Carnival drink menu prices cover the Cheers! beverage package and daily specials. Knowing what you will pay for a frozen margarita or a bucket of beer helps you budget for your cruise. This guide breaks down every cost, from individual drinks to packages, so you can plan your vacation without surprises.
The key is understanding that prices vary by ship and itinerary, but the general structure stays the same. You will find soda, water, cocktails, beer, wine, and specialty coffees all listed with clear price points. Let us walk through the numbers so you can decide if a package is worth it or if paying as you go works better.
Understanding Carnival Drink Menu Prices
First, know that Carnival charges a standard gratuity on every drink order. This is typically 18% added to the listed price. So a $10 cocktail actually costs $11.80. Keep that in mind when comparing package costs to individual purchases.
Drink prices have increased slightly in recent years, but they remain competitive with other cruise lines. A typical cocktail runs between $10 and $14. Beer is usually $6 to $8. Wine by the glass starts around $9. Non-alcoholic options like soda and juice are cheaper, around $3 to $5.
Here is a quick snapshot of average prices you will see on the menu:
- Frozen cocktails (margarita, pina colada): $11–$13
- Premium cocktails (martinis, long islands): $12–$15
- Draft beer (domestic): $6.50–$7.50
- Bottled beer (import): $7.50–$9.00
- Glass of house wine: $9.00–$11.00
- Soda (fountain or can): $3.00–$3.50
- Bottled water: $2.50–$4.00
- Specialty coffee: $4.00–$6.00
- Milkshakes and smoothies: $5.00–$7.00
These are base prices before the automatic gratuity. Always add 18% to get your true cost. For example, a $12 cocktail becomes $14.16 after tip.
How Drink Prices Vary By Ship And Location
Newer ships like the Mardi Gras or Celebration may have slightly higher prices on certain specialty drinks. Older ships like the Fantasy class tend to have lower prices, but the difference is usually only a dollar or two. The location also matters. Bars by the pool charge the same as indoor lounges, but the Alchemy Bar (a popular cocktail spot) often has premium drinks at a higher price point.
If you order a drink at a specialty restaurant like the Steakhouse, expect a small upcharge. A glass of wine that costs $10 in the main dining room might be $12 at the Steakhouse. This is normal and applies to most cruise lines.
Daily Specials And Happy Hour Deals
Carnival runs a “Drink of the Day” promotion. This is a featured cocktail that changes daily and is sold at a discounted price. Usually, the Drink of the Day costs around $8 to $10, compared to the regular $12. You can also buy a souvenir glass for an extra $3 to $5. The glass is yours to keep, but the drink itself is the same price as a regular cocktail.
Happy hour is not a standard thing on Carnival, but they do offer “Cheers!” package holders a discount on certain buckets of beer or wine bottles. Without the package, you pay full price. Some bars have “buy one, get one” specials during sail-away parties, but this is rare and not guaranteed.
Carnival Drink Menu Prices For Packages
Now lets talk about the most important decision: the Cheers! beverage package. This is Carnival’s all-inclusive drink plan. It covers almost everything, but not all. Understanding the cost and limits is critical.
The Cheers! package costs around $60 to $70 per person, per day, depending on the ship and sailing date. This price includes the 18% gratuity. So you pay one flat fee and then all drinks up to $20 each are included. Drinks over $20 (like a bottle of wine or a premium spirit) are not covered. You pay the difference plus gratuity.
There is a 15-drink per day limit per person. This is a hard cap. Once you hit 15 alcoholic drinks, the system stops serving you alcohol for the day. Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, water, and specialty coffee do not count toward this limit. You can have unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
Here is what the Cheers! package includes:
- All cocktails, beer, wine by the glass (up to $20)
- Fountain soda and juice
- Specialty coffee and tea
- Bottled water (still and sparkling)
- Milkshakes and smoothies
- Energy drinks and sports drinks
What it does NOT include:
- Bottles of wine or champagne
- Drinks over $20 per serving
- Beer buckets or pitchers
- Mini-bar items in your cabin
- Room service drinks
- Drinks at private islands (unless you have the package, but some restrictions apply)
Is The Cheers! Package Worth It?
You need to drink about 6 to 8 alcoholic drinks per day to break even. If you are a light drinker, paying as you go is cheaper. If you plan to have a few cocktails, a couple of beers, and a glass of wine each day, the package saves money. Also, remember that non-alcoholic drinks are included. If you drink multiple bottles of water and specialty coffees, the value increases.
For example, if you have 4 cocktails ($14 each after tip), 2 beers ($8 each), and 2 bottles of water ($4 each), that totals $80. The package costs around $65 per day. You save $15. But if you only have 3 drinks total, you lose money.
One more thing: the package must be purchased by everyone in the same stateroom who is over 21. You cannot buy it for just one person. This rule applies to all guests in the cabin. So if you are traveling with a non-drinker, the package is not a good deal for them.
Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package
For soda drinkers, Carnival offers the Bottomless Bubbles package. This covers unlimited fountain soda and juice. It costs about $10 per day (including gratuity). You can buy it for the whole cruise or just for a day. It is a good deal if you drink more than 3 sodas per day. But remember, it does not include bottled water or specialty coffee.
If you only want soda, this is cheaper than the Cheers! package. But if you also want water or coffee, you might be better off paying as you go or upgrading to Cheers!.
