How Much Is Beer on Carnival Cruise Line A Complete Guide

Beer on Carnival Cruise Line typically costs between $6 and $10 per drink, depending on the type, location, and whether you’re purchasing by the glass or through a beverage package. Draft domestic beers start at $6.50, while craft and imported options can reach up to $9.50, making it easy to enjoy your favorite brew without breaking the bank—especially if you opt for the Cheers! alcohol package for added savings.

Key Takeaways

• Beer prices start at $6.50 per bottle on Carnival cruises.
• Save with drink packages like Cheers! for frequent beer drinkers.
• Happy hour discounts can cut beer costs by up to 50%.
• Specialty brews cost more, up to $9, so plan accordingly.
• Check daily specials for themed deals and promotions onboard.
• Bring your own beer: $15 corkage fee per bottle applies.

How Much Is Beer on Carnival Cruise Line? Let’s Dive In

Ah, the open sea, the gentle sway of the ship, and a cold beer in your hand—what could be better? If you’re planning a Carnival cruise, you’ve probably wondered, “How much is beer on Carnival Cruise Line?” It’s a fair question, especially since drinks can quickly add up and impact your overall vacation budget. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a casual drinker, or someone who just wants to enjoy a frosty pint at sunset, knowing what to expect can make your trip smoother—and more enjoyable.

As someone who’s been on a few Carnival cruises (okay, maybe more than a few), I’ve learned the ins and outs of beer pricing, deals, and the best ways to save without sacrificing the fun. I’ve also chatted with fellow cruisers, bartenders, and even a few Carnival crew members to get the real scoop. So, let’s explore how much beer costs on Carnival, what your options are, and how you can make the most of your onboard beer experience—without breaking the bank.

Beer Pricing on Carnival Cruise Line: The Basics

First things first: beer on Carnival isn’t cheap, but it’s not outrageously priced either. The cost varies depending on the type of beer, where you buy it, and whether you’re using a drink package. Let’s break it down.

Standard Beer Prices (Per Can/Bottle or Draft)

At bars and lounges across the ship, you can expect to pay:

• Domestic Beers (e.g., Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors Light): $6.50–$7.50 per can or bottle
• Imported Beers (e.g., Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois): $7.50–$8.50 per bottle
• Draft Beers (on tap, usually domestic): $7.00–$8.00 per 16-ounce pour
• Craft Beers (rotating taps or specialty bottles): $8.50–$10.00 per bottle or 16-ounce draft

These prices are standard across most Carnival ships, though they can vary slightly depending on the itinerary and ship class. For example, newer ships like the Carnival Celebration or Mardi Gras might have slightly higher prices for specialty brews due to their premium bars and lounges.

Happy Hour and Daily Drink Specials

Here’s a pro tip: Carnival loves happy hour. Most ships offer daily drink specials between 4 PM and 7 PM (times vary slightly by ship and day). During this window, you can often get:

• Domestic or import beers for $5.00–$6.00
• Buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) deals on select beers
• $1–$2 off draft or specialty beers

For example, on my last cruise, I snagged two Heinekens for $11 during happy hour—normally $15. That’s a solid $4 saved just by timing my drink right. The specials are usually posted on the Carnival Hub app or announced on the daily Fun Times newsletter, so keep an eye out.

Where You Buy Matters

Not all bars are created equal. Here’s how location affects price:

• Main bars (e.g., RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar): Slightly higher prices, especially for themed or craft options
• Poolside bars (e.g., BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Seaview Bar): Standard pricing, but often have happy hour deals
• Room service: $8.00–$10.00 per beer (includes delivery charge and tip)

Bottom line: If you’re watching your budget, skip room service and head to the pool deck or main promenade for better deals.

Beer Packages and Drink Bundles: Are They Worth It?

Ah, the infamous drink package. Carnival offers several beverage options, and the Cheers! Beverage Package is the most popular for beer lovers. But is it worth the price?

What’s Included in the Cheers! Package?

The Cheers! package (priced at around $59.95–$69.95 per person, per day) includes:

• Unlimited beer (domestic, imported, and select craft) up to $15 per drink
• Wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, and specialty coffees
• 15% discount on bottles of wine and champagne

For beer drinkers, this means you can order any beer on the menu (as long as it’s under $15) without paying extra. That includes most craft and draft beers.

When Does the Cheers! Package Make Sense?

