it, but it’s typically around $60-$80 per day per person, plus an 18% gratuity. All adults in the same cabin must purchase the package if one person does.
- Is it worth it?: To determine if the Cheers! package is worth it, calculate how many drinks you typically consume per day. If you plan to drink six or more cocktails daily, the package is likely to save you money. Consider your drinking habits and those of your travel companions.
This comprehensive coverage ensures that you have a wide range of options throughout your cruise, whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying dinner, or dancing the night away. The price limit per drink helps to control costs while still allowing you to enjoy most standard cocktails.
The daily cost can seem steep, but it can be cost-effective if you plan to consume several drinks each day. The requirement that all adults in the same cabin purchase the package is designed to prevent sharing and ensure fairness. This policy is often a deciding factor for groups or families traveling together.
It is important to consider your average drink price when determining if it’s worth it. For instance, if you prefer more expensive drinks like top shelf margaritas, you’ll quickly get more value out of the package than if you only drink rum and cokes.
Other Drink Packages and Promotions
Besides the Cheers! package, Carnival sometimes offers other drink promotions or packages with different inclusions or price points. These may be seasonal or limited-time offers, so it’s essential to stay informed.
- Non-alcoholic packages: Carnival offers packages for unlimited soda, juice, and specialty coffee. These are a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a variety of beverages without paying individual prices.
- “Sail & Sip” or similar promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions that offer onboard credit that can be used for drinks. These promotions can significantly reduce your overall beverage costs.
- Happy hour specials: Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Check the daily schedule for times and locations.
These packages cater to families with children, designated drivers, or those who simply prefer non-alcoholic beverages. They provide a cost-effective way to stay hydrated and enjoy refreshing drinks throughout the cruise.
Carnival often runs promotions tied to specific sailings or booking periods. These promotions might offer onboard credit, reduced drink prices, or other perks that can help you save money on drinks.
Happy hour is a great way to enjoy your favorite cocktails at a reduced price. Keep an eye on the daily schedule to find out when and where happy hour is offered on your ship.
Calculating Your Potential Savings
Determining whether a drink package or promotion will save you money requires a bit of math. Consider your average daily consumption and compare it to the cost of individual drinks versus the package price.
Example Calculation: Let’s say you typically drink 5 cocktails per day, and the average cost per cocktail is $12. That’s $60 per day. If the Cheers! package costs $70 per day (including gratuity), it might seem like you’re losing money. However, consider that the package also includes unlimited soda, juice, and specialty coffee, which you might otherwise pay for separately. If you factor in those additional savings, the package might be a better deal.
Alternatives to Onboard Drinks
For those looking to significantly reduce their drink expenses on a Carnival cruise, several alternatives to purchasing drinks onboard exist. From bringing your own beverages (within limitations) to opting for free options, this section offers creative strategies to minimize your bar tab.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Carnival has specific policies regarding bringing your own beverages onboard. Understanding these rules is essential to avoiding any issues or confiscation of your drinks.
- Allowed beverages: Carnival typically allows each guest to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne, as well as a limited number of non-alcoholic beverages (usually 12 cans or bottles per person).
- Restrictions: Hard liquor and beer are generally not allowed to be brought onboard. Any alcohol purchased in port is usually held until the end of the cruise.
- Corkage fees: If you bring your own wine to the dining room, you may be charged a corkage fee (usually around $15 – $20).
This policy allows passengers to enjoy a special bottle of wine in their cabin or during dinner without paying onboard prices. The limit on non-alcoholic beverages helps to control the amount of outside beverages brought onboard.
This restriction is in place to encourage guests to purchase alcoholic beverages from the ship’s bars and restaurants, as it is a significant source of revenue for the cruise line. Confiscated alcohol is typically returned to guests on the final day of the cruise.
This fee covers the cost of serving the wine, including providing glassware and chilling the bottle. It’s often still cheaper than purchasing a bottle of wine from the ship’s wine list.
Free Beverage Options
Carnival offers several free beverage options that can help you stay hydrated and refreshed without spending any money.
- Water, coffee, tea, and lemonade: These are typically available for free in the buffet and main dining room.
- Juice at breakfast: Orange juice, apple juice, and other juices are usually available for free during breakfast hours.
- Ice water at bars: You can always ask for a glass of ice water at any bar without being charged.
These basic beverages are offered throughout the day and are a great way to stay hydrated without incurring any costs. They are readily available and easily accessible.
Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a refreshing glass of juice without paying extra. It’s a great way to start your day on the cruise.
This is a simple and free way to stay hydrated while enjoying the atmosphere of the ship’s bars and lounges. Bartenders are typically happy to provide ice water upon request.
Other Cost-Saving Tips
Beyond bringing your own beverages and taking advantage of free options, several other strategies can help you save money on drinks.
- Share drinks: If you’re traveling with a companion, consider sharing a larger cocktail. This can be a fun way to try new drinks and save money.
- Drink in port: Enjoy alcoholic beverages in port, where prices are often lower than on the ship.
- Pre-cruise planning: Research drink prices and promotions before your cruise so you can make informed decisions about whether to purchase a drink package.
Many bars offer shareable cocktails that are designed for two or more people. This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a unique drink experience without paying for multiple individual cocktails.
Take advantage of the local bars and restaurants in the ports you visit. You can often find cheaper drinks and experience the local culture at the same time.
