What to Drink, What It Costs, and How to Choose the Best Package for You
It's the beginning of your getaway at sea. The sun is warm, the pool deck is buzzing, and a server hands over a frosty pina colada, your first drink of vacation. It's also the moment you realize how quickly those onboard beverages can add up. That's where Carnival drink packages come in.
Carnival's beverage programs provide more than just convenience; they cater to all cruisers' needs, including families wanting unlimited soda for their kids, couples keen on daily cocktail specials, and solo travelers who enjoy a continuous supply of specialty coffees. These packages make budgeting easier, eliminate surprise charges, and let guests focus on relaxing instead of calculating drink costs. Understanding what's included in each option and which one fits your cruise style can make a real difference in how smooth and enjoyable your vacation feels.
Overview of Carnival's Drink Packages
Carnival Cruise Line's beverage programs are designed to align with different needs, drinking habits, and budgets, helping you shape your ideal onboard experience. Instead of watching the tab climb every time you order a soda, cocktail, or espresso, many guests choose a drink package to simplify their trip and lock in costs ahead of time.
There are two main Carnival drink packages to choose from: Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles, as well as additional beverage options like bottled water, wine bundles, and pre-orderable drinks that help tailor the experience to your needs.
Cheers! Beverage Program
Carnival's flagship drink package, the Cheers! Beverage Program, is made for guests who want to sip cocktails by the pool, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, and still have room for a specialty coffee or energy drink in between. This alcohol package on Carnival covers a generous mix of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
The program includes:
- Cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass (up to $20 each).
- Soft drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, energy drinks, and juices.
- Milkshakes and smoothies at select venues.
Cheers! is especially popular among Baby Boomers and Gen X cruisers who enjoy the daily ritual of drinks with meals or by the pool, and among social travelers in their 20s and 30s who value the freedom of ordering without thinking twice.
Pros:
- Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, plus unlimited non-alcoholic options.
- Covers most bar and restaurant beverages (excluding minibar and room service).
- Includes many specialty drinks that cost extra otherwise.
Cons:
- All adults in the same stateroom must purchase it.
- Can't be shared or used for bottles of wine or spirits.
- Daily cost adds up if you're not a frequent drinker.
Bottomless Bubbles
Perfect for families, kids, and cruisers who avoid alcohol, the Bottomless Bubbles program offers unlimited fountain sodas and juice throughout the cruise. It's Carnival's dedicated soft drink package, and a budget-friendly favorite.
Take a family of four, for example. With two soda-drinking teens and parents who prefer sparkling water and lemonade, Bottomless Bubbles helps keep everyone refreshed without paying per glass.
Pros:
- Unlimited fountain sodas and juices.
- Great value for soda drinkers, especially on longer cruises.
- Separate pricing for adults and children.
Cons:
- Doesn't include bottled water, energy drinks, or specialty beverages.
- Only valid at onboard venues (not room service or minibar).
Wine Packages and Beverage Enhancements
In addition to formal drink packages, Carnival offers several pre-purchase beverage options that allow guests to customize their cruise experience. These include:
- Bottled water (available in 12- or 24-packs) delivered to your stateroom.
- Wine bundles, with curated selections for dining or gifting.
- Alcohol gift sets, including spirits and mixers for special occasions.
- Specialty coffees and other drinks available a la carte.
These options are especially appealing for guests who don't want a full Carnival all-inclusive drink package but still want a few comforts during their sailing. For example, a couple celebrating their anniversary may pre-order a wine bundle for dinner nights, while solo travelers might just want bottled water and a daily cappuccino.
Pros:
- Ideal for light drinkers or short sailings
- Budget-conscious way to access specific drinks
- Great for gifting or sharing with cabinmates
Cons:
- Not unlimited items are purchased per bundle or individually
- Fewer inclusions compared to Cheers!
Cheers! Package: Is It Worth It?
For many travelers, the Cheers! Beverage Program is the ultimate way to kick back, relax, and enjoy the freedom of a drink in hand, without tracking every tab. As Carnival's most comprehensive alcohol package, Cheers! covers a long list of drinks, from frozen cocktails and craft beers to lattes, bottled water, and energy drinks.
But is it worth the daily cost? That depends on how you cruise and how much you plan to sip.
What's Included in the Cheers! Beverage Program
The Cheers! package includes:
1. Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day (beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and spirits up to $20 each).
2. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, including:
- Soft drinks and fountain sodas.
- Bottled water (500 ml).
- Specialty coffees and hot teas.
- Energy drinks.
- Fresh juices.
- Milkshakes and smoothies (where available).
- Zero-proof cocktails and premium non-alcoholic options.
The 15-drink limit applies only to alcoholic beverages. Non-alcoholic drinks can be ordered throughout the day with no cap, ideal for staying hydrated, caffeinated, or simply refreshed from sunrise to midnight.
