Frozen margaritas and fruity cocktails anchor the Carnival drink menu with prices starting under ten dollars. Whether you are boarding a cruise ship for the first time or you are a seasoned sailor, knowing what drinks cost helps you plan your vacation budget. Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of beverages from tropical poolside favorites to premium spirits and non-alcoholic options. This guide breaks down every drink category with real prices so you can decide what to order and what to skip.
The drink menu changes slightly by ship and itinerary, but the core offerings stay the same. You will find the same frozen concoctions on the Lido Deck whether you sail from Miami or Galveston. Prices also remain consistent across the fleet, though gratuity gets added automatically. Keep reading for a complete breakdown of the Carnival drink menu with prices for 2025.
Carnival Drink Menu With Prices: Full Breakdown By Category
This section covers every major drink category you will encounter on a Carnival cruise. From the daily specials to the top-shelf liquors, you get the real numbers. No fluff, just the facts.
Frozen Cocktails And Tropical Drinks
These are the most popular drinks on any Carnival ship. They come in souvenir cups or regular glasses. The souvenir cup costs extra but you get a discount on refills.
- Frozen Margarita (regular) – $9.50
- Frozen Margarita (souvenir cup) – $12.95
- Pina Colada (regular) – $9.50
- Pina Colada (souvenir cup) – $12.95
- Strawberry Daiquiri (regular) – $9.50
- Strawberry Daiquiri (souvenir cup) – $12.95
- Mango Tango – $9.50
- Blue Lagoon – $9.50
- Funship Special – $9.50
- Kiss On The Lips – $9.50
All frozen drinks come with a small paper umbrella and a cherry. The souvenir cup is a plastic tumbler with the Carnival logo. You can bring it back for refills at a lower price, usually around $7.50.
Beer And Malt Beverages
Beer prices vary by brand and size. Domestic bottles are the cheapest option. Craft beers and imports cost more. You can also find buckets of beer deals that save you money.
- Bud Light (bottle) – $6.75
- Coors Light (bottle) – $6.75
- Miller Lite (bottle) – $6.75
- Corona Extra (bottle) – $7.50
- Heineken (bottle) – $7.50
- Stella Artois (bottle) – $8.00
- Samuel Adams (bottle) – $7.50
- Blue Moon (bottle) – $7.50
- Draft Beer (16 oz) – $7.00
- Bucket of 4 Domestic Bottles – $24.00
- Bucket of 4 Import Bottles – $28.00
The bucket deal is one of the best values on the menu. You get four bottles served in a small plastic bucket filled with ice. The bucket is yours to keep if you want, though it is not high quality.
Wine By The Glass
Carnival offers a decent wine selection by the glass. The prices are reasonable for a cruise ship. You can also buy bottles at dinner or from the bars.
- Chardonnay (house) – $8.50
- Pinot Grigio – $9.00
- Sauvignon Blanc – $9.50
- Moscato – $8.50
- Merlot (house) – $8.50
- Cabernet Sauvignon – $9.50
- Pinot Noir – $9.50
- White Zinfandel – $8.00
- Prosecco – $10.00
- Champagne (by glass) – $12.00
House wines are fine for casual drinking. If you want something better, ask for the premium wine list. The prices go up to $15 per glass for reserve selections.
Spirits And Mixed Drinks
Well drinks use house brands. Call drinks use name brands like Absolut or Jack Daniel’s. Premium and top-shelf options cost more. Here is the breakdown.
- Well Drink (vodka, rum, gin, etc.) – $7.50
- Call Drink (Absolut, Bacardi, etc.) – $8.75
- Premium Call (Grey Goose, Patron, etc.) – $10.50
- Top Shelf (Johnnie Walker Blue, Hennessy XO) – $15.00+
- Single Shot of Premium Liquor – $9.00
- Double Shot of Well Liquor – $12.00
Mixed drinks come with a standard pour of 1.5 ounces. Doubles are available but not always advertised. Ask your bartender if you want a stronger drink.
Specialty Cocktails
These are the signature drinks created by Carnival’s bar team. They change occasionally but the classics stay on the menu.
