How Much Is a Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines Revealed

Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines typically costs between $6 and $9 per bottle or draft, depending on the brand, location onboard, and drink package selected. Opting for the Cheers! beverage package can save you up to 50% per drink, making it a smart choice for frequent imbibers looking to maximize value and convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Beer prices start at $6.50 per can or draft on most Carnival ships.
• Buy drink packages to save if you plan to have 5+ drinks daily.
• Happy hour deals offer half-price beers fleetwide at select times.
• Premium craft beers cost more, averaging $8–$10 per serving onboard.
• Check your cruise line app for daily specials and rotating promotions.
• Bring your own beer to avoid fees, within Carnival’s corkage policy.

How Much Is a Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines? A Complete Price Breakdown

Planning a Carnival Cruise and wondering how much you’ll spend on your favorite brews? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions among first-time cruisers is: how much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines? Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a loyal Bud Light fan, or someone who enjoys a refreshing Corona by the pool, understanding the cost of alcohol on board can significantly impact your vacation budget. The good news? Carnival offers a wide variety of beer options at competitive prices, and with smart planning, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without breaking the bank.

But it’s not just about the price tag. Carnival has evolved its beverage offerings over the years, introducing new bars, craft beer selections, and flexible drink packages to meet guest demand. From the iconic RedFrog Pub to the laid-back Alchemy Bar, there’s a beer for every mood and moment. This guide dives deep into the real-world costs of beer on Carnival Cruise Lines, covering everything from standard domestic drafts to imported specialties, seasonal brews, and even how drink packages can save you money. We’ll also explore hidden fees, gratuity policies, and insider tips to help you make the most of your onboard beer experience.

Standard Beer Prices on Carnival Cruise Lines

When it comes to how much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines, the answer depends on the type, brand, and where you’re ordering. Carnival uses a tiered pricing model, which means domestic beers are generally cheaper than imports or craft varieties. Understanding these categories is key to managing your budget while still enjoying a quality drink.

Domestic Beers: The Affordable Go-To

Domestic beers—those brewed in the United States—are the most budget-friendly option on Carnival ships. These include popular brands like:

• Bud Light
• Miller Lite
• Coors Light
• Michelob Ultra
• Blue Moon (often categorized as domestic on Carnival)

Prices for standard domestic drafts (12–16 oz) typically range from $6.50 to $7.50 per beer. For example, a Bud Light at the pool bar on the Carnival Horizon might cost $7.25, while a Michelob Ultra at the RedFrog Pub on the Carnival Breeze is $7.50. These prices are consistent across most ships in the fleet, with slight variations depending on the vessel and itinerary.

Tip: Domestic beers are often featured in Carnival’s “Happy Hour” promotions (more on that later), making them an excellent value if you time your visits right.

Imported and International Beers

Looking to sip a Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, or Guinness? These imported beers come at a premium. Expect to pay between $8.00 and $9.50 for a standard 12–16 oz serving. For instance:

• Heineken (bottle or draft): $8.50
• Corona (bottle, often served with lime): $8.75
• Guinness (draft, available at select bars): $9.00
• Becks (German import): $8.25

Imported beers are often found in themed bars like the RedFrog Pub (which specializes in Caribbean-inspired brews) or the Alchemy Bar, where bartenders may offer international pilsners or lagers as part of a cocktail pairing.

Note: Some imported beers, especially those in bottles, may carry a small corkage-style fee if opened at a different bar than where purchased. Always check with the server if you’re transferring drinks between venues.

Draft vs. Bottle: Does It Matter?

Yes, it does—both in taste and price. Draft beers are generally $0.25 to $0.50 cheaper than their bottled counterparts, even for the same brand. For example, a draft Corona might be $8.50, while the bottled version is $8.75. Drafts are also served colder and fresher, especially at pool bars where kegs are constantly rotated.

However, bottled beers offer convenience—they’re easier to carry to your lounge chair or back to your cabin. Some guests also prefer the ritual of a cold bottle on the balcony with sunset views. Ultimately, the choice is personal, but if you’re watching your budget, opt for draft when available.

Craft and Specialty Beers: Premium Options on Carnival Ships

Carnival has significantly expanded its craft beer offerings in recent years, responding to guest demand for more diverse and locally inspired brews. While not every ship has a full craft beer menu, most larger vessels (like the Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and newer Excel-class ships) feature dedicated craft beer bars or rotating taps.

