How Much Is a Drink Package on Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

Carnival Cruise Line’s drink packages start at $59.95 per person, per day, offering unlimited access to cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and specialty coffee. Prices vary by cruise length and destination, with discounts often available for pre-cruise purchases—making it a flexible, cost-saving option for frequent imbibers.

Key Takeaways

• Compare packages: Choose between CHEERS! and Bottomless Bubbles based on your drink preferences.
• Daily cost: CHEERS! averages $59.95/day, but prices vary by sailing length and demand.
• Pre-book savings: Lock in lower rates by purchasing before your cruise.
• Limitations apply: CHEERS! excludes premium wines, bottled water, and room service.
• Kids’ option: Bottomless Bubbles ($9.95/day) covers unlimited sodas and juices.
• Gratuities included: 18% service charge added automatically to all drink packages.

How Much Is a Drink Package on Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

Planning a Carnival Cruise Line vacation often comes with a whirlwind of excitement—vibrant destinations, endless entertainment, and, of course, the promise of refreshing drinks by the pool or during a romantic sunset at sea. But one of the most common questions cruisers face is: How much is a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a single price tag, but understanding the options, costs, and value can make all the difference in maximizing your vacation experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a wine lover, or a soda-and-coffee regular, Carnival offers several beverage packages designed to suit different tastes and budgets.

Choosing the right drink package can transform your cruise from good to unforgettable. Imagine sipping a mojito under palm trees in the Caribbean, enjoying a craft beer at a live music venue, or indulging in a premium cocktail during a gourmet dinner—all without worrying about the bill. However, with multiple tiers, daily caps, and eligibility rules, it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the pricing, benefits, restrictions, and insider tips for Carnival’s drink packages, so you can make an informed decision before you even board the ship. By the end, you’ll not only know how much a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line costs, but whether it’s truly worth it for your sailing style.

Overview of Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages

Carnival Cruise Line offers a tiered system of beverage packages to accommodate a wide range of preferences and budgets. These packages are designed to simplify your vacation by offering unlimited or capped access to drinks across the ship, including bars, lounges, restaurants, and even specialty venues. Understanding the core offerings is the first step in determining which one—if any—is right for you.

The Cheers! Beverage Program

The flagship offering is the Cheers! Beverage Program, Carnival’s most popular and comprehensive drink package. It’s designed for guests who enjoy a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day and night. With Cheers!, you gain access to:

• Alcoholic drinks up to $20 per serving (including beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits)
• Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juices, energy drinks, and bottled water
• Specialty coffee and tea (including espresso-based drinks at JavaBlue Café)
• 50% discount on bottles of wine and champagne priced above $20

One of the key advantages of Cheers! is its flexibility. You can enjoy a mimosa at breakfast, a craft beer at the RedFrog Rum Bar, a margarita by the pool, and a glass of wine at dinner—all covered under one daily rate. The package is available for purchase before your cruise (recommended) or onboard, and it applies to all adults in your stateroom.

Other Beverage Options

While Cheers! is the go-to for most, Carnival also offers more targeted packages:

• Soda Package: Unlimited fountain soda, bottled soda, and energy drinks. Ideal for families or non-drinkers who want refreshments without alcohol.
• Specialty Coffee Card: Prepaid card for JavaBlue Café drinks, including lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee. Great for caffeine lovers who want to skip the per-cup cost.
• Water Package: A case of bottled water delivered to your stateroom. Useful for guests who prefer hydration without plastic waste (though refillable bottles are encouraged).

Each of these options has a specific use case, and some cruisers even combine them—for example, a soda package for the kids and Cheers! for the adults. However, Cheers! remains the most versatile and frequently recommended choice for those seeking maximum value and convenience.

Eligibility and Restrictions

Before purchasing any package, it’s important to know who can use it and where it applies:

• All packages must be purchased for all adults in a stateroom if one adult buys Cheers! This is a strict policy to prevent sharing.
• Drink packages are valid for the entire cruise duration, starting on embarkation day and ending on debarkation day.
• Drinks are limited to one per transaction, and you cannot stockpile or share with others.
• Cheers! does not cover gratuities—a 15% service charge is automatically added to your final bill.
• The package is not valid on private islands (e.g., Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays), where drinks are sold à la carte.

These rules ensure fairness and help Carnival manage costs, but they also mean you need to plan carefully. For instance, if you’re traveling with a group where only two out of four adults want to drink, the mandatory purchase rule might make the package less economical unless everyone agrees to it.

Detailed Pricing Breakdown: How Much Does Each Package Cost?

The cost of a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line varies depending on the length of your cruise, the time of year, and whether you book in advance. Prices are typically quoted per person, per day, and can fluctuate based on promotions and demand. Below is a detailed look at current pricing trends and factors that influence cost.

