Is the Carnival drink package worth it? A complete guide to saving money at sea (2025)

TL;DR: The Carnival CHEERS! package costs $82.54 pp per day when pre-purchased ($88.44 onboard) in 2025 and breaks even at about 8 alcoholic drinks—or 5 drinks plus a couple of coffees and bottled waters.

Buy it if:

✅ You average 6+ cocktails, beers, or wines on sea days.

✅ You start mornings with specialty coffee and grab bottled water all day.

✅ Your itinerary leans heavy on sea days vs. long port stops.

✅ Every adult in your cabin drinks at a similar pace.

✅ You’d rather prepay than face a surprise bar bill.

Planning a Carnival Cruise Line cruise and wondering if you should splurge on a Carnival drink package? You're not alone. With prices ranging from $82.54 to $88.44 per day for the Cheers! package, deciding whether to purchase this add-on can significantly impact your vacation budget. For a couple on a 7-day cruise, that's over $1,155—a substantial investment.

Carnival's drink packages are among the most searched topics for cruise planners, and for good reason. The prospect of "unlimited" beverages sounds appealing, but is the Carnival cruise drink package actually worth the investment? Whether you're a budget-conscious family, a fun-seeking group of friends, or a couple wanting to relax without tracking every purchase, understanding your options is essential.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Carnival cruise drink packages—from costs and inclusions to the all-important question: is the Carnival drink package worth it? We'll provide real calculations and practical examples to help you make the best decision for your specific vacation style.

📊 Calculate your Carnival CHEERS! package cost

On this page:

• Overview of Carnival drink packages
• Carnival drink package prices & costs
• Cheers!: What's included in the Carnival drink package
• Is the Carnival drink package worth it?
• Carnival drink package tips
• Carnival drink package rules & restrictions
• Carnival drink menu and prices
• Bottomless Bubbles package
• Comparison to other cruise lines' drink packages

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Related: Navigating Carnival ship classes? Start here

Overview of Carnival drink packages

Carnival Cruise Line offers several beverage package options designed to simplify your onboard experience with a flat daily rate instead of paying for drinks individually. Understanding these options is crucial for budgeting your cruise vacation expenses effectively. Each package targets different preferences and drinking habits, with varying levels of value depending on your consumption patterns.

Packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, and all guests 21 years or older in the same stateroom must purchase the same alcohol-inclusive package. Passengers must also be 21 or older to buy any alcoholic beverage package. Here's a breakdown of the available options:

CHEERS! package (alcohol + non-alcoholic)

The most popular option is the CHEERS! program, which includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This comprehensive package allows you to enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, specialty coffees, and more without worrying about your final bill.

Bottomless Bubbles (soda package)

For those who don't drink alcohol or are traveling with children, Carnival offers the Bottomless Bubbles package, which provides unlimited sodas and juices throughout your cruise.

Cruise the Vineyard wine packages

Wine enthusiasts can choose from two different wine package options that provide bottles of wine at discounted prices compared to purchasing individually.

Carnival drink package prices & costs

Understanding the exact Carnival drink package cost will help you figure out your cruise budget. Carnival’s December 2024 hike flattened the pricing curve. Previously, CHEERS! package pricing varied based on cruise length, with cruises 6 nights or longer costing $70.74 per day. In 2025, whether you sail for three nights or ten, the CHEERS! package now carries a single daily rate—$82.54 when you buy in advance or $88.44 if you wait until you’re onboard. That sounds simple, but the total out-of-pocket difference grows once you multiply it by cruise nights. The table below shows exactly how the math stacks up. Now all cruises, regardless of length, have the same pricing structure.

* 18 % gratuity included  † Add $82.54 / $88.44 for each extra night beyond seven
‡ Package must be purchased for every day of the cruise by all guests 21 + in the stateroom; no prorating.

How much is the drink package on Carnival?

The current pricing for Carnival's drink packages as of April 2025 is as follows:

CHEERS! Package costs:

• Pre-purchase: $82.54 per person/day (including 18% gratuity)
• Onboard purchase: $88.44 per person/day (including 18% gratuity)

For a typical 7-day cruise, that's approximately $577.78 per person when pre-purchased or $619.08 if bought onboard.