RedFrog Pub: The Home of Carnival’s Craft Beer

The RedFrog Pub, available on most Carnival ships since 2010, is the go-to destination for beer lovers. It’s themed after the fictional “RedFrog” island and offers a rotating selection of craft and specialty brews. Here’s what you can expect:

• RedFrog Rum Brewery Beers: Carnival’s own line of craft beers brewed in collaboration with Florida’s Funky Buddha Brewery. These include:
  • RedFrog Lager (light, crisp): $7.75 (draft)
  • RedFrog Pale Ale (hoppy, citrusy): $8.00
  • RedFrog IPA (bold, bitter): $8.25
  • RedFrog Stout (seasonal, rich): $8.50
• Guest Taps: Carnival partners with regional breweries to feature limited-run craft beers. For example, on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, you might find:
  • Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA: $9.00
  • Sierra Nevada Pale Ale: $8.75
  • New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale: $8.50

These guest taps rotate every few days, so if you’re a craft beer fan, consider visiting the RedFrog Pub multiple times during your cruise to try different options.

Craft Beer Flights and Tastings

For those who want to sample without overindulging, Carnival offers craft beer flights at select bars. A typical flight includes four 4-oz pours of different beers for $12–$14. This is a great way to taste the RedFrog lineup or compare a hoppy IPA with a smooth amber ale. Some ships even host beer and food pairing events (usually $25–$35 per person), where you’ll enjoy curated brews with small bites like sliders, pretzels, or charcuterie.

Pro Tip: Ask your server about “brewmaster’s picks” or “today’s special”—these are often discounted or featured in limited quantities.

Seasonal and Limited-Edition Brews

Carnival occasionally releases seasonal beers to celebrate holidays or special events. For example:

• Summer Sipper: A light citrus lager available June–August: $8.00
• Oktoberfest Lager: A malty, amber brew for fall cruises: $8.25
• Holiday Stout: A spiced, dark beer for December sailings: $8.50

These are usually available for a limited time and may be featured in onboard promotions or drink packages.

Carnival Drink Packages: Are They Worth It for Beer Drinkers?

One of the most effective ways to save on beer—and answer the question of how much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines in the long run—is by purchasing a drink package. Carnival offers several beverage plans, but for beer lovers, the Bottomless Bubbles and Cheers! Beverage Program are the most relevant.

Bottomless Bubbles: For Non-Alcoholic and Light Drinkers

This package ($8.50 per person per day) includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beer (e.g., Heineken 0.0, Budweiser Zero). While it doesn’t cover alcoholic beer, it’s a good option if you’re the designated driver or prefer low-ABV options.

Note: Non-alcoholic beer is priced at $6.50–$7.00 if purchased individually.

Cheers! Beverage Program: The Ultimate Beer Package

The Cheers! package ($59.95 per person per day) is the gold standard for frequent drinkers. It includes:

• Unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits (up to $20 per drink)
• 25% discount on drinks priced above $20 (e.g., premium bottles of wine)
• Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages
• 15% discount on bottled water and specialty coffee

For beer lovers, this means you can order any beer on the menu—domestic, imported, or craft—without worrying about the price. A $9.50 craft IPA? Covered. A $8.75 Corona by the pool? Included.

Is Cheers! Worth It? A Cost-Breakdown

Let’s do the math. Suppose you drink:

• 3 domestic beers per day: 3 x $7.50 = $22.50
• 1 imported beer per day: 1 x $8.75 = $8.75
• 1 craft beer per day: 1 x $8.50 = $8.50

Total per day: $39.75

The Cheers! package costs $59.95 per day, so you’d need to drink at least $60 worth of beer and other drinks to break even. But here’s the catch: the package also includes cocktails, wine, and premium spirits. If you enjoy a $15 margarita at lunch and a $12 glass of wine at dinner, your total daily drink value quickly exceeds $60.

Real-World Example: On a 7-day cruise, a guest who drinks 4–5 alcoholic beverages per day (mix of beer, cocktails, and wine) will save $140–$200 with Cheers! compared to paying a la carte.

Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package

• Pre-purchase online: Buy Cheers! before your cruise for a 10% discount (~$54/day).
• Share with a friend: Packages are per person, but you can share drinks (e.g., buy a round for your group).
• Use it for non-beer drinks: Don’t forget the package covers espresso, bottled water, and premium sodas—great for hangover recovery!
• Check for promotions: Carnival sometimes offers “Buy 5 Days, Get 2 Free” deals on Cheers! during off-peak seasons.

Happy Hour, Discounts, and Other Ways to Save on Beer

Even without a drink package, there are plenty of ways to reduce your beer bill on Carnival. Smart timing and awareness of promotions can save you $50–$100 over a week-long cruise.

Happy Hour: The Best Time to Drink

Carnival’s Happy Hour runs daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at most bars and pool decks. During this time, select domestic beers are discounted to $5.00–$6.00 (normally $7.50). For example:

• Bud Light: $5.50 (Happy Hour) vs. $7.50 (regular)
• Miller Lite: $5.00 (Happy Hour) vs. $7.25 (regular)

Happy Hour also includes discounts on cocktails, wine, and appetizers. It’s the perfect time to grab a beer and a snack before dinner.

