Drink prices on Carnival cruises without a package
If you buy drinks one at a time on a Carnival cruise, alcoholic beverages cost between $7 and $14 per drink, depending on what you order. A beer runs about $7 to $8. A mixed drink or cocktail is typically $10 to $12. Wine by the glass ranges from $8 to $12. Premium spirits and top-shelf cocktails can reach $13 or $14. These prices are set by Carnival and do not vary much between ships or itineraries.
Every drink comes with an automatic 18% gratuity added to your bill, which is charged to your onboard account. This means a $10 cocktail actually costs you $11.80 before tax. You pay nothing at the moment of purchase—everything goes on a tab linked to your cabin key card.
Beverage packages that may save money
Carnival offers several drink packages you can buy before or during your cruise. The most common is the Cheers! Beverage Package, which gives you unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate. The price varies by cruise length and when you book, but typically ranges from $60 to $80 per person per day if you buy it before your cruise, or $65 to $85 per day if you buy it onboard. This package covers beer, wine, spirits, and most cocktails at any bar on the ship.
A second option is the Premium Beverage Package, which costs more per day but includes top-shelf liquor and specialty drinks that the standard package does not. This runs roughly $20 to $30 more per day than the standard package.
Whether a package saves you money depends on how much you drink. If you have three or four drinks per day, the package usually pays for itself. If you have one or two drinks daily, buying as you go is cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Individual alcoholic drinks on Carnival ships cost $7 to $14 each, plus an automatic 18% gratuity added to your bill.
- The Cheers! Beverage Package offers unlimited drinks for $60 to $85 per person per day depending on when you book and cruise length.
- A beverage package makes financial sense if you plan to drink three or more drinks per day.
- All drink charges go on your onboard account linked to your cabin key card, so you do not pay at the bar.
- Premium packages exist for top-shelf spirits and specialty cocktails, costing $20 to $30 more per day than the standard package.
How to buy a beverage package before your cruise
You can purchase the Cheers! package through the Carnival website using your booking confirmation number. Log into "Manage My Booking," select your cruise, and look for the "Beverage Package" option. Buying before you sail usually costs less than buying onboard. Carnival often runs promotions where the first or second guest in a cabin gets a discount on the package price.
If you miss the important date to buy online, you can still purchase a package at the beverage desk on the ship during your first day. Onboard prices are higher, but the package will cover drinks for the remainder of your cruise once activated.
What is and is not included in the standard package
The Cheers! package covers all beer, house wine, well spirits, and most cocktails made with standard ingredients. It also includes non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, juice, and soft drinks. What it does not cover: bottles of wine you buy to take to your cabin, premium wines by the glass, drinks at specialty restaurants (like the steakhouse or Italian restaurant), and some high-end cocktails marked as premium on the menu.
When you order a drink, your server will tell you whether it is included in your package or costs extra. If you have the package and order something not covered, that charge is added separately to your account.
Drinks at specialty venues and restaurants
Carnival charges extra for drinks at certain restaurants and bars beyond the main dining room and pool deck. The Alchemy Bar, Bonsai Sushi restaurant, and the steakhouse typically charge for drinks even if you have the Cheers! package. Drinks at the casino bar may also carry an additional fee. These venues are marked on your onboard map and in the daily program, so you can plan ahead.
If you want to avoid surprise charges, ask your server or bartender whether a drink is included in your package before you order. Staff are used to this question and will answer directly.
Bringing your own alcohol onboard
Carnival allows you to bring a limited amount of your own alcohol onto the ship. You can bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your cabin, sealed and unopened. You cannot bring beer, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages. The bottle must be packed in your checked luggage, not your carry-on.
If you bring wine, you can drink it in your cabin but not in public areas of the ship. Some cabins have a small refrigerator; if yours does not, you can request one from housekeeping. This option makes sense if you plan to relax in your room with a drink, but it does not help you at bars and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share a beverage package with someone in my cabin?
No. Each person who wants the package must have their own. If two people in a cabin want unlimited drinks, you each need to buy the package separately. Carnival links the package to your individual key card, so only you can use it.
What happens if I buy a package and do not use it much?
Beverage packages are non-refundable once purchased. If you buy the package and decide you do not want many drinks, you cannot get your money back. This is why it is worth calculating your expected drink count before you buy.
Do I have to tip on top of the gratuity that is already added?
No. The 18% gratuity automatically added to each drink is the standard tip. You are not expected to add more, though you may if you choose. Some guests do leave an extra dollar or two for bartenders they visit repeatedly.
Can I buy a beverage package for only part of my cruise?
Carnival sells packages by the day, so you can buy it for some days of your cruise and not others. This is useful if you know you will drink more on certain days. Prices are the same per day regardless of how many days you purchase.
Are non-alcoholic drinks cheaper if I do not buy a beverage package?
Non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, juice, and soft drinks are free throughout the ship at the buffet, dining room, and pool deck bars. You only pay for specialty drinks like bottled smoothies or premium coffee drinks made to order. If you do not drink alcohol, you do not need a beverage package.