Beer prices on Carnival cruises run $6 to $8 per bottle or draft, depending on the ship and the type of beer
A standard domestic beer like Budweiser or Bud Light costs around $6 to $7 per bottle on most Carnival ships. Import beers and craft options run $7 to $8. Draft beer from the poolside bar or dining venues falls in the same range. These prices explore whether you order at the main bar, the pool deck, or your cabin — the ship sets one price across all venues.
Carnival does not charge differently based on time of day or location. A beer at 10 a.m. costs the same as one at 10 p.m. The price you see posted is the price you pay, with no hidden service charges added to your bill.
Prices can vary slightly between Carnival's older and newer ships, but the difference is usually 50 cents at most. A beer on the Carnival Sunrise will cost nearly the same as one on the Carnival Celebration. If you are sailing on multiple Carnival ships over time, expect consistency.
Key Takeaways
- Standard domestic beer costs $6 to $7 per bottle; imports and craft beers run $7 to $8.
- Beverage packages that include beer start around $60 to $75 per person for a week-long cruise and may save money if you drink more than four or five beers daily.
- Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, coffee, and bottled water are included in your cruise fare, but specialty drinks cost $5 to $9 each.
- You can bring your own beer in your cabin (usually two bottles per person on embarkation day) but cannot bring it to public areas of the ship.
- Drink prices are the same at all bars and venues on the ship, with no time-of-day or location surcharges.
Beverage packages that include beer and how much they cost
Carnival offers two main drink packages: the Classic Beverage Package and the Premium Beverage Package. The Classic package covers beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks and costs roughly $60 to $75 per person per day, depending on cruise length and when you book. A seven-day cruise with the Classic package runs between $420 and $525 per person.
The Premium package adds top-shelf liquor and specialty drinks and costs around $75 to $95 per person per day. Over a week, that is $525 to $665 per person. Both packages include gratuity, so no additional tip is added when you order.
A beverage package makes financial sense if you drink four or more beers per day. At $7 per beer, four beers cost $28 daily. Over seven days, that is $196 out of pocket. A Classic package at $70 per day covers unlimited beer plus wine and spirits, so the package pays for itself quickly if you drink regularly. If you drink one or two beers daily, paying per drink is cheaper.
What other drinks cost on Carnival ships
Specialty cocktails — frozen drinks, daiquiris, margaritas, and house cocktails — run $8 to $12 each. These are not covered by the Classic package unless they are made with standard spirits; premium cocktails cost extra even with a package.
Wine by the glass costs $6 to $10 depending on the selection. A bottle of wine ranges from $25 to $60. Bottled water, soda, and coffee are included in your cruise fare at the buffet and dining room. Bottled water at a bar or cabin costs $3 to $5 per bottle.
Smoothies and specialty non-alcoholic drinks cost $5 to $8. Juice and iced tea are free at the buffet but cost $4 to $6 if you order them at a bar or from room service.
Bringing your own beer aboard Carnival
Carnival allows you to bring beer in your cabin on embarkation day — typically two bottles or cans per person, unopened. You cannot bring beer to public areas of the ship, and you cannot bring it back to your cabin after you have left the ship and returned from a port.
The beer you bring must be in bottles or cans, not glass bottles that could break. Carnival crew will confiscate any alcohol found in public spaces, and you will not be refunded. The two-bottle limit per person applies to your entire cruise, not per day.
This policy is one way to reduce your drink costs if you plan to drink beer in your cabin during downtime. Bringing four bottles for two people covers a couple of evenings and costs far less than ordering from the bar.
Drink prices at different venues on the ship
The main bar, pool bar, dining room, and specialty restaurants all charge the same price for beer. You will not pay more at a premium restaurant or less at the casual pool deck. Cabin room service charges the same per-drink price as the bars, with no delivery fee added.
Some specialty venues — like the steakhouse or Italian restaurant — may charge a cover fee to enter, but once inside, drink prices remain standard. A beer in the main dining room costs $7, and a beer at the poolside tiki bar costs $7.
How drink prices compare to other cruise lines
Carnival's beer prices are in the middle of the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean charges $7 to $8 for beer, similar to Carnival. Disney Cruise Line charges $8 to $9 per beer and does not allow outside alcohol in cabins. Norwegian Cruise Line charges $7 to $8 and allows more generous outside alcohol policies.
Beverage packages across cruise lines are priced similarly — most run $60 to $95 per person per day depending on the package tier. The decision to buy a package is the same across lines: if you drink four or more drinks daily, a package saves money.
Tips for managing drink costs on a Carnival cruise
If you do not drink heavily, skip the beverage package and pay per drink. Track your spending as you go — most people who drink two to three beers daily spend $40 to $50 on drinks over a week, which is less than a package.
If you plan to drink regularly, buy the Classic package before you board. Prices are lower when you pre-purchase than when you buy onboard. Check Carnival's website or your booking confirmation for package pricing specific to your sailing date.
Bring two bottles of beer in your cabin on embarkation day if you want to reduce costs. Drink them in your cabin during quiet hours, and you save $14 to $16 over the course of the cruise.
Take advantage of free drinks included in your fare: water, coffee, tea, and juice at the buffet and dining room. Ordering these at a bar costs extra, so grab them where they are free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring beer from home onto the Carnival ship?
Yes, you can bring up to two bottles or cans per person in your cabin on embarkation day only. The beer must be unopened and in bottles or cans, not glass. You cannot bring it to public areas of the ship, and any alcohol found outside your cabin will be confiscated.
Do I have to buy a beverage package, or can I just pay for drinks as I go?
You can pay per drink without buying a package. A beverage package is optional. If you drink fewer than four drinks per day, paying per drink is usually cheaper. If you drink four or more daily, a package saves money.
Are there any times when beer costs less on a Carnival cruise?
No. Carnival charges the same price for beer at all times of day and at all bars on the ship. There are no happy hours, early-bird discounts, or time-based pricing. The price is consistent whether you order at 8 a.m. or 8 p.m.
What happens if I buy a beverage package and do not use it?
Beverage packages are non-refundable. If you purchase a package and drink fewer drinks than the package covers, you do not get a refund for the unused portion. Buy a package only if you plan to drink regularly throughout the cruise.
Do specialty restaurants on Carnival charge more for beer?
No. Beer costs the same in specialty restaurants, the main dining room, and poolside bars. A cover fee may explore to enter a specialty restaurant, but drink prices remain standard across the ship.