Cruising with Carnival is all about having fun, relaxing, and indulging in delicious food and drinks as you sail to beautiful destinations. One of the most popular add-ons among Carnival guests is the drink package, known as the Cheers! Beverage Program. It offers incredible convenience and can save you a lot of money—if you know how it works. But one question that confuses many first-time cruisers is: how many drinks can you actually get per day with a Carnival Cruise Line drink package?
The short answer is 15 alcoholic drinks per day. But there’s more to the story. Let’s dive deep into what this limit really means, what’s included, how Carnival counts your drinks, and the smart ways to make the most of your package without wasting a drop.
Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Program is their all-inclusive drink package, available to adults aged 21 and over. Once you purchase it, nearly all your beverages on board are covered—ranging from cocktails, wine, and beer to sodas, coffees, and non-alcoholic specialties.
It’s important to note that Carnival has two main types of drink programs:
Cheers! Beverage Program – For alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Bottomless Bubbles – A separate, cheaper package covering only sodas and juices for adults or kids.
The Cheers! package is by far the most popular because it gives you the freedom to enjoy your favorite drinks without worrying about racking up a huge bill.
Yes, you read that right—15 alcoholic drinks per day. That’s the official limit under Carnival’s beverage policy. This cap is clearly stated in Carnival’s terms and is designed for responsible drinking and guest safety. Once you reach that limit, bartenders will stop serving you alcohol for the rest of the day.
However, here’s the good news: the limit resets at 6:00 AM every morning. So, when a new day begins, you get a fresh allowance of 15 alcoholic beverages again.
This 15-drink limit includes any beverage containing alcohol, whether it’s beer, wine, cocktails, or shots. It doesn’t matter what size the drink is or how strong it is—each one counts as a single drink.
For example:
A glass of wine = 1 drink
A pint of beer = 1 drink
A margarita = 1 drink
A shot of tequila = 1 drink
If you hit 15 alcoholic drinks before midnight, you can still enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic drinks afterward, such as sodas, mocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled water.
The Carnival Cheers! package is designed to cover almost every beverage you might want on board, with just a few exceptions. Here’s what’s typically included:
All spirits, cocktails, and wine by the glass up to $20 USD per serving
Beers, both bottled and draft, up to $20 USD each
Frozen cocktails and mixed drinks
Drinks from onboard bars, lounges, and dining areas
All sodas and soft drinks (Coke products)
Mocktails and virgin frozen drinks
Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, latte, etc.)
Hot teas and iced teas
Energy drinks
Juices (including fresh-squeezed juices)
Bottled water (500 ml bottles)
Milkshakes and smoothies (available at select venues)
Basically, everything you might order from a bar, coffee shop, or restaurant on the ship is covered—except a few special cases we’ll explain next.
Even with its wide coverage, there are a few things not included in the Cheers! package. These are:
Drinks priced over $20 per glass
Bottles of wine or champagne
Buckets of beer or pitchers
Drinks served in souvenir glasses
Room service beverages
Minibar (stateroom refrigerator) items
Large bottles of water (1.5L or more)
Beverages purchased on Half Moon Cay (Carnival’s private island)
Drinks during ship-sponsored events or excursions
If you really want something that costs more than $20 (like a top-shelf whiskey or a premium wine), you’ll get a 25% discount with the Cheers! package instead of full coverage.
Carnival uses your Sail & Sign card (your onboard keycard) to track every drink you order. Each time you get a beverage, the bartender swipes your card and the drink is recorded under your account.
This system helps enforce the 15-drink-per-day limit. Once your 15th alcoholic beverage has been recorded, the system automatically blocks any further alcoholic transactions for that day. However, the card still works for all non-alcoholic orders.
This means you can’t “cheat” the system by ordering multiple drinks at once or having friends order drinks for you. Carnival’s staff are trained to serve responsibly and keep track of who’s ordering what.
You might wonder—are 15 drinks enough for a full day on a cruise? In reality, for most people, it’s more than enough.
Think about it: even if you start your day with a Bloody Mary at brunch, sip a few beers by the pool, enjoy a cocktail or two at dinner, and have a nightcap later on—you’d probably reach 8–10 drinks at most. Only heavy drinkers typically approach the 15-drink limit, and Carnival’s policy is there to ensure safety and enjoyment for all guests.
Plus, the non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited, so you can hydrate and enjoy mocktails or specialty coffees between your cocktails.
A common misconception is that Carnival limits all drinks, but that’s not true. The 15-drink cap applies only to alcoholic beverages.
Non-alcoholic drinks are truly unlimited. You can enjoy as many sodas, lattes, mocktails, or juices as you like throughout the day without worrying about limits or extra charges.
So, if you love coffee in the morning, energy drinks in the afternoon, and a few soft drinks with dinner—you can have them all without affecting your 15-drink alcohol limit.
The price of the Cheers! Beverage Program can vary slightly depending on the cruise length and ship, but as of 2025, here’s the general pricing structure:
If purchased before the cruise: about $69.95 USD per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity)
If purchased onboard: about $74.95 USD per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity)
It’s always cheaper to buy the package before your cruise departs. You can purchase it online through Carnival’s “Manage My Booking” portal or via your travel agent.
Keep in mind that every adult over 21 in the same cabin must purchase the package—this rule prevents people from sharing drinks between guests.
If you’re traveling with kids, teens, or adults who don’t drink alcohol, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles program is a great deal. It offers unlimited sodas and juices for the duration of the cruise.
Pricing for 2025:
Adults: $9.50 USD per day (plus 18% gratuity)
Children: $6.95 USD per day (plus 18% gratuity)
However, this package doesn’t include mocktails, bottled water, or specialty coffees—those are only available with the Cheers! program.
