How Much Is Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines A Complete Guide

Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines typically costs between $6.50 and $10.50 per bottle or draft, depending on the brand, location, and time of day, with premium imports and craft options on the higher end. Save with drink packages like the Cheers! Beverage Program, which can lower per-drink costs if you plan to enjoy multiple beers throughout your cruise.

Key Takeaways

• Beer prices range from $5–$10 depending on type and location onboard.
• Buy drink packages to save if you plan to consume 4+ drinks daily.
• Happy hour deals offer discounted beer during select times each day.
• Premium craft beers cost more than domestic options like Budweiser or Miller Lite.
• Check your loyalty tier for exclusive discounts and free drink perks.
• Specialty venues charge extra—bars like Alchemy or RedFrog Pub have higher prices.

How Much Is Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: you’re lounging on the deck of a Carnival cruise ship, the sun setting over the Caribbean, a cool breeze blowing, and a frosty beer in hand. It’s the perfect vacation moment. But as you sip, a nagging thought creeps in—how much is this beer going to cost me? If you’re planning a Carnival cruise, understanding the beer pricing structure is essential to avoid sticker shock and to make the most of your vacation budget. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a craft beer enthusiast, knowing what to expect can help you plan smarter and enjoy your time at sea without financial surprises.

Beer prices on Carnival Cruise Lines vary significantly depending on the type, brand, size, and how you choose to purchase it. From domestic lagers to imported brews and craft options, Carnival offers a wide selection to cater to all tastes. But without a clear guide, it’s easy to overspend or miss out on great value. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about beer pricing on Carnival ships, including per-drink costs, package options, seasonal deals, and insider tips to save money. By the end, you’ll have all the tools to enjoy a refreshing brew without blowing your budget.

Understanding Carnival Cruise Lines Beer Pricing Structure

Per-Drink Beer Prices by Type and Size

On Carnival ships, beer is sold by the glass, bottle, or can, and prices vary based on the type and brand. The base price for a standard domestic beer (like Budweiser, Miller Lite, or Coors Light) typically ranges from $6.50 to $8.50 for a 12-ounce glass or bottle. This is the most common option available at bars, poolside drink stations, and dining venues. For a 20-ounce “tall boy” or a larger draft glass, expect to pay between $9.00 and $11.00. These prices include the automatic 18% gratuity, which Carnival applies to all drink purchases unless you opt out in advance.

Imported beers, such as Heineken, Corona, or Stella Artois, are priced slightly higher—usually $7.50 to $9.50 for a 12-ounce bottle. Specialty and craft beers, including options from regional breweries or seasonal releases, can range from $8.00 to $12.00, depending on the ship and itinerary. For example, on Carnival Horizon or Mardi Gras, which feature dedicated craft beer bars like the RedFrog Pub, prices for local or rotating taps may be on the higher end of that scale. Premium brands like Guinness or specialty imports like Peroni may also cost up to $10.50 per bottle.

Where You Buy Matters

Location on the ship can also impact price. Poolside bars often charge the same as indoor lounges, but some specialty bars—like the Alchemy Bar or the Library Bar—may have higher prices due to ambiance or exclusivity. However, the biggest price difference comes from where you purchase the beer. For instance:

• Main dining room: Beer is often slightly discounted during dinner service, especially if ordered with a meal.
• Pool bars: Standard pricing, but happy hour deals may apply.
• Specialty bars (e.g., RedFrog Pub, SkyBox Sports Bar): May feature premium pricing for themed or craft options.
• Room service: Expect a $3–$5 delivery fee on top of the beer price.

Pro Tip: Avoid buying beer at the ship’s gift shop or duty-free area unless it’s a souvenir bottle. These prices are often higher than at bars due to limited availability and convenience markup.

Automatic Gratuity and How to Opt Out

All beverage purchases on Carnival include an automatic 18% gratuity, which is added to your Sail & Sign card. This can add up quickly—for example, a $7.50 beer becomes $8.85 after gratuity. However, you can opt out of the automatic gratuity by visiting Guest Services before your cruise or early in the first day. If you do, you’ll pay only the listed price, and you can tip cash or via your card based on your discretion. This is especially useful if you plan to buy many individual drinks, as it could save you $20–$50 over a 7-day cruise.

Beer Packages and Pre-Paid Drink Plans

Cheers! Beverage Package: The Most Popular Option

Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Package is the go-to choice for many cruisers who want to enjoy beer (and other drinks) without worrying about the bill at the end. Priced at $59.95 per person, per day (as of 2024), it includes:

• All beers up to $20 per serving (covers 99% of beer options)
• Wine, spirits, cocktails, soda, juice, coffee, and bottled water
• Specialty coffees and smoothies
• 20% off premium drinks (e.g., craft beers over $20)

The package allows you to order up to 15 drinks per day (including non-alcoholic), and there’s no limit on the number of beers. For beer lovers, this is often a cost-effective choice if you plan to have 8–10 drinks per day. For example, if you drink 10 domestic beers at $8.50 each (with gratuity), that’s $100.15 in value—well above the $59.95 cost of the package.