Let’s do the math. If you plan to drink:

• 3 domestic beers per day: 3 x $7.00 = $21
• 4 beers per day (mix of domestic and import): 4 x $7.50 = $30
• 5+ beers per day (or including craft): Easily $40–$50+

On a 7-day cruise, that’s $147 for 3 beers/day, $210 for 4, and $350+ for 5. The Cheers! package (at $60/day) would cost $420 for the week. So, you’d need to drink at least 6–7 beers per day to break even. That’s a lot of beer!

But here’s the catch: most people don’t drink that much consistently. I’ve seen cruisers buy the package and only use it for 3–4 days, leaving them with unused value. Also, the package doesn’t include gratuities—there’s a 15% automatic service charge added at purchase.

Alternative: The Beer-Only Package (Not Officially Offered)

Carnival doesn’t have a beer-only package, but some cruisers get creative. For example:

• Buy a 3- or 5-day Cheers! package (available on select sailings)
• Use it only on sea days or party-heavy nights
• Skip it on port days when you’re off the ship

Another option: buy a prepaid drink card (not officially promoted, but sometimes available through travel agents or special promotions). These give you a set dollar amount for drinks at a discount—e.g., $100 for $85. Great for moderate drinkers.

My Honest Take

As a casual beer drinker (2–3 per day), I usually skip the full Cheers! package. Instead, I:

• Buy a 3-day Cheers! for sea days
• Use cash or card for the rest
• Hit happy hour every day

This hybrid approach saves me $100–$150 compared to the full package. But if you’re a heavy drinker or love craft beer, the Cheers! package can be a solid value—especially if you also enjoy cocktails or wine.

Specialty Beers and Unique Options on Carnival

If you’re tired of the usual Bud Light and Heineken, Carnival has some fun beer options worth trying. The selection varies by ship, but here’s what you might find.

RedFrog Pub & Brewery (On Select Ships)

One of my favorite spots is the RedFrog Pub & Brewery, found on ships like the Carnival Horizon, Sunshine, and Mardi Gras. This is Carnival’s in-house brewery, and they brew their own beers on-site.

• ThirstyFrog Port Royal: A smooth amber lager, $8.00 per pint
• ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat: A light, citrusy wheat beer, $8.00 per pint
• Seasonal Brews: Rotating options like pumpkin ale or IPA, $9.00–$10.00

The RedFrog Pub also offers beer flights ($15–$20) so you can sample 3–4 different brews. It’s a great way to try something new without committing to a full pint.

Local and Regional Beers

Carnival often features beers from the regions they’re sailing to. For example:

• On Caribbean cruises: Red Stripe (Jamaica), Presidente (Dominican Republic), or Carib (Trinidad)
• On Alaska cruises: Alaskan Amber or Midnight Sun brews
• On European cruises: German hefeweizens or Belgian ales

These local options are usually priced at $8.00–$9.00 per bottle or draft. I love trying them—it’s like a little taste of the culture.

Craft Beer Bars and Taprooms

Newer Carnival ships have dedicated craft beer bars. On the Mardi Gras, for example, the Alchemy Bar and RedFrog Tiki Bar offer rotating taps with IPAs, stouts, and sour ales. Prices here are higher ($9.00–$12.00 per 16 oz), but the quality is top-notch.

Pro tip: Ask the bartender what’s new or what they recommend. The staff is usually happy to chat and even let you sample a small pour before committing.

Seasonal and Limited-Edition Beers

During holidays or special events (like Carnival’s 50th anniversary), they sometimes release limited-edition beers. I once tried a “Cruise Ship IPA” that was only available for one week—and it was fantastic. Keep an eye on the daily newsletter or app for these rare finds.

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

Let’s face it: beer on a cruise can get expensive. But with a few smart strategies, you can enjoy your favorite brews without blowing your budget.

1. Time Your Drinks Around Happy Hour

As I mentioned earlier, happy hour is your best friend. Most ships have deals from 4 PM to 7 PM. Plan your afternoons around the pool or a lounge so you can take advantage.

Bonus: Some ships extend happy hour on sea days or during special events. On my last cruise, the RedFrog Pub had “Sunset Happy Hour” from 6 PM to 8 PM—perfect for watching the sun go down with a discounted draft.