Cheers! Beverage Program Pricing

As of 2024, the standard daily rate for Cheers! is:

• $59.95 per person, per day for cruises of 6+ days
• $64.95 per person, per day for cruises of 5 days or fewer

For a 7-day cruise, this totals $419.65 per person (6+ day rate). For a 3-day weekend cruise, it’s $194.85 per person. However, Carnival frequently runs promotions that reduce the price:

• Early Booking Discount: Book 30+ days in advance and save $10–$15 per day.
• Last-Minute Deals: Sometimes offered within 7 days of departure, though availability is limited.
• Special Offers: During holidays or seasonal events (e.g., summer, Christmas), Carnival may offer flat-rate discounts or bundle deals (e.g., “Free Cheers! with balcony upgrade”).

Example: A 7-day cruise with a $54.95/day early-bird rate totals $384.65 per person, saving you $35. That’s a free dinner or excursion!

Soda, Coffee, and Water Packages

For non-alcoholic options, pricing is more consistent:

• Soda Package: $11.95 per person, per day
• Specialty Coffee Card: $35 for 12 drinks (approx. $2.92 per drink)
• Water Package: $12 for a 12-pack of 500ml bottles (one case per stateroom)

The soda package is a solid choice for families with kids or adults who don’t drink alcohol. At nearly $12 per day, it’s significantly cheaper than buying individual sodas (which cost $3–$4 each onboard). The coffee card is a bargain if you plan to visit JavaBlue Café daily—espresso drinks there range from $3.50 to $6.50 each. Meanwhile, the water package is best for those who prefer bottled water over tap or want to avoid the hassle of refilling bottles daily.

Gratuities and Additional Fees

Remember, all drink packages incur a 15% automatic gratuity (service charge). This is added to your final bill, not per drink. For Cheers! at $59.95/day, that’s an extra $8.99 per day in gratuities—adding up to $62.93 over a 7-day cruise. While this is standard across cruise lines, it’s a hidden cost to factor in when calculating total expenses.

Dynamic Pricing and Seasonal Fluctuations

Carnival uses dynamic pricing, meaning rates can change based on:

• Demand (peak seasons like summer and holidays cost more)
• Cruise length (shorter cruises have higher daily rates)
• Cabin category (higher-tier cabins sometimes include package discounts)
• Promotions (e.g., “Buy 3, Get 1 Free” on Cheers! during off-peak months)

Tip: Monitor Carnival’s website or work with a travel agent to lock in the lowest rate. Prices often drop 60–90 days before departure as the cruise fills up.

Is a Drink Package Worth It? Breaking Down the Value

Now that you know how much a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line costs, the next question is: Is it worth it? The answer depends on your drinking habits, cruise length, and budget. Let’s analyze the value proposition with real-world examples and calculations.

When Cheers! Makes Sense

Cheers! is cost-effective if you plan to consume 4+ alcoholic drinks per day or a mix of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. Here’s a breakdown:

• Alcoholic drinks: Average cost $10–$15 each (e.g., beer $6.50, cocktail $12, wine $10)
• Non-alcoholic drinks: $2–$5 each (soda, juice, coffee)

Example: On a 7-day cruise, if you drink:

• 3 cocktails/day ($36)
• 2 beers/day ($13)
• 2 sodas/day ($6)
• 1 coffee/day ($4.50)

Your daily total: $59.50—just under the $59.95 Cheers! rate. Add in gratuities ($8.99), and you’re slightly over. But if you have a few extra drinks, attend a wine tasting, or enjoy a premium cocktail, you’ll quickly break even.

When to Skip the Package

Cheers! isn’t for everyone. Consider skipping it if:

• You drink 2 or fewer alcoholic drinks per day. At $10–$15 each, you’d spend $20–$30/day—far below the package cost.
• You prefer non-alcoholic drinks only. A soda package ($11.95/day) or coffee card may be cheaper.
• You’re on a short cruise (3–4 days). The higher daily rate makes it harder to recoup the cost.
• You plan to spend most time on shore. If you’re exploring ports and only drinking onboard at dinner, à la carte may be better.

Example: A 4-day cruise with 1 drink/day ($12) = $48 total. Cheers! at $64.95/day = $259.80 + $39 gratuities = $298.80—a $250 loss.

Maximizing Value: Tips and Tricks

If you do buy Cheers!, here’s how to get the most bang for your buck:

• Drink premium cocktails: Use the $20 cap to order high-end drinks (e.g., a $18 martini) instead of $12 margaritas.
• Visit specialty venues: Enjoy drinks at the Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Pub, or Havana Bar—all included.
• Attend drink events: Wine tastings, mixology classes, and happy hours are often free with Cheers!.
• Use the 50% wine discount: Buy a $40 bottle and pay $20—great for dinner pairings.
• Hydrate with soda/water: Save money on bottled drinks by using the package for hydration.

Pro Tip: Track your consumption. If you’re not hitting 4+ drinks/day by day 3, consider switching to à la carte (though refunds are rare).

How to Purchase, Manage, and Cancel Drink Packages

Knowing how to buy and manage your drink package can save you time, money, and hassle. Carnival offers multiple purchase options, but timing and method matter.

Pre-Cruise vs. Onboard Purchase

Pre-Cruise (Recommended):

• Buy online via Carnival.com or through your travel agent.
• Access to the lowest rates and early-bird discounts.
• Package activates immediately upon embarkation.
• Easier to coordinate with roommates (all adults must agree).

