What Drinks Are Free on Carnival Cruise Line Revealed

On Carnival Cruise Line, complimentary drinks include water, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and select juices at the buffet and main dining areas. While premium beverages like soda, alcohol, and specialty coffees cost extra, guests can enjoy free non-alcoholic options throughout the ship—perfect for staying refreshed without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Free non-alcoholic drinks include water, tea, coffee, and select juices at all dining venues.
• Soft drinks are free only with the CHEERS! beverage package purchase, not by default.
• Tap water is always free—request it at bars, restaurants, or buffets anytime.
• Specialty coffees cost extra; basic brewed coffee and tea are complimentary.
• Kids’ drinks are free—milk, chocolate milk, and juice boxes included at meals.
• No free alcohol; all beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits require separate payment.

The Ultimate Guide to Free Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line

When you’re planning a Carnival Cruise Line vacation, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely: What drinks are free on Carnival Cruise Line? The allure of cruising lies not just in the destinations, but in the convenience and comfort of knowing that many of your daily needs—including beverages—are already covered. While Carnival is known for its vibrant atmosphere, endless entertainment, and diverse dining options, the beverage policy often leaves travelers with more questions than answers. Are sodas included? Can I get free coffee? What about bottled water? Understanding what’s complimentary and what’s not can make a significant difference in your onboard experience and budget.

Carnival Cruise Line offers a surprisingly generous selection of complimentary beverages, but it’s essential to know the nuances. Unlike all-inclusive resorts, Carnival does not include alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, or premium bottled beverages in its base fare. However, a wide range of non-alcoholic and some basic hot drinks are available at no extra cost. This guide dives deep into the what, where, and when of free drinks on Carnival ships, helping you maximize your cruise value, avoid surprise charges, and enjoy every moment without reaching for your wallet. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, knowing which drinks are free can elevate your vacation from great to unforgettable.

Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Beverages: The Core of Free Drinks

One of the most appealing aspects of cruising with Carnival is the abundance of free non-alcoholic drinks available throughout the ship. These beverages are included in your cruise fare and can be accessed at various locations, from the Lido Deck buffet to room service. Understanding where and how to get them is key to enjoying a hassle-free experience.

Water: Tap, Sparkling, and Ice Water

Water is freely available on all Carnival ships. You can refill your own reusable water bottle or request a glass at any bar, buffet, or dining venue. Tap water is safe to drink and is served in pitchers during meals. Sparkling water (carbonated, unsweetened) is also complimentary and often available upon request at bars and the Lido buffet. However, bottled still or sparkling water (like Evian, Perrier, or San Pellegrino) is not free and will be charged to your onboard account unless you have a drink package that includes it. A smart tip: bring a reusable water bottle and use the self-service water dispensers at the Lido Deck. Many ships now feature hydration stations with filtered still and sparkling water options.

During formal dinners or specialty dining, waiters may offer bottled water—politely decline if you’re sticking to free options. Carnival also provides ice water at all dining venues, including the Main Dining Room, and it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for a refill.

Soft Drinks and Juices

Carnival includes a wide selection of non-alcoholic soft drinks in your cruise fare. These include:

• Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Sprite
• Fanta Orange and Fanta Grape
• Minute Maid juices (orange, apple, cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit)
• Fruit punch and lemonade
• Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster) — Note: These are free only if ordered as non-alcoholic mixers; if purchased alone, they incur a charge.

These drinks are available at the Lido Deck beverage station, which operates during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours. You can also request them at any bar or dining area. For example, if you’re lounging by the pool and want a soda, simply walk to the nearby bar and ask for a free Coke in a cup—no charge. Pro tip: Use the Carnival Hub app to locate the nearest beverage station or bar during peak hours to avoid long lines.

Tea and Coffee: Hot and Iced Options

Hot and iced tea and coffee are also complimentary. At the Lido buffet, you’ll find:

• Regular and decaffeinated coffee (brewed and espresso-style, depending on the station)
• Hot tea (black, green, herbal, and decaf options)
• Iced tea (sweetened and unsweetened, often with lemon)
• Iced coffee (available at select beverage stations and cafes)

During breakfast and lunch, you can get coffee and tea at no cost. At dinner, the Main Dining Room provides free coffee and tea with your meal. However, specialty coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and frappés (e.g., those from JavaBlue Café) are not free unless you have the Bottomless Bubbles or Cheers! drink package. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, consider using your free coffee at the buffet and saving your specialty drink budget for a treat once or twice during the cruise.

Free Drinks in Dining Venues and Room Service

Where you dine on a Carnival ship significantly impacts what free drinks are available. From the Main Dining Room to room service, understanding the beverage policies in each area ensures you don’t miss out on complimentary options.

