How Much Is a Beer on a Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

Beer prices on Carnival Cruise Line typically range from $6.50 to $9.50 per 16-ounce draft, depending on the ship, location onboard, and type of beer. Specialty craft brews and imported bottles may cost up to $12, while drink packages can offer significant savings for frequent imbibers.

Key Takeaways

• Beer prices start at $6.50 per bottle on Carnival Cruise Line.
• Draft beer costs $7.50 on average, varying by location.
• Save with drink packages if you plan to consume 5+ beers daily.
• Happy hour discounts can cut beer prices by up to 30%.
• Premium imports cost more, often exceeding $8 per serving.

How Much Is a Beer on a Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

Let’s be honest—one of the first things many travelers think about when planning a cruise is the cost of drinks, especially beer. Whether you’re a casual sipper or someone who enjoys a cold one with every meal, knowing how much is a beer on a Carnival Cruise Line can make a big difference in your vacation budget. I remember my first Carnival cruise: I was excited, relaxed, and then—bam—I saw the drink menu. My heart skipped a beat. Was I going to need a second mortgage just to enjoy a few pints by the pool? That’s when I decided to dig deep, track prices, and talk to fellow cruisers to get the real scoop.

What I found was more nuanced than I expected. Beer prices on Carnival aren’t one-size-fits-all. They vary by location, type, time of day, and even whether you’re on a special promotion. Some drinks feel surprisingly reasonable, while others might make you double-check the bill. But don’t worry—I’ve got your back. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about beer pricing on Carnival Cruise Line, from standard bar tabs to smart ways to save. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just want a reliable domestic brew, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of what to expect—and how to enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank.

Standard Beer Prices Across Carnival Ships and Venues

When asking, “how much is a beer on a Carnival Cruise Line?” it’s important to understand that pricing isn’t uniform across every bar or deck. Carnival operates a fleet of over 20 ships, and while most follow a similar pricing structure, there are subtle differences based on venue, beer type, and ship class. Let’s break it down by where you’re likely to grab a cold one.

Main Bars and Lounges

The most common places to buy beer are the main bars like the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar, and Casino Bar. These are open from late morning until late night, and they’re where most guests grab a drink. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Domestic beers (Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors Light): $5.50–$6.50 per bottle or draft
• Imported beers (Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois): $6.00–$7.00
• Premium craft beers (local or seasonal brews): $7.50–$9.00

For example, on the Carnival Horizon, a 16-ounce draft of Bud Light at the RedFrog Pub runs $5.95. A bottle of Corona at the Alchemy Bar? $6.50. These prices are consistent across most ships in the fleet.

Poolside and Outdoor Bars

If you’re lounging by the Lido Deck or enjoying the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, you’ll find poolside bars serving beer in plastic cups. These are convenient but slightly pricier due to the “grab-and-go” nature.

• Domestic draft (plastic cup): $6.00–$6.75
• Imported beer (bottle, served cold): $6.75–$7.50

I once paid $6.50 for a Miller Lite at the Lido Bar on the Carnival Breeze—same price as the main bar, but I had to wait in line during peak hours. Not a huge difference, but worth noting if you’re timing your visits.

Specialty and Themed Bars

Carnival’s themed bars—like the RedFrog Rum Bar or BlueIguana Tequila Bar—also serve beer, often with a fun twist. The RedFrog Pub, for instance, features its own RedFrog Beer, a house-brewed lager.

• RedFrog Beer (house lager, 16 oz draft): $6.50
• BlueIguana Beer (light lager, bottle): $6.00

These are Carnival’s signature brews, brewed in partnership with a Florida microbrewery. They’re crisp, refreshing, and a fun way to try something “exclusive.” But they’re not cheaper than standard options—just a bit more flavorful.

Late-Night and Casino Bars

Bars in the casino or open late (like the Ocean Plaza) tend to have the same pricing, but service can be slower during peak hours. One thing to note: happy hour pricing is sometimes available here, but not always advertised clearly. Always ask!