Being prepared and informed will help you make the best choices for your budget. Knowing what to expect in terms of drink prices will prevent any surprises and help you plan accordingly.
Navigating Onboard Bar Menus and Policies
Effectively navigating the onboard bar menus and understanding Carnival’s alcohol policies can significantly impact your cruise experience. This section will guide you through these elements, offering tips for making informed decisions.
Understanding Bar Menus
Carnival’s bar menus can vary slightly depending on the specific bar and ship. However, they generally follow a similar format.
- Drink categories: Menus are typically organized by drink type (e.g., cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic).
- Price visibility: Prices are usually clearly displayed for each drink. Look closely for potential add-ons or upgrades that might increase the cost.
- Ingredients and descriptions: Many menus include brief descriptions of the drinks, including the ingredients and flavor profiles.
This categorization makes it easy to find the specific type of drink you’re looking for, whether it’s a classic cocktail, a refreshing beer, or a non-alcoholic option.
Pay attention to the fine print. Some cocktails may have additional charges for premium liquor or special ingredients. Knowing the exact price before you order will help you avoid any surprises.
Read these descriptions carefully to ensure that the drink aligns with your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for more information if you’re unsure about a particular drink.
Carnival’s Alcohol Policies
Carnival has specific policies regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol onboard. Adhering to these policies is essential for a smooth cruise experience.
- Minimum drinking age: The minimum drinking age on Carnival cruises is 21.
- Serving hours: Alcohol is generally served from early morning until late at night. Specific hours may vary depending on the bar and itinerary.
- Responsible drinking: Carnival encourages responsible drinking and reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated.
This policy is strictly enforced, and passengers may be asked to show identification to verify their age. Underage drinking is not permitted and can result in serious consequences.
Be aware of the serving hours for your favorite bars. Some bars may close earlier than others, especially on port days.
It’s important to drink responsibly and be mindful of your consumption. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to disruptive behavior and may result in being asked to leave the bar or even disembark the ship.
Communicating with Bartenders
Don’t hesitate to communicate with bartenders to make informed choices and potentially save money.
- Ask about specials: Bartenders often know about daily specials or promotions that aren’t explicitly advertised on the menu.
- Inquire about ingredient substitutions: If you’re looking to save money, ask if you can substitute a less expensive liquor in your cocktail.
- Seek recommendations: Bartenders can recommend drinks that fit your taste preferences and budget.
Asking about specials is a great way to discover hidden deals and potentially save money on your drinks. Bartenders are a valuable source of information and can help you find the best values.
Bartenders may be willing to accommodate your request and substitute a less expensive liquor without significantly affecting the taste of the drink. This can be a simple way to save a few dollars per cocktail.
Tell the bartender what you like and what your budget is, and they can suggest drinks that meet your criteria. They have a wealth of knowledge about the bar menu and can help you find the perfect drink.
A 2022 survey by Cruise Critic found that the average cruise passenger spends $300 on drinks during a 7-day cruise. By understanding the pricing, packages, and alternative strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your onboard spending and enjoy your Carnival cruise without breaking the bank.
FAQ
How much does a beer cost on a Carnival cruise?
A domestic beer typically costs around $7-8 on a Carnival cruise. Imported beers may be slightly more expensive, ranging from $8-9. Prices can vary depending on the specific bar and any ongoing promotions. Consider purchasing the Cheers! drink package if you plan to consume several beers throughout your cruise, as it could be a more cost-effective option.
Can I bring my own soda on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival generally allows each guest to bring a limited number of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, usually 12 cans or bottles per person. This can include soda, juice, and other non-alcoholic drinks. Bringing your own soda can help you save money on drinks, especially if you prefer specific brands or flavors that may not be readily available onboard.
What happens if I try to sneak alcohol onto a Carnival cruise?
Carnival has strict policies against bringing hard liquor and beer onboard. If caught, the alcohol will likely be confiscated and stored until the end of the cruise, when it will be returned to you. Repeated attempts to sneak alcohol onboard could result in further penalties. It’s best to adhere to Carnival’s policies and purchase your alcoholic beverages onboard.
Is the Cheers! drink package worth it if I don’t drink a lot of alcohol?
The Cheers! drink package may not be worth it if you don’t drink a significant amount of alcohol. To determine its value, calculate how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you typically consume per day and compare the total cost to the daily price of the package. If you only drink a few cocktails or beers per day, it might be cheaper to pay for drinks individually.
Are there any discounts on drinks for seniors on Carnival cruises?
Carnival does not typically offer specific discounts on drinks for seniors. However, it’s always worth checking for promotional offers or onboard credits that might be available, which can be used to reduce the cost of drinks. You can also look for happy hour specials or other discounts that are available to all passengers.
How can I find out about drink specials on a Carnival cruise?
Drink specials are usually advertised in the daily schedule, which is delivered to your stateroom each day. You can also check the electronic boards around the ship or ask bartenders about any ongoing promotions. Following Carnival’s social media channels may also provide information about special offers and discounts.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much mixed drinks cost on a Carnival cruise is vital for managing your budget and maximizing your enjoyment. While onboard drinks can be pricey, options like the Cheers! package, bringing your own beverages (within limits), and taking advantage of free options can help you save money. By being informed and planning ahead, you can sip your favorite cocktails without worrying about breaking the bank and fully enjoy your vacation. Now that you are armed with this information, go ahead and book that cruise and raise a glass (responsibly) to savings and relaxation!