Beer prices on Carnival cruises range from $7 to $14 per drink, depending on the type and where you buy it

A standard domestic beer like Bud Light or Coors costs around $7 to $8 on most Carnival ships. Import and craft beers run $9 to $11. Premium or specialty beers can reach $12 to $14. Prices are highest at bars in the main dining areas and entertainment venues. Swim-up bars and casual poolside locations tend to charge the same rates, though some passengers report slightly lower prices at less-trafficked bars.

These prices explore whether you order at the bar, at a table in a restaurant, or from a server on deck. Carnival does not charge differently based on location the way some cruise lines do. The price you see is the price you pay, and there are no hidden fees added to your bill.

Prices can vary slightly between Carnival's different ship classes and itineraries, but the range above holds across the fleet. A beer that costs $7.50 on one ship will cost roughly the same on another. Carnival publishes a drink menu on its website before you sail, so you can see exact prices for the specific ship you are booked on.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic beers cost $7 to $8 per drink, while craft and import beers run $9 to $14 depending on the brand.
  • Beverage packages that include beer cost between $65 and $85 per person for a week-long cruise and break even after roughly 9 to 12 drinks.
  • Bringing your own beer onboard is not permitted, but you can purchase beer at the port and drink it in your cabin.
  • Prices are the same at all bars and venues on the ship, so ordering at a quiet bar does not save you money compared to the main pool bar.
  • Carnival charges per drink rather than per ounce, so a larger pour does not cost more than a standard one.

Beverage packages and whether they save money

Carnival offers two main drink packages: the Cheers! package and the Premium Cheers! package. The standard Cheers! package costs roughly $65 to $85 per person for a seven-day cruise, depending on when you book and which ship you sail on. This package includes beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks at all bars and venues. The Premium version adds top-shelf liquor and specialty cocktails and costs $15 to $25 more per person per week.

A package breaks even after about 9 to 12 drinks over a week. If you drink one beer per day plus a cocktail or two, the package pays for itself. If you drink less than that, paying per drink is cheaper. If you drink more, the package saves you money. Many passengers buy the package for the first few days, see how much they are drinking, and decide whether to continue.

Carnival allows you to purchase a package for part of your cruise rather than the whole week. You can buy it for three days, four days, or the full length of your trip. This flexibility makes it easier to test whether the package makes sense for your drinking habits.

What you can bring onboard and what you cannot

Carnival prohibits passengers from bringing beer, wine, or spirits onboard in their luggage or carry-on bags. If security finds alcohol during the boarding process, they will confiscate it. You cannot bring it back to your cabin later or drink it in a public area.

However, you can purchase beer at a port of call and bring it back to your cabin to drink there. Alcohol purchased at ports is allowed in your stateroom. This is a common way to reduce costs on longer cruises — you buy beer at a Caribbean port where prices are lower than on the ship, and drink it in your room. You cannot bring it to the pool deck or dining areas, but cabin consumption is permitted.

Some passengers stock their cabin mini-fridge with beer from a port and use it throughout the cruise. This strategy works best on itineraries with multiple port days where you have time to shop.

How drink prices compare to other cruise lines

Carnival's beer prices are in the middle of the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean charges $8 to $13 for beer, depending on the type. Disney Cruise Line charges $10 to $12 for beer and does not offer a beverage package that includes alcohol. Norwegian Cruise Line charges $7 to $12 and includes beer in some of its premium packages.

The difference between lines is usually $1 to $2 per drink. Carnival's standard domestic beer at $7 to $8 is slightly cheaper than Royal Caribbean but similar to Norwegian. If you are a heavy drinker, the beverage package on Carnival is often a better value than paying per drink on other lines, because Carnival's package price is competitive.

Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn include all alcohol in the cruise fare, so there is no per-drink cost. These cruises cost significantly more upfront, so the "free" drinks are built into a higher ticket price.

Specialty and branded beers

Carnival stocks a range of beers beyond basic domestic options. Most ships carry Corona, Modelo, Heineken, and Stella Artois. Some ships have craft beers from regional breweries, though the selection varies by ship and itinerary. A craft beer from a local brewery might cost $11 to $13, compared to $7 for Bud Light.

Carnival occasionally partners with breweries to feature limited-edition beers on specific sailings. These branded beers are usually priced at the high end of the range, around $12 to $14. If you are interested in trying a specific beer, check Carnival's pre-cruise materials or ask your server what is currently available.

The beverage package includes all beers on the menu, so if you buy a package, you can order a $13 craft beer without paying extra. This is one reason some passengers find the package worthwhile — it removes the hesitation to try a more expensive option.

Tipping and additional costs

Carnival automatically adds an 18 percent gratuity to all bar charges. If you order a $8 beer, you will pay $9.44 total. This gratuity is added to your onboard account and charged to your payment method at the end of the cruise. You cannot opt out of the automatic gratuity, though you can request an adjustment if you believe it was applied incorrectly.

If you purchase a beverage package, the gratuity is typically included in the package price, so you do not pay an additional tip on top. However, some passengers choose to add extra gratuity for exceptional service. This is optional and not required.

There are no other hidden costs associated with beer on Carnival. You will not be charged a resort fee, a bar minimum, or a cover charge. The price on the menu is the price you pay, plus the automatic gratuity.

Money-saving strategies for beer drinkers

If you drink beer regularly but do not want to commit to a full beverage package, consider buying the package for the days you plan to drink most. On a seven-day cruise, you might buy the package for days two through four when you are at sea and most likely to drink, and pay per drink on port days when you are off the ship.

Another approach is to purchase beer at a port and drink it in your cabin during sea days. This works best on Caribbean itineraries where ports have supermarkets or liquor stores. You will pay less per beer than on the ship, though you lose the convenience of ordering at a bar.

If you are sailing with a group, splitting a beverage package among several people can reduce the per-person cost. Carnival allows one person to purchase a package and use it at any bar on the ship, so a group can take turns using a single package account if you coordinate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring beer in my checked luggage?

No. Carnival prohibits all alcohol in checked bags, carry-on bags, and personal items during boarding. If security finds beer during the screening process, it will be confiscated and not returned. You can purchase beer at ports and bring it to your cabin, but not through the boarding process.

Do I have to pay for beer if I buy a beverage package?

No. Once you purchase a beverage package, all beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks are included. You order at any bar and the charge is covered by the package. You do not pay per drink or sign a tab.

What if I want to cancel my beverage package partway through the cruise?

Carnival allows you to cancel a beverage package at any time during your cruise. You will be refunded the unused portion based on the number of days remaining. Visit the beverage package desk or ask at guest services to process the cancellation.

Are non-alcoholic drinks cheaper than beer?

Soft drinks like soda and juice cost $3 to $5 per drink on Carnival. Water and coffee are free. Non-alcoholic drinks are significantly cheaper than beer, and many passengers order them during the day and switch to beer in the evening.

Do prices change based on the time of day or day of the week?

No. Carnival charges the same price for beer at 10 a.m. on a Monday as it does at 10 p.m. on a Friday. There are no happy hour discounts or time-based pricing. The price is consistent across all bars and all times.