Carnival Drink Package: Ultimate Guide For Thirsty Travelers!
Carnival offers two drink packages on all their cruises. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, soda lover, or just want a good beer; the drink packages may be a good choice for you.
The drink package can save you a lot of money, making your cruise more enjoyable and seamless.
But we highly recommend buying it beforehand as it’s cheaper than when you board.
We break it all down here so you can see if the drink package is right for you and your family.
Carnival Drink Package Explained
Package Options
When it comes to drink packages on Carnival Cruise Line, you have two main options to choose from: the CHEERS! package and the Bottomless Bubbles package.
The CHEERS! package offers a wide selection of drinks, including alcoholic drinks, while the Bottomless Bubbles package caters to those who prefer unlimited soda and juice.
Choosing the right package for your trip can depend on your personal preferences and planned activities during the cruise.
Pricing
It’s important to consider the pricing of each package before making a decision. All drink packages are priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise.
The CHEERS! package costs $59.95 USD per person, per day when you purchase it prior to your cruise through Carnival’s website.
However, it’s worth noting that if you decide to purchase the package onboard, the price increases to $64.95 USD per person, per day. In both cases, an 18% service charge is added to these prices.
| Package | Pre-Cruise Price Per Day | Onboard Price Per Day |
| Cheers! | $59.95 USD | $64.95 USD |
| Bottomless Bubbles | $9.50 USD | $9.50 USD |
Please note that the cost of the Bottomless Bubbles package varies depending on the sailing, so be sure to check the specific pricing for your selected cruise itinerary.
Inclusions
Your chosen package impacts which drinks you’ll have access to during your cruise. With the CHEERS! package, you can enjoy:
- Alcoholic drinks such as beers, wines, and spirits priced up to $20 USD per serving
- Non-alcoholic beverages, including a variety of soft drinks, juices, and specialty coffees
On the other hand, the Bottomless Bubbles package provides you with:
- Unlimited soda and juice from the ship’s various bars and lounges
This makes it a suitable choice for those who do not consume alcohol or prefer a more budget-friendly option.
Consider your preferences and the types of beverages you want to indulge in during your cruise when deciding on the perfect drink package to enhance your Carnival experience.
Benefits of the Carnival Drink Package
Cost Savings
One of the main advantages of purchasing a Carnival drink package is the potential for savings.
With the popular CHEERS! package, you’ll pay a flat rate of $59.95 USD per person, per day plus an 18% service charge if you purchase it online before your cruise begins, or $64.95 USD per person, per day plus an 18% service charge if you buy it onboard.
This package includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and if you’re someone who enjoys multiple drinks throughout the day, the overall costs can add up quite quickly.
And honestly, on vacation, those drinks ad dup quick!
By opting for the CHEERS! package, you can better manage your budget and won’t have to worry about any surprise expenses at the end of your cruise.
A cost-effective alternative is the Bottomless Bubbles package, which offers unlimited soda and juice.
This option can save you even more money, especially if you plan on enjoying more non-alcoholic beverages.
Convenience
In addition to the cost savings, the convenience factor of the Carnival drink package cannot be underestimated.
As a cruise is supposed to be a stress-free vacation, having a prepaid drink package means you won’t have to worry about monitoring your beverage expenses each day.
Instead, relax and enjoy the ship’s amenities, as well as the wide range of drinks available with your chosen package.
Plus I’m the type that if I paid $18 for a drink, I’ll drink it even if I don’t like it. But with the package, if I hate a drink, that’s fine. I’ll just order another one.
On top of this, the CHEERS! and Bottomless Bubbles packages cover most types of beverages, from cocktails, beer, and wine to soda, juice, and specialty coffees.
You won’t have to spend time calculating how much each drink will cost you — instead, focus on which delicious concoction you’d like to try next.
Plus, with a prepaid package, you can freely experiment and sample new drinks without worrying about their price.
The convenience that the Carnival drink package offers allows you to fully immerse yourself in the onboard experience.
How to Purchase a Drink Package
Online Pre-Booking
To purchase a drink package for your Carnival cruise, you can start by pre-booking online. By doing this, you’ll save 10% off the onboard prices.
The cut-off for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM the day before embarkation. Access the Carnival website, log into your account, select your cruise, and choose the drink package that is right for you.
Here are some main drink package options:
- Soda Package: Starting at $6.95 per child per day and $9.50 per adult per day
- CHEERS! Package: Starting at $59.95 per person per day
Once you’ve made your selection, add it to your cart and check out.
Onboard Purchasing
If you decide not to pre-book your Carnival drink package online or missed the deadline, don’t worry, you can still purchase drink packages once you’re onboard the ship.
Keep in mind that the price will be slightly higher than pre-booking online.
To purchase a drink package onboard, simply head over to one of the ship’s bars or guest services desk.
Ask the staff for the drink package options available on your cruise.
Some popular drink prices you might find onboard include:
- Beer: $6.00 – $7.95
- Wine by the glass: $8.00 – $14.00
- Mixed Drinks: $6.95 – $20.00
- Specialty Cocktails: $8.95 – $12.95
- Soft Drinks: $2.50
- Specialty Drinks: $2.00 – $4.95
Your Carnival drink package will be activated upon purchase, and you can start enjoying your beverages during your cruise.