Onboard Purchase:

• Available at Guest Services or the onboard kiosk.
• Prices may be higher (no promotions).
• Activation starts the day after purchase (you miss Day 1).
• Ideal for last-minute decisions or if you want to “test drive” à la carte first.

Note: If you buy onboard, you’ll still be charged for Day 1 drinks unless you purchase before boarding.

Managing Your Package

Once purchased, your package is linked to your Sail & Sign card. To use it:

• Present your card at any bar or restaurant.
• Choose drinks under $20 (for Cheers!) or from the soda menu.
• Sign the receipt—no additional charge.

Tip: Download the Carnival Hub app to track your drink usage and view package details in real time.

Cancellation and Refunds

Carnival’s cancellation policy is strict:

• Pre-Cruise: Full refund if canceled 48+ hours before embarkation.
• Onboard: No refunds unless the cruise is canceled or the package is deemed “not operational” (e.g., bar closures).
• Partial Refunds: Rare, but may be offered if you fall ill or leave the ship early (medical documentation required).

Warning: If you buy pre-cruise and decide to cancel last minute, you’ll lose the entire amount unless you meet the 48-hour window.

Special Cases and Exceptions

Keep in mind:

• Kids and Teens: No drink packages for under-21s, but soda packages are available.
• Roommates: All adults in a room must buy Cheers! or none can—no partial purchases.
• Private Islands: Bring cash or credit card for drinks ashore.

Comparing Carnival’s Packages to Competitors

How does Carnival’s drink package stack up against Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Disney? Let’s compare key metrics.

Price Comparison

Here’s a snapshot of 7-day cruise rates (as of 2024):

Cruise Line	Package Name	Daily Rate	Daily Cap	Gratuity
Carnival	Cheers!	$59.95	$20	15%
Royal Caribbean	Deluxe Beverage	$63.00	$15	18%
Norwegian	Premium Plus	$98.00	Unlimited	18%
Disney	Adult Beverage	$75.00	$15	15%

Carnival’s Cheers! is one of the most affordable options, with a higher daily cap than Royal Caribbean and Disney. Norwegian’s Premium Plus offers unlimited drinks but at a steep $98/day—ideal for heavy drinkers, but overkill for most.

What Sets Carnival Apart

• Lower price point: Cheers! is $3–$38 cheaper per day than competitors.
• Higher drink cap: $20 vs. $15 for Royal Caribbean/Disney.
• Flexible non-alcoholic options: Includes coffee and water, unlike some competitors.
• Frequent promotions: More discounts and early-bird deals.

However, Carnival’s 15% gratuity is slightly lower than Royal Caribbean’s 18%, but the total cost difference is minimal.

When to Choose Another Line

Consider competitors if:

• You want unlimited premium drinks (Norwegian).
• You’re a wine connoisseur (Disney offers better wine lists).
• You prefer all-inclusive pricing (some lines include gratuities).

Final Verdict: Should You Buy a Drink Package?

After exploring how much a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line costs, its value, and how it compares to alternatives, here’s the bottom line: Cheers! is a smart investment if you plan to drink 4+ times per day or want the convenience of unlimited beverages. For light drinkers, non-alcohol consumers, or short cruises, à la carte or targeted packages (soda, coffee) may be better.

Key takeaways:

• Buy early to lock in the lowest rates and avoid Day 1 activation delays.
• Calculate your break-even point based on your drinking habits.
• Use the $20 cap strategically—order premium drinks to maximize value.
• Factor in gratuities—they add 15% to your total.
• Monitor promotions—Carnival frequently offers discounts.

Ultimately, a drink package isn’t just about saving money—it’s about enhancing your vacation experience. With Cheers!, you can sip, savor, and celebrate without constantly checking the bill. Whether you’re toasting to a new adventure or unwinding with a cocktail at sunset, Carnival’s drink packages put the fun back into cruising. So, the next time you ask, “How much is a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line?”—you’ll know the answer: It’s not just a price, it’s peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a drink package on Carnival Cruise Line?

The cost of a Carnival drink package ranges from $59.95 to $82.95 per person, per day, depending on the cruise length and destination. Prices may vary during promotions or peak seasons, so check Carnival’s website for current rates.

What does the Carnival drink package include?

The Cheers! drink package covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soda, specialty coffees, and bottled water. Some premium brands and bottles of wine may incur additional charges.

Is the Cheers! drink package worth it on Carnival?

It can be worth it if you plan to consume multiple drinks daily, as the package pays for itself after about 5-6 drinks. However, casual drinkers may find it more cost-effective to pay as they go.

Can I share the drink package with someone else?

No, the Carnival drink package is non-transferable and must be purchased for each adult in the cabin who wants to use it. Sharing or transferring drinks to others is not allowed under the terms.

How much is a drink package on Carnival for longer cruises?

For cruises 7 days or longer, the Cheers! package costs around $82.95 per day, while shorter trips may offer lower rates. Carnival often provides discounts for early bookings or multi-day purchases.

Are there any restrictions on the Carnival drink package?

Yes, the package has a 15-drink daily limit and excludes room service, minibar items, and certain premium liquors. It’s also only valid for the duration of the cruise and cannot be used before boarding.