Main Dining Room (MDR)

The Main Dining Room is one of the best places to enjoy free drinks. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you can order:

• Water (tap or sparkling)
• Coffee and tea (hot or iced)
• Soft drinks (Coke, Sprite, etc.)
• Juices (orange, apple, etc.)

Servers are trained to offer these beverages without prompting, but it’s always polite to ask. For example, say, “Could I please have a glass of iced tea and a Coke with my meal?” They’ll bring it out at no charge. Note: Alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, and bottled water are not included and will be added to your bill.

During formal nights, you may be offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or champagne—this is a special perk and varies by cruise length and itinerary. Always confirm with your server if unsure.

Lido Buffet and Self-Service Stations

The Lido Deck buffet is the heart of free beverage access. Here, you’ll find:

• Self-serve soda fountains with unlimited refills
• Juice dispensers (breakfast and lunch)
• Coffee and tea stations (with hot water for instant options)
• Water dispensers (still and sparkling)

These stations are open during breakfast (7–10 AM), lunch (12–2 PM), and dinner (5:30–8 PM), though hours may vary. Important: Outside of these times, you can still request free drinks from nearby bars or room service, but self-service is limited. For example, if you’re late for lunch and the buffet is closed, the pool bar will still serve you a free soda or water upon request.

Tip: Bring a refillable cup from home or purchase a Carnival souvenir cup. These often come with perks like discounted refills or free upgrades, but even without them, your drinks remain free.

Room Service: What’s Free and What’s Not

Room service is available 24/7 on most Carnival ships, and many drinks are complimentary. You can order:

• Water (tap or sparkling)
• Coffee and tea (hot)
• Soft drinks (Coke, Sprite, etc.)
• Juices (orange, apple)

However, there’s a $7.95 service fee for each order, which covers delivery—not the drinks themselves. So while the beverages are free, the delivery charge applies. To avoid this, consider walking to a nearby bar or the Lido Deck for a quick refreshment. Alternatively, place your order early in the morning (e.g., for coffee and juice at 7 AM) and enjoy the convenience.

Note: Bottled water, alcohol, specialty coffee, and energy drinks are not free and will be charged at retail prices.

Complimentary Alcoholic Beverages: Limited but Valuable

While most alcoholic drinks on Carnival are not free, there are a few exceptions and special promotions that allow you to enjoy complimentary alcohol under certain conditions.

Welcome Aboard Drinks

On embarkation day, Carnival often hosts a Welcome Aboard Drink during the muster drill or in the atrium. This is typically a non-alcoholic punch or soda, but on select sailings (especially longer cruises or themed voyages), they may offer a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or champagne. This is a one-time perk and varies by ship and itinerary. Keep an eye out for announcements on the first day.

Special Events and Promotions

Carnival frequently runs onboard promotions where free alcoholic drinks are offered:

• Captain’s Welcome Party: A glass of champagne or sparkling wine is usually provided to all guests.
• Formal Night: Some cruises offer a complimentary cocktail or wine during the Captain’s Dinner.
• Casino Promotions: If you play slots or table games, you may receive free drinks from the casino bar (typically beer, wine, or well cocktails).
• Loyalty Events: Platinum and Diamond-level guests in the VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person) may receive free drink vouchers or open bar access during private parties.

These are not guaranteed but are common on cruises of 7+ nights. Always check your daily cruise planner (delivered to your stateroom each evening) for event details.

Alcohol with Dining (Rare but Possible)

In rare cases, Carnival may include a complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner in the Main Dining Room—especially on longer cruises or during special itineraries (e.g., European sailings). This is not standard but has been reported by cruisers on select voyages. If offered, it’s usually announced by your server or in the daily planner.

Tip: If you’re celebrating a special occasion (birthday, anniversary), inform your server or cruise director. Carnival often surprises guests with a free dessert and a complimentary drink.

How to Maximize Free Drinks: Tips and Tricks

Knowing what’s free is just the first step—using smart strategies can help you enjoy more complimentary drinks and save money. Here are proven tips from experienced cruisers.

Use the Carnival Hub App

The Carnival Hub mobile app is your best tool for finding free drinks. It shows:

• Real-time locations of beverage stations and bars
• Hours of operation for Lido buffet and dining venues
• Daily event schedules (including free drink promotions)

Download it before your cruise and use it to plan your day. For example, if the Lido buffet closes at 2 PM, you can head to the pool bar at 1:45 PM to get a free soda before it shuts down.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

As mentioned earlier, Carnival encourages eco-friendly practices. Bring a collapsible or insulated water bottle and refill it at hydration stations. This not only saves money but also reduces plastic waste. Some ships even have filtered water stations with flavored options (like cucumber or lemon).

Bonus: If you purchase a Carnival souvenir cup, you may get discounted refills on soda and juice, but remember—your drinks are already free, so the discount is just a perk.