- Mojito – $10.50
- Old Fashioned – $11.00
- Espresso Martini – $11.50
- Painkiller – $10.50
- Miami Vice – $10.50
- Bahama Mama – $10.50
- Lava Flow – $10.50
- Blue Hawaiian – $10.50
- Frozen Mudslide – $10.50
- Chocolate Martini – $11.50
Specialty cocktails are made with fresh juices and premium mixers when possible. The Espresso Martini is a favorite among late-night drinkers. It uses real espresso from the coffee bar.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks And Mocktails
Not everyone drinks alcohol. Carnival has a full menu of non-alcoholic options. Some are included in the Bottomless Bubbles package.
- Frozen Mocktail (Strawberry, Mango, etc.) – $6.00
- Smoothie (Berry, Tropical) – $6.50
- Milkshake – $5.50
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice – $4.50
- Soft Drinks (Coke products) – $3.50
- Bottled Water (500ml) – $2.50
- Bottled Water (1 liter) – $3.50
- Specialty Coffee (Latte, Cappuccino) – $4.50
- Hot Chocolate – $3.00
- Virgin Piña Colada – $6.00
Mocktails taste just like the real thing without the alcohol. They are a good option for designated drivers or pregnant guests. The smoothies are made with real fruit, not syrup.
Drink Packages And Deals
Carnival offers several drink packages that can save you money if you plan to drink a lot. Here are the current options and prices per day.
- Cheers! Package (alcoholic) – $59.95 per day (plus 18% gratuity)
- Bottomless Bubbles (soda) – $9.50 per day (plus 18% gratuity)
- Coffee Package (specialty coffee) – $8.50 per day (plus 18% gratuity)
- Water Package (12 bottles) – $12.00 (one-time purchase)
The Cheers! Package includes all drinks up to $20 per glass. You get 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period. Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. You must be 21 or older to purchase this package.
Bottomless Bubbles covers fountain sodas and juice. It does not include bottled water or smoothies. The coffee package covers lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks. It does not include Frappuccinos or blended drinks.
Daily Drink Specials
Every day on the cruise, Carnival features a Drink of the Day. These are usually frozen cocktails or tropical punches. The price is lower than regular menu items.
- Drink of the Day (regular) – $7.50
- Drink of the Day (souvenir cup) – $10.95
The Drink of the Day changes daily. Examples include the Caribbean Breeze, the Tropical Typhoon, and the Sunset Punch. Check the Fun Times newsletter each morning for the special.
Happy Hour And Bar Specials
Most bars on Carnival ships have happy hour at certain times. These are not always advertised, so ask your bartender.
- Happy Hour (select bars) – 2-for-1 on well drinks and draft beer
- Happy Hour times – Usually 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Bar Snacks – Free nuts, pretzels, or popcorn during happy hour
Happy hour is a great way to try different drinks without spending too much. The 2-for-1 deal applies to the same drink ordered twice. You cannot share the second drink with someone else.
Tips And Gratuities
Every drink you order on Carnival includes an automatic 18% gratuity. This is added to the menu price. For example, a $9.50 frozen margarita actually costs $11.21 after tip.
If you have the Cheers! Package, the gratuity is included in the daily price. You do not need to tip extra unless you want to. Cash tips are always appreciated by bartenders.
Some guests prefer to tip an extra dollar or two per drink for better service. This is optional but can get you faster service on busy days.
How To Save Money On Drinks
Drinks on a cruise ship are not cheap. Here are practical ways to keep your bar tab under control.
- Buy the Cheers! Package if you plan to have 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day.
- Order the Drink of the Day instead of specialty cocktails.
- Use the souvenir cup refill discount for frozen drinks.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at the buffet.
- Attend happy hour for 2-for-1 deals.
- Skip the bottled water and drink tap water from the ship.
- Order buckets of beer instead of individual bottles.
- Share a bucket of beer with a friend (if allowed).
- Drink at the bars instead of ordering room service drinks.
- Set a daily budget and stick to it.
Most of these tips work best when you plan ahead. Check your cruise documents for any drink package promotions before you sail.