Pro Tip: If you’re buying beer at a bar, consider asking for a “beer of the day” special. Carnival often rotates a discounted brew—sometimes $1–$2 off the regular price. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth asking the bartender.

Beer Pricing by Type: Domestic, Imported, Craft, and Specialty

Not all beers are created equal—and neither are their prices. Understanding the beer pricing tiers on Carnival helps you make smarter choices. Let’s explore the different categories and what you’re actually paying for.

Domestic Beers: The Budget-Friendly Option

Domestic beers are your go-to for value. These are mass-produced, widely available, and usually the cheapest option on the menu.

• Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra: $5.50–$6.50

On my last cruise, I stuck mostly to Michelob Ultra at $5.95 a bottle. It’s light, low-calorie, and hits the spot after a day of excursions. The draft version is slightly more ($6.25), but I found it fresher and less carbonated.

Why they’re cheaper: These are shipped in bulk, stored efficiently, and have high turnover. Carnival can afford to keep prices low because they sell so many.

Imported Beers: A Touch of Premium

Imported beers cost more due to shipping, import fees, and sometimes smaller batch sizes. But many cruisers swear by them for their taste and authenticity.

• Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, Guinness, Peroni: $6.00–$7.50

A Corona with lime at the pool bar? $6.75. A pint of Guinness at the Alchemy Bar? $7.25. I tried the Peroni on the Carnival Vista and loved the crisp, Italian flavor—but I only bought one because it was $7.00. That’s a 25% premium over domestic.

Tip: If you love imports, consider buying a drink package (more on that later). The per-drink savings can offset the higher base price.

Craft and Local Beers: The Gourmet Experience

Carnival has been expanding its craft beer offerings, especially on newer ships. These are brewed in smaller batches, often with unique ingredients, and reflect regional styles.

• Local craft (e.g., Miami-brewed IPA, Caribbean stout): $7.50–$9.00
• Seasonal or limited-edition brews: $8.00–$10.00

On the Carnival Celebration, I tried a “Bahamas Breeze” IPA—brewed in collaboration with a local Florida brewery. It was $8.50 for a 16 oz draft. Was it worth it? Absolutely. It was hoppy, citrusy, and perfectly balanced. But I only had one—because, well, $8.50 adds up fast.

Why the high price? Smaller production runs, premium ingredients, and limited availability. Carnival can’t buy these in bulk like Budweiser.

Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Beers

For designated drivers or health-conscious cruisers, Carnival offers non-alcoholic options.

• Heineken 0.0, Budweiser Zero, O’Doul’s: $4.50–$5.50

These are cheaper than regular beer and a great alternative if you’re pacing yourself. I brought my sister on a cruise, and she stuck to Heineken 0.0 all week—she loved the taste, and her wallet did too.

Specialty and Themed Beers

Remember the RedFrog Beer and BlueIguana Beer? These are Carnival’s branded beers, brewed in partnership with Frog City Brewing in Florida. They’re priced in the mid-tier but offer a unique experience.

• RedFrog Beer (lager): $6.50 (draft), $6.00 (bottle)
• BlueIguana Beer (light lager): $6.00 (bottle)

I tried both. The RedFrog is smooth, slightly sweet, and perfect with Caribbean food. The BlueIguana is lighter—great for hot days. Both are worth trying at least once, even if they’re not the cheapest.

Drink Packages: Are They Worth It for Beer Lovers?

If you plan to drink more than 3–4 beers a day, a drink package might save you money. But they’re not for everyone. Let’s break down the options and whether they make sense for beer-focused cruisers.

Carnival’s Main Drink Packages

Carnival offers two primary packages:

• Cheers! Beverage Package: $59.95–$89.95 per person, per day (varies by cruise length and ship)
• Bottomless Bubbles (non-alcoholic): $10.95–$12.95 per day

The Cheers! package includes beer, wine, cocktails, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee. It’s the one most beer drinkers consider.

