Picture this: you’re lounging by the pool on a Carnival cruise, soaking up the sun. You reach for a refreshing soft drink, but a nagging question pops into your head: how much do soft drinks cost on Carnival cruises? Knowing the answer can help you budget and avoid any surprises. This blog post will break down the pricing options, packages, and alternatives so you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about the bill. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the beverage costs and how to make the most of your onboard spending.
Understanding Carnival Cruise Drink Packages
Carnival Cruise Line offers various drink packages that can be a cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited beverages during your cruise. These packages often include soft drinks, as well as other beverages like alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and juices. Knowing the details of these packages is essential to figuring out if they are worth the investment for you.
The “Cheers!” Beverage Program
The “Cheers!” Beverage Program is Carnival’s all-inclusive drink package. It includes almost all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages priced at $20 or less. It’s a popular option for guests who plan to enjoy multiple drinks per day. A guest must be 21 years or older to purchase the “Cheers!” package.
- Coverage: The package covers a wide variety of drinks, including soft drinks, juices, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages.
- Cost: The price varies depending on the length of the cruise and when you purchase it. Typically, it’s more expensive to buy onboard.
- Restrictions: Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the package.
This comprehensive coverage makes it a popular choice for those who want the freedom to order whatever they want without constantly checking the price.
It’s advisable to pre-purchase the package online before your cruise to take advantage of potential discounts. This will also allow you to budget accordingly.
This policy ensures that the package isn’t shared, which helps Carnival maintain the value and pricing structure of the program.
The “Bottomless Bubbles” Package
For those who primarily want access to soft drinks and juices, Carnival offers the “Bottomless Bubbles” package. This package provides unlimited fountain soft drinks and juices throughout the cruise. It’s a great option if you don’t drink alcohol or prefer to pay a lower price for your beverages.
- Coverage: The package covers unlimited fountain soft drinks (like Coke, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper) and juices (like orange, apple, and cranberry).
- Cost: The “Bottomless Bubbles” package is significantly cheaper than the “Cheers!” package. Pricing depends on the length of your cruise.
- Benefits: You can avoid paying individually for each soft drink, which can add up quickly.
This focused coverage makes it an excellent option for families with children or individuals who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.
The lower cost makes it an attractive option for those on a budget or who simply don’t want to spend more on a package that includes alcoholic beverages they won’t consume.
By purchasing the package, you gain the convenience of being able to order soft drinks and juices whenever you want without having to worry about the cost.
Individual Soft Drink Prices on Carnival
If you don’t opt for a drink package, you’ll be paying for each soft drink individually. Understanding these individual prices will help you compare costs and decide whether a drink package is a better deal for you.
Standard Soft Drink Pricing
A typical 16-ounce fountain soft drink on Carnival cruises generally costs around $3 to $4, excluding gratuity. Canned soft drinks may be slightly more expensive. These prices can vary slightly depending on the specific bar or venue on the ship.
- Fountain Drinks: These are the most common type of soft drink available, dispensed from a soda fountain.
- Canned Drinks: These are usually available in specific areas, such as the ship’s convenience store or certain bars.
- Gratuity: An automatic gratuity is usually added to each drink purchase, typically around 18%.
Fountain drinks are usually the most affordable option when buying soft drinks individually. The cost can add up quickly if you’re drinking several a day.
Canned drinks offer the convenience of taking them with you, but they are generally more expensive than fountain drinks.
Keep this in mind when calculating the total cost of individual drinks, as it can significantly increase your spending.
Comparing Package vs. Individual Costs
To determine whether a drink package is worth it, estimate how many soft drinks you’ll consume each day. If you plan to drink several, the “Bottomless Bubbles” package could be more economical. If you only plan to have a few, paying individually might be better. Consider that the “Bottomless Bubbles” package typically costs around $7-$8 per day for adults and $5-$6 per day for kids.
A 2023 study showed that the average cruise passenger consumes approximately 3 soft drinks per day. Based on this, let’s analyze some scenarios:
- Scenario 1: You drink 3 soft drinks per day at $3.50 each. That’s $10.50 plus gratuity, totaling around $12.40 per day. In this case, the “Bottomless Bubbles” package would likely be cheaper.
- Scenario 2: You drink 1 soft drink per day at $3.50 each. That’s $3.50 plus gratuity, totaling around $4.13 per day. In this case, paying individually would be more cost-effective.
- Scenario 3: You have a family of four and each person drinks 2 soft drinks a day. The total cost without the package could be very high, making the “Bottomless Bubbles” package a more economical choice.
Alternatives to Buying Soft Drinks on Carnival
There are several ways to save money on beverages while on a Carnival cruise. Exploring these alternatives can help you stay hydrated and refreshed without breaking the bank.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Carnival allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. Guests are allowed to bring one 12-pack of canned or bottled soda, juice, or water per person in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day. This can significantly reduce your onboard spending on soft drinks.
- Quantity Limits: Only one 12-pack per person is allowed.
- Carry-On Only: The beverages must be transported in your carry-on luggage.
- Savings: Bringing your own beverages can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you’re traveling with a family.
This limit helps Carnival control the amount of outside beverages brought onboard, ensuring it aligns with their business model.
This restriction helps Carnival manage the embarkation process and prevent large quantities of beverages from being brought onboard.
By taking advantage of this policy, you can enjoy your favorite soft drinks without paying onboard prices.
Utilizing Free Beverage Options
Carnival offers several free beverage options throughout the ship. These include tap water, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee in the buffet area. These are available at no extra charge and can help you stay hydrated between soft drink purchases.
- Tap Water: Always available at no cost, tap water is a great way to stay hydrated.
