How Much Is the Alcohol Pack on Carnival Cruise Lines Revealed

The alcohol package on Carnival Cruise Lines starts at $59.95 per person, per day, offering unlimited drinks up to $20 each, including beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits. This all-inclusive option is a game-changer for cruisers looking to save while indulging, with premium upgrades available for top-shelf brands. Don’t miss out on the chance to sip freely without breaking the bank!

Key Takeaways

• Compare packages: Carnival offers tiered alcohol packages; pick based on your drinking habits.
• Daily limits apply: Most packages cap drinks per day—plan accordingly.
• Book early: Pre-purchase discounts can save up to 20% off onboard prices.
• Check inclusions: Premium packages cover cocktails, wine, and beer—verify before buying.
• Group savings: Share a package with friends to split costs and maximize value.
• Read restrictions: Age limits and drink exclusions apply—review terms carefully.

How Much Is the Alcohol Pack on Carnival Cruise Lines Revealed

Let’s be honest—cruising is as much about relaxation as it is about the little luxuries. Whether you’re sipping a frozen margarita by the pool, enjoying a craft beer at a sunset bar, or sharing a bottle of wine over a romantic dinner, alcohol is often a key part of the onboard experience. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How much is the alcohol pack on Carnival Cruise Lines?” And more importantly—is it worth it?

I’ve been on three Carnival cruises over the past five years—from a quick 4-day getaway to the Bahamas to a 10-day adventure through the Eastern Caribbean. Each time, I’ve wrestled with the same question: Should I buy the drink package, or just pay as I go? The answer isn’t always simple. Prices change, new packages appear, and what’s “worth it” depends on your drinking habits, itinerary, and even the time of year. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned—what the current alcohol packages cost, how they work, when they make sense (and when they don’t), and how to get the most value out of your cruise bar tab. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s been there, ordered that, and occasionally overpaid.

Understanding Carnival’s Alcohol Drink Packages: What’s Available?

When you board a Carnival cruise, you’re not just handed a menu—you’re given a drink strategy. The cruise line offers several beverage packages, each tailored to different types of drinkers. The main attraction? The Cheers! Beverage Program, Carnival’s flagship alcohol package. But there are other options too, including non-alcoholic plans and specialty upgrades. Let’s break them down so you know exactly what you’re getting—and what you’re paying for.

The Cheers! Beverage Program: The Main Alcohol Package

This is the big one. The Cheers! package is Carnival’s all-inclusive alcohol plan, and it’s the one most people ask about when they search, “how much is the alcohol pack on Carnival Cruise Lines?” As of 2024, the price is typically $59.95 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity), though it can vary slightly based on the sailing and promotions.

Here’s what’s included:

• Beer (domestic, imported, craft, and specialty brews)
• Wine by the glass (up to $15 per glass)
• Cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs (up to $15 per drink)
• Sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, and non-alcoholic cocktails
• Frozen drinks (like daiquiris and piña coladas)

Important note: If a drink costs more than $15, you’ll pay the difference. For example, a $17 craft cocktail? You’ll cover the extra $2. Same for a $22 bottle of wine if you order it by the glass.

Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages: For the Sober-Curious or Designated Drivers

Not everyone wants alcohol. Carnival gets that. Their Bottomless Bubbles package ($9.95 per day + gratuity) includes unlimited soda, bottled water, and non-alcoholic juices. There’s also a Premium Soda & Water option ($14.95/day) with fancier brands like San Pellegrino and Perrier.

And for coffee lovers? The Premium Coffee & Tea package ($12.95/day) gives you unlimited specialty drinks from the JavaBlue café—think lattes, frappes, and iced teas.

Specialty and Premium Upgrades

If you’re a wine connoisseur or love high-end spirits, Carnival offers add-ons:

• Wine Enthusiast Program: $25/day extra for premium wines (over $15/glass)
• Spirits Upgrade: Access to top-shelf liquors (e.g., Johnnie Walker Blue, Patron) for an extra fee
• Mixology Experience: Private cocktail classes (one-time fee, not daily)

These aren’t included in the base Cheers! package, so you’ll need to tack them on if you want them. Think of it like upgrading your seat on a flight—nice, but not essential.

