Carnival drink menu and prices feature tropical cocktails and beer buckets for cruise guests. If you are planning a Carnival cruise, knowing what drinks cost and what is available helps you budget and enjoy your vacation more. This guide breaks down every drink option, from frozen cocktails to wine and soda, with current prices and smart tips.
Whether you sail on Carnival Vista, Mardi Gras, or another ship, the drink menus are similar across the fleet. Prices can vary slightly by ship and itinerary, but this article gives you a reliable overview. You will learn about drink packages, happy hour deals, and how to save money without missing out on fun.
Overview Of Carnival Drink Menu And Prices
Carnival offers a wide range of drinks at bars, restaurants, and poolside. The menu includes cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, non-alcoholic options, and specialty coffees. Prices generally range from $2 for a soda to $15 for a premium cocktail. Beer buckets are a popular value choice, costing around $20 to $25 for four bottles.
Most cocktails fall between $8 and $12. Frozen drinks like the famous “Funship Special” are around $9. Wine by the glass starts at $8, and bottled beer is about $6. You can also order buckets of domestic beer for roughly $22. These prices do not include the 18% gratuity automatically added to every drink order.
One key thing to know: Carnival does not allow you to bring your own liquor onboard at embarkation. You can bring one 750ml bottle of wine per person in your carry-on. Any other alcohol you try to bring will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.
Popular Cocktails And Their Prices
Carnival has signature cocktails you will find on every ship. The most famous is the “Funship Special,” a frozen mix of rum, vodka, gin, and fruit juices. It costs about $9.50. Another favorite is the “Miami Vice,” a blend of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada, priced around $10.
Here are some other popular cocktails and their approximate prices:
- Blue Margarita – $11
- Bahama Mama – $10
- Mojito – $10
- Long Island Iced Tea – $11
- Piña Colada – $9.50
- Strawberry Daiquiri – $9.50
- Rum Runner – $10
- Painkiller – $11
These prices are before gratuity. If you order a drink at a specialty bar like the Alchemy Bar, expect to pay a dollar or two more for craft cocktails. The Alchemy Bar menu changes seasonally, but drinks are usually $12 to $14.
Beer And Bucket Deals
Beer is a staple on Carnival cruises. You can buy single bottles or cans, or save by ordering a bucket. A bucket typically holds four to six beers and comes with ice. Domestic beers like Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite cost about $6 each, or $22 for a bucket of four.
Import and craft beers are more expensive. A single import like Heineken or Corona is around $7.50. Craft beers from the brewpub on ships like Carnival Vista cost about $8 per pint. Some ships have a RedFrog Pub & Brewery where you can try their own brews like ThirstyFrog Red or ParchedPig West Coast IPA.
Here is a quick price list for beer options:
- Domestic bottle – $6
- Import bottle – $7.50
- Craft beer pint – $8
- Bucket of 4 domestic – $22
- Bucket of 4 import – $27
Beer buckets are a great deal if you are traveling with friends or family. You can share them at the pool or during a show. Just remember the 18% gratuity is added to the bucket price too.
Wine And Champagne
Wine lovers have plenty of choices on Carnival. By the glass, house wines start at $8. Premium wines by the glass go up to $14. If you want a bottle, prices range from $30 for a basic Cabernet to over $100 for a fine Champagne. Carnival also offers wine packages if you buy multiple bottles at once.
Here are typical wine prices:
- House wine by the glass – $8 to $10
- Premium wine by the glass – $12 to $14
- Bottle of house wine – $30 to $40
- Bottle of premium wine – $50 to $100+
- Champagne by the glass – $12 to $15
- Bottle of Champagne – $40 to $80
You can bring one bottle of wine per person onboard at embarkation. If you drink it in the dining room, there is a $15 corkage fee. Otherwise, you can enjoy it in your cabin for free.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks And Specialty Coffees
Not everyone wants alcohol, and Carnival has good options for non-drinkers. Sodas, juices, and mocktails are available. A can of soda costs about $3.50. Mocktails like a “Virgin Piña Colada” are around $6. Bottled water is $2.50 per bottle.