Remember to stay within your drink package limit to avoid additional charges.
Restrictions and Limitations
Alcohol Limit
When it comes to the Carnival CHEERS! drink package, you should be aware of the alcohol limit. This is important for ensuring you have a good time while staying responsible.
The program allows a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Keep in mind, this limit resets each day at 6 a.m., providing you with a fresh set of 15 drinks for the following day.
In order to ensure a smooth experience, it’s a good idea to keep track of your daily consumption.
Remember, if you hit the 15-drink limit, additional drinks will incur extra costs at their regular menu prices.
Non-Transferability
Another important aspect to consider with the Carnival CHEERS! package is its non-transferability.
This means that your drink package is exclusively for your personal use and cannot be shared with others.
Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the package if one person chooses to take advantage of the program.
To ensure that everyone in your party has access to beverages throughout the cruise, make sure each person has their own drink package. Attempting to share your CHEERS! package could result in the cancellation of your program without a refund.
In summary, while enjoying the Carnival CHEERS! drink package, it’s essential to keep in mind the 15-drink daily limit and the non-transferability of the package.
By understanding these restrictions and limitations, you can have an enjoyable cruise experience and make the most out of your drink package without any unforeseen issues.
Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package
Trying New Drinks
To make the most of your Carnival drink package, consider trying new drinks that you haven’t experienced before.
Since you’ve already paid for the package, this is a great opportunity to explore different beverages without worrying about the cost.
Experiment with various cocktails, wines, and beers to find your favorites. You might even discover a new go-to drink for future vacations!
Keep in mind that the CHEERS! package offers a wide selection of beverages, from refreshing cocktails to sophisticated wines.
Don’t hesitate to ask the bartenders for recommendations, as they usually have insider knowledge on intriguing concoctions and popular choices among guests.
Additionally, you can always inquire about the daily special, which often showcases unique and delicious options.
Sharing with Friends
While sharing your drink package benefits with friends is not officially allowed, you can still engage in a social drinking experience with your companions.
For instance, if your friends are interested in trying the same drink as you, order one for yourself and allow them to sample it.
This way, you can all enjoy the experience and flavors together.
Another way to make the most of your drink package with friends is by organizing a mini-tasting event in your cabin or by the pool.
Each person can order their drink of choice, and then you can pass them around, allowing everyone to taste and discuss the different options.
This not only enhances the fun and camaraderie but also broadens everyone’s palate.
When deciding on a Carnival drink package, remember to weigh its cost against buying drinks a la carte. If you plan to consume multiple beverages daily, the package can be an economical choice.
By purchasing your beverage package pre-cruise, you can also save 10% off the onboard prices.
What’s Included On A Carnival Cruise?
Carnival cruises are not all-inclusive. Your fare covers all your onboard accommodations, including taxes, port charges, and gratuities. You’ll also have access to meals in the dining room or buffet restaurants.
Depending on your stateroom category and package, you may receive additional perks like priority boarding, complimentary wifi, and access to priority restaurants and lounges.
Drinks are not included unless you purchase a drink package making your cruise more ‘all-inclusive.’
Is Gratuity Included In The Price?
There is an additional 18% added to all the drink packages for gratuities.
So although the CHEERS! package is $59.95, plus the gratuities, it comes out to about $70.75 per person, per day.
The reason behind this additional charge is to appropriately compensate the hardworking bartenders and other crew members who provide exceptional service during your cruise..
Can One Person Get A Drink Package On Carnival?
If you choose to purchase the drink package, all other members of your cabin who are 21+ years old will also be required to purchase the package.
This ensures a fair system and prevents guests from sharing drinks with those who have not paid for the package.
What Drinks Are Included In The Carnival Drink Packages?
With the CHEERS! Beverage Program, you’ll have access to a vast selection of drinks that cater to all your preferences.
The package covers various cocktails and spirits, giving you the chance to explore new flavors while cruising. If you’re more of a beer lover, you can look forward to a range of beers by the glass, starting at 16-ounces.
Don’t worry, wine enthusiasts—we haven’t forgotten about you.
Your Carnival drink package allows you to choose from a diverse selection of wines by the glass, starting at $9.50.
If you’re looking for something sweet and refreshing, the drink package has you covered with zero-proof frozen cocktails.
You can also enjoy energy drinks, milkshakes, smoothies, and juices.
For coffee and tea lovers, the package includes specialty coffees and non-specialty coffee and tea options as well.
Comforting options like hot chocolate are also part of the package.
Apart from these exciting drink choices, the package includes staple beverages such as non-bottled water, lemonade, and iced tea.
The CHEERS! Package excludes:
- Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
- Bottles of liquor
- Beverages offered at gangway
- Beverages offered through room service, mini bars and/or in-stateroom beverage programs
- Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
- Beverages offered through enomatic wine machines
- All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes
- Food items
The Bottomless Bubbles, on the other hand, includes all non-alcoholic soft drinks and juices.
Does The Drink Package Work On Carnival’s Private Islands Or In Ports?