Ask for Free Alternatives

Don’t assume a drink is free—ask! For example:

• “Is this bottled water complimentary, or will it be charged?”
• “Can I get a free soda instead of a bottled one?”
• “Do you have iced tea at this bar, or only bottled?”

Servers are happy to help you avoid unnecessary charges. If you’re unsure, request tap water or a soda from the Lido station instead of a premium option.

Time Your Drink Orders

To avoid service fees, order free drinks during peak dining hours when beverage stations are open. For example:

• Breakfast: Get coffee and juice at the buffet (7–10 AM)
• Lunch: Fill your cup with soda and iced tea (12–2 PM)
• Dinner: Request free drinks in the Main Dining Room

If you’re out exploring the ship, carry your drink with you or return to a free station instead of ordering at a bar.

Data Table: Free vs. Paid Drinks on Carnival Cruise Line

Drink Type	Free on Carnival?	Where to Get It	Notes
Tap Water	✅ Yes	Lido, bars, dining rooms, room service	Safe to drink; refill bottles at hydration stations
Sparkling Water (on tap)	✅ Yes	Lido, bars, dining rooms	Request from server; not bottled
Bottled Water	❌ No	All bars, shops, room service	Charged at retail price ($3–$5)
Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite, etc.)	✅ Yes	Lido, bars, dining rooms, room service	Free in cups; bottled versions cost extra
Juices (Orange, Apple, etc.)	✅ Yes	Lido (breakfast/lunch), dining rooms, room service	Not available at all bars
Hot Coffee & Tea	✅ Yes	Lido, dining rooms, room service	Specialty drinks (latte, mocha) cost extra
Iced Tea & Iced Coffee	✅ Yes	Lido, select bars, dining rooms	Available during meal hours
Alcohol (Beer, Wine, Cocktails)	❌ No (except promotions)	All bars, dining rooms	Free only at events like Captain’s Party
Energy Drinks (Red Bull, Monster)	❌ No	Bars, shops, room service	Free only as mixers with alcohol (if you buy the drink)
Specialty Coffee (JavaBlue Café)	❌ No	JavaBlue Café, select bars	Free with Cheers! or Bottomless Bubbles package

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Free Drinks

So, what drinks are free on Carnival Cruise Line? The answer is: more than you might think. From unlimited tap and sparkling water to soft drinks, juices, and basic coffee and tea, Carnival provides a robust selection of complimentary beverages across its fleet. While alcohol, bottled water, and specialty drinks come at an extra cost, smart planning and awareness can help you enjoy a refreshing, budget-friendly cruise.

Remember, the key to maximizing free drinks lies in knowing where to look, when to ask, and how to use the resources available. Use the Lido buffet during peak hours, carry a reusable bottle, and leverage the Carnival Hub app to stay informed. Don’t hesitate to ask servers for free alternatives—most are happy to help you save money. And if you’re celebrating, let Carnival know—you might just get a surprise free drink to mark the occasion.

Cruising is about relaxation, fun, and indulgence—and that includes your drinks. With this guide in hand, you can sip confidently, knowing exactly what’s included in your fare. Whether you’re sipping iced tea by the pool, enjoying a free coffee with breakfast, or toasting with a complimentary glass of champagne at the Captain’s Party, Carnival makes it easy to stay hydrated, happy, and hydrated—without breaking the bank. So raise your glass (of free soda!) and enjoy every moment of your Carnival cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drinks are free on Carnival Cruise Line?

Carnival Cruise Line offers complimentary water, iced tea, lemonade, and select juices at the buffet and main dining areas. Coffee and hot tea are also available for free at the dining rooms and coffee bars.

Are soda and alcoholic beverages included in the free drinks?

Soda and alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails are not free on Carnival Cruise Line and require separate purchase. However, you can opt for their Bottomless Bubbles soda package for unlimited soft drinks.

Is bottled water free on Carnival Cruise Line?

Bottled water is not complimentary, but tap water is free and available at all dining areas. You can also bring a case of bottled water onboard (up to 12 sealed bottles per person) at embarkation.

Do Carnival cruises offer free specialty coffee or smoothies?

Specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and milkshakes from venues like JavaBlue Café or the RedFrog Rum Bar are not free. Regular coffee and tea at the buffet or dining rooms remain complimentary.

Are kids’ drinks free on Carnival Cruise Line?

Yes, kids can enjoy free milk, juice (at breakfast), and soft drinks during meals in the dining room. The Bottomless Bubbles package is also available for kids at a lower price.

Can I get free drinks at the pool or bar areas?

Only water, iced tea, and lemonade are free at poolside drink stations. Alcoholic and specialty drinks must be purchased unless you have a drink package or are at a complimentary event.