- Iced Tea and Lemonade: Usually available during meal times, these are refreshing alternatives to soft drinks.
- Coffee: Available in the buffet area, coffee can be a great pick-me-up in the mornings.
Make sure to take advantage of this readily available option, especially in warm climates where staying hydrated is crucial.
These options provide a variety of flavors without the added cost. Check the buffet area or designated beverage stations for availability.
While not a soft drink, coffee is a complimentary beverage option that can help you start your day on the right foot.
Refillable Water Bottles
Consider bringing a refillable water bottle to fill up at the free beverage stations. This reduces the need to purchase bottled water or other drinks. It’s also an eco-friendly option that helps reduce plastic waste.
- Convenience: Having a refillable water bottle allows you to easily stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Cost Savings: By refilling your water bottle, you avoid the need to purchase bottled water, saving you money.
- Environmental Impact: Using a refillable water bottle reduces your consumption of single-use plastic bottles.
You can carry your water bottle with you and refill it whenever you pass a beverage station, ensuring you always have access to water.
Bottled water can be expensive on cruises, so this is a simple way to cut down on expenses.
This is a responsible and sustainable choice that helps protect the environment.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Cruises can be expensive, but there are strategies to minimize your spending on drinks. Here are a few tips to help you stay within budget and still enjoy your favorite beverages.
Pre-Purchase Drink Packages
If you decide to purchase a drink package, do so before your cruise. Carnival often offers discounts for pre-purchasing packages online. This can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying the package onboard.
- Online Discounts: Carnival frequently offers special deals on drink packages when purchased in advance online.
- Budgeting: Pre-purchasing helps you budget your expenses ahead of time, avoiding any surprises on your final bill.
- Avoid Onboard Prices: Onboard prices are typically higher, so pre-purchasing is always the best option.
Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them to save money on your beverage costs.
Knowing that your drink expenses are already covered can make your cruise experience more relaxing and enjoyable.
By planning ahead, you can avoid paying extra for the same package you could have gotten at a discounted rate online.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials
Many bars on Carnival ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drink prices. Check the daily schedule for times and locations. This is a great way to enjoy a soft drink at a lower price.
- Lower Prices: Happy hour specials offer discounted prices on select beverages.
- Variety of Locations: Different bars may have different happy hour times, giving you multiple chances to save.
- Socializing: Happy hour is a great time to socialize with other passengers and enjoy the onboard atmosphere.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy your favorite soft drinks at a lower cost, especially if you don’t want to commit to a full drink package.
Check the daily schedule to see which bars are offering specials and plan your visits accordingly.
Take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people and share your cruise experiences.
Monitor Your Spending
Regularly check your onboard account to keep track of your spending. This will help you avoid any surprises at the end of your cruise. You can usually view your account on the ship’s TV or through the Carnival Hub app.
- Avoid Surprises: Monitoring your spending helps you avoid unexpected charges on your final bill.
- Identify Overspending: If you’re spending more than you planned, you can adjust your habits accordingly.
- Multiple Access Points: You can check your account on the TV, through the app, or at guest services.
By keeping track of your expenses, you can stay within your budget and avoid any financial stress at the end of your cruise.
This allows you to make informed decisions about your spending and ensure you stay within your budget.
This makes it easy to stay informed about your spending, regardless of where you are on the ship.
FAQ
How much does a can of soda cost on a Carnival cruise if I don’t have a package?
A can of soda on a Carnival cruise typically costs around $3 to $4, excluding the automatic gratuity. Keep in mind that the final price will be slightly higher after the gratuity is added. It’s generally more cost-effective to consider a package if you plan to consume several cans throughout your cruise.
Is the “Bottomless Bubbles” package worth it if I only drink soft drinks?
The “Bottomless Bubbles” package can be a good value if you drink multiple soft drinks and juices per day. Calculate your estimated daily consumption and compare it to the package price. If your individual drink purchases would exceed the package cost, then the “Bottomless Bubbles” package is likely worth the investment.
Can I bring my own soft drinks on a Carnival cruise?
Yes, Carnival allows each guest to bring one 12-pack of canned or bottled non-alcoholic beverages onboard. These must be carried on during embarkation. This is a great way to save money and enjoy your favorite beverages without paying onboard prices, as long as you adhere to the quantity limit.
Are there free soft drinks available on Carnival cruises?
Carnival does not offer free soft drinks, but complimentary options like tap water, iced tea, and lemonade are available in the buffet area. These can help you stay hydrated without incurring additional costs. Coffee is also available for free in the buffet.
How much is the gratuity added to individual soft drink purchases on Carnival?
Carnival automatically adds a gratuity to each individual soft drink purchase, typically around 18%. Be sure to factor this into the overall cost of your drinks if you choose not to purchase a drink package. This can significantly impact the final cost, especially if you buy many drinks.
What happens if I purchase the “Cheers!” package but don’t drink much alcohol?
If you purchase the “Cheers!” package primarily for the non-alcoholic beverages but don’t drink much alcohol, you may not be getting the best value for your money. Consider whether the “Bottomless Bubbles” package would be a more cost-effective option, or evaluate if the specialty coffees and other included drinks justify the higher cost.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the beverage costs on Carnival cruises doesn’t have to be a headache. By understanding the pricing of individual soft drinks and exploring the various drink package options, you can make informed decisions that align with your budget and preferences. Remember to consider bringing your own beverages, utilizing free options, and monitoring your onboard spending. Enjoy your cruise with peace of mind, knowing you’ve made the most of your onboard beverage experience. Now go, relax, and enjoy that refreshing drink!