This limit holds steady across sea days and port days. If you head ashore for an excursion, your included drinks resume once you're back onboard. Drinks purchased at ports or from the minibar are not included.
How Much Does the Cheers! Package Cost?
As of this writing, the Cheers! package is priced at:
- $59.95 per person, per day if purchased before the cruise.
- $64.95 per person, per day if purchased onboard.
- An 18% gratuity is automatically added to both.
Let's say you're on a 7-day cruise and pre-purchase the package. Your total would be about $494 per person with gratuity. To break even, here's a sample of daily drink values:
You're looking at spending around $12 each for two cocktails at the pool, and between $10 and $12 each for two glasses of wine with dinner. Additionally, you'll likely pay $4 for one specialty coffee, $2 for one bottled water, $5 for one energy drink, and $6 for one smoothie. Estimated Total: $65-$70/day.
If that sounds like your kind of day, the Cheers! package could absolutely be worth it!
Is Cheers! a Good Fit for You?
- Baby Boomers and Gen X Cruisers: Imagine relaxing by the pool with a frozen daiquiri, enjoying a glass of red with dinner, and capping the night with a nightcap in the piano bar. Cheers! makes it seamless and removes any second-guessing about cost.
- Family Travelers: Parents traveling with kids often appreciate the freedom to order a cocktail or a glass of wine without having to juggle receipts or menus. Pair Cheers! with Bottomless Bubbles for the kids, and the entire family stays refreshed and relaxed.
- Young Adventurers: Cheers! is a must-have for cruisers who plan to spend their nights dancing, bar-hopping, or lounging at the pool deck with friends. It's a go-to for bachelor/bachelorette trips, milestone birthdays, and anyone maximizing Carnival's vibrant nightlife.
Pro Tip: If you're not sure you'll hit the drink threshold daily, consider your itinerary. Sea days tend to encourage more poolside cocktails and social drinking, while port-heavy cruises might limit how much time you spend onboard sipping.
Bottomless Bubbles: A Family-Friendly Option
If your cruise plans include kids, teens, or anyone who drinks soda like it's a food group, Carnival's Bottomless Bubbles package might be your vacation's secret weapon. This unlimited soft drink package on Carnival Cruise Line offers a flat daily rate for all-you-can-drink fountain sodas and select juices, making it a popular choice for families, non-drinkers, and anyone looking to cruise without counting every cola.
What's Included in Bottomless Bubbles?
- Unlimited fountain sodas (Coca-Cola products).
- Unlimited non-alcoholic juices.
- Available at bars, lounges, and dining venues across the ship.
This package does not include bottled water, canned sodas, specialty juices (like fresh-squeezed or juice blends), milkshakes, or drinks through room service and the minibar.
It's ideal for guests who prefer sodas over spirits and want a hassle-free way to stay refreshed onboard. Think of it as the cruise version of handing your kid a refillable cup at a theme park, only with sea views and zero tantrums.
How Much Does Bottomless Bubbles Cost?
The pricing is based on age:
- $6.95 per child, per day.
- $9.50 per adult, per day.
- (An 18% service charge is automatically added).
Is It Worth It?
Let's break it down. If a single soda costs about $2.50 to $3.00 onboard, it takes only 3 to 4 drinks a day to start seeing savings. Kids who tend to order a soda at lunch, one at dinner, and one with a show or movie in the evening will easily meet that mark.
The same goes for adults who don't drink alcohol but enjoy soda, lemonade, or juice while sunbathing or watching a show.
Who Is This Package For?
- Family Travelers: Imagine this: It's day three of your cruise, and your kids are racing from waterslides to arcade games, pausing only for a fizzy drink every time you pass a bar. With Bottomless Bubbles, you don't have to think twice. It's a small upfront investment for a big dose of convenience and one less thing to say "no" to.
- Tip for families: Traveling with multiple kids? Consider purchasing the package for the most frequent drinkers (usually teens or soda-loving tweens) and letting younger kids share occasional sips with a meal purchase. Since packages can't be shared officially, choose strategically if your child isn't a big soda drinker.
- Young Adventurers: If you're cruising with friends and skipping alcohol, Bottomless Bubbles gives you access to sodas and juices at bars and lounges throughout the day and night. It's a great option for social drinkers who don't drink spirits, and the savings add up quickly.
- Pro Tip: Bottomless Bubbles only works onboard, not at private destinations or shore excursions. If soda is your go-to, it's still a cost-effective way to stay cool and caffeinated.
More Beverage Options on Carnival
Not everyone needs an unlimited drink package. Carnival offers smaller, flexible beverage add-ons perfect for those who want convenience without committing to Cheers! or Bottomless Bubbles.
Bottled Water Packages
Stay hydrated without running to the bar.
- 12-pack (500 ml): $9.95.
- 24-pack (500 ml): $17.00.
Delivered to your stateroom. Great for families, fitness fans, and shore excursions.