Is Cheers! Worth It for Beer?

Let’s do the math. Say you’re on a 7-day cruise. The Cheers! package costs $74.95 per day (average). That’s $524.65 total.

• Domestic beer: $6.00 each → You’d need to drink 88 beers to break even.
• Imported beer: $7.00 each → You’d need 75 beers.
• Mixed drinks (avg. $10): Only 53 drinks needed.

For beer-only drinkers, the package is only worth it if you’re having 10+ beers per day. That’s a lot—even for a vacation. But if you mix in wine, cocktails, or specialty coffee, the value improves.

Example: I had 4 beers, 1 cocktail, 2 glasses of wine, and 3 sodas daily. That’s roughly $45 in drinks per day. Over 7 days, that’s $315. The Cheers! package at $75/day ($525) was not worth it for me. I saved $210 by paying as I went.

Tips for Maximizing Drink Package Value

• Buy early: Prices are lower if purchased before boarding (usually $59.95 vs. $74.95 onboard).
• Share with a friend: Carnival allows sharing, but only one person can use it per drink. Not ideal for couples splitting beers.
• Check daily limits: Cheers! caps at 15 drinks per day. After that, you pay full price.
• Use it for premium drinks: Save your package for $9 craft beers or $12 cocktails—maximize the per-drink savings.

Alternative: Buy a Beer-Only Package?

Unfortunately, Carnival doesn’t offer a beer-only package (yet). Some cruisers wish they did. But you can still save by:

• Using Happy Hour deals (see next section)
• Buying beer buckets (5 for the price of 4, sometimes)
• Using onboard credit from promotions

Happy Hours, Promotions, and Discounts on Beer

Want to enjoy your favorite brew without paying full price? Carnival has a few tricks up its sleeve—if you know where to look.

Happy Hour Specials

Many bars run daily happy hours, usually between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. During this time, select beers are discounted.

• Domestic beer: $4.50–$5.00 (normally $6.00)
• Imported beer: $5.50–$6.00 (normally $6.75)

I hit the RedFrog Pub happy hour on day 2 of my cruise. A RedFrog Beer was $5.50 instead of $6.50. I saved $1 per beer—and had three! That’s $3 back in my pocket.

Pro Tip: Ask the bartender, “Is there a happy hour today?” They’ll tell you the time and which drinks are included. Not all bars participate, but most do.

Beer Buckets and Multi-Packs

Some bars offer beer buckets—usually 5 beers for the price of 4. That’s a 20% discount!

• 5 domestic beers: $24.00 (normally $30.00)
• 5 imported beers: $30.00 (normally $35.00)

I bought a bucket of Corona at the Lido Bar and shared it with friends. We each paid $6 instead of $7—and saved $5 total. Great for groups.

Onboard Promotions and Events

Carnival occasionally runs beer tastings, brewery nights, or drink specials tied to events.

• “Buy One, Get One Free” beer nights: Rare, but happens during themed cruises (e.g., Oktoberfest).
• Beer and food pairings: $15–$20 for 3 beers and small bites. A fun way to try craft brews.
• Casino promotions: Play $50 in slots, get a free beer. I got a free Miller Lite this way—score!

Using Onboard Credit and Loyalty Discounts

If you’re a Carnival VIFP Club member, you may get onboard credit or drink discounts. I’m a Platinum member and got $100 in credit. I used it to buy 10 beers at $6 each—free beer!

Also, check your pre-cruise email for “drink coupons” or “happy hour vouchers.” Some promotions include 2-for-1 beer deals.

Comparing Carnival Beer Prices to Other Cruise Lines

How does Carnival stack up against competitors like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess? Let’s compare.

Price Comparison: Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean

• Carnival domestic beer: $6.00
• Royal Caribbean domestic beer: $7.00–$7.50

Carnival is generally 10–15% cheaper for standard beers. Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package ($89/day) is pricier too.