Bottomless Bubbles (soft drink package) pricing:

• Adults: $11.21 per person/day (including 18% gratuity)
• Children: $8.20 per person/day (including 18% gratuity)

Wine Packages:

• Cruise the Vineyard wine package: 3 bottles for $95.58 / 5 bottles for $148.68 (including 18% gratuity)
• Cruise the Vineyard Premium wine package: 3 bottles for $146.32 / 5 bottles for $277.74 (including 18% gratuity)

How to add a drink package to a Carnival cruise?

Adding a carnival drink package to your booking is straightforward. You can purchase by calling [Cruisebound’s travel advisors](), book online at Carnival's website, log in to the Carnival Hub app before your cruise, or buy onboard at any bar or designated CHEERS! kiosk once you embark. Pre-purchasing saves approximately $5.90 per person per day (or more!) compared to onboard pricing, making it the more economical choice. Keep in mind that the deadline for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM the day before embarkation and 10:00 PM EST if purchasing through the call center.

Related: Inside Carnival Conquest: A pro's cruise review

Cheers!: What's included in the Carnival drink package

The CHEERS! package offers an extensive range of beverage options beyond just alcoholic drinks, which can significantly affect your break-even calculation. Let's examine everything that's included (and excluded) so you can make an accurate assessment:

This Carnival drink package price includes:

• All spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass priced at $20 or lower
• Sodas, zero-proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, and specialty coffees
• Bottled water (16.9 oz) and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
• Packaged water in dining rooms and specialty restaurants
• 25% discount on spirits or wine by the glass above $20
• 25% discount on wine and champagne by the bottle
• 25% discount on beverage seminars and classes

What's NOT included:

• Beverages in souvenir glasses
• Bottles of liquor
• Beverages offered at gangway
• Room service beverages and mini-bar items
• Sharing cocktails, pitchers, and buckets
• Beverages at private events
• Beverages at Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, or Celebration Key

Is the Carnival drink package worth it?

This is the million-dollar question for cruise planners: is the drink package worth it on Carnival for your specific travel style and drinking habits? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all and depends on numerous factors including your alcohol consumption, cruise itinerary, and travel companions. Let's analyze various scenarios to help you determine if purchasing the CHEERS! package makes financial sense for your situation:

*Assumes the 2025 pre-purchase rate of $82.54 pp per day (18% gratuity included) and an average alcoholic drink price of $10.

**Non-alcoholic items—coffees, sodas, bottled water—reduce the break-even point even further.

Carnival drink package calculator

To determine if the Carnival Cruise Line drink package is worth it for you, consider this simple calculation:

Daily CHEERS! cost ÷ Average drink price = Break-even number of drinks

With individual drink prices on Carnival ships ranging from:

• Beer: $6.50–$8.00 (mostly 16 oz.)
• Wine by glass: $8.00–$15.00
• Mixed drinks: $7.50–$20.00
• Specialty cocktails: $10.50–$14.00
• Soft drinks: $2.50–$2.75
• Specialty coffees: $1.95–$6.50
• Energy drinks: $4.95
• Bottled water: $1.50–$5.00

Let's calculate the break-even point using an average alcoholic drink price of $10:

$82.54 ÷ $10 = 8.25 drinks per day

This means you would need to consume approximately 8–-9 alcoholic beverages per day to break even on the CHEERS! package. However, when you factor in morning coffees, bottled waters, sodas, and other non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, the actual number of alcoholic drinks needed to break even is lower.

Let's look at a more detailed example:

• Morning cappuccino: $4.25
• Two bottled waters: $3.00 each ($6.00 total)
• Two sodas: $2.75 each ($5.50 total)
• Six alcoholic drinks at $10 each: $60.00

Total à la carte cost: $75.75 Daily CHEERS! cost: $82.54

In this scenario, you'd need one more drink to hit the break-even point.

For family-oriented travelers: Is it worth it?

For families on a budget, the CHEERS! package might not be the best value. Here's why:

• The requirement that all adults in the same cabin must purchase the package can significantly increase costs
• If you're spending substantial time in ports, you'll have fewer hours onboard to use the package
• Family activities may limit drinking time compared to adult-only cruises
• Children can't use the CHEERS! package (21+ only), requiring separate Bottomless Bubbles purchases

For example: A family of four with two adults and two children considering drink packages for a 7-day cruise:

• Two CHEERS! packages: $1,155.56 ($577.78 x 2)
• Two Bottomless Bubbles packages for children: $114.80 ($8.20 x 7 x 2)
• Total cost: $1,270.36

For families, the Bottomless Bubbles package may be a better option, especially if your children drink multiple sodas daily. At $8.20 per child per day, the break-even point is about 3 sodas daily (at $2.75 each).

