Carnival Cheers Program On Carnival Cruise Line
For some travelers, a favorite facet of cruising is trying out the colorfully named cocktails, getting brain freeze from a variety of frozen drinks or indulging in buckets of beer. But if you’re not paying attention, the cost of all these drinks can add up — unless you’ve prepaid your entire bar tab. With Carnival’s Cheers beverage package, you can do just that.
Carnival Cruise Line Alcoholic Beverage Packages Cheers Program
Carnival Cruise Line offers only one alcoholic drink package, known as the Cheers Beverage Program. Many cruisers refer to this as the unlimited drink package, as it includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate.
The pricing of this package is $51.95 per person, per day if purchased pre-cruise. Alternatively, if you wait to purchase the package once onboard the ship, it will cost you $56.95 . Beginning January 1, 2020, the price increased by $3 per day for three and four day cruises.
This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beers, wine and champagne by the glass, and cocktails and spirits up to $20. This also includes the self-serve beer stations.
Further, this Carnival drink package also includes soda, virgin cocktails, juices, specialty coffees and teas, milkshakes, energy drinks, Powerade and Vitamin Water, and 500ml bottled water. Recently, cruisers have stated that 1L bottles of water in the dining rooms are no longer included.
The Cheers Program also entitles cruisers to a 25% discount off of any drink costing more than the $20 allotment, wine and champagne by the bottle, and beverage seminars and classes.
While there is a limit of 15 drinks with this package, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages do not count towards this limit.
Related Post:Carnival Panorama Ship Scorecard Review
Does It Work On Carnivals Private Islands Or In Ports
No, the package only works for drinks served on the ship. Even though Carnival has private islands for its guests, the drink package doesnt work there. It also doesnt work in ports of call like Cozumel or Nassau.
But that doesnt mean you are out of luck on port days. As long as you are on the ship, you can use the CHEERS! package from the ships bars. So if you decide to hang out on the ship during port days , you can still get drinks, even though the ship is docked.
Don’t Miss: Viking Rhine River Cruise Basel To Amsterdam
How Much Does The Cheers Package Cost
Carnivals drink package runs $51.95 per person, per day, plus an 18 percent gratuity added at the time of purchase . If you pre-purchase the package, this price is 10 percent cheaper than if you buy CHEERS! onboard. The program can be pre-purchased up until 10 p.m. on the night before you board the ship.
READ MORE: Pros and Cons of Carnivals Drink Package
Carnival also offers a non-alcoholic program called Bottomless Bubbles which covers unlimited sodas and juices. This program runs $8.50 per person, per day for adults, and $5.95 per person, per day for kids, with an 18 percent gratuity automatically added at the time of purchase.
What Are The Restrictions In The Cheers Drink Program
Of course, with any drinks package comes certain rules and restrictions that you need to follow. Most of these are common sense, however, it is by law that they need to be written out.
These rules are straight across the board when compared to other cruise ship lines and their drink packages. In fact, the Carnival drinks package is a bit more lenient when compared.
Recommended Reading: Who Cruises Out Of Baltimore
Carnival Makes Cruising Fun For Everyone
Carnival Cruise Line has billed itself as a line of fun ships for decades, and they easily live up to thatmoniker. With activity programs for all ages packed to bursting with nonstop entertainment designed to pullpassengers out of their shell and let loose, Carnival is perfect for people who like to party. All-hoursentertainment, from Dr. Seuss-inspired Green Eggs & Ham Brunches to the adult-only Serenity deck to fulltheatrical productions and after-hours comedy, keeps the fun going for early birds and night owls alike.
Read Also: How To Plan An Alaskan Cruise
Do The Math Before Booking & Know The Rules
Even so, if you plan on getting a drink package during your cruise, then this deal can save you some money.
But before you book, we suggest you learn the ins and outs of the CHEERS! package to make sure you will get your moneys worth.
The drink package offers a lot to like. For the set daily charge, you get your choice of nearly any beverage on the ship. Want a margarita by the pool? Or a glass of wine with dinner? Simply head to the bar and its yours. You know exactly what you pay each day and never have to worry about a surprise bill.
That said, there are some rules around the package that youll want to know. For one, if one person in the cabin orders the CHEERS! package, then all adults in the cabin have to order it as well. There is also a limit on alcoholic drinks of 15 beverages per 24-hour period .
You also have to purchase the package for the entire cruise. So even if you are in port all day and cant take advantage, youre still charged.
Youll want to keep these rules in mind to know if youll get your moneys worth, or if youd be better off booking the lower rate without the package.
You May Like: 3 To 4 Day Cruises
Is Gratuity Included In The Price
The headline price thats advertised doesnt include gratuity, but it will be included on your final charge.