2. Use the Carnival Hub App

The Carnival Hub app is free and super useful. It shows:

• Daily drink specials
• Bar locations and hours
• Happy hour times
• Cheers! package usage (if you buy one)

Download it before you board and check it daily. I once found a “Buy One, Get One Free” beer deal at a bar I’d never visited—saved me $14!

3. Buy a Refillable Mug (For Soda, Not Beer)

Carnival sells a refillable soda mug (around $25–$30) that gives you unlimited soda, iced tea, and lemonade. While it doesn’t include beer, it can help you save on non-alcoholic drinks—freeing up your budget for more beer.

4. Look for Onboard Promotions

Keep an eye out for:

• “Free Beer” events: Sometimes during sail-away parties or deck parties, they’ll hand out free samples
• Beer tastings: $10–$15 for a guided tasting of 4–5 craft beers
• Social media contests: Follow Carnival on Instagram or Facebook—they occasionally give away drink vouchers

5. Bring Your Own? (Spoiler: You Can’t)

Carnival has a strict no outside alcohol policy. If you bring beer, wine, or liquor in your luggage, it’ll be confiscated and stored until the end of the cruise. They do this for safety and revenue reasons—so don’t try to sneak it on.

However, you *can* bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person (21+). It’s a loophole, but not for beer.

6. Share a Drink (Or Split a Pitcher)

Some bars offer beer pitchers (64 oz) for $30–$40. If you’re with a group, splitting one can save you $5–$10 per person. Just make sure everyone’s on the same page—no one likes a “beer hog.”

Real-Life Examples: What Cruisers Actually Pay

To give you a real-world picture, here’s a breakdown of what beer costs on a typical 7-day Carnival cruise, based on different drinking habits.

Drinking Style	Beers per Day	Average Cost per Beer	Total for 7 Days	Cheers! Package Cost	Break-Even Point
Light	1–2	$7.00	$49–$98	$420	Not worth it
Moderate	3–4	$7.50	$157–$210	$420	Only if you drink 4+ daily
Heavy	5–6+	$8.00	$280–$336+	$420	Cheers! saves $80–$120
Craft Beer Lover	3 (mostly craft)	$9.50	$200	$420	Cheers! saves $100+ (if you hit happy hour)

As you can see, the Cheers! package only makes financial sense for heavy drinkers or craft beer fans. For everyone else, a mix of cash purchases, happy hour deals, and occasional package days is the way to go.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Beer, Your Way

So, how much is beer on Carnival Cruise Line? On average, $6.50–$10.00 per drink, depending on what you order and where. But with a little planning, you can enjoy great beer without overspending.

Here’s my final advice:

• Don’t buy the full Cheers! package unless you’re a heavy drinker. A 3-day or hybrid approach is smarter.
• Hit happy hour every day. It’s the easiest way to save $50–$100 on a week-long cruise.
• Try the specialty and local beers. They’re part of the experience.
• Use the Carnival Hub app. It’s a game-changer for finding deals.

At the end of the day, a cruise is about relaxation and fun. Whether you’re sipping a cold Bud Light at the pool, toasting with a RedFrog brew at sunset, or trying a local Caribbean beer on a beach excursion, the memories matter more than the price tag. So raise a glass—and cheers to your next Carnival adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is beer on Carnival Cruise Line?

Beer prices on Carnival Cruise Line typically range from $6 to $9 per draft or bottle, depending on the brand and location onboard. Premium craft or imported beers may cost slightly more.

Does Carnival Cruise Line offer all-inclusive beer packages?

Yes, Carnival offers the Cheers! Beverage Package, which includes unlimited beer (up to $15 per drink), cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate. It’s ideal for frequent beer drinkers.

Are there any happy hour deals for beer on Carnival ships?

Carnival often runs daily drink specials, including discounted beer during happy hour (usually 4–6 PM) at select bars. Check the daily schedule for exact times and locations.

Can I bring my own beer on a Carnival cruise?

No, Carnival prohibits guests from bringing alcohol onboard, including beer. However, you can purchase beer in ports of call and bring it back to your stateroom.

How much is a beer package on Carnival Cruise Line?

The Cheers! Beverage Package costs $59.95 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity). This includes all beer, cocktails, and other drinks, making it cost-effective for heavy drinkers.

Do Carnival bars offer local or craft beers?

Yes, many Carnival ships feature regional and craft beers, especially on longer itineraries. These options may be priced higher ($7–$10) but offer unique flavors not found in standard onboard selections.