Soda Costs on Carnival Cruise Ships

A single soda on a Carnival cruise costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per drink when you buy it by the glass at a bar, pool deck, or dining venue. The exact price depends on which ship you're sailing on and where you purchase the drink — a poolside bar may charge slightly more than the dining room. Carnival does not include soft drinks in your base cruise fare, so every soda is an extra charge unless you purchase a beverage package.

If you plan to drink multiple sodas during your cruise, a beverage package is almost always cheaper than paying per drink. Carnival offers several package options, and the daily cost of a soda package ranges from about $15 to $20 per person per day, depending on which package tier you choose and when you purchase it.

Key Takeaways

  • Individual sodas cost $2.50 to $3.50 each when purchased without a package, making them expensive if you drink more than a few per day.
  • Beverage packages that include soda start around $15 per person per day and are cheaper than buying drinks individually if you plan to have more than five or six sodas during your cruise.
  • Prices vary slightly by ship and venue, with poolside bars sometimes charging more than dining areas.
  • You can purchase a beverage package before your cruise or onboard during the first day, though pre-purchase often costs less.

Beverage Package Options and Pricing

Carnival offers three main beverage packages: the Classic Beverage Package, the Premium Beverage Package, and the Spirits Package. The Classic package includes sodas, juices, coffee, tea, and water. The Premium package adds alcoholic drinks. The Spirits Package is alcohol-only and does not include soda.

The Classic Beverage Package, which covers sodas, typically costs $15 to $17 per person per day if you purchase it before your cruise. Onboard pricing is usually $2 to $3 higher per day. A seven-day cruise with the Classic package would run roughly $105 to $119 per person if bought in advance. Prices fluctuate based on demand, the ship, and how far in advance you book.

If you only drink soda occasionally, you may find it cheaper to pay per drink than to buy a package. However, if you have children or anyone in your party who drinks multiple sodas daily, the math shifts quickly in favor of a package.

Where to Buy Drinks and How Pricing Works

You can purchase sodas at multiple locations on a Carnival ship: the main dining room during meals, poolside bars, the buffet area, cabin room service, and specialty venues like coffee shops or juice bars. Prices are consistent across these locations, though some venues may charge slightly more for premium positioning or convenience.

Every drink is charged to your onboard account, which you settle at the end of your cruise. You do not pay cash for individual drinks. If you have a beverage package, the drinks are included and nothing is charged. If you do not have a package, each soda is added to your bill.

Carnival also offers a "Bottomless Bubbles" package specifically for non-alcoholic beverages, which is the most affordable soda-focused option. This package is designed for families with children and costs less than the full Classic Beverage Package.

Comparing Individual Purchases to Package Costs

The break-even point between buying sodas individually and purchasing a package depends on how many drinks you consume per day. At $3 per soda, you would need to drink five sodas per day for a seven-day cruise to spend $105 — the approximate cost of a Classic package. If you drink fewer than five sodas daily, individual purchases may be cheaper. If you drink more than five, a package saves money.

Keep in mind that beverage packages also include other drinks like coffee, juice, and water. If you plan to order coffee or juice in addition to sodas, the package value increases because you are not paying separately for those items.

Some guests purchase a package for part of the cruise or for specific people in their group. Carnival allows you to add a package to your account at any time during the cruise, so you can wait and see how much you are actually drinking before committing to the full week.

Tips for Reducing Drink Costs

Bring your own refillable water bottle and fill it at the ship's water fountains or ask for water at any bar or dining venue. Water is always free, and staying hydrated with water reduces the number of sodas you might otherwise purchase.

Order water or ask for a cup of ice at meals instead of soda. Many guests find they drink fewer sodas when they are not automatically charged for each one, so paying attention to your consumption can help you decide whether a package makes sense for you.

If you are sailing with a group, consider whether everyone needs a package or if some people can skip it. Packages are sold per person, so you only pay for the people who will actually use them.

When to Purchase a Beverage Package

Buying a beverage package before your cruise is almost always cheaper than purchasing it onboard. Pre-purchase prices are typically $2 to $3 lower per day than onboard prices. You can add a package to your reservation through Carnival's website or by calling their reservations line.

Prices for packages change based on demand and how close your cruise date is. Booking further in advance usually results in lower prices. However, if you are unsure whether you want a package, you can always purchase one onboard during your first day without penalty.

Carnival occasionally runs promotions where beverage packages are discounted or included free with certain cabin categories. Check your cruise documents or contact Carnival directly to see if any current offers explore to your booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own soda onboard a Carnival cruise?

Carnival allows you to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. However, you cannot bring soda or other drinks into dining venues or bars. Any soda you bring must stay in your cabin.

Are there free sodas anywhere on a Carnival cruise?

No. Water, coffee, and tea are free at meals and from beverage stations. Soda, juice, and other soft drinks are charged unless you have a beverage package. Some specialty dining packages may include sodas, but standard dining does not.

What happens if I buy a beverage package and don't use it much?

Beverage packages are non-refundable once purchased. If you buy a package and drink very little, you cannot get your money back. This is why some guests wait until onboard to see their actual consumption before deciding whether to purchase a package.

Do kids' sodas cost the same as adult sodas?

Yes. Carnival charges the same price per soda regardless of who drinks it. A child's soda costs the same $2.50 to $3.50 as an adult's soda. Beverage packages also cost the same per person regardless of age.

Can I share a beverage package with someone else in my cabin?

No. Beverage packages are tied to individual people and cannot be shared or transferred. Each person who wants soda included must have their own package.