How Much Is a Beer on Carnival Cruise Line A Complete Guide

On Carnival Cruise Line, beer prices typically range from $6.50 to $9.50 per draft or bottle, depending on the brand and location onboard. Premium craft beers and specialty imports may cost up to $12, while domestic favorites like Budweiser and Miller Lite often fall on the lower end. Drink packages, such as the Cheers! Beverage Program, can offer significant savings for frequent drinkers.

Key Takeaways

• Beer prices range from $6–$10, depending on type and location onboard.
• Drink packages save money if you plan to have 5+ drinks daily.
• Happy hour deals offer discounted beers during select times each day.
• Specialty brews cost more; budget extra for craft or imported options.
• Free water stations help offset costs—stay hydrated without spending.
• Check the daily planner for limited-time beer promotions and events.

How Much Is a Beer on Carnival Cruise Line? A Complete Guide

Picture this: you’re lounging on the deck, the ocean breeze in your hair, the sun dipping below the horizon, and you raise a frosty glass of beer in celebration of another perfect day at sea. That moment? It’s priceless. But how much does that beer actually cost on a Carnival Cruise Line vacation? If you’re planning a cruise and wondering, “How much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Line?”, you’re not alone. Beer is one of the most popular drinks among cruisers, and knowing the price, options, and ways to save can make a big difference in your overall experience and budget.

Carnival Cruise Line, known for its fun, casual atmosphere and “fun for all” vibe, offers a wide variety of beers—from domestic favorites like Bud Light to craft brews and international imports. But prices vary depending on where you buy, when you buy, and whether you’re using a drink package. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about beer pricing on Carnival, including average costs, hidden deals, drink packages, and smart tips to stretch your dollar. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a craft beer enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with real-world insights and practical advice.

Beer Pricing on Carnival Cruise Line: The Basics

What’s the Average Cost of a Single Beer?

On most Carnival ships, a standard 12-ounce domestic beer (like Budweiser, Miller Lite, or Coors Light) typically costs between $6.95 and $8.95, depending on the ship, itinerary, and current promotions. Imported beers (like Heineken, Corona, or Stella Artois) range from $7.95 to $9.95. Craft and specialty beers—often found at onboard bars or lounges—can go as high as $10 to $12 for a 16-ounce pour.

For example, during a recent 7-day Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Horizon, I paid $7.50 for a Bud Light at the RedFrog Pub, $8.75 for a Heineken at the Alchemy Bar, and $11.50 for a local craft IPA at the RedFrog Tiki Bar. The prices were clearly posted on digital menu boards, which made it easy to compare options.

Where You Drink Matters

Not all bars on Carnival are priced the same. The type of venue can affect the cost:

• Poolside bars: Usually the most affordable, with $7–$8 domestic beers.
• Themed bars (RedFrog, Alchemy, BlueIguana): Slightly higher prices due to ambiance and specialty offerings.
• Specialty lounges (Piano Bar, Comedy Club, Nightclub): Can charge $1–$2 more per beer.
• Room service: Beer delivered to your cabin costs about $2–$3 extra due to service fees.

One tip: if you’re at a themed bar and see a “daily special” beer (e.g., “Today’s Craft Brew: $8”), it’s often a good deal compared to the regular menu. I once snagged a local Florida IPA for $8 at the RedFrog Tiki Bar—normally $11—so always check the specials board!

Taxes and Service Charges

Beer prices on Carnival are before automatic gratuities. A 15% service charge is added to all drink purchases, including beer. So that $7.50 Bud Light? It actually costs $8.63 after tax and gratuity. This is standard across most cruise lines, but it’s easy to forget when you’re tallying your daily spending.

Pro tip: If you’re tracking your budget, always multiply the listed price by 1.15 to get the true cost. For example, a $9 Heineken becomes $10.35 after gratuity. Over a 7-day cruise, those extra cents add up quickly.

Beer Options: What Can You Drink on Carnival?

Domestic Beers (The Classics)

Carnival stocks a solid lineup of American favorites. You’ll find:

• Bud Light
• Budweiser
• Miller Lite
• Coors Light
• Yuengling (available on many ships, especially on East Coast itineraries)

These are available at nearly every bar and are the most budget-friendly options. Yuengling, in particular, is a fan favorite—especially for cruisers from the Northeast. I met a group from Pennsylvania who made a point to drink only Yuengling the entire trip. “It’s like a little piece of home,” one said.

