Picture yourself lounging on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, and a vibrant cocktail in your hand. Sounds idyllic, right? But before you order that first Mai Tai, it’s smart to have an idea of the cost. Many travelers planning their voyage wonder how much do mixed drinks cost on Carnival cruises, as these expenses add up quickly. This blog post will break down the pricing of drinks on Carnival, covering everything from individual cocktails to drink packages, helping you budget for your next cruise vacation.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Drink Prices
Carnival Cruise Line, like most cruise lines, offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at varying prices. Understanding these prices is crucial for budgeting and making informed decisions about whether to purchase a drink package or pay as you go. The cost of drinks can vary based on the type of drink, the bar location on the ship, and any ongoing promotions.
Average Cost of Mixed Drinks
Mixed drinks on Carnival cruises typically range from $8 to $14 USD. This price range includes popular cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris, and rum punches. The final price can depend on the specific ingredients used and whether you opt for a premium spirit.
- Standard Cocktails: Expect to pay around $8 to $10 for classic cocktails made with standard liquors. These are your go-to drinks that you’ll find at most bars onboard. These prices can be subject to change without notice, so be sure to check the most current drink menu available onboard the ship.
- Premium Cocktails: If you prefer top-shelf liquors or more elaborate mixed drinks, the price can climb to $12 to $14. These drinks often feature higher-quality ingredients and may be prepared with extra care by experienced bartenders.
- Specialty Drinks: Some bars onboard may offer signature cocktails exclusive to that venue. These can range in price, depending on their uniqueness and the ingredients involved. Consider trying these at least once during your cruise to broaden your beverage horizons.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors can affect the price of mixed drinks on a Carnival cruise. These include the type of alcohol used, the location of the bar, and whether there are any special promotions or happy hour deals in effect. Keeping these factors in mind can help you save money and make the most of your onboard drinking experience.
- Type of Alcohol: Premium liquors will always increase the price of a cocktail. Choosing standard brands can help keep your drink costs down. Different brands of alcohol can greatly affect the drink costs, so it’s worth investigating the different options onboard.
- Bar Location: Prices can sometimes vary between different bars on the ship. For example, a high-end martini bar might charge slightly more than a poolside bar. Investigating the drink prices across the ship can offer some worthwhile savings.
- Promotions and Happy Hours: Carnival often offers happy hour deals or drink specials at certain times of the day. Taking advantage of these promotions can significantly reduce your overall drink expenses. These types of deals are generally located on the main decks of the ship.
Real-life Example
Consider a couple, John and Jane, on a 7-day Carnival cruise. They each have about 3 standard cocktails daily, priced at $9 each. Without a drink package, their individual drink bill would be $189 (7 days x 3 drinks x $9). Together, their total would be $378. However, if they purchased the “Cheers!” drink package, they would pay a flat fee per day, potentially saving money if they consistently drink several alcoholic beverages each day.
Carnival’s “Cheers!” Drink Package
Carnival offers an alcoholic drink package called “Cheers!”, which allows passengers to enjoy a wide variety of beverages for a fixed daily price. This package can be a cost-effective option for those who plan to consume multiple alcoholic drinks per day. Understanding the details of the package is essential for determining whether it is the right choice for your cruise.
Cost and Coverage of the “Cheers!” Package
The “Cheers!” package typically costs around $60-$70 USD per day, plus an 18% gratuity charge. The exact price can vary depending on the length of the cruise and any ongoing promotions. The package includes most alcoholic beverages up to $20 each, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, juices, and specialty coffees.
- Daily Cost: The daily cost of the “Cheers!” package is usually between $60 and $70 USD, depending on the specific cruise itinerary and any promotional offers available at the time of booking. This cost is in addition to the cruise fare.
- Gratuity: An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the daily cost of the package. This covers the service charges for the bartenders and other beverage staff throughout the cruise.
- Beverage Limit: The package includes alcoholic beverages up to $20 USD each. If you order a drink that costs more than $20, you will be charged the difference.
Benefits of the “Cheers!” Package
Purchasing the “Cheers!” package can offer several benefits, including cost savings for heavy drinkers, convenience, and predictable budgeting. However, it’s important to assess your drinking habits to determine if the package is truly worthwhile.
