Mixed drink prices on Carnival cruise ships
A mixed drink on a Carnival cruise typically costs between $8 and $14, depending on what you order and which ship you're on. Most standard cocktails—margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, piña coladas—fall in the $10 to $12 range. Premium spirits and specialty drinks can run higher, sometimes reaching $14 or more. These prices are per drink and do not include gratuity, which many passengers add.
Carnival does not include alcohol in the base cruise fare on most sailings. You pay for each drink when you order it, unless you purchase a beverage package in advance. The ship's bars, pool deck tiki bars, and dining venues all charge the same menu prices, so you won't find cheaper drinks in one location than another.
Key Takeaways
- Standard mixed drinks cost $10 to $12 each on Carnival ships, with premium cocktails reaching $14 or higher.
- Alcohol is not included in your cruise fare and is charged per drink at the time of purchase.
- Beverage packages allow you to pre-pay for drinks at a fixed daily rate, which can save money if you plan to drink regularly.
- Soft drinks, coffee, and water are included in your cruise fare, but specialty coffee drinks and bottled beverages have separate charges.
- Gratuity is not automatically added to bar tabs on most Carnival ships, so you decide whether and how much to tip.
How beverage packages work and what they cost
Carnival offers several beverage package tiers that you can purchase before your cruise or onboard during the first day. The most common option is the Cheers! Beverage Package, which allows unlimited mixed drinks, beer, wine, and soft drinks for a flat daily fee. Prices vary by cruise length and ship, but typically range from $60 to $75 per person per day for a standard package.
A second option is the Bottomless Bubbles Package, which covers unlimited champagne and sparkling wine only, usually around $15 to $20 per person per day. There is also a Soft Drinks Package for non-drinkers, covering unlimited sodas, juices, coffee, and bottled water, typically $8 to $12 per person per day.
The math on whether a package saves you money depends on how many drinks you plan to order. If you drink three or more mixed drinks per day, the Cheers! package usually pays for itself. If you drink fewer than two per day, paying per drink is cheaper. Packages are per person and cover your entire cruise, so if you're traveling with someone who doesn't drink, you don't have to buy them a package.
What's included and what costs extra
The Cheers! package includes well liquor (standard brands like Bacardi, Smirnoff, and Beefeater), call brands (mid-tier spirits), most beers on tap and in bottles, and house wine by the glass. It also covers non-alcoholic mixed drinks, sodas, juices, coffee, and tea. You can order from any bar on the ship without worrying about the cost.
What the package does not cover: premium spirits (top-shelf brands), bottles of wine you take to your cabin, specialty coffee drinks like lattes (though regular coffee is free), bottled water beyond what's in your cabin, and drinks ordered from room service. If you order a cocktail made with a premium spirit, you'll be charged an upcharge—typically $3 to $5 extra—even with the package.
Soft drinks are included in your cruise fare at the main dining room and buffet, but if you order a soda at a bar or pool deck, it costs around $3 to $4 per drink unless you have a beverage package. Bottled water costs roughly $2 to $3 per bottle, though tap water is free.
Comparing per-drink costs to package savings
Whether a beverage package makes financial sense depends on your drinking habits over the cruise. At an average mixed drink price of $11 and a Cheers! package at $60 to $75 per day, you need to order at least three drinks daily on a 7-day cruise to break even. If you typically order four or more drinks per day, the package saves you $140 to $245 over a week. If you order only two drinks per day, you'll spend less paying per drink.
Specialty cocktails and premium spirits push the per-drink cost higher, making the package more attractive if you favor those drinks. The package also removes the mental math of tracking costs throughout your cruise, which some passengers value. Your actual savings depend on the specific ship, cruise length, and what you order, so consider your typical drinking pattern before deciding.
Where to order drinks on the ship
Carnival ships have multiple bars and drink service locations. The main pool deck bar is usually the busiest and has the longest waits during peak hours (late morning and late afternoon). The aft pool bar and any specialty bars (like a martini bar or tiki bar) typically have shorter lines. Inside the ship, the main atrium bar, dining room bars, and cabin bars all serve mixed drinks at the same prices.
You can also order drinks from your cabin via room service, though the prices are the same and a delivery charge may explore. Drinks ordered poolside or at the casino bar cost the same as anywhere else on the ship. If you have a beverage package, you can order at any of these locations without worrying about the cost.
Tips for managing drink costs on your cruise
If you're undecided about a beverage package, you can wait until you board and purchase one during the first day. Carnival allows onboard purchases, though prices may be slightly higher than pre-cruise pricing. Some passengers buy the package for only part of their cruise—for example, a 7-day cruise passenger might buy it for days 2 through 6 and pay per drink on sea days.
Keep in mind that gratuity is not automatically added to bar tabs on most Carnival ships. You'll see a line for a tip when you sign the receipt, and it's customary to leave 15 to 18 percent. Some passengers budget an extra $1 to $2 per drink for tips, which can add up over a week-long cruise. If you have a beverage package, you still have the option to tip, though some passengers choose not to since they've already paid a flat rate.
How drink prices compare to other cruise lines
Carnival's mixed drink prices are generally in the middle range for the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean and Disney charge similar per-drink prices ($10 to $13 for standard cocktails), while Norwegian Cruise Line includes alcohol in some of its higher-tier fares. Luxury lines like Cunard and Regent charge more per drink but often include beverages in the cruise fare. Budget lines and some river cruise operators have different pricing structures altogether.
If you're comparing cruise lines based on drink costs alone, the difference is usually small—a few dollars per drink. The bigger factor is whether the line includes beverages in the base fare and what the beverage packages cover. Carnival's Cheers! package is competitively priced compared to similar packages on other mainstream cruise lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard a Carnival cruise?
Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on luggage when you board. You cannot bring beer, spirits, or additional bottles. Any alcohol you bring must be opened and consumed in your cabin—you cannot bring it to bars, restaurants, or public areas.
Do I have to tip on top of the drink price?
Gratuity is not automatically added to bar tabs on Carnival ships, so tipping is optional but customary. Most passengers add 15 to 18 percent to each drink order. If you have a beverage package, you still have the option to tip, though some passengers choose not to since they've already paid a flat rate.
What happens if I buy a beverage package and don't use it much?
Beverage packages are non-refundable once purchased, even if you don't use them. There is no rollover to future cruises. If you're uncertain whether you'll drink enough to justify the cost, wait until you board and purchase it on the first day if you decide you want it.
Are there any free drinks included in my cruise fare?
Water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks in the main dining room and buffet are included in your cruise fare. Specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos), bottled water, and any drinks ordered at bars or pool deck locations cost extra unless you have a beverage package.
Do kids' drinks cost extra?
Non-alcoholic drinks for children—sodas, juices, smoothies—cost the same as adult soft drinks when ordered at bars or pool deck locations ($3 to $4 each). If you have a Soft Drinks Package or Cheers! package, children's non-alcoholic drinks are included. In the dining room and buffet, soft drinks are free for everyone.