Are you planning a Carnival Cruise vacation and wondering whether it’s worth investing in a Carnival Cruise Drink Packages?
We understand that navigating through the various drink options and packages can be confusing. You probably have a ton of questions.
As a travel enthusiast with a few cruises under my belt, I’ve spent countless hours researching the various offerings of major cruise lines. I’ve taken the time to break down the details of Carnival’s drink packages to help you make an informed decision.
If you enjoy a good drink while sailing the high seas and want to understand your options, this guide is for you. So, let’s dive into the details of Carnival Cruise Drink Packages and help you decide the best option for your needs. Cheers to a great vacation!
Price Of The Carnival Cruise Drink Packages
When it comes to enjoying a variety of beverages on your cruise, Carnival offers two main drink packages: the CHEERS! Beverage Package and the Bottomless Bubbles package. Each comes at a different price point, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your budget and drinking preferences.
CHEERS! Beverage Package
The CHEERS! beverage package starts at $59.95 per person per day. This price is subject to an additional 18% gratuity added at the time of purchase. It’s worth noting that purchasing this package before your cruise can save you money, as prices are higher once you’re onboard.
The CHEERS! package offers a comprehensive range of beverages, including spirits, beer, wine by the glass, non-alcoholic beverages, and even discounts on certain drinks above a specific price point.
However, there are certain restrictions to be aware of. The CHEERS! package does not cover beverages that you buy in the little souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, drinks on the gangway, beverages from room service or minibars, fresh-squeezed orange juice at the breakfast bar, Starbucks beverages on certain ships, and vending machines.
Bottomless Bubbles
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the Bottomless Bubbles package is an excellent choice. This package starts at $6.95 per day for children and $9.50 per day for adults, with an additional 18% service charge added at the time of purchase. The Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soda and juice in endless amounts for the entire time you are on the cruise.
However, there are certain restrictions with this package as well. The Bottomless Bubbles package does not cover other non-alcoholic beverages, room service beverages, mini bar items, specialty coffee, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. Also, only one drink at a time can be ordered, with a 5-minute wait time between orders.
By understanding the costs, offerings, and restrictions of each package, you can make an informed decision that enhances your cruise experience while also fitting your budget.
Carnival Drink Prices
Knowing the average prices for drinks on a Carnival cruise, along with the price of the packages, can help you decide if purchasing a drink package makes financial sense. Here is a Carnival cruise drink packages list:
- Beer: $6.50 and up
- Wine: $9.50 and up
- Cocktails: $15.00 and up
- Spirits and mixers: $7.50 to $20.00
- Soft Drinks: $2.75
- Specialty Coffee: $2.50 – $4.25
- Energy Drinks: $4.95
- Bottled Water: $1.50 – $5.00
Let’s dive into each package a bit deeper.
Carnival Cruise Drink Packages
Carnival Cruise Line offers two main drink packages: the CHEERS! Beverage Package and the Bottomless Bubbles package. Each package caters to different passenger needs and preferences.
CHEERS! Beverage Package
The CHEERS! Beverage Package is Carnival Cruise Line’s all-inclusive drink package. It covers a wide range of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, for a flat daily rate. Here’s what’s the CHEERS! package includes:
- Cognacs, cocktails, whiskies, and other spirits, as well as frozen cocktails. Actually, Carnival includes all spirits.
- Beer, including draft, craft, and bottled beer
- Wine by the glass
- Non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, Zero alcohol frozen cocktails, special coffees, energy drinks, hot tea, bottled water of 500 ml, and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
- Large format water bottles in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants
- 25% off of all drinks over $20 per serving
- 25% discount off bottles of wine and champagne
- 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes
However, it’s important to note that the Carnival Cruise drink packages “CHEERS!” option does not cover beverages sold in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, beverages offered at the gangway, beverages from room service, minibars, fresh-squeezed orange juice at the breakfast bar, Starbucks beverages on certain ships, and vending machines.
What Is Not Included In The “CHEERS!” Drink Package?
While the “CHEERS!” package covers a vast majority of beverages on the ship, there are certain exclusions. For instance, while it includes individual glasses of wine, full bottles of wine are not covered, although they do come with a 25% discount.
Additional exclusions include drinks served in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor delivered to your stateroom, beverages offered at the gangway, and drinks provided through room service or mini-bar.
Also, sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes, buckets, and beverages from Enomatic wine machines and self-serve beer stations are not included in the package.
Bottomless Bubbles
The Bottomless Bubbles package is Carnival’s unlimited soda program. It’s perfect for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages or for children. Here’s what the Bottomless Bubbles package includes:
- Unlimited soda (including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange Fanta, Mr. Pibb, Barq’s Root Beer, and tonic water)
- Juice (including orange juice, cranberry juice, tomato juice, and pineapple juice)
Are Carnival Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?
You’re probably considering getting a drink package but just aren’t sure. To determine if the “CHEERS!” drink package is worth it, we first need to see what your preferences are. If you are someone who drinks six plus alcoholic drinks per day, then the Carnival Cruise Drink Packages will benefit you. If not, you may want to opt out of a package and pay for each drink individually.
Another way to determine what is best your you are to; look at your choice of drinks and the price list above and compare it to the daily price of the package.
Carnival Cruise Drink Packages Frequently Asked Questions
In our Carnival Cruise Drink Packages guide, we understand that you may have some specific questions about the drink packages. Here are some of the most common queries:
Is there a daily limit on the number of drinks per day?
Yes, The Carnival Cruise Drink Packages, “Cheers!” will cover up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. The hours that count as a day are from 6 am to 6 am.
Can I buy more than one drink when I order?
The Carnival Cruise Drink Packages state you can only purchase one drink each time you order. They do not allow sharing, so more than likely this restriction is likely in place, so you don’t share.
Can the drink packages be used at Carnival’s private islands?
No, passengers cannot use Carnival’s drink packages at either of their private islands; Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay. Carnival charges any drinks purchased at the private islands back to your Sail & Sign card.
Does Carnival have a specialty coffee package?
Carnival does not offer a Specialty Coffee Package. The CHEERS! drink package includes specialty coffees. You can purchase specialty coffees individually if you don’t have the “CHEERS!” package.
Can you purchase the drink package with onboard credit?
Yes, you can use your onboard credit on Carnival Cruise Line to purchase either drink package.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on cruises, here are some additional posts about cruises:
Carnival Cruise Drink Packages Conclusion
Choosing a drink package for your Carnival Cruise vacation can significantly enhance your onboard experience. However, it’s important to understand what each package includes and excludes to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and budget.
This Carnival Cruise Drink Packages guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to help you make the best choice for your cruising adventure. So, here’s to smooth sailing and refreshing beverages on your next Carnival Cruise!
Happy cruising, my friends.
