Drink Prices on Carnival Cruise Ships
Alcoholic drinks on Carnival cruise ships are not included in your cruise fare. Individual drinks typically cost between $6 and $15 per beverage, depending on what you order. A basic beer or well drink runs around $6 to $8, while premium spirits, craft cocktails, and wine by the glass range from $8 to $15. Specialty drinks—those made with top-shelf liquor or multiple ingredients—can reach $15 or higher.
Prices are the same across all Carnival ships in the fleet, though some specialty venues on larger ships may charge slightly more. You pay as you order at bars, pool decks, dining venues, and cabin room service. There is no automatic gratuity added to drink orders, though many guests choose to tip $1 to $2 per drink.
Key Takeaways
- Standard alcoholic drinks cost $6 to $15 each and are not part of your cruise fare.
- Beer and well drinks are the least expensive option at $6 to $8, while premium cocktails and wine run $8 to $15.
- Beverage packages allow unlimited drinks for a fixed daily rate, which saves money if you plan to drink multiple beverages per day.
- You can bring your own alcohol in limited quantities during embarkation, though it cannot be consumed in public areas of the ship.
- Drink prices do not vary by ship size or itinerary, but specialty bars and lounges may charge premium rates.
Beverage Packages That Cover Unlimited Drinks
Carnival offers beverage packages that let you pay a flat daily rate instead of ordering drinks one at a time. The Cheers! Package is the main option and covers beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks throughout the ship. The daily cost varies by cruise length and when you purchase—buying before your cruise is cheaper than buying onboard. A typical price range is $15 to $20 per person per day, though longer cruises sometimes offer better per-day rates.
The package covers drinks ordered at bars, the pool, dining venues, and room service. It does not cover bottles of wine or liquor purchased from the shop, premium wines at specialty restaurants, or drinks at a few exclusive venues. If you plan to have three or more drinks per day, the package usually saves money compared to paying per drink. You can purchase the package for your entire cruise or just certain days.
What You Can Bring Onboard Yourself
Carnival allows you to bring your own alcohol during embarkation—the day you board the ship. You can pack up to two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom, or one liter of liquor per person. These bottles must be in your checked luggage, not your carry-on. Once onboard, you cannot open or consume your own alcohol in public areas like the pool deck, dining rooms, or corridors.
You can drink your own alcohol only in your cabin. Many guests use this policy to stock their room with wine or spirits for evening drinks without paying bar prices. Alcohol purchased in the ship's shop or brought onboard after embarkation day is not permitted. If crew members find outside alcohol in public areas, it will be confiscated.
Specialty Bars and Premium Drink Venues
Carnival ships have specialty bars and lounges that charge more than the main bar. These include wine bars, craft cocktail lounges, and premium nightclubs. A glass of wine at a specialty wine bar may cost $12 to $18, compared to $8 to $12 at a regular bar. Craft cocktails made by a mixologist can run $14 to $18.
These venues are optional—you are not required to visit them, and the Cheers! beverage package covers drinks ordered there. However, some ultra-premium wines or rare spirits may carry an additional charge even with the package. Check the menu or ask the bartender before ordering if you want to know the exact price.
Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic drinks are included in your cruise fare at the main dining room, buffet, and most bars. You can order water, coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks without paying extra. However, specialty beverages like bottled water, smoothies, fresh-squeezed juice, or premium coffee drinks (such as lattes from the coffee shop) do cost extra—typically $3 to $8 per drink.
If you want unlimited specialty beverages, the Cheers! package includes them. Otherwise, you pay per drink. Many guests bring their own refillable water bottles and fill them at water stations throughout the ship to avoid buying bottled water.
How to Budget for Drinks on Your Cruise
To decide whether to buy a beverage package or pay as you go, estimate how many drinks you plan to have per day. If you drink one or fewer drinks daily, paying per drink is cheaper. If you drink three or more, a package usually saves money. A couple sharing one or two drinks per day might spend $15 to $30 total; a group of four drinking daily could spend $80 to $120 without a package.
Remember that gratuity is not automatic on drinks, so budget an extra $1 to $2 per drink if you plan to tip. Bringing wine or liquor onboard during embarkation is a way to reduce costs if you plan to drink in your cabin. Some guests combine strategies—they bring wine for the cabin and buy a beverage package for drinks at bars and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard a Carnival cruise?
Yes, you can bring up to two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom, or one liter of liquor per person, but only during embarkation day in your checked luggage. You cannot drink it in public areas—only in your cabin. Alcohol brought onboard after embarkation or found in public spaces will be confiscated.
Does the Cheers! beverage package cover wine at dinner?
Yes, the package includes wine, beer, and spirits at all dining venues, including the main dining room. It covers wine by the glass but not bottles purchased from the wine shop. Premium wines at specialty restaurants may have an additional charge.
What is the cheapest drink on a Carnival cruise?
Well drinks and domestic beer are the least expensive at around $6 to $8 each. Soft drinks and coffee are included with your cruise fare at the main dining room and buffet. Specialty beverages like bottled water or lattes cost $3 to $8 extra.
Is it cheaper to buy a beverage package or pay per drink?
A package saves money if you plan to drink three or more beverages per day. If you drink one or two per day, paying per drink is cheaper. Calculate your expected daily drinks and compare the package price to your total to decide which option works for your cruise.
Can I purchase a beverage package for only part of my cruise?
Yes, Carnival allows you to buy the Cheers! package for specific days rather than your entire cruise. This is useful if you plan to drink heavily on some days but not others. Prices are lower when purchased before your cruise than when purchased onboard.