Unfortunately, the drink packages are not included on the private islands or ports. They can only used for beverages on the ship.
This means that even though Carnival has private islands for their guests, the drink package cannot be used there.
It’s important to note that this policy applies to all ports of call and private islands, so it’s a good idea to plan accordingly if you’re expecting to spend a significant amount of time off the ship.
How Will The Bartender Know I Have Purchased The CHEERS! Package?
When you purchase the CHEERS! package, it will automatically be linked to your Sail & Sign card.
This card is your key to everything while aboard the ship, including your cabin door and making purchases.
Each time you order a drink at the bar, simply hand your Sail & Sign card to the bartender.
They will swipe or scan your card to confirm that you have the CHEERS! package.
As a visual indicator, after your first drink purchase using the CHEERS! package, a sticker will be placed on your Sail & Sign card.
This sticker serves as a quick reference for bartenders and servers to confirm your participation in the program.
So even if a new bartender is serving you, they will easily recognize the sticker as proof of your beverage package.
It is important to always carry your Sail & Sign card while on the ship. Not only will you need it to access your drinks through the CHEERS! package, but it is also required for various other onboard activities and purchases.
Furthermore, it’s a good idea to keep track of your daily drink consumption and make sure you are adhering to the program’s limitations.
With the CHEERS! package, you can enjoy up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day, as well as unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
How to Buy A Drink Package For Your Carnival Cruise
To purchase the CHEERS! drink package, you should start by visiting Carnival Cruise Line’s official website.
You can find the available drink packages under the “Food and Beverages” section.
Make sure you’re already booked on a cruise, as you’ll need to log in to your account to access the beverage package options.
Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see the CHEERS! package, which typically has a starting price of $51.95 per person per day, plus an additional 18% for gratuities.
Keep in mind that the package must be purchased for the entire voyage, at a rate of $59.95 USD per person, per day (plus 18% service charge) if done via Carnival’s website, or $64.95 USD per person, per day (plus 18% service charge) if purchased onboard.
When you’ve selected the CHEERS! package, simply add it to your cart.
As you proceed to checkout, you’ll have the chance to review the details of your package. Make sure to double-check the number of days and the prices before finalizing payment.
Remember, it’s best to buy this drink package in advance to save up to 10%. If not, you can do so as soon as you board the ship to access all the refreshing beverages throughout your entire cruise.
Are Carnival Drink Packages Worth It?
Honestly, whether the drink pasckage is worth it depends and varies from passenger-to-passenger. You have to take into account how much you plan to drink while onboard.
Plus, with the drink package you’re paying for every day of your cruise and there are some days you may be on land exploring, thus not using your drink package much.
Firstly, the Carnival CHEERS! drink package offers an easy way to enjoy a variety of beverages on the ship.
It’s best to take a look at the Carnival drink menus and calculate how much you think you’ll spend while onboard, then compare it to the drink package.
For example, the CHEERS! package for a 7-day cruise would cost about $495 per person, including gratuities.
How Many Drinks Can I Buy At One Time?
The CHEERS! package only allows you to order one drink at a time. There is also a 5-minute waiting period between ordering drinks.
It’s designed to provide a simple, hassle-free way for you to enjoy a wide range of beverages without having to worry about constantly pulling out your wallet.
With this package, you can explore an impressive variety of drinks, including cocktails, frozen concoctions, wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages.
An additional perk of the package is that you’ll have access to discounts on purchases of wines and champagnes by the bottle.
While the full bottles aren’t included in the CHEERS! package, it’s a nice option to have if you want to elevate your dining experience or celebrate a special occasion.
Can You Buy A Carnival Drink Package With Onboard Credit?
Yes, you can use your onboard credit (OBC) to purchase any of the Carnival drink packages.
This is a convenient option that allows you to enjoy a variety of beverages during your cruise without worrying about the costs adding up. It’s also the best way to use your onboard credit.
To purchase this package, you’ll need to have sufficient onboard credit in your “Sail & Sign” account.
The cost of the package depends on when you buy it – if you purchase it before your cruise through Carnival’s website, it’s $59.95 USD per person, per day plus an 18% service charge.
If you wait until you’re on board, the price increases to $64.95 USD per person, per day, with the same 18% service charge.
Keep in mind that the drink package must be purchased for the entire duration of your voyage, and there are some restrictions on what is included.
Can I Order A “Double”?
While the package doesn’t explicitly mention doubles, most bartenders on board are quite accommodating and will likely serve you a double upon request.
Keep in mind, though, that there might be an additional charge for the extra shot, as the package typically covers single servings of alcoholic beverages up to a certain value.
Be sure to ask your bartender about any extra charges for doubles before placing your order to avoid any unexpected surprises on your final bill.
Plus, the Cheers! beverage package has a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period for each guest. When you order a double, it could potentially count as two drinks toward your daily limit.
To pace yourself and fully enjoy your cruise experience, make sure you’re aware of your drink count and spacing out your alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
In addition to requesting doubles, you can also explore the wide range of unique cocktails available at various bars on board.
This is an excellent way to discover new flavors and have a memorable and enjoyable cruise experience.
