Cruising with Carnival offers a fantastic vacation experience, and understanding the costs of onboard beverages is essential for budgeting. This guide breaks down the prices of various drinks on Carnival cruises, explores the CHEERS! beverage program, and answers frequently asked questions about alcohol consumption policies.
Carnival Cruise Drink Prices: A Detailed Overview
Please note that prices and product availability are subject to change without notice. These prices reflect a general guideline:
- Beer: Starting at $6.50 (mostly 16-ounce servings).
Alt text: A variety of draft beers on tap at a bar on a Carnival cruise, showcasing typical beer options and branding.
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Wine by the Glass: Starting at $9.50.
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Mixed Drinks: $7.50 – $20.00, depending on the ingredients and complexity.
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Specialty Cocktails: Starting at $10.50 (excluding souvenir glassware and premium selections).
Alt text: Two vibrant and fruity cocktails served on a Carnival cruise, representing typical specialty drink offerings.
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Soft Drinks: $2.75.
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Specialty Coffees: $2.50 – $4.25.
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Energy Drinks: $4.95.
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Water: (San Benedetto bottled water and Coconut Water): $1.50 – $5.00.
The CHEERS! Beverage Program: Is it Worth It?
Carnival’s CHEERS! program offers an all-inclusive beverage experience, but it’s important to understand the details to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
- Daily Limit: The CHEERS! program has a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Sodas and other applicable non-alcoholic beverages are unlimited and do not count towards the 15 alcoholic beverages limit.
Cost of the CHEERS! Package:
- Pre-Cruise Purchase: $82.54 USD per person, per day (including 18% service charge) when purchased via Carnival’s website.
- Onboard Purchase: $88.44 USD per person, per day (including 18% service charge).
Important Considerations for CHEERS!:
- The package must be purchased for the entire voyage. Daily or a la carte options are not available.
- If one adult (21 or older) in a stateroom purchases CHEERS!, then each adult assigned to the same stateroom must also purchase the program.
Why Full Bottles of Wine and Champagne Aren’t Included:
The CHEERS! program is designed for individual drink purchases at a flat rate. However, the program does include a 25 percent discount on full bottles of wine and champagne.
Bottomless Bubbles: The Soda Package Alternative
For those who don’t drink alcohol, Carnival offers the Bottomless Bubbles program, an all-inclusive soda package.
- Cost for Children: $8.20 USD per person, per day (including 18% service charge).
- Cost for Adults: $11.21 USD per person, per day (including 18% service charge).
Alt text: A Carnival CHEERS! program sticker displayed on a Sail & Sign card, indicating the beverage package is active.
Responsible Alcohol Consumption on Carnival Cruises
Carnival takes responsible alcohol consumption seriously. They have procedures in place to monitor guests’ alcohol consumption, and bartenders are trained to look for signs of intoxication and will discontinue serving guests who appear to be intoxicated. Certain flags are built into the system to monitor guests’ alcohol consumption and encourage responsible use of the CHEERS! program.
Conclusion
Understanding the pricing of drinks and the details of Carnival’s beverage programs is crucial for planning your cruise budget. Whether you opt for individual drinks, the CHEERS! program, or the Bottomless Bubbles package, Carnival offers a variety of options to suit your preferences. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your cruise!
