How Much Is Alcohol Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

Alcohol prices on Carnival Cruise Line typically range from $6 to $15 per drink, depending on the type and premium level—beer starts around $6, cocktails average $10–$13, and top-shelf spirits or wine by the glass can hit $15 or more. Drink packages like the Cheers! Beverage Program offer savings for frequent imbibers, covering unlimited drinks up to $20 each for a flat daily rate.

Key Takeaways

• Drink prices vary: Expect $6–$15 for cocktails, depending on type and venue.
• Save with packages: Alcohol packages offer discounts for frequent drinkers onboard.
• Happy hour deals: Take advantage of daily specials for cheaper drinks.
• Premium brands cost more: Top-shelf liquor and wine carry higher price tags.
• Non-alcoholic options: Mocktails and sodas are cheaper, often under $5 each.

How Much Is Alcohol Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? A No-Nonsense Guide

So, you’ve booked your Carnival Cruise Line getaway—maybe it’s your first time, or maybe you’re a seasoned cruiser. Either way, one question probably keeps popping up: how much is alcohol drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? It’s a fair concern. Vacation budgets can stretch thin when you’re factoring in shore excursions, souvenirs, and, yes, the all-important drinks by the pool or at the nightly show.

Let me share a quick story. On my first Carnival cruise, I confidently walked into the RedFrog Rum Bar, ordered a frozen cocktail, and nearly choked on my straw when the bill came. I hadn’t realized that, unlike some all-inclusive resorts, most drinks on Carnival are not included in your cruise fare. That moment taught me a valuable lesson: knowing your drink pricing and options can save you money—and stress. Whether you’re sipping a mojito on the Lido Deck or enjoying a craft beer at a themed bar, understanding the costs upfront helps you make smarter choices. This guide dives deep into the world of Carnival alcohol pricing, from single drinks to drink packages, so you can enjoy your vacation without the surprise sticker shock.

Understanding Carnival’s Alcohol Pricing Model

Carnival Cruise Line operates on an à la carte pricing model for most alcoholic beverages. This means drinks aren’t included in your base fare (except for basic coffee, tea, and tap water). Instead, you pay as you go, with prices varying based on drink type, brand, and location. While this might sound daunting, it also offers flexibility—you can enjoy a premium cocktail without subsidizing someone else’s unlimited margaritas.

Why Carnival Charges Separately for Alcohol

Carnival’s pricing model reflects industry standards. Unlike all-inclusive resorts, cruise lines often exclude alcohol to keep base fares competitive. This allows budget-conscious travelers to pay for only what they consume. For example, if you rarely drink, you’re not paying for someone else’s nightly martini. However, if you’re a social drinker or enjoy a cocktail with dinner, those costs add up quickly. Carnival also earns significant revenue from beverage sales—both from individual drinks and drink packages—so transparency is key to avoiding frustration.

Factors That Influence Drink Prices

Not all drinks cost the same, even on the same ship. Here’s what drives pricing:

• Drink Type: Beer and wine are generally cheaper than cocktails or premium spirits. A domestic beer might cost $7, while a craft cocktail can reach $13.
• Brand: Imported beers (e.g., Heineken, Corona) and premium liquors (e.g., Grey Goose, Patron) cost more than house brands.
• Location: Poolside bars and specialty lounges (e.g., Alchemy Bar, Havana Bar) often charge a small premium for ambiance. A drink at the Lido Deck bar might be $0.50–$1 cheaper than at a themed lounge.
• Time of Day: Happy hour specials (typically 4–6 PM) can save you 20–30% on select drinks.
• Ship and Itinerary: Prices may vary slightly based on the ship’s size, age, and destination (e.g., Caribbean vs. Alaska cruises).

Example: A Night Out on Carnival Horizon

Imagine a typical evening:

• 4:30 PM: Happy hour mojito at the RedFrog Rum Bar – $8.50
• 6:00 PM: Glass of house red wine with dinner – $9.50
• 8:00 PM: Craft cocktail at Alchemy Bar – $12.00
• 10:00 PM: Domestic beer at the Piano Bar – $7.25

Total for the night: $37.25 (not including tips). For a 7-night cruise, that’s over $260—just for drinks. This example highlights why understanding pricing and planning ahead matters.

Alcohol Drink Prices: By Category (2024 Guide)

Now, let’s break down actual prices for common drink categories. These are average costs based on 2024 data from multiple Carnival ships (e.g., Carnival Breeze, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Celebration). Prices include 18% automatic gratuity (more on that later).

Beer and Cider

Beer is one of the most budget-friendly options. Carnival offers a mix of domestic, imported, and craft beers.

• Domestic (Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light): $7.00–$7.75
• Imported (Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois): $7.75–$8.50
• Craft Beer (e.g., RedFrog IPA, Carnival’s own brew): $8.00–$9.00
• Cider (e.g., Angry Orchard): $7.75–$8.50

Pro Tip: The RedFrog Pub often has a “Beer of the Day” special for $6.50–$7.00. It’s a great way to try something new without breaking the bank.