How Packages Are Activated and Managed

You can buy the Cheers! package before your cruise (online or via the Carnival Hub app) or onboard within the first 48 hours. Buying early often comes with a discount (usually $5–$10 per day), so it’s smart to lock it in early if you’re sure you’ll use it.

Once activated, your SeaPass card becomes your “bar wallet.” Just swipe it at any bar, restaurant, or poolside stand, and your drinks are covered (up to the $15 limit). You can also use it for non-alcoholic options—perfect if your spouse or kids don’t drink but still want unlimited soda.

How Much Is the Alcohol Pack on Carnival Cruise Lines? 2024 Pricing Breakdown

Now, let’s get to the numbers. The cost of the alcohol pack on Carnival Cruise Lines isn’t fixed—it depends on the ship, itinerary, and booking time. But here’s a realistic snapshot based on recent sailings (2023–2024).

Base Prices for the Cheers! Package (Per Person, Per Day)

Duration	Standard Price	Early Booking Discount (if available)	Total (7-Day Cruise)
4-Day Cruise	$59.95	$49.95 (if booked 3+ months early)	$239.80 (standard), $199.80 (discounted)
5-Day Cruise	$59.95	$52.95	$299.75, $264.75
7-Day Cruise	$59.95	$54.95	$419.65, $384.65
10-Day Cruise	$59.95	$57.95	$599.50, $579.50

Note: All prices include 18% gratuity. Discounts vary by promotion and are not guaranteed.

When Prices Go Up (and Why)

Carnival uses dynamic pricing—meaning the cost can change based on demand. Here are a few scenarios where the price might jump:

• Holiday sailings (Christmas, New Year’s, Fourth of July): Up to $69.95/day
• High-demand itineraries (e.g., Alaska, Europe): Often $5–$10 more per day
• Last-minute bookings: If you wait until the week of departure, you might pay full price with no discount

On my 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in December, the Cheers! package was $64.95/day—higher than average due to holiday demand. But I booked it 4 months in advance and still got a $5 discount, bringing it to $59.95.

Is There a Family or Group Discount?

Not officially. Each adult (21+) needs their own Cheers! package. Kids and non-drinkers can get Bottomless Bubbles, but there’s no “family combo” deal. That said, if you’re booking a group of 8+, call Carnival’s group sales line—they sometimes offer custom incentives or onboard credit that can offset drink costs.

What About Taxes and Fees?

Yes, there’s an 18% gratuity automatically added to the Cheers! package. It’s not optional, and it’s not refundable. So if you’re budgeting, remember: the advertised $59.95 becomes $70.74 per day after gratuity. For a 7-day cruise, that’s an extra $75.60 per person.

Pro tip: Some third-party travel agents offer “gratuity-included” pricing, which can make comparing prices easier. Just make sure you’re not double-paying.

Is the Alcohol Package Worth It? Breaking Down the Math

Okay, here’s the big question: Is it worth it? The answer depends on how much you drink. Let’s run the numbers.

Average Drink Prices on Carnival (Without the Package)

Here’s what you’d pay if you went à la carte:

• Domestic beer: $7–$9
• Import/craft beer: $8–$12
• Wine by the glass (standard): $10–$15
• Wine (premium): $16–$25
• Cocktails (standard): $12–$15
• Cocktails (premium): $16–$22
• Frozen drinks: $10–$14
• Soda/bottled water: $3–$5

How Many Drinks Do You Need to “Break Even”?

Let’s say the Cheers! package costs $70.74/day after gratuity. To justify that, you’d need to drink:

• 6 standard cocktails ($12 each = $72)
• 7 domestic beers ($9 each = $63)
• 5 craft beers + 2 sodas ($10 + $4 = $70)
• 4 premium cocktails + 1 wine ($18 + $15 = $87)

So, roughly 5–6 drinks per day to break even. That might sound like a lot—but on a cruise, it’s easier than you think. Think about it:

• 1 beer at the pool
• 1 cocktail during sail-away
• 1 glass of wine at dinner
• 1 after-dinner drink
• 1 late-night bar drink

That’s five drinks—and if you’re on a 7-day cruise, that’s 35 drinks total. At $12 average, that’s $420. The Cheers! package? $495.29 (7 x $70.74). So you’re spending $75 more—but you’re also getting unlimited soda, water, coffee, and peace of mind (no surprise bills).

