Cocktail prices on Carnival cruises range from $8 to $15 per drink, depending on what you order
Most mixed drinks on a Carnival ship cost between $10 and $15. Beer runs $6 to $8. Wine by the glass is $7 to $10. Soft drinks, coffee, and water are free at your cabin and at the buffet, but cost $3 to $4 if you order them at a bar or pool deck. Specialty cocktails — the ones with multiple ingredients or presented in a souvenir glass — can reach $16 to $18.
These prices are set by Carnival and do not change based on which ship you are on or which port you visit. You pay the same amount whether you order at the main dining room bar, the pool deck, or a specialty lounge. Gratuity (tip) is automatically added to your onboard account at 18 percent unless you adjust it at guest services.
The cost adds up quickly if you drink daily. A person ordering two cocktails per day for a seven-day cruise will spend roughly $140 to $210 on drinks alone, before tip. That is why many cruisers either bring their own alcohol (which Carnival allows in limited amounts) or purchase a drink package before boarding.
Key Takeaways
- Standard cocktails cost $10 to $15 each; specialty drinks and frozen cocktails run $16 to $18.
- Beer, wine by the glass, and non-alcoholic drinks at bars cost $6 to $10; water and soft drinks are free at your cabin and buffet.
- An 18 percent gratuity is automatically added to every drink purchase and charged to your onboard account.
- Drink packages that cover unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine cost roughly $60 to $80 per person per day, depending on the package tier and how far in advance you purchase.
- Carnival allows you to bring your own alcohol in limited quantities (typically one bottle of wine or champagne per person), which can reduce your onboard spending.
How drink packages work and whether they save money
Carnival offers three main drink packages: the Cheers! package (covers beer, wine, and well liquor), the Premium Cheers! package (adds top-shelf spirits and specialty cocktails), and the Spirits package (beer and well liquor only). Prices vary by cruise length and how far ahead you book. A seven-day Cheers! package typically costs $60 to $70 per person per day if purchased before your cruise; buying onboard costs $75 to $85 per day.
A drink package makes financial sense if you plan to order more than five to seven drinks per day. If you drink two or three cocktails daily, you will spend less by paying per drink. The package covers drinks ordered at any bar on the ship, including the specialty lounges, but does not cover bottles of wine ordered for your cabin or drinks at the casino.
One common mistake is purchasing a package for a short cruise (three to five days). The daily rate stays the same, so a three-day package costs the same per day as a seven-day one. If you are cruising for fewer than four days and drink moderately, paying per drink is usually cheaper.
What you can bring aboard and what costs extra
Carnival allows each guest to bring one bottle of wine or champagne in their carry-on luggage when boarding. This bottle is free to drink in your cabin. You cannot bring beer, liquor, or additional wine bottles — Carnival staff will confiscate them at embarkation. If you want to drink wine or beer on the pool deck or in public areas, you must purchase it from the ship.
Some cruisers bring empty water bottles and fill them at the cabin or buffet, then refill them throughout the day. This is a legal way to avoid paying for soft drinks at bars. Carnival does not charge for water, coffee, or tea at designated service areas.
Bottles of wine ordered from the ship's wine list for your cabin cost $25 to $80 depending on the vintage and type. This is separate from your drink package and is charged to your account. If you want wine with dinner in the main dining room, it is included in your package (if you have one) or costs $10 to $15 per glass.
Comparing onboard bars and specialty lounges
The main pool bar, the dining room bar, and the casual deck bars all charge the same price for the same drink. Specialty lounges — like the wine bar, the craft cocktail bar, or the nightclub — also charge the same base price, though some specialty cocktails are priced higher because they use premium ingredients or are made tableside.
The difference is not in price but in what you get. A frozen daiquiri at the pool bar costs the same as a craft mojito at the specialty bar, but the mojito may be made with fresh mint and aged rum. If you have a drink package, both are covered. If you are paying per drink, the specialty bar may offer better quality for the same price, or you may prefer the simpler, faster service at the pool deck.
Bars in your cabin area (the cabin bar or lounge) charge the same as everywhere else on the ship. There is no markup for convenience, and no separate pricing for different areas.
Hidden costs and what to watch for
The 18 percent gratuity is automatic and non-negotiable. It is added to every drink order and appears on your final bill. You can adjust the gratuity rate at guest services if you believe it is incorrect, but you cannot remove it entirely.
Souvenir glasses — the collectible cups some specialty drinks come in — are not free. You pay for the drink, and the glass is included. If you want to keep the glass, you own it. If you return it, you do not get a refund on the drink price. Some cruisers collect these glasses; others find them a waste of money.
Drinks ordered through room service (delivered to your cabin) are charged the same as drinks at the bar, plus a room service fee of $8 to $10 per order. This is not worth it unless you are ordering food as well.
How to budget for drinks on your cruise
Start by estimating how many drinks you will have per day. If you drink one or two cocktails daily, budget $20 to $30 per day and skip the package. If you drink three to five per day, calculate the cost of individual drinks ($30 to $75 per day) and compare it to the package price for your cruise length. If you drink more than five per day, a package almost always saves money.
Add the cost of any wine or beer you plan to buy for your cabin. A bottle of wine costs $25 to $80; a six-pack of beer (if available) costs roughly $30 to $40. These are one-time purchases, not daily costs.
Remember that tips are already included in the drink price (the 18 percent gratuity), so you do not need to budget extra for tipping the bartender. If you want to tip additional cash for exceptional service, that is your choice, but it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own alcohol onto a Carnival cruise?
You can bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on bag. Beer, liquor, and additional wine bottles are not allowed and will be removed at embarkation. You can drink your wine in your cabin but not in public areas of the ship.
Do I have to buy a drink package, or can I just pay per drink?
You can pay per drink with no package. Drinks cost $10 to $15 each. A package is optional and only worth buying if you plan to drink five or more drinks per day. For light to moderate drinkers, paying per drink is cheaper.
What is included in the Cheers! drink package?
The Cheers! package covers beer, wine by the glass, well liquor, and mixed drinks made with well spirits. It does not cover premium or top-shelf spirits, bottles of wine for your cabin, or drinks at the casino. The Premium Cheers! package adds top-shelf liquor and specialty cocktails.
Are soft drinks free on a Carnival cruise?
Water, coffee, and tea are free at your cabin, the buffet, and designated beverage stations. Soft drinks (soda, juice, energy drinks) are free in the same locations but cost $3 to $4 if you order them at a bar or pool deck. A drink package does not cover soft drinks.
Can I purchase a drink package after I board the ship?
Yes, you can buy a package onboard at guest services, but the daily rate is higher than if you purchase before your cruise. Expect to pay $75 to $85 per day onboard versus $60 to $70 per day if purchased in advance. The package takes effect when ready once purchased.