Drink Prices Without a Package

Carnival charges between $7 and $15 per drink at the bar, depending on what you order. A beer or basic mixed drink runs $7 to $9. Cocktails with premium spirits or multiple ingredients cost $10 to $15. Wine by the glass is typically $8 to $12. These prices explore whether you order at the main bar, pool bar, or specialty venues on the ship.

Prices do not vary much between Carnival's different ship classes, though some newer vessels have added premium bars where a single cocktail can reach $16 to $18. Soft drinks, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages are included with your cruise fare, but alcohol is always an extra charge unless you purchase a beverage package.

Key Takeaways

  • Individual drinks cost $7 to $15 each without a package, with beer and basic cocktails at the lower end and premium spirits at the higher end.
  • Beverage packages range from about $60 to $75 per person per day and cover most drinks, though premium liquors and some specialty cocktails cost extra even with a package.
  • Purchasing a package makes sense if you plan to drink more than five or six drinks per day, since individual drinks add up quickly.
  • You can buy drinks one at a time, purchase a package before boarding, or add a package once you are on the ship, though pre-purchase is usually slightly cheaper.

Beverage Packages and What They Cover

Carnival offers two main beverage packages: the Classic Beverage Package and the Premium Beverage Package. The Classic package costs roughly $60 to $75 per person per day and includes beer, wine, most cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. The Premium package runs about $75 to $90 per person per day and adds top-shelf liquors and specialty drinks that the Classic package excludes.

Both packages exclude certain high-end items. Grey Goose vodka, Patron tequila, and other ultra-premium spirits typically cost an extra $3 to $5 even with the Premium package. Specialty drinks created by the ship's bartenders, energy drinks, and bottled water also carry additional charges. The packages cover unlimited drinks during bar hours, which run from roughly 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. depending on the venue.

If you drink fewer than five or six drinks per day, paying per drink is usually cheaper than buying a package. If you drink six or more, a package saves money. The math changes if you order premium spirits frequently — those extra charges add up fast.

When to Buy a Package and How Much You Save

You can purchase a beverage package before you board, during the first day onboard, or skip it entirely and pay as you go. Pre-purchasing online is usually $5 to $10 cheaper per day than buying it on the ship. A seven-day cruise with the Classic package costs roughly $420 to $525 per person if bought in advance, compared to $490 to $630 if purchased onboard.

Carnival sometimes runs promotions where the first or second guest in a cabin gets a discounted package rate, or where packages are bundled with other purchases. These deals appear in your account when you log into Carnival's website after booking. Checking your account a few weeks before departure is worth the time, since promotional pricing is not automatic.

If you are unsure whether a package makes sense, order drinks individually for the first day or two and track what you spend. If you are on pace to spend more than the daily package rate, buy the package retroactively — Carnival will credit the drinks you already paid for.

Specialty Bars and Premium Venues

Beyond the main bars, Carnival ships have specialty venues where drinks cost more. The RedFrog Pub serves rum-based cocktails for $12 to $16 each. The BlueIguana Tequila Bar charges $11 to $15 for margaritas and tequila drinks. These drinks are not covered by the Classic package and cost extra even with Premium.

Champagne bars, wine bars, and coffee shops also charge separately. A glass of champagne can run $12 to $18. Specialty coffee drinks cost $6 to $8. If you plan to visit these venues, factor those costs into your budget separately from the main beverage package.

How Beverage Packages Are Charged

Beverage packages are charged per person per day. If you book a package for yourself but your travel companion does not, only your drinks are covered. You cannot share a package between cabins or transfer it to someone else. The charge appears on your onboard account, which you settle when you leave the ship.

If you purchase a package for part of your cruise, Carnival prorates the cost. A three-day package on a seven-day cruise costs roughly three-sevenths of the full week's price. You can also cancel a package before the cruise departs and receive a full refund, or cancel onboard within the first 24 hours for a refund minus any drinks you have already consumed.

Comparing Carnival to Other Cruise Lines

Carnival's drink prices are competitive with Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, which charge $8 to $16 for individual drinks. Norwegian Cruise Line includes drinks in some of its higher-tier fares but charges similarly for à la carte orders. Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises fall in the same range. The beverage package prices are also comparable across lines, typically $60 to $90 per person per day depending on what is included.

The main difference is what each line includes in its package. Some cruise lines include specialty venue drinks in their premium packages; Carnival usually does not. If you plan to visit specialty bars frequently, compare what each line covers before booking.

Tips for Managing Drink Costs

Order water, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks at any time — these are always included and do not count against a package. Many guests order one alcoholic drink and nurse it while enjoying the pool or entertainment, which stretches the value of a package further.

If you are traveling with a group, only some members need a package. The person who drinks heavily buys the package; others pay per drink. This approach often costs less than buying packages for everyone.

Carnival allows you to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard in your cabin — typically one bottle of wine or champagne per person, sealed and unopened. You cannot bring beer or spirits. This is a legal way to reduce drink costs if you plan to drink in your cabin rather than at bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?

You can bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your checked luggage, and it must be sealed and unopened. Beer, spirits, and open bottles are not allowed. Alcohol purchased onboard stays in your cabin; you cannot bring it to bars or restaurants.

Do tips for drinks get added automatically?

Yes. Carnival automatically adds an 18 percent gratuity to all bar charges, whether you pay per drink or have a package. If you pay with a card, the tip is added to your onboard account. You can adjust the tip amount at the end of your cruise if you choose.

What happens if I buy a package and do not use all the drinks?

Beverage packages do not roll over or refund unused drinks. You pay for the package regardless of how many drinks you consume. There is no way to recover the cost of unused drinks once the cruise ends.

Are there any drinks included free on Carnival without a package?

Only non-alcoholic beverages — water, coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks — are included with your cruise fare. All alcoholic drinks require either a per-drink purchase or a beverage package.

Can I purchase a beverage package for just one day of my cruise?

Yes. Carnival prorates packages by day, so you can buy a package for any portion of your cruise. This is useful if you plan to drink heavily on some days but not others.