Beer prices on Carnival cruise ships

A beer on a Carnival cruise costs between $6 and $8 per drink, depending on the type and the specific ship. Standard domestic beers like Bud Light and Budweiser sit at the lower end, while imported or craft beers run closer to $8. Prices are the same whether you order at the pool deck, the dining room, or a specialty bar.

These prices are set by Carnival and do not vary by location within the ship. You cannot negotiate or find a cheaper bar — the cost is consistent across all venues. Carnival does not publish a full drink menu online, so you will see the exact prices when you board or in the daily program delivered to your cabin.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard beer costs $6 to $8 per drink on any Carnival ship, with no variation between bars or deck areas.
  • Specialty drinks, frozen cocktails, and premium spirits cost $10 to $15, while wine by the glass runs $7 to $12.
  • Beverage packages that include unlimited drinks range from $65 to $85 per person per day and may save money if you drink more than three alcoholic drinks daily.
  • Non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, juice, and soda are free at the buffet and dining room but cost $3 to $5 if ordered from a bar.
  • You can bring your own beer or wine in your cabin (one bottle per person at embarkation), but alcohol purchased onboard cannot be taken to your room.

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 around $65 to $75 per person per day and includes beer, wine, well spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. The Premium Cheers! package runs $80 to $85 per day and adds top-shelf liquor and specialty cocktails.

A package makes financial sense only if you drink at least three to four alcoholic drinks per day. If you order four beers at $7 each, you spend $28 — well below the daily package cost. However, if you add wine, a cocktail, and multiple beers across the day, the package becomes cheaper than paying per drink. Calculate your own drinking habits before you board; Carnival allows you to purchase packages before your cruise or on the first day of your voyage.

Packages are per-person and per-day, so a couple on a seven-day cruise would pay $910 to $1,190 for both people if they buy the standard package for the entire trip. Many passengers skip the package and pay as they go, especially on shorter cruises or if they drink moderately.

Other drinks and their costs

Wine by the glass costs $7 to $12 depending on the selection. A bottle of wine from the dining room menu runs $25 to $60. Specialty cocktails — frozen drinks, mojitos, margaritas — cost $10 to $15. Coffee from the poolside bar costs $4 to $5, though coffee in the dining room and buffet is free.

Soft drinks ordered from a bar cost $3 to $5 per drink. Bottled water costs $3 to $4. Juice and soda are free if you pour them yourself at the buffet or dining room, but ordering them from a bartender carries a charge. Smoothies at the poolside smoothie bar typically cost $7 to $9.

What you can bring aboard and what you cannot

Carnival allows each passenger to bring one bottle of wine or champagne in their carry-on luggage at embarkation. You cannot bring beer, spirits, or additional bottles. The bottle you bring can be opened and consumed in your cabin, but Carnival staff will confiscate any alcohol purchased onboard if they find it in your room — you must drink it at a bar or restaurant.

This rule exists because Carnival makes revenue from onboard drink sales. If you want to drink in your cabin, the wine bottle you brought is your option. Many passengers use this to offset costs on longer cruises.

Drink costs compared to other cruise lines

Carnival's beer prices are competitive with Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, which charge $6 to $8 for standard beer. Norwegian Cruise Line charges slightly less — around $5.50 to $7 — but offers more inclusive packages. Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises run $7 to $9 per beer and market themselves as more upscale.

The beverage packages on Carnival are also similar in price to Royal Caribbean's drink package, which costs $65 to $80 per day. If you are comparing cruise lines partly on drink costs, the difference is usually $1 to $2 per drink, not a major factor unless you drink heavily every day.

How to reduce drink costs on your cruise

Drink water and coffee during the day — both are free in the dining room and buffet. Order alcohol only at dinner or in the evening when you plan to sit and enjoy it, rather than impulse-buying at every bar you pass. If you drink wine, order by the bottle at dinner rather than by the glass; a $40 bottle of wine contains five glasses, so the per-glass cost drops to $8 instead of $10 to $12.

Bring your one allowed bottle of wine or champagne and drink it in your cabin before dinner. Skip the specialty frozen drinks and stick to beer or well cocktails, which cost less. If you are on a cruise longer than five days and drink more than three drinks daily, calculate whether a beverage package would cost less than paying per drink for the entire voyage.

What happens if you run a tab or use a card

You do not pay cash for drinks on a Carnival cruise. Every drink is charged to your cabin account, which is linked to a card you provided at check-in. At the end of your cruise, you settle the bill before disembarking. This system means you do not need to carry cash or tip separately for each drink — tips are added to your final bill.

You can review your account balance on your cabin television or at the front desk at any time during the cruise. If you are concerned about overspending, check your balance daily and adjust your drinking habits if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own beer on a Carnival cruise?

No. Carnival prohibits beer and spirits. You may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on at embarkation, but beer is not allowed. Any beer you purchase onboard cannot be taken to your cabin.

Do kids drink free on Carnival cruises?

Yes. Non-alcoholic drinks — juice, soda, water, coffee, and milk — are free for all passengers at the buffet, dining room, and poolside beverage stations. Specialty drinks like smoothies or drinks ordered from a bar carry a charge.

Can I purchase a drink package for only part of my cruise?

Carnival allows you to purchase a beverage package for specific days rather than the entire cruise, though pricing per day may be slightly higher. Contact Carnival or ask at the front desk on your first day to see current options.

What is included in the Cheers! package besides beer?

The Cheers! package includes beer, wine, well spirits, cocktails made with well liquor, non-alcoholic drinks, and coffee. It does not include top-shelf spirits or premium brands, which are in the Premium Cheers! package.

Do I have to tip on drinks if I have a beverage package?

Gratuity is automatically added to your final bill whether you pay per drink or have a package. The tip is typically 15 percent and is non-negotiable, though you can adjust it at the front desk before you leave the ship.