- Cost Savings: If you plan to consume more than 5-6 alcoholic beverages per day, the “Cheers!” package is likely to save you money compared to paying for each drink individually. This makes it a popular option for those who enjoy having several drinks throughout the day.
- Convenience: With the package, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of your spending or signing receipts for each drink. This can make the overall cruise experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
- Predictable Budgeting: The package allows you to budget for your onboard beverage expenses in advance. This can help you avoid any unexpected surprises when you receive your final bill at the end of the cruise.
Limitations and Restrictions
The “Cheers!” package also has some limitations and restrictions. All adults in the same cabin must purchase the package, and there is a daily limit on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order. Additionally, the package is not valid on certain specialty drinks or bottles of wine.
- Cabin Requirement: All adults aged 21 and over in the same cabin must purchase the “Cheers!” package if one person chooses to buy it. This requirement is in place to prevent sharing of the package benefits.
- Daily Limit: There is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person. Once you reach this limit, you will have to pay for any additional alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded Drinks: The package does not include certain high-end or specialty drinks, such as bottles of wine or champagne. These items will need to be purchased separately.
Example Scenario: “Cheers!” Package Value
Let’s say Mary and Tom are on a 5-day Carnival cruise. The “Cheers!” package costs $65 per day, plus 18% gratuity, totaling approximately $76.70 per person per day. If Mary and Tom each have an average of 6 mixed drinks per day at $10 each, their total individual cost would be $300 (5 days x 6 drinks x $10). This is way beyond the drink package price making the “Cheers!” package worthwhile for them.
Comparing Drink Costs: A Detailed Breakdown
To make an informed decision about whether to purchase a drink package or pay as you go, it’s helpful to compare the costs of individual drinks versus the package. This comparison should take into account your drinking habits, the length of the cruise, and the types of drinks you typically enjoy. It’s also worth noting any changes to cruise costs, to keep up with the industry.
Individual Drink Prices vs. Package Cost
A detailed comparison can reveal potential savings or losses associated with purchasing the “Cheers!” package. Consider how many drinks you plan to consume each day and whether those drinks would be covered by the package.
| Item | Individual Cost | “Cheers!” Package Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cocktail | $9 | Included (up to $20) |
| Premium Cocktail | $12 | Included (up to $20) |
| Soda | $3 | Included |
| Specialty Coffee | $5 | Included |
| “Cheers!” Package (Daily) | N/A | $60-$70 + 18% Gratuity |
Insert a comparison chart here visualizing potential savings based on daily drink consumption and package cost.
Estimating Your Daily Drink Consumption
Accurately estimating your daily drink consumption is crucial for determining whether the “Cheers!” package is a good value. Consider your drinking habits on past vacations and any special events or celebrations that may occur during your cruise.
- Consider Past Vacations: Reflect on how many drinks you typically consume each day during your vacations. This can provide a realistic baseline for estimating your drink consumption on the cruise.
- Factor in Special Events: Account for any special events or celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or themed parties, that may lead you to consume more drinks than usual.
- Account for Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Remember that the “Cheers!” package also includes non-alcoholic beverages, such as sodas, juices, and specialty coffees. If you plan to consume these drinks as well, they can contribute to the overall value of the package.
Case Study: Package vs. Individual Purchase
Suppose Emily enjoys 4 standard cocktails and 2 sodas each day during her 7-day Carnival cruise. Without the “Cheers!” package, her total drink cost would be $378 (7 days x (4 cocktails x $9 + 2 sodas x $3)). If she purchases the “Cheers!” package at $65 per day plus gratuity, her total cost would be approximately $543.90. In this case, paying individually might be more cost-effective.
Additional Drink Package Options
While the “Cheers!” package is the most popular alcoholic drink package, Carnival also offers non-alcoholic options, such as the “Bottomless Bubbles” package. These packages can be a good choice for those who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy unlimited sodas and juices.
- “Bottomless Bubbles”: This package includes unlimited sodas and juices for a fixed daily price. It is a popular option for kids and adults who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
- Other Non-Alcoholic Packages: Carnival may offer other non-alcoholic drink packages, such as specialty coffee packages or water bottle packages. These can provide additional value for those who consume these items regularly.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, there are several ways to save money on drinks during your Carnival cruise. Taking advantage of happy hour deals, bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, and utilizing onboard discounts can help you reduce your overall beverage expenses. There is a plethora of things you can do to save money on drinks.