Carnival charges an 18% gratuity automatically on the value of the package. Therefore, if you are sailing on a weeklong cruise and buy the package ahead of time, the cost is $59.95. But youll actually be charged $70.74 per person, each day.
Since you pay gratuity on the cost of the package, when you get a drink from the bar you are not charged an additional gratuity.
Carnival Cruise Drink Prices
If youre not going to get the drink package, you might wonder just how much drinks cost on a Carnival Cruise. I want to say that most of my fruity drinks were $6-$10, depending on the drink. Be sure to check the Fun Times everyday for the Drink of the Day, which will be discounted. Theyre always tasty choices! Beer you can generally get for $4-$6 per bottle, you might want to opt for pails if youre planning to drink a few or share.
So there you have it! All you ever wanted to know about drinks on a Carnival Cruise, right?! I hope you enjoy our Top Ten list and let us know which is your favorite OR if you have another we should add to our list for next time!
For More Carnival Cruise Posts, check out:
Also Check: My Cruise Planner Royal Caribbean
Do I Still Need To Tip The Bartender
Technically, no, as youve already paid a gratuity as part of the price of the beverage package. That said, were big believers in the power of tipping. We tend to tip the bartender if theres a bar we know well be spending a lot of time. Will you still get excellent service if you dont? Of course. But unless youve never set foot in a bar before, we probably dont have to tell you that a little extra cash can help make sure you stand out from the crowd.
Red Frog Rum Bar Menu
The Red Frog Rum bar is located in the Lido Pool area on almost every Carnival ship. It is different from the Red Frog Pub which is an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship usually. On the Mardi Gras and Celebration, its been upgrade to a story story pool-side venue called the Red Frog Tiki bar with a slightly different menu. These are the updated May 2022 menus.
Recommended Reading: What Cruise Lines Go To Bermuda From Florida
Learn More About The Benefits Of Sailing With Carnival Cruise Lines
Whether you are a full family, couple, solo, group of friends, or celebrating your anniversary, there are many benefits to sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines. Cruises are all about letting loose and enjoying the experience, so the Carnival drinks packages will add to the fun.
If you want to learn more about the awesome benefits of sailing with Carnival Cruise lines, check out our blog section on Carnival cruise line tips.
With The Cheers Carnival Drinks Package
If purchased ahead of time, the Carnival drinks package is only $54.95 per day plus gratuity. Adding to this, you have a drink limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day, instead of just five which we previously calculated.
In a seven-day cruise, the Carnival drinks packages work out to be only $429.11, and this includes basically all you can drink!
Even if you do not drink very much alcohol, this is a clear example of why the carnival alcohol package CHEERS! Is the way to go.
Imagine yourself sitting poolside, soaking up the hot sun when those mojitos and margaritas keep coming around. You want to enjoy these special moments, not stress about the cost of drinking when you are on vacation.
Don’t Miss: Cruise To Egypt From Usa
Can You Get Free Drinks In The Casino
When you play in the casino, you earn casino points. After collecting the required points, youll receive a Drink On Us card, which allows you to get free drinks while playing.
Youll earn one casino point for every $2.50 you play on the slot machine.
Once you accumulate 1500 points, youll receive the Drink On Us card. So, youll need to spend $3750 at the Carnival casino to get free drinks. And once you accumulate 5000 points, youll also receive a Drink On Us card for your next Carnival cruise vacation.
Its important to note that the Drink On Us card only grants you free drinks while you are actively gambling. And, considering the time spent preparing, serving, and drinking your beverage, youll likely spend far more gambling than the cost of the drink.
What Does The Price Of My Cruise Include
The price of your cruise includes:
- A well deserved vacation!
- Your stateroom, featuring the Carnival Comfort Bed Collection and nightly turndown service… additional stateroom features include a television, in-stateroom safe, individual climate control, full bathroom and ample storage space.
- Spectacular production shows and entertainment, including hysterical comedians
- Numerous lounges featuring live music and entertainment
- Pools, hot tub spas and waterslides
- Year round youth programs for kids 2-17 years of age
- A variety of dining options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late night in the Main Dining Room and/or Lido Restaurant.
- A variety of dining options for breakfast, lunch and snacking at specialty food spots , such as but not limited to: Guy’s Burger Joint, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Street Eats, Big Chicken, Mongolian Wok and Ol’ Fashioned BBQ.
- 24-hour soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt
- The following beverages served in the Main Dining Room and 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate and non-specialty coffee and tea
The following services are not included in the cruise price:
Recommended Reading: Hawaii And French Polynesia Cruise 2021
Carnival Cruise Line Alcohol Policy
Drinking Alcohol On Board:The minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the bars, lounges and gift shops is 21 years of age. Carnival reserves the right to request ID prior to the purchase of alcohol and refuse the sale of alcohol to anyone. Guests will be limited to purchasing a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages, per person, per day while on board.