Price Comparison: Carnival vs. Norwegian (NCL)

• Carnival domestic: $6.00
• NCL domestic: $6.50

NCL is slightly more expensive, but their Premium Plus Beverage Package ($119/day) includes more premium drinks.

Price Comparison: Carnival vs. Princess

• Carnival domestic: $6.00
• Princess domestic: $6.75

Princess tends to be more upscale, so prices are higher. Their Premier Beverage Package starts at $80/day.

Overall Value

Carnival wins for affordability and variety. They offer more beer types (especially house brews) at lower prices. Plus, their happy hour and bucket deals are more generous than most lines.

Data Table: Average Beer Prices on Major Cruise Lines

Beer Type	Carnival	Royal Caribbean	NCL	Princess
Domestic (Bud Light)	$6.00	$7.25	$6.50	$6.75
Imported (Corona)	$6.75	$7.50	$7.00	$7.25
Craft (Local IPA)	$8.50	$9.50	$9.00	$9.25
Non-Alcoholic (Heineken 0.0)	$5.00	$5.50	$5.25	$5.75

Final Tips: How to Save Money on Beer (Without Sacrificing Fun)

You don’t have to choose between having fun and saving money. With a few smart strategies, you can enjoy great beer on Carnival without blowing your budget.

Plan Your Drinking Habits

• Track your average daily consumption. If you drink 2–3 beers a day, pay as you go. If it’s 8+, consider Cheers!.
• Use the free drink options: Carnival offers free water, tea, coffee, and juice. Stay hydrated between beers.

Leverage Free and Discounted Deals

• Hit happy hour every day. Save $1–$2 per beer.
• Buy beer buckets with friends. 20% off is hard to beat.
• Use onboard credit from promotions. Check your pre-cruise emails!

Be Strategic with Drink Packages

• Buy Cheers! before the cruise. Save $10–$15 per day.
• Use it for expensive drinks. Save your package for $9 craft beers, not $6 domestics.
• Don’t overuse it. Remember the 15-drink cap.

Try the House Brews

The RedFrog Beer and BlueIguana Beer are tasty, reasonably priced, and support a fun Carnival tradition. You’re not just buying a beer—you’re buying the experience.

Know When to Splurge

Vacation is for indulgence. If there’s a craft beer you’ve been wanting to try, or a special event like a brewery night—go for it. Just balance it with smart choices the rest of the week.

At the end of the day, how much is a beer on a Carnival Cruise Line depends on you. With a little planning, you can enjoy great drinks, great value, and even greater memories. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a beer on a Carnival Cruise Line?

On average, a domestic beer on a Carnival cruise costs between $5.50 and $7.50, while imported or craft beers range from $7.50 to $9.50. Prices vary slightly by ship, bar, and drink package availability.

Are beer prices on Carnival cruises all-inclusive?

No, beer is not automatically included in the base fare—it’s an additional purchase. However, you can opt for a Cheers! Beverage Package, which covers unlimited drinks, including beer, for a flat daily rate.

Does Carnival Cruise Line offer discounts on beer?

Yes, Carnival often runs drink specials like happy hour promotions (e.g., 2-for-1 deals) and discounts when you pre-purchase the Cheers! package. These can help lower the overall cost of beer during your cruise.

How much is a beer on a Carnival Cruise Line with the Cheers! package?

With the Cheers! Beverage Package (priced around $59.95–$69.95 per day), most beers are free, including drafts, bottles, and select craft brews. This is a cost-effective option if you plan to drink multiple beers daily.

Do Carnival ships have free beer during events?

Occasionally, Carnival offers complimentary beer during themed events, such as sail-away parties or holiday celebrations. These are rare, so don’t rely on them—budget for regular drink prices.

Are beer prices the same across all Carnival ships?

Prices are generally consistent, but newer or specialty ships may feature premium beers at slightly higher rates. Always check your ship’s bar menu or Carnival Hub app for exact pricing.