When the Package Isn’t Worth It

Now, the flip side. The Cheers! package isn’t a good fit for everyone:

• Light drinkers: If you have 1–2 drinks per day, you’ll lose money.
• Non-drinkers: Skip it. Use the Bottomless Bubbles package instead.
• People who only drink wine at dinner: A $15 glass of wine + a beer = $25. That’s less than half the daily package cost.
• Cruisers on short trips (3–4 days): The daily rate is high, and you might not drink enough to justify it.

On my first 4-day cruise, I bought Cheers! “just in case.” I had 3 drinks total. I lost about $200. Lesson learned.

Smart Ways to Maximize Value

If you do buy the package, use it to your advantage:

• Drink during happy hours: Some bars offer 2-for-1 specials (e.g., RedFrog Rum Bar). You’re not saving money, but you’re getting more drinks for your package.
• Try premium drinks: Use your $15 limit for craft cocktails or imported beer—stuff you wouldn’t normally order à la carte.
• Bring your own wine: Carnival allows one 750ml bottle per adult at embarkation. Save the package for cocktails and beer.
• Use it for non-alcohol: If you’re not drinking much, at least get unlimited coffee and water.

Tips for Buying and Using the Alcohol Package Wisely

Buying the alcohol pack on Carnival Cruise Lines isn’t just about the price—it’s about timing, strategy, and knowing the rules. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.

Buy Early (But Not Too Early)

Carnival opens drink package sales 6–12 months before sailing. The best discounts usually drop 3–6 months out. Set a reminder to check prices weekly. I use the Carnival Hub app and enable price alerts.

One caveat: Don’t buy too early. Carnival sometimes runs “flash sales” with bigger discounts closer to departure. If you book early and see a better deal later, you can cancel and rebook (but only if you haven’t activated the package).

Check for Promotions and Bundles

Keep an eye out for:

• Free Cheers! upgrades: Occasionally offered with suite bookings or loyalty perks
• Onboard credit (OBC) deals: Use OBC to buy the package at a discount
• Travel agent specials: Some agencies include drink packages in package deals

On my last cruise, I booked through a travel agent who included $100 OBC. I used $40 of it to offset the Cheers! cost—effectively getting a $5.71 discount per day.

Understand the Cancellation and Refund Rules

Here’s the fine print: Once you activate the Cheers! package, it’s non-refundable. But if you cancel your cruise, you can get a refund for unused days—only if you cancel at least 3 days before sailing.

Also, if you’re on a back-to-back cruise, the package covers both sailings—but you can’t use it on the first cruise and cancel on the second. The whole thing is tied to your SeaPass.

Use It on Port Days (Yes, Really)

Many cruisers think they’ll save money by skipping drinks on port days. But Carnival bars are open on shore excursion days—especially if you’re on a late-return tour. I’ve used my Cheers! package for a beer at a beach bar in Cozumel or a cocktail during a sunset sail in St. Maarten. It’s not “wasted” if you’re enjoying the moment.

Watch Out for Hidden Limits

The Cheers! package has a few sneaky restrictions:

• Maximum 15 drinks per day: After that, you pay full price. (I’ve never hit this, but it’s there.)
• No sharing: The package is per person. Don’t let your buddy use your SeaPass.
• No room service drinks: Room service cocktails cost extra, even with Cheers!

One more thing: The package doesn’t cover bottles of wine or liquor. If you want to buy a bottle to take home, you’ll pay full price.

Alternatives to the Alcohol Package: What Else Can You Do?

Not sold on the Cheers! package? You’re not out of options. Here are a few smart (and sometimes cheaper) ways to enjoy alcohol on your cruise.

Pay As You Go: The “à la Carte” Approach

If you’re a moderate drinker, this might be your best bet. Use a budget: say, $30 per day for drinks. Track your spending with the Carnival Hub app. If you go over, cut back the next day.

Bonus: You’re more likely to try new things when you pay per drink—like a local rum in Jamaica or a craft beer in Nassau.

