When planning a Carnival Cruise vacation, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much is the Carnival Cruise Line drink package?” Whether you’re a casual cocktail sipper, a coffee lover, or someone who enjoys a few tropical drinks by the pool, Carnival’s beverage packages can help you save money and enhance your cruising experience.
In 2025, Carnival Cruise Line continues to offer its two main drink packages — the Cheers! Package (alcoholic and specialty beverages) and the Bottomless Bubbles Package (soda and non-alcoholic soft drinks). Understanding how these packages work, their prices, and what’s included can help you decide if purchasing one is worth it for your next cruise adventure.
This detailed guide explores everything about Carnival’s drink packages — from current pricing and inclusions to value comparisons and insider tips that help you make the most of your onboard budget.
Carnival Cruise Line offers two primary drink packages designed to cater to different types of passengers:
Cheers! Beverage Program – Includes alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, sodas, energy drinks, and bottled water (with some limits).
Bottomless Bubbles – Offers unlimited soft drinks and juices for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Each package can be purchased before your cruise or once onboard, although prices vary slightly depending on when and how you buy them.
The Cheers! Package is Carnival’s all-inclusive beverage program that covers most drinks priced under a specific limit. In 2025, the Cheers! program includes:
All alcoholic beverages up to $20 per serving, including beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
Specialty coffees such as cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes.
Zero-proof cocktails (mocktails).
Energy drinks and bottled water (500ml).
Soda and soft drinks like Coke, Sprite, and Diet Coke.
Hot and cold teas, plus fresh juices.
25% discount on drinks above the $20 price limit.
25% discount on wine or champagne bottles, beverage seminars, and select bar merchandise.
Essentially, if you enjoy cocktails, beer, or specialty beverages, this package gives you the flexibility to indulge without worrying about per-drink charges.
As of 2025, the Carnival Cheers! Package costs:
$69.95 USD per person, per day when purchased before the cruise through Carnival’s online planner.
$74.95 USD per person, per day when purchased onboard after embarkation.
These prices do not include the 18% gratuity automatically added to the package cost.
So, the total cost per day per person becomes approximately:
Pre-cruise purchase: $69.95 + 18% = $82.54 per day
Onboard purchase: $74.95 + 18% = $88.44 per day
For a 7-day cruise, the total price for one adult buying in advance would be roughly $577.78, including gratuity.
The Bottomless Bubbles program is designed for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages or families traveling with children. It includes unlimited servings of:
Sodas (Coca-Cola products)
Fruit juices served from the bar or dining room
It does not include:
Bottled water
Specialty coffee drinks
Energy drinks
Room service beverages
Drinks from the mini bar
This package is ideal for children, teens, or adults who drink a lot of soda throughout the day.
As of 2025, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package costs:
Adults (18 years and older): $9.50 per day (plus 18% gratuity)
Children (17 years and under): $6.95 per day (plus 18% gratuity)
That brings the total daily cost to approximately:
Adults: $11.21 per day
Children: $8.20 per day
For a 7-day cruise, one adult would pay about $78.47, while a child would pay around $57.38 for unlimited soda and juice.
Before purchasing, it’s important to understand Carnival’s policies regarding drink packages:
All adults in the same cabin must purchase the Cheers! package if one person does. This prevents drink sharing between guests.
The package can only be used by the person who buys it and cannot be transferred.
Sharing or buying drinks for others using your package is prohibited.
Guests must be 21 or older to purchase the Cheers! package in U.S. sailings (18+ for international cruises).
There’s a 15-drink limit per day for alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.
The package applies only to onboard purchases, not at private islands like Half Moon Cay or ports of call.
The Cheers! package is valid for the entire duration of the cruise and cannot be purchased for select days.
To determine if the Cheers! package is worth it, let’s break down a realistic daily beverage consumption example.
Without the package:
2 cocktails at $12 each = $24
2 beers at $8 each = $16
1 glass of wine at dinner = $10
2 sodas or coffees = $8Total = $58 per day (plus gratuity)
With the Cheers! package:
You pay a flat $82.54 per day (including gratuity) and can enjoy unlimited beverages up to 15 alcoholic drinks.
In this case, you’d need to drink at least 6–8 alcoholic beverages per day (or a mix of cocktails, coffee, and soda) to make the package cost-effective.
For light drinkers who only consume 2–3 alcoholic beverages per day, paying à la carte may be more economical.
The package offers excellent value in certain situations. It’s particularly beneficial if:
You enjoy multiple drinks daily. If you regularly have cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner, and nightcaps, it quickly pays off.
You like variety. The package covers cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee, soda, and energy drinks — perfect for guests who enjoy different beverages throughout the day.
You want convenience. You won’t need to sign receipts or worry about unexpected bar tabs at the end of the cruise.
You’re cruising with friends. If your group enjoys socializing over drinks, having a package makes the experience smoother.