Wine And Champagne Packages
Carnival sells wine packages for the dining room. You can pre-purchase a set number of bottles (4, 6, or 8) at a discount. Prices start around $100 for 4 bottles of house wine. This is a good option if you enjoy wine with dinner. You can also buy wine by the bottle at any bar, but the package saves you about 15%.
Beer buckets are another option. You can buy a bucket of 4 or 6 beers for a slight discount. A bucket of 4 domestic beers costs about $24 to $28, saving you a couple of dollars compared to buying individually. This is a popular choice for poolside drinking.
How To Save Money On Carnival Drink Menu Prices
You do not have to spend a fortune on drinks. Here are practical tips to keep costs down:
- Bring your own soda and water. Carnival allows you to bring a 12-pack of canned soda or bottled water per person in your carry-on. This saves you from buying drinks at the bar. You can also bring a reusable water bottle to fill at the buffet.
- Buy the Cheers! package only if you drink enough. Use the math above to decide. If you are unsure, wait until day two to purchase. You can buy the package onboard, but it costs the same as pre-cruise.
- Order the Drink of the Day. It is cheaper than a regular cocktail. Also, ask for it without the souvenir glass to save a few dollars.
- Skip the specialty coffee. The free coffee in the buffet is decent. If you need a latte, the package covers it, but paying $5 per cup adds up fast.
- Share a bucket of beer with a friend. If you are both drinking, split the cost. But remember, you cannot share drinks if you have the Cheers! package. That is against the rules.
- Use your onboard credit. Many travel agents offer onboard credit that can be used for drinks. This effectively lowers your cost.
What About Gratuities And Taxes
As mentioned, an 18% gratuity is added to every drink order. This goes to the bar staff. You do not need to tip extra unless you want to. The gratuity is automatic. Also, while in port or at the private island, local taxes may apply. These are usually small, like $0.50 to $1.00 per drink. But they can add up if you are drinking all day.
When you are in international waters, no taxes apply. So the price you see on the menu is the base price plus gratuity. That is your final cost.
Carnival Drink Menu Prices For Non-Alcoholic Options
If you do not drink alcohol, you still have plenty of options. Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails) cost around $6 to $8. They are often made with fresh juices and syrups. You can also get smoothies, milkshakes, and flavored lemonades. These are not included in the Cheers! package unless you have the package, but they are cheaper than alcoholic drinks.
Bottled water is a big expense for many cruisers. A 1-liter bottle costs about $3.50. If you drink 4 bottles a day, that is $14. The Cheers! package covers unlimited bottled water, so it might be worth it for heavy water drinkers. Alternatively, bring your own water bottles and refill them at the buffet.
Soda is $3.00 to $3.50 per can. The Bottomless Bubbles package is $10 per day, so if you drink 4 sodas, you break even. Many people find this package useful for kids and teens.
Specialty Coffee And Tea Prices
Carnival has coffee bars on most ships. A latte or cappuccino costs $4.50 to $5.50. A mocha or frappe is around $6.00. These are not included in the basic drink menu, but they are covered by the Cheers! package. If you are a coffee lover, the package can save you money. But if you only have one coffee per day, paying as you go is fine.
Tea lovers can get specialty teas like chai or matcha for $3.00 to $4.00. Regular hot tea and coffee are free in the buffet and dining room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Drink Menu Prices
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Carnival allows one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult in your carry-on. You can also bring a 12-pack of soda or water. No other alcohol is permitted. If you try to bring liquor, it will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.
Do drink prices include tax in port?
Yes, when the ship is in a U.S. port or at the private island, local sales tax may apply. This is usually a small amount, around $0.50 to $1.00 per drink. In international waters, no tax is added.
Is there a limit on how many drinks I can buy at once?
No, you can order multiple drinks at once. But if you have the Cheers! package, you cannot share drinks with others. Each person must have their own package. The system tracks your consumption, so you cannot buy a drink for someone else using your package.
Can I get a refund on the Cheers! package if I change my mind?
If you purchase the package before the cruise, you can cancel up to 24 hours before sailing. Once onboard, you can cancel within the first day and get a refund for unused days. After that, no refunds are given.
Are there any drinks that cost more than $20?
Yes, some premium spirits and large format beers can cost over $20. For example, a bottle of Dom Perignon or a 40oz beer will exceed the limit. If you have the Cheers! package, you pay the difference plus gratuity. Otherwise, you pay full price.
Final Tips For Managing Your Drink Budget
Before you board, decide how much you want to spend on drinks. If you are a moderate drinker, the Cheers! package is often a good value. If you only have a few drinks per day, pay as you go. Use the Drink of the Day to save money. And always remember the 18% gratuity.
One more thing: Carnival sometimes offers a “Cheers!” package discount for booking early or for certain sailings. Check your cruise planner online. You might save $5 to $10 per day. Also, if you are a past guest, you may get a small discount.
If you are traveling with a group, consider sharing a bucket of beer or a bottle of wine. But be aware of the rules about sharing with package holders. It is better to buy your own drinks to avoid confusion.
Finally, do not forget to hydrate. Water is free in the buffet and dining room. You do not need to buy bottled water if you bring a reusable bottle. This simple tip can save you $10 to $20 per day.
Carnival drink menu prices are straightforward once you know the structure. Whether you choose a package or pay per drink, you can enjoy your vacation without overspending. Plan ahead, use the tips above, and have a great time on your cruise.