Soda Prices on Carnival Ships

Sodas on Carnival Cruise Line cost between $2.50 and $3.50 per can or bottle when you buy them individually at bars, poolside, or from room service. The exact price varies slightly by ship and location — a soda from the main dining room bar costs less than one from a premium lounge or the casino bar. Bottled water costs about the same, while energy drinks and specialty beverages run $4 to $5.

These prices are separate from your cruise fare. Carnival does not include soft drinks in the base ticket price, though water from your cabin tap and coffee at breakfast are free. If you plan to drink multiple sodas per day, the costs add up quickly over a week-long cruise.

Key Takeaways

  • Individual sodas cost $2.50 to $3.50 per drink, with premium locations charging more than casual bars.
  • Beverage packages that include unlimited sodas range from about $10 to $15 per person per day, depending on what else is bundled.
  • Bringing your own drinks in your carry-on luggage is allowed on embarkation day only — you cannot bring beverages back to your cabin after that.
  • Refillable cups purchased onboard hold about 24 ounces and cost roughly $15 to $20 upfront, then $2 per refill.
  • The soda package often costs less than buying drinks individually if you drink more than four sodas per day.

Beverage Packages That Include Soda

Carnival offers a Cheers beverage package that includes unlimited sodas, juices, coffee, and alcoholic drinks. The price ranges from about $10 to $15 per person per day depending on the length of your cruise and when you book. A seven-day cruise typically costs between $70 and $105 per person for the full package. You can also buy a soda-only package for roughly $8 to $10 per day, which covers unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

These packages are usually cheaper than buying drinks individually if you drink more than four sodas per day. You can purchase a package before your cruise through Carnival's website or onboard during the first day. Some packages must be bought for your entire cruise length, while others allow you to add them for specific days.

Refillable Cups and How They Work

Carnival sells refillable souvenir cups onboard for roughly $15 to $20. Once you own a cup, you can refill it with soda at any bar or beverage station for about $2 per refill. The cup holds approximately 24 ounces and is yours to keep after the cruise.

The math on refillable cups depends on how many refills you get. If you refill the cup five times during a week-long cruise, you pay $25 to $30 total ($20 cup plus $10 in refills), which is cheaper than buying individual sodas but more expensive than a daily beverage package. The cup is worth buying mainly if you want a souvenir or plan to use it on future cruises.

What You Can Bring Onboard

Carnival allows you to bring your own beverages in your carry-on luggage on embarkation day only — the day you board the ship. You can pack sodas, juice, water, or other drinks in your bag when you walk up the gangway. Once you are onboard and your cabin is assigned, you cannot bring additional beverages back to your room from outside the ship.

This rule means you can stock your cabin with drinks on day one, but you cannot refill from the mainland or a port. Some guests buy a case of soda at a nearby store before boarding and bring it onboard to save money over the week. After embarkation day, all beverages must be purchased from Carnival.

Comparing Your Options

The cheapest way to drink soda on a Carnival cruise depends on your habits. If you drink one or two sodas per day, buying individual drinks costs $17.50 to $24.50 per week and is the least expensive option. If you drink four or more sodas per day, a daily beverage package at $10 to $15 per day becomes cheaper. If you want a souvenir cup and plan to refill it three or more times, the cup pays for itself by the end of a week.

Bringing your own drinks on embarkation day is free but only works for day one. Many guests combine this with buying a few individual sodas later in the week, rather than committing to a full package. The best choice depends on whether you value the convenience of unlimited drinks or prefer to pay as you go.

Where to Buy Drinks Onboard

Sodas are sold at multiple locations on every Carnival ship: the main dining room bar, poolside bars, the casino bar, specialty lounges, room service, and vending machines in some hallways. Prices are consistent across most bars, though premium venues like the adults-only lounge may charge slightly more. Vending machines sometimes cost a few cents more than the bar price.

Room service delivers sodas to your cabin for the same price as the bar, plus a delivery charge of about $2 to $3. If you order a soda with a meal, it is usually included in the meal price at no extra charge. Breakfast and lunch at the main dining room include free coffee and water but not soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring soda back to my cabin after the first day?

No. Carnival's policy allows beverages only in carry-on luggage during embarkation day. After that, you cannot bring drinks purchased off the ship into your cabin. You must buy all beverages from Carnival for the rest of the cruise.

Do kids' sodas cost less than adult sodas?

No. Soda prices are the same regardless of who drinks it. A child's can of Coke costs the same as an adult's. However, children under 12 may be included in some beverage packages at a discounted rate or free, depending on the package terms.

What if I buy a beverage package and don't use all the drinks?

Beverage packages do not roll over or refund unused portions. You pay for the package upfront, and any drinks you do not consume are not credited back. This is why calculating your daily soda consumption before buying a package helps you decide if it is worth the cost.

Are energy drinks and specialty sodas included in the beverage package?

Most specialty drinks like premium coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks are not included in the standard Cheers package. They cost extra, usually $3 to $6 each. Check the package details when you book to see what is and is not covered.

Can I share a refillable cup with someone else?

Technically one cup is meant for one person, but Carnival does not actively police cup sharing. Many families buy one cup and share refills to save money. However, this is not an officially endorsed practice, and staff may ask you to buy a second cup if they notice.