International and Imported Beers

If you prefer a taste of Europe or Mexico, Carnival delivers:

• Corona (with or without lime)
• Heineken
• Stella Artois
• Guinness (on tap or in cans)
• Modelo Especial
• Peroni

Corona and Modelo are especially popular on Caribbean and Mexico cruises. I noticed that on a Cozumel sailing, Modelo was on special every afternoon at the pool bar—$7.95 instead of $9.95. It’s a great example of how location and itinerary can influence pricing and availability.

Craft and Specialty Beers

This is where things get fun. Carnival has been expanding its craft beer offerings in recent years, especially through its RedFrog Pub & Brewery on select ships (like the Vista, Horizon, and Mardi Gras). These microbreweries produce exclusive beers like:

• ThirstyFrog Red Ale
• Caribbean Wheat
• Frog’s Breath IPA
• Island Hopper Lager

These are brewed on board and cost around $9–$11 per 16-ounce glass. While pricier, they’re worth trying for beer lovers. The ThirstyFrog Red Ale, for instance, has a smooth, malty flavor that pairs perfectly with a sunset at sea. And yes, you can buy a growler (64 oz) to take back to your cabin for about $35—perfect for sharing with your travel group.

Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Options

Carnival also offers non-alcoholic beers like Becks Non-Alcoholic and Heineken 0.0, priced around $5–$6. These are great for designated drivers or anyone cutting back. I saw several families ordering them at lunch, and the kids didn’t miss the buzz one bit.

Drink Packages: Are They Worth It for Beer Drinkers?

Overview of Carnival’s Drink Packages

Carnival offers several beverage packages, but the most relevant for beer lovers is the Cheers! Beverage Program. It costs $59.95 per person, per day (plus tax and gratuity) and includes:

• Unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, soda, and specialty coffees
• Up to 15 drinks per day
• Drinks priced up to $15 (so no premium bottles or rare imports)

There’s also a cheaper Soda & More Package ($9.95/day) and a Premium Coffee & Pastry Package ($14.95/day), but neither includes beer.

Is Cheers! Worth It for Beer Lovers?

Let’s do the math. Say you drink:

• 2 domestic beers per day at $7.50 each = $15
• 1 imported beer at $9.00 = $9
• 1 craft beer at $10.50 = $10.50

That’s $34.50 per day before gratuity. After the 15% service charge, it’s about $39.68. The Cheers! package costs $59.95 + 15% = $68.94 per day. So you’d need to drink more than 8–9 beers a day to break even—which is possible on a party cruise, but not for most people.

But here’s the catch: Cheers! includes everything. If you also enjoy cocktails, wine, or fancy coffees, it can pay off. For example, if you drink:

• 3 beers ($22.50)
• 1 cocktail ($12)
• 1 wine ($10)
• 1 soda ($2)

That’s $46.50 before gratuity—about $53.50 with service charge. Closer to the package price. Add a few more drinks, and you’re saving money.

Tips to Maximize Cheers!

• Buy it early: Pre-purchase the package online (up to 3 days before sailing) to save $5–$10 per day.
• Use it wisely: Save the package for days with port stops or late-night events when you’ll drink more.
• Split with a friend: Carnival allows two adults in the same stateroom to share one package (though not recommended for heavy drinkers).
• Check for promotions: Carnival sometimes offers “Buy 4 Days, Get 1 Free” deals on Cheers! during off-peak sailings.

One cruiser I met used Cheers! only on sea days and port days when he planned to drink more. He skipped it during a day in Nassau when he was focused on snorkeling and shopping. Smart move!

Smart Ways to Save on Beer (Without Skipping the Fun)

Happy Hours and Daily Specials

Carnival runs frequent drink specials, especially during:

• Poolside “Sip & Sun” hours (usually 1–4 PM)
• Evening bar promotions (like “Two-for-One Thursdays”)
• Happy hours at the RedFrog or Alchemy Bar (often 5–7 PM)

During a 4 PM happy hour on the Carnival Breeze, I got two Heinekens for $12 (normally $17.50 with gratuity). That’s a 30% savings! The key is to check the daily Fun Times newsletter (delivered to your cabin each evening) or the Carnival Hub app for deals.

Bring Your Own (With Limits)

Carnival allows you to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult at embarkation. But for beer? Not so much. You can bring one 12-pack of non-alcoholic beer, but regular beer is confiscated at security. So don’t try to sneak in a cooler of Bud Light—it won’t work.

However, you can buy beer at ports of call and bring it back to the ship. For example, in Cozumel, I picked up a six-pack of Sol for $8 (about $1.30 per can). I drank two at the pool and saved the rest for later. Just make sure to check port rules—some places restrict alcohol imports.