Happy Hour and Drink Specials
Carnival often offers happy hour deals and drink specials at various bars throughout the ship. These promotions can significantly reduce the cost of your drinks. Be sure to check the daily schedule for the times and locations of these deals.
- Check the Daily Schedule: The daily schedule, which is usually available in print or on the Carnival Hub app, will list any happy hour deals or drink specials for that day.
- Take Advantage of Early Bird Specials: Some bars may offer early bird specials with discounted prices on drinks during the early evening hours.
- Look for Two-for-One Deals: Keep an eye out for two-for-one drink deals, which can be a great way to save money if you are traveling with a companion.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Carnival allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. This can help you save money on sodas, juices, and water. Be sure to check Carnival’s beverage policy for specific restrictions.
- Allowed Beverages: Passengers are typically allowed to bring one 12-pack of unopened cans or bottles of non-alcoholic beverages per person.
- Restrictions: Alcoholic beverages are generally not allowed to be brought onboard, with the exception of one bottle of wine or champagne per adult.
- Policy Changes: Always check Carnival’s official website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date beverage policy, as it may be subject to change.
Onboard Discounts and Promotions
Keep an eye out for onboard discounts and promotions, such as discounted drink coupons or special offers for loyalty program members. These can help you save money on drinks throughout your cruise.
- Loyalty Program Discounts: Carnival’s loyalty program, VIFP Club, offers various perks and discounts to its members, including potential discounts on drinks.
- Discounted Drink Coupons: Carnival may occasionally offer discounted drink coupons, either through onboard promotions or as part of a pre-cruise package.
- Special Offers: Check the Carnival Hub app or the daily schedule for any special offers on drinks, such as discounted prices on specific cocktails or beverage packages.
Myth: Drink Packages Are Always Worth It
Many passengers believe drink packages are always a good deal, but this is not always the case. The value of a drink package depends entirely on your individual drinking habits. If you only plan to have a few drinks each day, you may be better off paying as you go.
Myth: All Drinks Are Included in the “Cheers!” Package
Some passengers mistakenly believe that the “Cheers!” package includes all drinks on board. However, the package has limitations, such as a price cap on individual drinks and exclusions for certain high-end beverages. It’s important to read the fine print and understand the package’s limitations before purchasing it.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Carnival?
The price of beer on Carnival cruises typically ranges from $7 to $9 USD, depending on the brand and whether it is a domestic, imported, or craft beer. Some bars may offer discounts on certain beers during happy hour or other promotional periods. Checking the ship’s drink menu is essential for up-to-date pricing.
Are there free drinks on Carnival cruises?
While most alcoholic drinks come at a cost, Carnival does offer some complimentary beverages, such as water, juice, coffee, and tea, in the main dining rooms and buffet areas. Certain events or loyalty program tiers may also include complimentary drinks. However, these are usually limited and not a regular occurrence.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival allows passengers to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) onboard at embarkation. However, other alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited. If you bring wine or champagne to the dining room, a corkage fee will apply.
Is the “Cheers!” package worth it if I don’t drink a lot?
The “Cheers!” package is only worth it if you plan to consume several alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic beverages each day. If you only have one or two drinks, paying individually will likely be more cost-effective. Consider your drinking habits and compare the potential costs before purchasing the package.
Do drink prices include gratuity on Carnival?
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the price of individual drinks and the daily cost of the “Cheers!” package. This covers the service charges for the bartenders and other beverage staff. You do not need to tip extra unless you wish to do so for exceptional service.
Can I share my “Cheers!” drink package with someone else?
No, the “Cheers!” drink package is non-transferable and cannot be shared with other passengers. All adults in the same cabin must purchase the package if one person chooses to buy it. This is to prevent sharing and ensure fair use of the package benefits.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do mixed drinks cost on Carnival cruises is essential for budgeting and making the most of your vacation. Whether you choose to purchase the “Cheers!” package or pay as you go, knowing the average prices and potential cost-saving strategies can help you enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank. Planning is key, so take a moment to assess your beverage preferences and spending habits, and you’ll be well-prepared to sip your way to a fantastic cruise experience.