Carnival Doubles the Time Between Drinks — And Cruisers Are Calling It a Buzzkill
Carnival Cruise Line has quietly tightened one of its most-used onboard perks, doubling the required wait time between drink orders for guests using the popular Cheers! beverage package. What was once a five-minute pause between orders has now increased to 10 minutes, and the change applies to all beverages — alcoholic or not.
The updated rule recently appeared in Carnival’s official FAQ for the Cheers! program, confirming what many guests onboard had already started noticing across the fleet in the last several days.
According to the new language:
“Only one drink at a time may be ordered, there is a 10-minute wait time between orders and sharing is not permitted. No double shots as that will be considered ordering two drinks at once.”
The rest of the program remains unchanged, including the 15-drink daily limit and the wide range of cocktails, beers, wines, specialty coffees, and sodas included in the package.
Guests React: “It Puts a Damper on the Mood”
Reactions from cruisers have been mixed. For some, the difference between five minutes and ten is minor. For others, it noticeably disrupts their usual vacation routines.
One guest explained online that pairing a beer with a quick shot is part of their bar experience onboard, and having to wait 10 minutes “really puts a damper” on the flow of the evening. Another noted that while Carnival has long required a delay, this longer wait now impacts even simple non-alcoholic combinations.
For example, a passenger wanting a beer and a soda at the same time must still wait the full interval, even though only one is alcoholic. And while some travelers have reported inconsistent enforcement — with certain bartenders still handing out a cocktail and a soda together — Carnival’s official policy leaves no room for doubling up.
Why the Change? Carnival Hasn’t Said — But There Are Clues
Carnival Cruise Line has not issued a formal statement about the new requirement, but several reasonable explanations have surfaced:
1. Reducing Overconsumption
While a 10-minute delay won’t stop determined drinkers from reaching the 15-drink cap, it does naturally slow down the pace for guests who tend to stack drinks or take shots in rapid succession.
2. Cracking Down on Sharing
Sharing drinks is strictly prohibited on the Cheers! package, yet remains one of the most common sources of abuse. By spacing out orders even further, it becomes much harder for one person to order drinks for multiple friends — especially those in other staterooms where the package may not be purchased.
Carnival already requires all adults in a stateroom to buy Cheers!, but that hasn’t stopped some guests from handing a drink off to someone else. A longer interval makes that significantly less convenient.
3. Reducing Bar Congestion
A subtle benefit of the extended wait time is decreased pressure on bar staff, particularly during peak times at the pool deck or on sea days. Fewer rapid-fire orders may help improve workflow behind the counter.
Does the Change Impact Vacation Vibes?
That depends on the cruiser. Guests who casually enjoy a frozen cocktail or glass of wine throughout the afternoon may barely notice the change. But those who tend to pair beverages — such as a mixed drink plus a soda, or a beer plus a shot — will experience the effects more clearly.
Some guests argue the move won’t prevent heavy drinking or rowdy behavior onboard, pointing out that spacing drinks by 10 minutes still allows someone to hit their 15-drink limit well before dinner.
Others see the policy as a small but meaningful step toward creating a more enjoyable onboard environment and protecting the integrity of the drink package.
What’s Next for Cheers! Guests?
The shift follows other recent adjustments to the Cheers! program, including price increases and updates to the list of included drinks. While it’s unclear whether Carnival will issue an official explanation, the enforcement of the 10-minute rule across multiple ships suggests this change is here to stay.
For now, anyone sailing Carnival with the Cheers! package should plan ahead — especially during busy bar hours — and expect slower pacing between each order.
