Should You Buy a Carnival Drink Package? A Comprehensive Guide with Drink Prices & Menus

© David Rivera-Colon, Carnival Cruise Line

If you're planning a Carnival Cruise, one question that might be on your mind is whether to purchase a drink package. This decision can be influenced by many factors, and after having the opportunity to test out the Carnival drink package on several sailings, we've identified several pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Click here to see the standard Atrium Bar Menu.

What's Included in Your Cruise Fare?

Before we delve into the specifics of the drink packages, it's important to understand what beverages are included in your Carnival Cruise fare. Complimentary beverages, available 24/7 in the Lido Marketplace and during meals in the dining rooms, include non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate, non-specialty coffees and teas, and some juices during breakfast. If you desire anything beyond these options, you'll need to pay extra.

The Basics of Carnival Drink Packages

Carnival's drink packages are priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise. The stated prices do not include an additional 18% service charge, which is added at the time of purchase. State and local taxes will also be applied to purchases made in U.S. waters. Once onboard, the beverage packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. Note that drink packages are not offered on two-day cruises or chartered sailings.

You can use the drink package almost everywhere on the ship, including bars, lounges, complimentary dining venues, and specialty restaurants. However, the drink package does not apply at Carnival's private islands, Half Moon Cay or Princess Cay in the Bahamas.

© Radu Ursu, Carnival Cruise Line

Purchasing a Carnival Drink Package

There are two ways to purchase a Carnival drink package: online before your cruise or once onboard the ship. Purchasing the beverage package pre-cruise will save you 10% off the onboard prices. The cutoff for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM the day before embarkation. If you pre-purchase a Carnival drink package, it will be activated upon boarding the ship.

Due to state laws, the Cheers package cannot be sold on the first day of the cruise on departures from Texas or New York. If you have pre-purchased the package, it will only be activated at 6 AM on the second day of the cruise. Drinks purchased on the first day of the cruise will be charged to the guest's Sail and Sign card in the usual manner when sailing from these two states.

Sharing and Age Restrictions

While it's never mandatory to buy a drink package, sharing of drink packages or using your package to order drinks for other cruisers is not allowed. If one guest in a stateroom wishes to purchase a beverage package, each adult in the cabin needs to purchase one as well. Cruisers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase the Cheers program, which is Carnival Cruise Line's alcoholic beverage package.

Types of Drink Packages

Carnival Cruise Line offers two types of drink packages: the Cheers program (alcoholic beverage package) and the Bottomless Bubbles (unlimited soda program). The Cheers package starts at $59 per person per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles soda package starts at $6.95 per day for children and $9.50 per day for adults. These prices are before the 18% gratuity, which will be added at the end of the transaction.

Fortune Teller Bar © Matthew Barnes, Carnival Cruise Line

Is a Carnival Drink Package Worth It?

To determine if a Carnival drink package is worthit, you need to consider your drinking habits and the specifics of your cruise. For instance, would you be able to sustain the same drinking pattern on a three or four-day cruise as you would over the course of a 7 or 10-day cruise? Plus, if your cruise is very port-intensive, will you be on the ship long enough to make good use of your Carnival drink package?

Pros and Cons of a Drink Package

One of the main advantages of a drink package is the convenience it offers. If you pre-pay for the drink package, you never have to worry about the bar tab at the end of the cruise, making your cruise feel more all-inclusive. If you plan on drinking around six alcoholic drinks a day, then getting the Cheers beverage package is probably worth it for you.

However, there are some exclusions to the Cheers program. This includes beverages sold in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, drinks sold at the gangway, room service or mini bar items, sharing cocktails, wine machines, pitchers, and buckets. While there is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks with this Carnival drink package, soda and non-alcoholic beverages do not count towards this limit.

Bottomless Bubbles: The Unlimited Soda Package

For a flat fee, cruisers can enjoy all the fountain soda and juices they want with the Bottomless Bubbles package. You can only order one drink at a time, either a 16-ounce glass of soda or a 10-ounce glass of juice. The package does not work off the ship, even at Half Moon Cay or Princess Cay. Bottled water and specialty coffee are not part of this package.

Whether you're embarking on a romantic honeymoon cruise, seizing a last-minute cruise deal, or planning a memorable family cruise, Carnival's drink packages can enhance your onboard experience. For honeymooners, the Cheers package can add a touch of luxury, allowing you to toast your new life together with premium cocktails, fine wines, and more. If you're a spontaneous traveler who's snagged a last-minute cruise, a pre-purchased drink package can help you manage your budget onboard, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of beverages without worrying about the final bill. For all-inclusive cruise lovers, adding a drink package means your vacation is even more carefree, with a wide range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available at your fingertips. And for family cruises, the Bottomless Bubbles package keeps everyone hydrated and happy, offering unlimited soda and juices for the duration of your voyage. No matter your cruise style, Carnival's drink packages offer a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite beverages at sea.