Example: On a 7-day cruise, a couple using Cheers! would spend $839.30 (2 x $59.95 x 7). If they each drink 8 beers daily, they’d consume 112 beers. At $8.50 each, that would cost $952 without the package—saving over $110.

Is Cheers! Worth It? Breaking Down the Math

To determine if Cheers! is right for you, calculate your average daily consumption. Here’s a quick guide:

• 1–3 drinks/day: Not worth it. Pay as you go.
• 4–7 drinks/day: Borderline. Depends on drink mix.
• 8+ drinks/day: Likely worth it, especially if you include cocktails or wine.

Note: The package must be purchased for all days of the cruise and for all guests in the same stateroom (unless under 21). It cannot be shared or split. Also, it’s only available to guests 21+; minors can get a non-alcoholic version called Bottomless Bubbles for $11.95/day.

Alternative Packages: Bottomless Bubbles and Specialty Plans

If you’re a light drinker or only want beer occasionally, consider these alternatives:

• Bottomless Bubbles: $11.95/day for unlimited soda, juice, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Great for teens or designated drivers.
• Beer-Only Packages (Limited Availability): Some itineraries offer “Beer Lovers” packages with a set number of beers at a discount. Check your cruise’s “My Cruise Planner” for deals.
• Pre-Purchase Discounts: Carnival often offers 10–15% off Cheers! if booked online before your cruise. Watch for promotions during holiday periods or early-bird bookings.

Insider Tip: If you’re unsure, book Cheers! early and cancel up to 48 hours before departure if your drinking habits change. Just be aware that cancellations may incur a fee.

Happy Hour, Promotions, and Discounts

Daily Happy Hour Deals

Carnival ships run happy hour promotions almost every day, typically between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM at poolside bars and select lounges. During these times, you can get:

• Domestic beer for $5.00–$6.00 (vs. $7.50–$8.50 regular price)
• Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals on select bottles
• $1 off all craft and imported beers

Happy hour is the best time to buy individual beers if you’re not on a package. For example, a $6.00 domestic beer during happy hour is a 20–25% savings. Some ships even extend happy hour on port days or during themed events.

Seasonal and Event-Based Promotions

Keep an eye out for special promotions tied to:

• Holidays: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and New Year’s cruises often feature $1 beer nights or free beer with purchase.
• Sports Events: On ships with sports bars (e.g., SkyBox), big games may include $4 beer specials.
• Beer Festivals: Some Carnival ships host onboard beer festivals with tastings, limited-edition brews, and discounted pints.
• Loyalty Rewards: Diamond and Platinum-level guests in Carnival’s VIFP Club get exclusive drink discounts and free happy hour perks.

Pro Tip: Check the daily Fun Times newsletter for daily deals. Bar staff often announce specials via loudspeaker around 3:45 PM.

Military, Senior, and Group Discounts

Carnival offers occasional discounts for military personnel, seniors (55+), and large groups. These are usually applied to the base cruise fare, but sometimes extend to drink packages. For example:

• Military: 5–10% off Cheers! (requires verification)
• Seniors: Free happy hour on certain days (varies by ship)
• Groups (16+ cabins): Custom drink package deals

Always ask Guest Services about active promotions when you board—they may have unadvertised deals.

Craft Beer and Specialty Options on Carnival Ships

RedFrog Pub and Brewery: Carnival’s Signature Beer Experience

Many Carnival ships feature the RedFrog Pub & Brewery, a Caribbean-inspired bar that brews its own beer onboard. The star of the menu is ThirstyFrog Red, a smooth, amber ale available on tap for $7.50–$8.50. Other house brews include:

• ThirstyFrog Caribbean Stout ($8.00)
• Frog Hopper IPA ($9.00)
• Seasonal releases (e.g., Mango Wheat, $9.50)

RedFrog also offers a Beer Flight (3 small pours) for $12.00, perfect for sampling. The pub hosts live music, games, and “Brewmaster Talks” where you can learn about the brewing process.

Craft Beer Bars and Rotating Taps

Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras feature dedicated craft beer bars with 20+ rotating taps. These include:

• Local Florida breweries (e.g., Funky Buddha, Cigar City)
• National craft favorites (e.g., Sierra Nevada, New Belgium)
• International craft imports (e.g., BrewDog, Stone)

Prices range from $8.50 to $12.00 per pint. Some bars offer a “Beer of the Day” special at $7.00. These venues are ideal for beer enthusiasts who want to try unique or limited-edition brews.

Beer Tastings and Pairing Events

Carnival occasionally hosts beer pairing dinners and tasting events for an additional fee ($20–$35 per person). These events feature:

• 5–6 beer samples with small bites
• Guided tastings with a beer sommelier
• Take-home glass or souvenir coaster

Events are listed in the Fun Times and sell out fast. Book early via the Carnival Hub app.