Specialty coffees from the JavaBlue Cafe are popular. A latte or cappuccino costs about $4.50. Frappes and blended coffees are around $5.50. These are not included in any drink package except the coffee package.
Here is a list of non-alcoholic drink prices:
- Soda (can) – $3.50
- Bottled water – $2.50
- Juice (fresh squeezed) – $4
- Mocktail – $6
- Latte – $4.50
- Frappe – $5.50
- Hot chocolate – $3
If you drink a lot of soda, consider the Bottomless Bubbles package. It costs about $8 per day plus gratuity and gives you unlimited sodas and juices. More on packages later.
Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
Carnival offers several drink packages to help you save money. The most popular is the Cheers! package, which covers alcoholic drinks up to $20 each. It costs about $60 per person per day, plus 18% gratuity. You must be 21 or older to buy it, and everyone in the same cabin over 21 must purchase it.
The Cheers! package includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, sodas, and specialty coffees. There is a 15-drink per day limit. You cannot share drinks, and the package is not available on embarkation day until the ship sails. Many cruisers find it worth it if they plan to have 5 to 7 drinks per day.
Other packages include:
- Bottomless Bubbles – $8/day for unlimited sodas and juices
- JavaLove Coffee Package – $6/day for unlimited specialty coffees
- Wine packages – buy 4, 6, or 8 bottles at a discount
To decide if a package is right for you, calculate how many drinks you will have each day. If you drink mostly beer or wine, the Cheers! package might not save money. But if you like cocktails and coffees, it can be a good deal.
How To Save Money On Drinks
You do not have to buy a package to enjoy drinks on Carnival. Here are some tips to keep costs down:
- Bring your own wine – one bottle per person at embarkation
- Buy beer buckets – they are cheaper than single bottles
- Attend happy hours – some bars have buy-one-get-one deals
- Order drinks at the pool bar – they are often cheaper than specialty bars
- Use the free water and lemonade stations – skip bottled water
- Look for drink specials in the daily newsletter
Happy hours on Carnival are not guaranteed every day, but they happen often. Typically, you can find 2-for-1 deals on select drinks between 4 PM and 6 PM at certain bars. Check the Fun Times newsletter for times and locations.
Drink Prices By Ship And Itinerary
While the base menu is the same across the fleet, some ships have unique bars or promotions. For example, the Carnival Mardi Gras has the “Fortune Teller Bar” with themed cocktails priced around $13. The Carnival Horizon has the “SkyRide” bar with frozen drinks for $10.
Itinerary also matters. On cruises to the Caribbean, you might find tropical drinks like “Coconut Mojito” for $11. On Alaska cruises, hot drinks like Irish coffee are popular and cost about $9. Prices are generally consistent, but specialty drinks on newer ships can be slightly higher.
Here is a quick comparison by ship type:
- Older ships (e.g., Carnival Ecstasy) – standard prices, fewer specialty bars
- Newer ships (e.g., Carnival Panorama) – more craft cocktails, prices $1-$2 higher
- Caribbean itineraries – tropical drink specials, happy hours common
- Alaska itineraries – hot drinks and whiskey-based cocktails popular
No matter which ship you choose, the core Carnival drink menu and prices remain similar. You can always find a Funship Special or a bucket of beer.
Alcoholic Drink Menu Breakdown
Let us go deeper into the alcoholic drink categories. Carnival organizes its menu by type: cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, and frozen drinks. Each category has standard options and seasonal specials.
Cocktails
Besides the signature drinks mentioned earlier, Carnival has a “Drink of the Day” every day. This is a featured cocktail at a discounted price, usually around $7.50. The drink changes daily and is advertised in the Fun Times. It is a good way to try something new without spending much.
Specialty cocktails from the Alchemy Bar are made with fresh ingredients. Examples include “The Cucumber Sunrise” and “Spiced Apple Martini.” These cost $12 to $14. The Alchemy Bar also offers mixology classes for about $20 per person.
Spirits And Shots
If you prefer straight liquor, Carnival sells spirits by the shot. A standard shot of well whiskey, vodka, or rum is about $6. Premium spirits like Grey Goose or Patrón cost $9 to $12 per shot. You can also order a double for roughly double the price.