Use Loyalty Perks

If you’re a member of Carnival’s Captain’s Club (their loyalty program), you get perks like:

• Free welcome drink (often a beer or cocktail)
• Discounts on drink packages (up to 25% off)
• Priority bar access during peak times

I’ve been a Gold member for two years, and the free drink at embarkation is a nice touch. Plus, the package discount saved me $120 on a recent cruise. Not bad!

Buy a Growler or Souvenir Glass

At the RedFrog Pub, you can buy a refillable growler (64 oz) for $35 and get $2 off refills. Over a 7-day cruise, if you refill it 3 times, you’re saving $6. Plus, the growler is a cool souvenir. The same goes for souvenir beer glasses at themed bars—often $12–$15 with your first drink free.

Beer Pricing by Ship and Itinerary: What to Expect

Newer vs. Older Ships

Newer ships like the Mardi Gras and Celebration have more craft beer options and themed bars, which can mean higher prices. For example, the RedFrog Tiki Bar on Mardi Gras offers tropical IPAs at $10.50, while a standard pool bar beer is $7.95.

Older ships (like the Ecstasy or Fascination) have fewer specialty options but often lower prices. I paid $6.95 for a Bud Light on the Ecstasy—the cheapest I’ve seen on any Carnival ship.

Itinerary Matters

Beer prices can vary by region:

• Caribbean/Mexico cruises: Corona, Modelo, and local craft beers are often on special.
• Alaska cruises: Look for Alaskan brews like Midnight Sun or Denali. Prices are higher (up to $11) due to shipping costs.
• Europe cruises: Expect more imports (Peroni, Stella, Guinness) and higher prices (up to $10.95).

On a recent Alaska cruise, I paid $10.50 for an Alaskan Amber—worth it for the local flavor, but I stuck to domestic beers the rest of the trip to save money.

Data Table: Average Beer Prices on Carnival (2024)

Beer Type	Location	Size	Price (Before Gratuity)	Price (After 15% Gratuity)
Bud Light	Pool Bar	12 oz	$7.50	$8.63
Heineken	Alchemy Bar	12 oz	$8.75	$10.06
Corona	Beach Bar (Port Day)	12 oz	$7.95	$9.14
ThirstyFrog Red Ale	RedFrog Pub	16 oz	$9.50	$10.93
Alaskan Amber	Alaska Cruise	12 oz	$10.50	$12.08
Modelo Especial	Mexico Cruise	12 oz	$7.95	$9.14

Final Tips and Takeaways

So, how much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Line? On average, you’re looking at $7–$11 per beer, with craft and specialty options going higher. But with smart planning, you can enjoy great drinks without breaking the bank. Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve learned after five Carnival cruises:

• Stick to domestic beers if you’re on a tight budget—they’re the cheapest and most widely available.
• Use happy hours and daily specials to save 20–30% on drinks.
• Consider Cheers! only if you plan to drink 8+ drinks per day or enjoy cocktails and wine too.
• Buy local at ports for cheaper, authentic beers to enjoy on the ship.
• Leverage loyalty perks—they can save you real money over time.
• Always check the Fun Times or app for deals before heading to the bar.

Remember, a cruise is about fun, relaxation, and making memories. A cold beer in hand is part of that experience. But it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little planning and some insider tips, you can sip smart and still have a blast.

So next time you’re on deck, raising a glass to the sunset, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying—and why it’s worth every penny. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Line?

A beer on Carnival Cruise Line typically costs between $6 and $10, depending on the brand and location onboard. Premium craft beers or specialty brews may cost slightly more at certain bars or lounges.

Does Carnival Cruise Line offer all-inclusive beer packages?

Yes, Carnival offers the Cheers! Beverage Program, which includes beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate (around $59.95/day, plus gratuity). This is a cost-effective option if you plan to enjoy multiple drinks daily.

Are there discounts on beer during happy hour on Carnival?

Carnival often runs daily happy hour deals, such as 2-for-1 beers or discounted drafts, at select bars. Check the daily schedule or the Carnival Hub app for specific times and locations.

How much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Line compared to other cruise lines?

Carnival’s beer prices are generally on par with other mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian, though exact pricing may vary slightly by brand and location onboard.

Can I bring my own beer on Carnival Cruise Line to save money?

No, Carnival prohibits guests from bringing beer or hard alcohol onboard. However, you may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person (750ml) on embarkation day, which can help offset drink costs.

Are there free beer options during Carnival Cruise Line events?

Occasionally, Carnival offers complimentary beer tastings or free samples during onboard events like brewery showcases or special promotions. Keep an eye on the daily planner for these opportunities.