Smart Strategies to Save Money on Beer

Pre-Cruise Planning: Book Smart

The best way to save is to plan ahead:

• Book Cheers! online for 10–15% off (check for promo codes).
• Opt out of automatic gratuity if you’re buying individual drinks.
• Check your itinerary for port days—drink less onboard and save for local beers in port (often cheaper).

Port Day Tactics

When in port, buy local beer instead of drinking on the ship. For example:

• Jamaica: Red Stripe for $2–$3 per bottle at local bars
• Mexico: Corona for $1.50–$2.50 at beach clubs
• Bahamas: Kalik for $2.00 at Nassau markets

Just remember: you can’t bring alcohol back to the ship in most ports (except duty-free purchases). Check Carnival’s policy for your itinerary.

Use the Carnival Hub App

The Carnival Hub app lets you:

• Track drink spending in real-time
• See daily happy hour times and locations
• Book beer tastings and events
• Order drinks from your phone (reduces impulse buys)

Enable notifications for “Happy Hour Alerts” to never miss a deal.

Bring Your Own (Within Limits)

Carnival allows each guest to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard, but no beer or spirits. However, you can:

• Buy beer in port and drink it in your cabin (no corkage fee for personal consumption).
• Buy duty-free beer at the ship’s shop and drink it on the last day (no restrictions).

Data Table: Average Beer Prices on Carnival Cruise Lines (2024)

Beer Type	Size	Avg. Price (Pre-Gratuity)	Price Range (With 18% Gratuity)	Notes
Domestic Lager (Bud, Miller, Coors)	12 oz glass/bottle	$6.50–$7.50	$7.67–$8.85	Most common option
Domestic Lager	20 oz tall boy	$8.00–$9.00	$9.44–$10.62	Available at pool bars
Imported Beer (Heineken, Corona)	12 oz bottle	$7.50–$8.50	$8.85–$10.03	Often BOGO during happy hour
Premium Import (Guinness, Peroni)	12 oz bottle	$8.50–$9.50	$10.03–$11.21	Available at sports bars
House Craft Beer (ThirstyFrog Red)	16 oz draft	$7.50–$8.00	$8.85–$9.44	RedFrog Pub exclusive
Rotating Craft Beer	16 oz draft	$8.50–$11.00	$10.03–$12.98	Seasonal/regional taps
Beer Flight (3 x 5 oz)	15 oz total	$12.00	$14.16	Available at craft bars
Happy Hour Domestic	12 oz	$5.00–$6.00	$5.90–$7.08	4–6 PM daily

Conclusion

So, how much is beer on Carnival Cruise Lines? The answer depends on your preferences, consumption habits, and planning strategy. A single domestic beer will cost you $7.67–$8.85 (with gratuity), while craft and imported options range from $8.85 to $12.98. But with smart choices—like the Cheers! package, happy hour deals, and port-day savings—you can enjoy great beer without overspending.

Whether you’re sipping a ThirstyFrog Red at RedFrog Pub, catching a $5 beer during happy hour, or exploring local brews in Nassau, Carnival offers plenty of ways to enjoy a cold one. The key is to plan ahead, track your spending, and take advantage of promotions. Remember: a cruise is about relaxation and fun, not worrying about your bar tab. By using the tips and data in this guide, you’ll be able to raise a glass—without raising your stress level. Cheers to smooth sailing and even smoother brews!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is beer on Carnival Cruise Lines?

Beer on Carnival Cruise Lines typically ranges from $6 to $9 per 12-16 oz serving, depending on the brand and location onboard. Premium craft beers or imported options may cost slightly more.

Is there a beer package available on Carnival Cruise Lines?

Yes, Carnival offers a Beer & Soda Package for around $20-$25 per day, which includes discounted draft beer, bottled beer, and soda. It’s a cost-effective option for frequent beer drinkers.

Can I bring my own beer on a Carnival cruise?

No, Carnival’s alcohol policy prohibits guests from bringing beer onboard. However, you can purchase beer in the ship’s bars, lounges, or through drink packages.

How much is a beer at Carnival’s RedFrog Pub?

At RedFrog Pub, Carnival’s signature tiki bar, beer prices are similar to other onboard locations, averaging $6-$8 for domestic and imported brews. Happy hour discounts are often available.

Does Carnival include beer in their drink packages?

The Premium Cruise Cheers! Package (starting at $59.95/day) includes beer, cocktails, wine, and soda. The Beer & Soda Package is a cheaper alternative focused only on beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

Are there discounts on beer during Carnival cruises?

Carnival often runs happy hour specials (e.g., 2-for-1 beer deals) and discounts on drink packages when booked in advance. Check the HUB app for daily promotions onboard.