One of the most common questions cruisers ask is, “Can I share my drink package with my spouse or friends?”
The answer is a firm no. Carnival’s policy clearly states that sharing or transferring drinks is prohibited. Bartenders are trained to watch for this, and sharing may result in your package being revoked without refund.
That’s why Carnival requires everyone in the same stateroom (aged 21 and up) to buy the Cheers! package if one person does.
While the 15-drink-per-day limit might sound restrictive, most guests find it more than enough. Still, there are smart ways to maximize your enjoyment and value.
If you’re cruising for several days, pace yourself. Begin the day with a smoothie, specialty coffee, or juice before diving into cocktails. Remember, you can have unlimited non-alcoholic drinks without affecting your 15-drink cap.
The Cheers! package covers drinks up to $20 each. So, to get the most out of your money, choose mid- to premium-tier drinks rather than cheap beers or well liquor.
If you want to buy a bottle of wine for dinner or a drink over $20, you’ll get a 25% discount thanks to your package. It’s a nice perk that helps you save even on exclusions.
Purchasing your package before sailing saves about $5 per person per day. Over a 7-day cruise, that’s nearly $70 saved for two people.
Carnival ships feature themed bars—like the Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, or BlueIguana Tequila Bar. These venues serve unique cocktails that are covered by the Cheers! package. Trying new drinks enhances your cruise experience.
Carnival’s staff automatically handle tracking for you. You don’t need to count your drinks manually—the system stops alcoholic service after 15. This means you can focus on enjoying yourself instead of doing math.
Whether the Carnival Cheers! package is “worth it” depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Let’s break it down.
A typical alcoholic drink on Carnival costs:
Beer: $7–$9
Cocktails: $9–$13
Wine by the glass: $10–$15
Specialty coffee: $4–$6
Soft drinks: $2–$3
So, if you enjoy at least 5–6 alcoholic drinks a day plus some coffee or soda, the Cheers! package can easily save you money.
However, if you only drink occasionally or skip alcohol some days, it might be more cost-effective to pay à la carte.
Here’s an example calculation:
6 alcoholic drinks × $11 average = $66
2 specialty coffees × $5 = $10
2 sodas × $3 = $6Total: $82/day (without package)
If your package costs around $70/day, you’re saving roughly $12 daily—plus the convenience of not worrying about your tab.
On longer cruises (8 days or more), some guests worry the 15-drink limit will restrict their fun. But realistically, that’s rarely the case. Most people don’t reach that limit every day.
You might have 4–5 drinks on port days and 10–12 on sea days when you’re relaxing by the pool. The daily reset keeps things balanced while promoting responsible enjoyment.
Carnival’s policy ensures you can drink freely without risking overconsumption or hangovers that spoil your vacation.
Carnival allows guests one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult during embarkation, but no hard liquor or beer. If you want regular cocktails or beer, the drink package is your best bet.
No. The package is non-transferable and can only be used by the guest whose name is on it. Buying drinks for others violates Carnival’s policy.
Once you hit 15 alcoholic drinks, your Sail & Sign card will be declined for any further alcohol purchases that day. You can still get unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
The Cheers! package doesn’t apply to Carnival’s private islands like Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays. You’ll need to pay separately for drinks there.
Absolutely! Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited, and they don’t count toward your 15-drink alcoholic limit. So you can hydrate and enjoy a variety of beverages all day long.
Imagine waking up on a bright sea day aboard Carnival Panorama or Mardi Gras. You start your morning with a cappuccino and a glass of fresh juice—both included in your Cheers! package. Later, you grab a mimosa at brunch, then a cold beer by the pool.
By afternoon, you’re sipping a tropical margarita as live music plays on deck. Dinner arrives with a glass of red wine and a mojito at the Piano Bar afterward. You might finish the evening with a nightcap at the Alchemy Bar.
That’s around 8–10 drinks total, well within your 15-drink limit. You’ve enjoyed an entire day of indulgence without ever signing a bill or worrying about costs. That’s the magic of Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Program.
Some wonder why Carnival caps the drinks when other cruise lines advertise “unlimited” packages. The main reason is responsible service. Cruises are floating resorts, and maintaining passenger safety is vital.
The 15-drink cap helps:
Prevent over-intoxication and related incidents
Ensure fair service across all bars
Promote a safer, more enjoyable atmosphere for all guests
This rule isn’t meant to restrict fun—it ensures you can party without pushing your limits.
For context, here’s how Carnival stacks up against other major cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean: No set drink limit, but bartenders may refuse service at their discretion. Prices around $75–$85/day.
Norwegian Cruise Line: No strict drink limit either; costs around $79/day.
MSC Cruises: Varies by package tier; typically no specific cap.
Carnival Cruise Line: 15-alcoholic-drink limit; $69.95–$74.95/day.
Carnival’s Cheers! package is often considered the most affordable among major cruise brands, with generous coverage for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
So, how many drinks can you get a day with a Carnival Cruise Line drink package? The answer is 15 alcoholic drinks per day, with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
This balance between freedom and responsibility makes Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Program one of the best-value drink packages at sea. Whether you enjoy poolside margaritas, fine wine at dinner, or late-night cocktails, the package lets you savor your cruise without worrying about surprise bar bills.
For most travelers, the 15-drink limit is more than enough to enjoy each day comfortably. And since non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited, you can sip coffee, soda, and smoothies to your heart’s content.
If you love variety, convenience, and the freedom to enjoy your favorite drinks anytime you like, the Carnival Cheers! package is a smart, worry-free way to elevate your cruise experience.
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