Carnival Cruise Line offers drink packages to help guests enjoy a variety of beverages throughout their cruise for one flat daily rate. These packages cover everything from soft drinks and juices to cocktails, beer, wine, and specialty coffee. Understanding the details of each Carnival drink package—what’s included, pricing, and where they apply—can help you decide whether purchasing one is the right choice for your cruise.

What Drinks Are Included in a Carnival Cruise Without a Package?

Before purchasing a beverage package, it’s important to know what drinks come at no extra cost. Carnival Cruise Line includes the following beverages in your cruise fare:

Non-bottled water
Lemonade
Iced tea
Hot chocolate
Regular coffee and tea
Juices (available at breakfast)

These are available in the Lido Marketplace, dining rooms, and some casual venues throughout the ship. All other beverages—including soda, bottled water, alcohol, and specialty drinks—are not included and must be purchased individually or with a drink package.

Overview of Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages

Carnival offers two main beverage packages:

Cheers! Beverage Package

The Cheers! package is Carnival’s all-inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage program. It includes:

All spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass (up to $20 per drink)
25% discount on drinks above $20
25% off bottles of wine and champagne
25% discount on beverage seminars and cocktail classes
Non-alcoholic drinks: sodas, bottled water (500ml), energy drinks, specialty coffee, zero-proof frozen drinks, and hot teas

This package must be purchased for the full length of the cruise by all adults in the same stateroom. Guests are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period, but non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. Prices start at $82.54 per person per day (including gratuity), though booking before your cruise saves around 10%.

Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package

The Bottomless Bubbles package includes:

Unlimited fountain sodas (16 oz)
Unlimited juice (10 oz)

It does not cover bottled water, energy drinks, specialty coffee, or drinks off the ship. Guests can only order one drink at a time.

Pricing (including gratuity):

$8.20/day for children
$11.21/day for adults

This package is a popular option for families and cruisers who primarily want soda and juice without alcohol or coffee.

Wine Packages

Carnival also offers discounted wine packages available for pre-order. You can purchase bundles starting with three bottles, typically from $95.58 and up, depending on the wine selection. These packages are delivered onboard and available for use in restaurants and staterooms.

Where Can You Use Carnival’s Drink Packages?

Drink packages can be used at nearly all bars, lounges, main dining rooms, and specialty restaurants on board.

However, they do not apply at:

Private islands such as Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays
Drinks purchased off the ship
Room service, minibar, or gangway sales

Rules and Restrictions

Here are the key policies to know before purchasing:

The Cheers! package is only available to guests 21 and older
All adults in the same cabin must purchase Cheers! if one person does
Packages must be bought for the full length of the cruise
Cheers! has a 15-alcoholic-drink limit per 24 hours; non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited
The packages are non-refundable after 10:00 p.m. ET the night before sailing
On Texas or New York departures, Cheers! activates on Day 2 due to state laws

How to Buy a Carnival Drink Package

Drink packages can be purchased two ways:

Pre-cruise via Carnival’s website or call center (10% savings off onboard pricing)
Onboard at full price, available on embarkation day

Pre-purchasing locks in the lower rate and ensures the package is ready when you board. The cut-off for online purchases is 11:59 p.m. the day before sailing.

Are Carnival Drink Packages Worth It?

To decide if a drink package is right for you, consider the following:

Do you typically consume more than five alcoholic drinks per day?
Will you take advantage of specialty coffee, bottled water, or soda?
How many sea days does your cruise have?
Will you spend most of your time on the ship or in port?

The Cheers! package often breaks even at six alcoholic drinks per day or a mix of 8–10 total beverages, including non-alcoholic items. Bottomless Bubbles is ideal for soda drinkers or families with kids who don’t drink alcohol.

Final Thoughts

Carnival’s drink packages offer value and convenience, but only if they match your personal drinking habits. The Cheers! package covers a wide range of beverages and works well for guests who plan to enjoy cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks daily. Bottomless Bubbles is best for guests who want unlimited soda and juice without the extras. Before you buy, evaluate your daily drink preferences, your cruise itinerary, and how much time you’ll spend onboard.

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