Remember that Carnival allows each guest to bring up to 12 canned sodas in their carry-on luggage, which could be more economical for light soda drinkers.

For group travelers: Is it worth it?

For travelers cruising alone or with friends, the CHEERS! package can be an excellent value if:

• You typically enjoy 5+ alcoholic drinks per day
• You appreciate specialty coffees in the morning
• You like trying different cocktails without worrying about the cost
• Your cruise includes multiple sea days (more time onboard to use the package)
• Everyone in your group drinks at a similar level

The ability to know your final bar tab in advance provides a real psychological benefit. Instead of pausing to weigh every drink decision, travelers can fully shift into vacation mode. Without a drink package, many people find themselves mentally calculating costs throughout the day, something that can quickly chip away at the carefree mindset a cruise is meant to offer. Prepaying simplifies things and removes the constant internal debate, making it easier to unwind.

It is important to remember, however, that there is a 15-drink per day cap and everyone in the same cabin must purchase the package, no sharing is allowed.

When the Carnival drink package is definitely worth it

The CHEERS! package provides the best value in these scenarios:

• For moderate to heavy drinkers: If you regularly consume 6+ alcoholic beverages per day, plus coffees and waters, you'll likely save money
• On sea day-heavy itineraries: More time onboard means more opportunity to use the package
• For longer cruises: The drink package becomes more valuable on 7+ day cruises when you've settled into a routine
• For those who value convenience: Paying one price upfront eliminates monitoring your spending throughout the cruise
• For exploratory drinkers: The package allows you to try different cocktails without worrying about wasting money if you don't like them

Consider this real-world example from a 3-day cruise:

• Day 1: 2 specialty coffees ($7.50), 3 bottled waters ($4.50), 2 sodas ($5.50), 7 cocktails ($70) = $87.50
• Day 2: 1 specialty coffee ($3.75), 2 bottled waters ($3), 3 sodas ($8.25), 8 cocktails ($80) = $95
• Day 3 (port day): 1 specialty coffee ($3.75), 1 bottled water ($1.50), 1 soda ($2.75), 3 cocktails ($30) = $38
• Total à la carte cost: $220.50
  • CHEERS! package cost: $247.62
• Difference: $27.12 more for the package

In this example, the package costs slightly more, but the cruiser enjoyed the convenience of not tracking expenses and felt free to try different drinks without worrying about cost.

When the Carnival drink package is not worth it

The package may not be a good value if:

• You're a light drinker: If you have 1–3 alcoholic drinks per day, buying à la carte is cheaper
• On port-intensive itineraries: Less time onboard means fewer opportunities to use the package
• When traveling with non-drinkers: Remember, all adults in the same cabin must purchase the package
• On shorter cruises: The value diminishes on 3–4 day cruises where you might not establish a regular drinking pattern
• For travelers departing from Texas, New York, or Norfolk: The package doesn't activate until day 2 due to state regulations

Let's analyze a 7-day cruise with a port-intensive itinerary for a light drinker:

• 4 port days with 2 drinks per day: 8 drinks × $10 = $80
• 3 sea days with 4 drinks per day: 12 drinks × $10 = $120
• 7 days of 2 specialty coffees per day: 14 coffees × $3.75 = $52.50
• 7 days of 2 bottled waters per day: 14 waters × $1.50 = $21
• Total à la carte cost: $273.50
• CHEERS! package cost: $577.78
• Savings by buying à la carte: $304.28

In this scenario, purchasing individual drinks would save over $300.