Here are some common spirit prices:
- Well shot – $6
- Premium shot – $9 to $12
- Top-shelf shot – $13 to $15
- Liqueur shot – $7 to $9
Shots are often sold in sets, like three Jägerbombs for $15. Check the bar menu for shot specials.
Frozen Drinks
Frozen drinks are a Carnival staple. They are blended with ice and served in souvenir cups. The “Funship Special” is the most famous, but you can also get frozen margaritas, daiquiris, and coladas. Prices range from $9 to $11.
Souvenir cups cost extra. If you buy a drink in a souvenir cup, you pay a premium of about $2 to $3. You can refill the cup at a discount on future drinks, usually $1 off. Some cruisers collect these cups as mementos.
Non-Alcoholic Drink Menu Breakdown
Non-alcoholic options are plentiful. Besides sodas and water, Carnival offers smoothies, milkshakes, and energy drinks. Smoothies are available at the BlueIguana Tequila Bar and cost about $5. Milkshakes from the Shake Spot are $4.50. Red Bull and Monster energy drinks are $4 each.
Here is a full list of non-alcoholic drinks and prices:
- Soda (can) – $3.50
- Bottled water – $2.50
- Juice (fresh squeezed) – $4
- Mocktail – $6
- Smoothie – $5
- Milkshake – $4.50
- Energy drink – $4
- Specialty coffee – $4.50 to $5.50
- Hot tea – $2
- Milk (carton) – $2
If you have the Bottomless Bubbles package, sodas and juices are free. Specialty coffees and smoothies are not included unless you buy the JavaLove package.
Drink Service And Gratuity
Every drink you order on Carnival has an 18% gratuity automatically added. This goes to the bartender and waitstaff. You do not need to tip extra unless you want to. The gratuity is added to the menu price, so a $10 cocktail actually costs $11.80.
If you buy a drink package, the gratuity is included in the daily price. For example, the Cheers! package costs about $60 per day, but the actual charge is $70.80 after the 18% gratuity. This is important to know when budgeting.
Drink service is available everywhere: at the pool, in the dining room, at shows, and in your cabin. You can order from a waiter or go to the bar. Service is generally fast, but during peak times like sailaway, expect a short wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol On A Carnival Cruise?
You can bring one 750ml bottle of wine per person at embarkation. No other alcohol is allowed. Any liquor or beer you try to bring will be held until the end of the cruise.
Is The Cheers! Drink Package Worth It?
It depends on how much you drink. If you plan to have 5 to 7 alcoholic drinks per day, plus sodas and coffees, the package can save money. For light drinkers, paying per drink is cheaper.
Are There Any Free Drinks On Carnival?
Yes, you can get free water, lemonade, iced tea, and coffee at the buffet and dining rooms. Breakfast includes free juice and milk. At the Captain’s Party, you get one free cocktail.
Do Drink Prices Vary By Ship?
Prices are mostly the same across the fleet. Newer ships may have slightly higher prices for specialty cocktails. Itinerary does not usually affect prices, but local taxes in some ports can add a small charge.
Can I Share A Drink Package With My Spouse?
No, drink packages are non-transferable. Each person must buy their own package. The Cheers! package requires everyone in the same cabin over 21 to purchase it.
Final Tips For Enjoying Carnival Drinks
Now you know the full Carnival drink menu and prices. To make the most of your cruise, plan ahead. If you want the Cheers! package, buy it before you sail to save a little. You can purchase it online up to two days before departure.
Remember to stay hydrated. Drink water between alcoholic drinks to avoid hangovers. Carnival has free water stations on every deck. Use them.
Try the Drink of the Day. It is a fun way to taste something new at a lower price. Also, look for beer bucket specials if you are with a group. They are a great value.
Finally, be aware of your limits. Carnival staff are trained to stop serving guests who are too intoxicated. Drink responsibly and have a great time on your cruise.
With this guide, you are ready to navigate the drink menus like a pro. Cheers to your Carnival adventure!