What Drinks Are Included In Your Cruise Fare
Many people do not realize that some drinks are free on Carnival. Here is what you get without paying extra.
- Tap water (from buffet and dining rooms)
- Lemonade and iced tea (at the buffet)
- Fruit punch and flavored water (at the buffet)
- Regular coffee and hot tea (at the buffet and dining rooms)
- Milk and chocolate milk (at the buffet)
- Juice at breakfast (orange, apple, cranberry)
These drinks are available 24/7 at the Lido Deck buffet. You can also get them in the main dining room during meals. Specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda cost extra.
Alcoholic Drinks To Avoid On A Budget
Some drinks on the menu are overpriced for what you get. Here are the ones to skip if you want to save money.
- Premium cocktails (over $12) – Stick to well drinks or the Drink of the Day.
- Top-shelf liquor by the glass – Order a call drink instead.
- Wine by the glass at dinner – Buy a bottle to share.
- Frozen drinks in souvenir cups – The cup is not worth the extra cost.
- Double shots – You get more alcohol but pay a premium.
If you really want a souvenir cup, buy it on the first day and use the refill discount for the rest of the cruise. The cup itself costs about $3.50 extra.
Drink Menu Changes By Ship
Not all Carnival ships have the exact same menu. Newer ships like the Mardi Gras and Celebration have more bars and specialty cocktails. Older ships like the Fantasy class have smaller menus.
Here is what differs by ship class:
- Excel Class (Mardi Gras, Celebration) – Full specialty bar menu with craft cocktails
- Vista Class (Vista, Horizon, Panorama) – Alchemy Bar with custom cocktails
- Dream Class (Dream, Magic, Breeze) – RedFrog Pub with Caribbean beers
- Conquest Class (Conquest, Glory, Liberty) – Standard menu with fewer options
- Fantasy Class (older ships) – Limited menu, no specialty bars
If you are on an older ship, do not expect the same variety as the newer ones. The prices are the same, but the selection is smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about the Carnival drink menu with prices.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Carnival cruise?
No. Carnival does not allow guests to bring alcoholic beverages onboard. You can bring one 750ml bottle of wine per adult in your carry-on luggage. Beer and liquor are confiscated at security.
Is the Cheers! Package worth it?
It depends on how much you drink. If you plan to have 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day plus non-alcoholic drinks, the package pays for itself. For light drinkers, paying per drink is cheaper.
Do drink prices include tax?
No. Prices listed on the menu do not include the 18% gratuity. Tax is not charged because the ship is in international waters. The final price is menu price plus 18%.
Can I share a drink package with my spouse?
No. Each adult must purchase their own Cheers! Package if they want one. Sharing is not allowed. The system tracks your SeaPass card to prevent sharing.
What is the cheapest alcoholic drink on Carnival?
The cheapest alcoholic drink is the well drink at $7.50. The Drink of the Day at $7.50 is also a good value. Domestic beer at $6.75 is the cheapest option overall.
Final Tips For Ordering Drinks
Ordering drinks on a Carnival cruise is easy once you know the system. Here are a few last tips to make your experience better.
Always carry your SeaPass card. You need it to order any drink. Bartenders swipe your card and charge your account. You cannot pay cash at the bar.
If you want a stronger drink, ask for a “tall” instead of a double. A tall drink uses the same amount of alcohol but more mixer. It tastes weaker but has the same alcohol content.
Frozen drinks melt fast in the sun. Order them with extra ice or ask for a “dry” version with less mixer. This keeps the drink colder longer.
Tip your bartender a dollar or two on the first drink. They remember you and will serve you faster on busy days. This works especially well at the pool bars.
Check your onboard account daily. Mistakes happen. If you see a charge for a drink you did not order, visit Guest Services to dispute it.
Finally, drink responsibly. The sun and sea air can make alcohol hit harder than usual. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay hydrated. Carnival reserves the right to stop serving guests who appear intoxicated.
Now you have the complete Carnival drink menu with prices. Use this guide to plan your bar budget and enjoy your cruise without overspending. Cheers to a great vacation.