Wine and Champagne

Wine is a popular choice for dinner or sunset sipping. Carnival’s wine list includes house pours and premium brands.

• House Wine (Red/White/Blush): $9.00–$10.50 per glass
• Premium Wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon): $10.50–$14.00
• Sparkling Wine/Champagne (e.g., Prosecco, Moët & Chandon): $12.00–$18.00
• Bottle of House Wine: $30.00–$38.00
• Bottle of Premium Wine: $40.00–$75.00+

Note: Carnival’s wine packages (e.g., “Wine & Dine” or “Wine by the Bottle”) can save you 15–25% if you drink multiple glasses or bottles. More on packages below.

Cocktails and Mixed Drinks

This is where prices climb. Carnival’s bartenders are skilled, but craftsmanship comes at a cost.

• Classic Cocktails (Margarita, Mojito, Old Fashioned): $10.50–$12.00
• Frozen Drinks (e.g., RedFrog Frozen, Piña Colada): $11.00–$13.00
• Premium Cocktails (e.g., Alchemy Bar creations): $12.50–$14.50
• Martinis (e.g., Cosmopolitan, Espresso Martini): $11.50–$13.50

Pro Tip: Ask for a “well drink” (house liquor) instead of premium brands. A well margarita might be $10.50, while a Patron margarita could be $13.50—same taste, lower cost.

Spirits (Straight or On the Rocks)

For those who enjoy a neat pour or a simple highball.

• Well Spirits (e.g., house rum, vodka, whiskey): $8.50–$9.50
• Premium Spirits (e.g., Grey Goose, Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal): $10.00–$12.50
• Ultra-Premium (e.g., Patron Silver, Johnnie Walker Black): $13.00–$16.00

Note: Mixers (soda, tonic, juice) are free with spirit orders. No need to pay extra for a splash of soda!

Non-Alcoholic “Alcohol-Like” Drinks

For designated drivers or those cutting back, Carnival offers fun mocktails.

• Mocktails (e.g., Virgin Mojito, Berry Smoothie): $5.00–$6.50
• Specialty Sodas (e.g., RedFrog Cola, Craft Root Beer): $4.50–$5.50

These are great for families or anyone wanting a flavorful drink without the buzz.

Alcohol Packages: Are They Worth It?

Carnival’s drink packages can save you money—if you use them wisely. But they’re not for everyone. Let’s break down the options.

The Cheers! Package

The most popular choice, Cheers!, includes:

• All drinks up to $20 each (covers most cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits)
• 50% off drinks over $20 (e.g., premium bottles)
• Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, specialty coffee, mocktails)
• 15% off wine bottles purchased onboard

Cost: $59.95–$69.95 per person, per day (varies by itinerary and season). Note: This price includes 18% gratuity.

Is Cheers! Worth It? A Breakdown

To make Cheers! worthwhile, you need to consume enough drinks to offset the daily cost. Here’s a simple calculation:

• Daily break-even point: 5–6 drinks per day (depending on average drink cost)
• Example: If you drink 3 cocktails ($11 avg) and 2 beers ($7.50 avg) daily, that’s $44.50. Cheers! saves you $15–$25 per day.
• But: If you only drink 2 beers and 1 glass of wine daily ($25 total), you’re losing money.

Pro Tip: Use the Cheers! Calculator on Carnival’s website to estimate your break-even point. Also, note that Cheers! is not available on cruises to Cuba or on select short itineraries.

Other Package Options

• Bottomless Bubbles: Unlimited soda and juice for $8.95/day. Great for kids or non-drinkers.
• Wine Packages: Pre-pay for 3–7 bottles at a 15–25% discount. Ideal for wine lovers.
• Beer Packages: Pre-purchase 6–12 beers for $35–$70 (saves $1–$2 per beer).

Important: All packages require all adults in a cabin to purchase the same package. No “half-and-half” options.

Tips to Maximize Your Package

• Pre-purchase: Buy Cheers! before your cruise for a $10–$15 discount per day.
• Use it for non-alcohol: Save on specialty coffee ($4–$5 value) or mocktails ($6 value).
• Share bottles: If you buy a wine bottle with Cheers!, the 50% discount applies—great for couples.
• Check the fine print: Cheers! excludes room service drinks, mini-bar items, and specialty events (e.g., wine tastings).

Money-Saving Tips for Drinks on Carnival

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy great drinks. With a few smart strategies, you can sip smarter.

1. Leverage Happy Hour

Most Carnival ships offer happy hour from 4–6 PM at pool bars and lounges. Discounts range from 20–30% on select drinks. For example:

• Regular mojito: $11.50 → Happy hour: $8.00
• Imported beer: $8.25 → Happy hour: $6.00

Pro Tip: Check your daily Fun Times newsletter for happy hour locations and specials.