Bring Your Own Alcohol (Yes, Really)

Carnival allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne on embarkation day. You can’t bring beer or spirits, but wine is fair game. Just don’t pack it in your checked luggage—carry it on.

And yes, you can bring it to dinner. Most dining rooms charge a $15 corkage fee, but it’s still cheaper than ordering wine by the glass.

Use Onboard Credit (OBC) Wisely

If you have OBC (from a promotion, loyalty status, or travel agent), use it to cover drink purchases. You’ll avoid paying cash, and you’re not tied to a daily limit.

Example: I had $200 OBC on my last cruise. I used $150 for cocktails and saved the rest for souvenirs. No package needed.

Look for Free Drink Events

Carnival hosts several “free drink” events:

• Sail Away Party: Free welcome cocktail (usually a rum punch or mojito)
• Loyalty Receptions: Free drinks for Diamond and Platinum members
• Specialty Dining Promos: Some restaurants offer free wine pairings
• Casino Comps: Win big, and you might get free drinks

On my 10-day cruise, I scored free cocktails at three different events—saving me about $40.

Consider a Shorter or Cheaper Package

If you’re on a 7-day cruise but only plan to drink heavily on 3 days (e.g., sea days), skip the full Cheers! package. Instead, buy a 3-day Cheers! option (if available) or just pay for drinks on those days.

Note: Carnival doesn’t officially offer partial packages, but some third-party sites or travel agents do. Ask around.

Final Thoughts: Is the Alcohol Pack on Carnival Cruise Lines Right for You?

So, how much is the alcohol pack on Carnival Cruise Lines? As of 2024, it’s $59.95–$69.95 per person, per day (plus gratuity), depending on the sailing. And is it worth it? Well… it depends.

For moderate to heavy drinkers (3–6 drinks per day), the Cheers! package can be a smart investment. It eliminates sticker shock, encourages you to try new drinks, and gives you unlimited soda and water. Plus, you’re not constantly checking your tab.

But for light drinkers, non-drinkers, or short-cruisers, it’s probably overkill. You’ll end up paying for drinks you don’t consume, and the daily limit might feel restrictive.

My advice? Be honest with yourself. How many drinks do you really have on vacation? Do you enjoy trying new cocktails, or are you happy with a beer at the pool? Are you traveling with others who drink more or less than you?

And remember: the best drink strategy isn’t about saving every penny—it’s about enhancing your vacation. If the Cheers! package helps you relax, socialize, and enjoy your cruise more, then it’s worth every dollar. But if it stresses you out or feels like a waste, skip it and pay as you go.

At the end of the day, a cruise is about experiences—not just drinks. Whether you’re sipping a $15 mojito on the Lido Deck or a $3 soda at the buffet, the goal is to have fun. So do what feels right for you. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the alcohol pack on Carnival Cruise Lines?

The cost of Carnival’s alcohol packages varies by cruise length and destination, but the most popular option, the Premium Alcohol Package, typically ranges from $59.95 to $79.95 per person, per day. Prices may include gratuities and vary during promotions or peak seasons.

What drinks are included in Carnival’s alcohol package?

The Premium Alcohol Package includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages up to $20 per drink. Premium brands and specialty drinks (e.g., top-shelf liquor) may require an additional fee.

Can I share my Carnival alcohol package with others?

No, Carnival’s alcohol packages are non-transferable and can only be used by the named guest who purchased the plan. Each package is linked to a guest’s Sail & Sign card for tracking.

Is the alcohol package worth it on Carnival Cruise Lines?

It depends on your drinking habits! If you consume more than 5–6 drinks daily, the package often pays for itself. Casual drinkers might prefer paying à la carte or opting for the smaller Beer & Wine Package.

Does Carnival offer discounts on alcohol packages?

Yes, Carnival frequently offers pre-cruise discounts on alcohol packages, sometimes up to 20% off when booked online before sailing. Check their website or promotions page for current deals on the alcohol pack.

Are there restrictions on when I can use the alcohol package?

Most packages are valid from the first full sailing day until disembarkation, but some exclusions apply (e.g., specialty dining bars or events). The package is not available for use at private destinations like Half Moon Cay.