Beverage Prices on Carnival Ships

Beer on a Carnival cruise costs between $6 and $9 per drink, depending on the type and the ship. A standard domestic beer like Budweiser or Bud Light runs around $6 to $7, while imported beers and craft options cost $8 to $9. These prices are higher than what you'd pay on land, but they're built into how cruise lines operate—they control all food and beverage sales onboard, and there's no competing bar down the street.

Prices vary slightly between Carnival's older and newer ships. The newer Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration tend to charge at the higher end of the range. Older vessels in the fleet may be a dollar or two cheaper, though the difference is small enough that you shouldn't count on it when budgeting.

Wine, cocktails, and mixed drinks follow a similar pattern. A basic cocktail costs $8 to $11, while wine by the glass runs $7 to $10. Soft drinks and bottled water are also paid separately unless you purchase a beverage package.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard beer costs $6 to $9 per drink depending on the brand and ship, with domestic options at the lower end and imports or craft beers at the higher end.
  • Cocktails and mixed drinks range from $8 to $11, and wine by the glass costs $7 to $10.
  • Beverage packages that cover unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks cost between $60 and $80 per person per day and may save money if you drink regularly.
  • Prices are set by Carnival and do not vary based on the bar location or time of day onboard.
  • You can bring your own alcohol in your cabin (one bottle of wine or champagne per person) but cannot bring it into public areas of the ship.

Beverage Packages and What They Cover

Carnival sells two main beverage packages: the Cheers! package and the Cheers! Plus package. The standard Cheers! package covers unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and most mixed drinks. It costs roughly $60 to $80 per person per day depending on the length of your cruise and when you book—purchasing it before you board is cheaper than buying it onboard.

The Cheers! Plus package adds premium spirits, top-shelf liquor, and specialty cocktails. It runs about $20 to $30 more per day than the standard package. If you drink only beer and basic cocktails, the standard package usually makes sense. If you prefer premium spirits or plan to drink heavily, Plus may pay for itself.

The math is straightforward: if you drink three beers a day at $7 each, that's $21 per day. A beverage package at $70 per day doesn't save money unless you're drinking five or more drinks daily. Many cruisers skip the package and pay as they go, especially on shorter cruises.

Where to Buy Drinks and How Payment Works

Carnival has multiple bars throughout the ship—the main pool bar, the dining room bar, cabin bars, and specialty lounges. You can order a drink at any of them. Payment is charged to your cabin account, which you settle when you leave the ship. You don't need to carry cash or a card to the bar; Carnival links everything to your room key.

If you purchase a beverage package, you straightforward show your room key and the bartender marks it as covered. There's no separate transaction or card swipe. The package works the same way at every bar on the ship.

Specialty drinks at themed bars or lounges may cost more than the standard prices. A frozen drink at the pool bar might be $10 to $12, while the same drink at a casual bar could be $8 to $9. Ask the price before ordering if you're concerned about cost.

Bringing Your Own Alcohol Onboard

Carnival allows you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your cabin at no charge. You cannot bring beer, liquor, or other alcohol types. The bottle must be in your luggage when you board—you cannot purchase it at the port and bring it onboard later.

You can drink the wine in your cabin, but you cannot bring it into public areas like the dining room, pool deck, or lounges. If you want to drink it at dinner, you can ask the dining room staff to open it and serve it, though some ships charge a corkage fee of $15 to $25 per bottle. It's cheaper to drink it in your room.

Attempting to sneak alcohol past security or into public areas can result in the alcohol being confiscated and your account being charged a penalty. It's not worth the risk on a cruise where you're a captive audience for several days.

Comparing Carnival Drink Prices to Other Cruise Lines

Carnival's beer prices are competitive with Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, which charge $7 to $9 for beer as well. Norwegian Cruise Line is slightly cheaper at $6 to $8 per beer. Luxury lines like Regent and Seabourn include all beverages in the cruise fare, so there's no per-drink cost, but those cruises cost significantly more upfront.

The beverage package prices are also similar across mainstream cruise lines. Royal Caribbean's drink package costs about the same as Carnival's, and Disney's is slightly more expensive because it includes more premium options. If you're comparing cruise lines based on drink cost alone, the difference is small—usually $1 to $2 per drink.

Tips for Managing Drink Costs

If you don't purchase a beverage package, set a daily drink budget before the cruise starts. It's straightforward to lose track when everything is charged to your room. Many cruisers find that limiting themselves to one or two drinks per day keeps costs reasonable without feeling restrictive.

Happy hour specials are rare on Carnival, but some bars offer discounts during slower times. Ask your bartender or check the daily program for any promotions. The main pool bar is usually busiest in the afternoon, so you might find better service and occasional deals at quieter bars during off-peak hours.

If you're traveling with a group, splitting a beverage package among some members while others pay per drink can reduce overall costs. For example, one person in a group of four might purchase the package and share drinks with others, though technically the package is non-transferable and meant for individual use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring beer or liquor in my luggage?

No. Carnival only allows one bottle of wine or champagne per person. Beer, liquor, and other alcohol types are prohibited. Attempting to bring them onboard can result in confiscation and penalties added to your account.

Do drink prices change based on the time of day?

No. Carnival charges the same price for beer and cocktails whether you order at 10 a.m. or 10 p.m. There are no happy hour discounts or time-based pricing on most ships, though some specialty bars may have different pricing.

Is the beverage package worth it for a short cruise?

For a two or three-day cruise, the package usually isn't worth it unless you plan to drink five or more drinks per day. The daily cost of the package ($60 to $80) adds up quickly on a short trip. Pay-as-you-go is cheaper for light drinkers on short cruises.

Can I use my beverage package at the specialty restaurants?

The standard Cheers! package covers drinks at most bars and casual dining areas. Specialty restaurants that charge an extra fee (like steakhouses or Italian restaurants) may have separate drink pricing. Check with your server or the beverage staff about what's included before ordering.

What happens if I don't finish my wine bottle in my cabin?

You can leave an open bottle in your cabin and finish it later, or ask your cabin steward to store it. Carnival will not refund you for an unfinished bottle, so plan to drink it during your cruise or accept that it will go to waste.