2. Buy a Drink Package (Strategically)

As discussed, Cheers! pays off if you drink 5+ drinks daily. But consider these scenarios:

• Short cruise (3–4 days): Cheers! rarely makes sense. Pay à la carte.
• Long cruise (7+ days): Cheers! is likely worth it, especially if you enjoy variety.
• Specialty cruise (e.g., wine-tasting theme): A wine package may be smarter than Cheers!.

3. Bring Your Own Wine (With Caution)

Carnival allows you to bring one 750ml bottle of wine per adult onboard (no beer or spirits). You can enjoy it in your cabin or at dinner—but there’s a corkage fee of $15 per bottle if you drink it in a dining room or bar. Is it worth it?

• Yes: If you have a favorite bottle that costs more than $45 onboard.
• No: If you’re bringing a $15 bottle—the corkage fee negates savings.

4. Use the Mini-Bar Smartly

The in-room mini-bar is convenient but expensive:

• Beer: $7.75
• Bottle of wine: $38.00
• Spirits: $10.00–$12.00 (small bottles)

Better idea: Skip the mini-bar. Buy drinks at the bar and bring them to your cabin (in plastic cups, please).

5. Join the Carnival VIFP Club

Frequent cruisers get perks like:

• Discounts on drink packages
• Free drink vouchers (Gold level and above)
• Exclusive happy hour events

Even one cruise earns you “Fun Squad” status—worth signing up for.

Data Table: Carnival Alcohol Prices (2024 Averages)

Here’s a quick-reference table for common drink prices. Note: All prices include 18% gratuity.

Drink Category	Drink Example	Average Price	Happy Hour Price (4–6 PM)
Domestic Beer	Bud Light	$7.50	$5.50–$6.00
Imported Beer	Heineken	$8.25	$6.00–$6.50
Craft Beer	RedFrog IPA	$8.75	$6.50–$7.00
House Wine (Glass)	Pinot Grigio	$9.75	$7.00–$7.50
Premium Wine (Glass)	Chardonnay	$12.50	$9.00–$9.50
Classic Cocktail	Mojito	$11.50	$8.00–$8.50
Frozen Drink	Piña Colada	$12.00	$8.50–$9.00
Well Spirit	House Vodka	$9.00	$6.50–$7.00
Premium Spirit	Grey Goose	$11.25	$8.00–$8.50
Mocktail	Virgin Mojito	$5.75	$4.00–$4.50

Note: Prices may vary by ship, itinerary, and time of year. Always check your cruise’s specific pricing guide.

Final Thoughts: Drinking Smart on Carnival

So, how much is alcohol drinks on Carnival Cruise Line? The answer depends on you—your habits, your budget, and how you plan. A single beer might cost $7.50, but a week of daily cocktails can add up to hundreds. The key is to go in with eyes open.

Here’s my parting advice: Don’t let drink costs derail your vacation. Whether you choose à la carte, a package, or a mix of both, Carnival offers options for every budget. Use happy hour, bring a wine bottle (if it makes sense), and consider Cheers! if you’re a regular drinker. And remember—those $12 cocktails come with a side of ocean views, live music, and unforgettable memories. That’s the real value.

As I learned on my first cruise, a little planning goes a long way. Now, I budget for drinks, pre-purchase Cheers! when it makes sense, and savor every sip—without the surprise bills. Your Carnival cruise should be about fun, relaxation, and great drinks. With this guide, you’re ready to enjoy all three. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is alcohol drinks on Carnival Cruise Line?

Alcohol prices on Carnival Cruise Line vary by drink type, with beer starting at $6–$8, cocktails at $9–$14, and wine by the glass at $10–$16. Premium or specialty drinks may cost more depending on the venue and brand.

Is there a drink package for alcohol on Carnival Cruise?

Yes, Carnival offers the Cheers! Beverage Program, an all-inclusive drink package covering beer, wine, cocktails, and more for a daily rate (typically $59.95–$69.95 per person, plus gratuity). It’s ideal for frequent drinkers.

Are there any free alcoholic drinks on Carnival Cruise Line?

Free alcohol is limited, but some promotions or loyalty perks (like for Diamond/VIFP members) may include complimentary drinks. Most alcoholic beverages require separate payment or a drink package.

How much do cocktails cost on Carnival Cruise Line?

Cocktails on Carnival Cruise Line typically range from $9 to $14, with premium or specialty options (like top-shelf brands) costing up to $18. Prices are consistent across most bars and lounges.

Does Carnival Cruise charge extra for alcohol at specialty restaurants?

Yes, alcohol at specialty restaurants (like Steakhouse or Bonsai Sushi) follows standard pricing or may feature higher-end options. The Cheers! package can help offset these costs if purchased.

Are alcohol prices higher on Carnival Cruise compared to other lines?

Alcohol prices on Carnival are generally on par with other mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. However, Carnival’s Cheers! package offers competitive value for heavy drinkers.