Discover more cruise lines with drink packages:

Carnival drink package tips

Even if you've decided that Carnival drink packages are worth it for your cruise, there are several ways to maximize your value and potentially reduce your costs. Carnival offers various opportunities to save on their beverage packages if you know where to look. Here are some expert strategies to help lower your drink package expenses:

Pre-purchase your package: Save approximately $5.90 per day compared to onboard pricing

Look for promotions: Carnival occasionally offers reduced prices or onboard credit during Black Friday sales or Wave Season (January-March)

Consider using onboard credit: If you receive onboard credit as part of your booking, applying it to the drink package effectively reduces its cost

Bring allowed beverages: Each adult can bring one 750ml bottle of wine and up to 12 canned sodas in carry-on luggage

Wait until day 2 to purchase onboard: If you weren't planning to drink much on embarkation day, purchasing the package onboard on day 2 means one less day to pay for

Carnival drink package rules & restrictions

Before purchasing any drink packages on Carnival, it's crucial to understand the fine print that governs how these packages can be used. Carnival has established several important rules to prevent package sharing and manage consumption. These restrictions might significantly impact your decision, especially when traveling with family or friends who have different drinking habits. Be aware of these important limitations:

• Everyone 21+ in the same cabin must purchase the package
• There's a 15 alcoholic drink limit per 24-hour period (6AM–6AM)
• Non-alcoholic beverages are unlimited and don't count toward the 15-drink limit
• Only one drink can be ordered at a time (no sharing)
• The package must be purchased for the entire cruise duration
• Special rules apply for cruises departing from Texas, New York, and Norfolk (package begins on day 2)
• The package doesn't work at Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, or Celebration Key
  
  

Carnival drink menu and prices

Understanding current carnival drink menu prices is essential to calculate if the package is worth it. Here's what you can expect to pay à la carte in 2025:

Beer

• Domestic beer (Bud Light, Miller Lite): $6.50–$7.00
• Premium beer (Blue Moon, Corona): $7.50–$8.00
• Craft beer (TikiFrog Ale): $7.50–$8.50

Wine

• House wine by the glass: $8.00–$9.50
• Premium wine by the glass: $10.00–$15.00

Cocktails

• Standard cocktails (Rum & Coke, Gin & Tonic): $7.50–$9.50
• Specialty cocktails (Bahama Mama, Margarita, Pirate Punch): $10.50–$14.00
• Premium cocktails: $15.00–$20.00

Non-alcoholic beverages

• Soft drinks: $2.50–$2.75
• Bottled water (500ml): $1.50–$3.00
• Energy drinks: $4.95
• Specialty coffees: $1.95 (brewed coffee) to $6.50 (spiked coffee drinks)
• Specialty non-alcoholic cocktails: $6.00–$8.00

Bottomless Bubbles package

The Bottomless Bubbles package includes the following Pepsi products:

• Pepsi
• Diet Pepsi
• Pepsi Zero Sugar
• Caffeine Free Pepsi
• Diet Pepsi Caffeine Free
• Starry (formerly Sierra Mist)
• Starry Mist Zero Sugar
• Mug Root Beer
• Mountain Dew
• Diet Mountain Dew
• Bubly Lime Sparkling Water
• Bubly Blackberry Sparkling Water

Plus juices including:

• Orange Juice
• Cranberry Juice
• Tomato Juice
• Pineapple Juice
• Grapefruit Juice

Comparison to other cruise lines' drink packages

Carnival's CHEERS! package is generally considered one of the more affordable options compared to other major cruise lines. Understanding how Carnival's offering stacks up against competitors can provide valuable context for your decision, especially if you're considering different cruise lines for future vacations. The key differences lie not just in pricing but also in package limitations and what's included with each option.

* Prices are per person, per day and reflect published April 2025 rates; cruise lines frequently run dynamic promos.
† Cabin-mates who skip Premium Extra must take at least MSC’s lower “Easy” package.

Should you buy the drink package on Carnival?

The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits and travel style. The Carnival drinks package is worth it if you:

• Consume at least 5–6 alcoholic drinks per day, plus specialty coffees and bottled water
• Value the convenience of a flat-rate pricing model
• Are cruising with others who have similar drinking habits
• Have a cruise itinerary with multiple sea days

For families, light drinkers, and travelers on port-intensive itineraries, purchasing drinks individually will likely be more economical.

When deciding if the Carnival cruise drink package is worth it to you, do a quick math check using our formula above and be honest about how much you'll really drink.

Many cruisers find that knowing their final bar tab upfront provides peace of mind that's worth the potential premium over buying drinks individually. Avoiding surprises on your final bill can be valuable, especially for those who want to relax and enjoy their vacation without tracking every purchase. For many travelers, this predictability justifies the package cost, even if they end up paying slightly more than with à la carte purchases.

Consider your travel plans, typical drinking habits, and budget priorities to make the best decision for your cruise vacation.

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