Tip: Arrive early—Happy Hour crowds are heavy, especially at the RedFrog Pub and pool bars.

Early Bird and Pre-Cruise Discounts

Carnival often runs promotions like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” on beer or “$5 Beers” during special events (e.g., New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras). Sign up for the Carnival Hub app before your cruise to receive push notifications about daily deals.

You can also purchase beer vouchers in advance through the Carnival website. These $100 vouchers (valued at $120) can be used for any beer purchase and are a great way to prepay and save 16%.

Group and Loyalty Discounts

If you’re traveling with a group of 10+ people, ask about group beverage packages. Carnival offers customized deals, such as “Buy 10 Beers, Get 2 Free” or discounted craft beer flights.

For repeat cruisers, the Carnival VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person) offers perks like free drink vouchers, priority boarding, and exclusive bar access. Platinum and Diamond members receive 2–4 free drink vouchers per cruise, which can be used for beer.

Gratuities: The Hidden Cost

Don’t forget: 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drink purchases, including beer. This means a $7.50 Bud Light actually costs $8.85 after tip. With Cheers!, gratuity is included, so there are no surprises. When paying a la carte, factor this into your budget.

Beer Pricing by Ship and Itinerary: What to Expect

While Carnival standardizes most beer prices across its fleet, there are subtle differences based on ship class, size, and destination. Larger, newer ships (like the Excel-class) tend to have more craft beer options, while shorter cruises (3–4 days) may have fewer specialty bars.

Ship Class Comparison

Ship Class	RedFrog Pub	Craft Beer Taps	Avg. Domestic Beer Price	Avg. Craft Beer Price
Excel-class (Mardi Gras, Celebration)	Yes (2 locations)	12–16 rotating taps	$7.50	$8.50–$9.50
Diamond-class (Breeze, Horizon)	Yes	6–8 taps	$7.25	$8.00–$8.75
Fantasy-class (Elation, Paradise)	No	2–4 taps (pool bar only)	$7.00	$8.00 (limited selection)
Spirit-class (Spirit, Pride)	Yes	4–6 taps	$7.25	$8.25

Itinerary-Based Pricing

Beer prices are generally consistent regardless of destination, but onboard promotions may vary:

• Caribbean Cruises: More Corona, Red Stripe, and tropical-themed beers. Happy Hour often features “Island Brews” at $5.
• Alaska Cruises: Emphasis on local craft beers (e.g., Alaskan Amber Ale). Craft beer flights are more common.
• Bahamas & Short Cruises: Fewer specialty bars; focus on domestic and imported staples.

Note: Alcohol is duty-free on international cruises, but prices are set by Carnival—not the local market.

Final Thoughts: Smart Beer Drinking on Carnival

So, how much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines? The answer is: it depends. A standard domestic beer will cost you $6.50–$7.50, while imports and craft brews range from $8.00 to $9.50. But with smart strategies—like Happy Hour visits, Cheers! packages, and early discounts—you can enjoy great beer without overspending.

Remember, the key to maximizing your beer experience is planning and timing. Pre-purchase drink packages, use the Carnival Hub app for daily deals, and explore the RedFrog Pub for unique brews. Whether you’re sipping a RedFrog IPA on the lido deck or toasting with a Corona at sunset, Carnival offers something for every beer lover at a fair price.

And don’t forget: the real value of a cruise isn’t just in the drinks—it’s in the memories. So raise a glass (or a bottle), enjoy the ocean breeze, and cheers to the fun, affordable beer options that make Carnival one of the best cruise lines for budget-savvy travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines?

On Carnival Cruise Lines, a standard beer typically costs between $6 and $9, depending on the brand and location onboard. Premium craft beers or specialty imports may cost slightly more.

Does Carnival Cruise offer beer packages or deals?

Yes, Carnival offers drink packages like the Cheers! beverage program, which includes beer for a flat daily rate. This can be cost-effective if you plan to drink multiple beers per day.

Are draft beers more expensive than bottled beers on Carnival?

Draft beers are usually priced similarly to bottled beers, ranging from $6–$9. However, seasonal or specialty draft brews may carry a higher price tag at certain bars.

Is the price of beer the same across all Carnival ships?

Beer prices are generally consistent across the fleet, but minor variations may occur depending on the ship and itinerary. The keyword “how much is a beer on Carnival Cruise Lines” often reflects these small differences.

Can I bring my own beer onboard to save money?

No, Carnival prohibits guests from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard, including beer. Security will confiscate any alcohol, though you may receive it back on the final day.

Do beer prices change during happy hour on Carnival?

Yes, many bars offer discounted beers during happy hour, often reducing prices by 10–20%. Check the daily schedule for specific times and locations to enjoy cheaper beer.