Cruise the Vineyards Wine Bundles
Prefer wine with dinner but don't need 15 drinks a day?
- Classic Package: From $140 for 5 bottles.
- Deluxe Package: From $160 for 5 bottles.
- Perfect for couples or celebratory dinners, and yes, you can share these.
Specialty Coffee & Cafe Drinks
Craving a cappuccino or iced coffee? JavaBlue Cafe offers specialty drinks for $2.50-$5.00. Not a package, but worth knowing for caffeine lovers.
Want to keep sipping smarter? These add-ons are ideal for light drinkers, parents, and anyone looking to cruise with convenience.
How to Choose the Right Drink Package for Your Carnival Cruise
With several Carnival drink packages available, choosing the right one comes down to your drinking habits, budget, and who you're cruising with. Here's how to match the right package to your travel style:
For Frequent Drinkers: Go with Cheers!
If your days include cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner, and nightcaps in the piano bar, the Cheers! Beverage Program is likely your best bet. It covers up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day plus sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, energy drinks, and more.
Best fit:
- Baby Boomers and Gen X who enjoy wine and cocktails throughout the day.
- Young Adventurers looking for convenience and full access to Carnival's bars and lounges.
For Casual Drinkers: Skip the Package
If you only plan to sip an occasional beer or cocktail, paying as you go may be more affordable. Most cocktails are $9-$14 each, so doing the math on your expected consumption can help you decide.
Pro tip: Don't forget about the daily drink limit on Cheers! If you know you'll stay well under it, it may not pay off.
For Families: Mix and Match
For parents, Cheers! provides peace of mind and predictable budgeting. For kids, Bottomless Bubbles ensures unlimited access to sodas and juices at a low daily rate. Combining both can help manage costs while keeping the whole family happy.
Best fit:
- Family Travelers who want easy access to drinks without surprise charges.
- Parents who want to relax with a cocktail while keeping the kids hydrated.
For Non-Drinkers: Stick with Essentials
Not everyone needs a drink package. Carnival includes complimentary drinks like tap water, iced tea, lemonade, hot chocolate, and basic coffee. For more convenience, consider a bottled water package, or treat yourself to occasional specialty coffees.
Best fit:
- Health-conscious guests.
- Budget travelers.
- Guests who prefer to spend their money elsewhere on board.
Still not sure which option makes sense? Ask yourself how often you'll reach for a drink, then compare the cost of a package vs. buying beverages individually. Carnival's beverage options can suit every kind of cruiser, as long as you plan ahead.
Booking Your Drink Package: Tips and Best Practices
Getting the most value from your Carnival drink package starts before you board the ship. With a few smart moves, you can enjoy your favorite beverages and stay on budget.
When and Where to Buy
Pre-purchase online through your Carnival account to lock in lower prices. Packages bought onboard are often more expensive. Carnival occasionally offers pre-cruise sales, so keep an eye out in the weeks leading up to your sailing.
Pro Tip: Prices for the Cheers! package tend to rise slightly each year; booking early can help you avoid last-minute increases.
Rules and Restrictions
- No sharing: Carnival strictly prohibits sharing drink packages. If one adult in a stateroom buys Cheers!, all adults (21+) in that stateroom must purchase it too.
- 15-drink limit: The Cheers! package includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. After that, only non-alcoholic beverages are covered.
- One drink at a time: You can't double up or "bank" drinks for later.
Buyer Tip: Families should plan accordingly; Cheers! for parents, Bottomless Bubbles for kids, or pay-as-you-go for light drinkers.
Free Drinks Already Included
Not every beverage costs extra. Every Carnival cruise includes complimentary drinks like tap water, iced tea, lemonade, basic coffee and hot tea, and hot chocolate. This is often enough for non-drinkers or budget-conscious travelers.
Smart Ways to Save
- Look for pre-cruise promotions on the Carnival website or in emails from your booking agent.
- Attend the captain's cocktail parties or events with free drinks for guests.
- Use loyalty perks: Past guests in higher VIFP tiers may get free drink offers or discounts.
With a bit of planning, you can sip smarter, stay refreshed, and avoid surprise bar tabs, making your Carnival cruise even more carefree.
Finding Your Perfect Carnival Drink Package
Choosing the right Carnival drink package comes down to how you cruise. The Cheers! Beverage Program is ideal for those who want convenience, value, and a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Families and soda lovers will appreciate the simplicity of Bottomless Bubbles, while casual or non-drinkers can rely on Carnival's free options, or add bottled water or wine packages as needed.
Each package is designed to simplify your onboard experience and help you cruise with confidence, without worrying about drink costs adding up. No matter your travel style, there's a beverage solution that fits.
Planning ahead means better pricing, less stress, and more time to enjoy your vacation, glass in hand.
Sip smarter, cruise happier, your perfect package is waiting. Book Your Carnival Cruise Drink Package Today at iCruise!
