Soda costs $8 to $12 per bottle on Carnival ships, depending on where you buy it
A single bottle or can of soda at the bar or poolside costs between $8 and $12. The exact price varies by ship and by location — a soda from a casual poolside bar costs less than one from a specialty venue. Water and iced tea are free at most bars and dining areas, but any branded soft drink (Coca-Cola products on most Carnival ships) carries a charge.
If you plan to drink soda throughout your cruise, the per-bottle cost adds up quickly. A week-long cruise with one soda per day could cost $56 to $84 just in soft drinks. That is why many cruisers buy a beverage package before boarding or bring their own drinks in their cabin.
Key Takeaways
- Individual sodas cost $8 to $12 per bottle when bought one at a time at bars or poolside.
- Carnival offers beverage packages that cover unlimited sodas, coffee, and some alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate, which saves money if you drink more than one or two sodas per day.
- You can bring your own non-alcoholic drinks into your cabin, though outside alcohol is not permitted.
- Water, iced tea, and coffee at the main dining room are included with your cruise fare and cost nothing extra.
- Prices and package options vary slightly by ship and sailing date, so check your Carnival account or call before you board.
Beverage packages are cheaper than buying sodas individually
Carnival sells beverage packages that cover unlimited sodas, coffee, tea, and juice for a set price per day. These packages typically cost $15 to $20 per person per day, depending on the length of your cruise and when you book. If you buy a package for a 7-day cruise, you might pay $105 to $140 total instead of $56 to $84 for just seven individual sodas.
The math favors a package if you drink more than one soda per day or if you want coffee, juice, or specialty drinks. You purchase the package before you board or during the first day of your cruise. Once activated on your account, any soda you order at a bar or from room service is charged to the package instead of your onboard account.
Carnival also offers premium beverage packages that include alcoholic drinks, but those cost more and are only for adults 21 and older. Check your Carnival account or call the cruise line before your sailing to see current package prices and what is included.
What you can bring into your cabin instead
You are allowed to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages into your cabin — soda, juice, water, and other soft drinks are permitted. Many cruisers pack a small cooler or buy drinks at a port and bring them back to their room. This is the cheapest option if you want cold drinks in your cabin during the day.
Outside alcohol is not permitted in cabins or public areas, so do not plan to bring beer, wine, or liquor aboard. Carnival will confiscate it during embarkation. You can purchase alcohol onboard at bars and restaurants, or you can buy it at ports and drink it in your cabin — some cruisers do this to save money on drinks during the evening.
Free drinks included with your cruise fare
Water, iced tea, coffee, and lemonade are free at the main dining room during meals and at most bars throughout the ship. If you stick to these options, you pay nothing extra. The main dining room also serves juice at breakfast and soft drinks at lunch and dinner at no charge.
Specialty coffee drinks — lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based beverages — are not free and cost $5 to $8 each. Regular drip coffee is free, but the fancy versions are an upcharge. Room service coffee is also free, but again, specialty drinks cost extra.
Where prices are highest and lowest on the ship
Sodas at the main pool bar and casual venues cost less than sodas at specialty bars or nightclubs. A soda at the poolside bar might be $8, while the same soda at an upscale lounge could be $10 or $12. Prices are also higher in the casino and at late-night venues.
The cheapest way to get a soda without a package is to order it at a casual bar during the day rather than at night. Prices do not change by time of day, but casual venues straightforward charge less than premium ones. If you are buying individual sodas, stick to the pool bar or buffet area bars.
How to check prices before you sail
Log into your Carnival account online and look at the "Onboard Spending" or "Beverage" section. This shows current soda prices and package options for your specific ship and sailing date. Prices can vary slightly between ships and between different sailing dates on the same ship.
You can also call Carnival's reservations line or email your travel agent if you booked through one. They can tell you the exact prices for your cruise and help you decide whether a beverage package makes sense for your group. If you are unsure, wait until the first day of your cruise — you can purchase a package then, though prices may be slightly higher than if you buy before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own soda in my suitcase?
Yes. Non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in your cabin. Many cruisers pack cans or bottles in their luggage. You can also buy drinks at ports and bring them back to your room. Keep them in your cabin mini-fridge or a small cooler if you want them cold.
Do kids' sodas cost the same as adult sodas?
Yes. Soda prices are the same regardless of who orders them. A child ordering a soda at the bar pays the same $8 to $12 as an adult. Beverage packages cover children too, so if a child is on the package, their sodas are included.
What if I buy a beverage package and don't use it much?
You cannot get a refund for unused portions of a beverage package. If you purchase a package and decide you do not want it, Carnival will not reimburse you. Buy a package only if you are confident you will use it — otherwise, stick to free drinks and occasional paid sodas.
Are energy drinks and sports drinks the same price as soda?
Most energy drinks and sports drinks cost the same as regular soda — $8 to $12 per bottle. Some specialty drinks or premium brands may cost slightly more. Check the menu at the bar to see the exact price before you order.
Do soda prices include a tip?
No. The $8 to $12 price is before tip. If you pay with your onboard account, you can add a tip at the bar. Tipping is not required, but many cruisers add 15 to 20 percent for bar service. If you have a beverage package, tips are still optional and separate from the package cost.