You enjoy port days with shipboard time. Even though the package doesn’t apply off the ship, it’s still valuable if you plan to spend time onboard relaxing at sea.
On the other hand, the package might not make sense for everyone. Skip it if:
You drink occasionally. If you only enjoy one or two cocktails daily, the pay-per-drink option is cheaper.
You spend most days ashore. Since the package doesn’t cover drinks on land, you won’t fully utilize it on port-intensive itineraries.
You’re traveling with non-drinkers. All adults in a cabin must buy the package, even if one doesn’t drink.
You’re cruising for fewer than three days. Short sailings may not offer enough time to maximize value.
Here’s an overview of average beverage prices onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships in 2025:
Beer: $7–$9
Wine by the glass: $9–$15
Cocktails: $10–$15
Specialty coffee: $3–$5
Soft drinks (can or glass): $2.75–$3.50
Energy drinks: $5
Bottled water (500ml): $1.50–$2.25
If you’re the type of traveler who orders a drink or two throughout the day, paying individually might make more sense. But if you plan to drink freely and frequently, the Cheers! package offers convenience and savings.
Buy Before You Sail: Purchasing your drink package online before embarkation saves around $5 per day.
Use the Specialty Coffee Benefits: Many guests forget that lattes and cappuccinos are included in the Cheers! package.
Don’t Waste Drinks on Others: Sharing drinks can result in package suspension without a refund.
Stay Hydrated: Bottled water (500ml) is included with Cheers! — use it to stay hydrated between cocktails.
Enjoy Mocktails and Juices: Even if you reach your daily 15-alcoholic-drink limit, you can still enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
Combine with Loyalty Perks: If you’re a returning Carnival cruiser, you might receive free drink vouchers — plan accordingly before purchasing a package.
If you’re unsure about investing in a full beverage plan, Carnival offers other options:
Drink Coupons or Carnival Gift Cards: These can be used for specific beverages without committing to a full package.
Bring Wine Onboard: Carnival allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne in carry-on luggage.
Happy Hour Deals: Some ships offer discounted drinks during limited hours.
Free Drinks at Events: Past guest parties, art auctions, and casino play sometimes include complimentary drinks.
These options allow you to enjoy alcohol onboard without spending as much as a full package would cost.
If you’re torn between the two packages, consider your drinking habits:
FeatureBottomless BubblesCheers! Package
Includes AlcoholNoYes
Includes SodaYesYes
Includes CoffeeNoYes
Includes Bottled WaterNoYes
Daily Cost (Adult)$9.50$69.95
Best ForFamilies & KidsAdults who drink alcohol
The Bottomless Bubbles package suits families, teens, and non-drinkers. The Cheers! package caters to adults who want unlimited cocktails, wine, coffee, and soda.
1. Do I have to buy the drink package for my entire cruise?Yes. Carnival requires that you purchase the package for the full duration of your sailing.
2. Can I use my drink package on private islands or at port stops?No. The package only applies to onboard purchases, not at private destinations like Half Moon Cay or Amber Cove.
3. Is there a drink limit per day?Yes, there’s a 15-drink daily limit on alcoholic beverages with the Cheers! package. Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.
4. Can I buy just one day of the package?No. Carnival’s drink packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise.
5. What happens if one adult in a cabin doesn’t drink alcohol?All adults (21+) in the same cabin must buy the Cheers! package if one does. Carnival enforces this rule strictly to prevent sharing.
6. Can I cancel or refund my drink package?Yes, if you cancel before the cruise begins. Once onboard, refunds are typically not offered.
The value of the drink package depends entirely on your drinking habits.
If you’re the kind of guest who enjoys several cocktails, wine at dinner, morning lattes, and soda by the pool, then yes, the Cheers! package is worth it. You’ll likely break even by your fifth or sixth drink each day, and the convenience of not worrying about costs adds peace of mind.
However, if you’re a light drinker or spend most days ashore exploring ports, it may be more cost-effective to pay per drink.
For families, the Bottomless Bubbles plan offers affordable access to unlimited sodas and juices — a great perk for kids and teens who love soft drinks.
Understanding how much the Carnival Cruise Line drink package costs helps you plan your budget and cruise experience better.
In 2025, the Cheers! package is priced at around $69.95 per day plus gratuity, while the Bottomless Bubbles option costs $9.50 for adults and $6.95 for kids per day. These prices make sense depending on your drinking preferences, cruise length, and how much time you spend onboard.
For many passengers, the Cheers! package offers excellent value, convenience, and the freedom to enjoy their vacation without worrying about per-drink costs. But if you’re more of an occasional drinker or prefer to sip lightly, Carnival’s pay-as-you-go option or Bottomless Bubbles might suit you better.
Whether you’re cruising to the Caribbean, Mexico, or Alaska, knowing your options ensures your vacation stays as carefree — and well-refreshed — as possible.
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