Bringing Liquor and Beverages On Board – Embarkation Day:Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.
On embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages , packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest’s carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.
Distilled Water:Carnival carries distilled water which can be purchased either pre-cruise or once on board. For purchase on board, please contact room service. Should you wish to bring your own distilled water with you, it must be hand carried along with your CPAP machine.
Purchasing Liquor During the Cruise:Liquor purchased on board and taken home may be subject to Customs duty and must be declared on the Customs declaration form.
Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST42496CST No. 2066521-50
Carnival Bon Voyage Alcohol Policy Rules
- Any alcohol purchased through Fun Shops is delivered to staterooms .
- If you buy wine through Bon Voyage, you don’t pay a corkage fee.
- There’s a limit of max 2 bottles per cabin when ordering liquor .
- In the above list if you don’t see something be sure to call/ask.
- Due to Alabama and Texas alcohol laws, Carnival ships departing from Mobile AL and Galveston TX can’t deliver alcoholic drinks to staterooms until the ship is in international waters .
Also Check: What Are The Major Cruise Lines
What Are The Normal Drink Prices On A Carnival Cruise Ship
For years, Carnival has had the lowest drink prices in the cruise industry, but as a result of their 2022 price increase, theyre now on par with the other mainstream cruise lines. Of course, the pricing can vary if Carnival is testing new pricing or menus, but here is an idea of standard drink prices onboard most Carnival ships leaving from the US and Puerto Rico.
Average Prices of Drinks on a Carnival Cruise Ship
- Glass of wine: $10.00
- Frozen drinks: $9.50
- Cocktails: $12.00
- Gourmet coffees: $4.00
- Bottled water: $1.50
Is There Free Alcohol On A Carnival Cruise
Well, alcohol is generally expensive on cruises.
Its why people try to sneak alcohol onto the cruise ship.
You CAN take one bottle of wine onto the cruise ship if you want to go the way of not breaking any cruise line alcohol policies.
But there might be a few places on board at limited times that you can get a drink or 2 for FREE.
Also Check: How To Get Discounts On Norwegian Cruise
What Does The Cheers Program Not Include
There are a few exceptions to what you can not include in the CHEERS! Program, including:
- Bottles of spirits
- Beverages sold in souvenir glasses
- Freshly squeezed orange juice in the Havana bar
- Drinks offered in the Gangway
- beverages ordered through room service, Stateroom packages, and min-bars
- Any beverage from the enomatic wine machines
- Any sharing of buckets, cocktails, pitchers, floaters, and tubes.
- No cigars, cigarettes, or merchandise.
The drinks which are not included are not very commonly consumed beverages, which again, makes this package very irresistible.
What Other Restrictions Are Important To Know
As youd probably expect, CHEERS! is only available to those 21 and over. Also, if one passenger in a stateroom wants to purchase the package, any other guests over the age of 21 who share the same cabin must buy it. You also cant purchase the package for a single day or a portion of the cruise it is only available for the entire length of the cruise.
The program is refundable, but only up until 10 p.m. on the day before your cruise is scheduled to sail.
Finally, CHEERS! is not always available on European itineraries, two-day voyages, or charter cruises.
This article was originally published in July 2019. It was updated and republished in October 2021.
Also Check: How Much Is Internet On Disney Cruise
Is A Carnival Drink Package Worth It
That really depends on how much you plan on drinking. Cruisers should consider how much they will drink on a typical day, taking into account how many days in port. As noted, drink packages are not able to be used at Carnivals private islands.
Looking at the cost of the drink package , a guest would need to consume 7 beers or 5 glasses of wine/ cocktails to break even. But, the plan also includes soda, water, energy drinks and specialty coffees like cappuccino, so it is important to consider how many drinks in total you think you will drink, not just alcoholic beverages.
Some guests like the peace of mind of purchasing a drink package ahead of time. Drinks can add up quickly, and no one wants a huge bill at the end of this cruise.
Note that you can only get one beverage at a time, and there is a five-minute waiting period in between drink orders.
Can You Bring Water Bottles On A Cruise
You CANT bring water bottles on board, but you CAN bring a pack of juice, sparkling water, or similar on board if they are canned drinks or they are in a carton.
And these types of drinks are among the cruise items not to pack in your checked luggage. You need to pack it in your carry-on when you board the ship.
Check the current policy to make sure youre still allowed to bring these types of drinks on a Carnival cruise so there will be no surprises at the start of your vacation!
Read Also: Which Cruise Line Is Best For Single Adults
Things To Keep In Mind
Whatever you do, do NOT share your drinks with someone who is not on the CHEERS! program. If they catch you, they will cancel your package and you will have to begin ordering drinks individually without the deal.
The Carnival drinks program is a very smooth system. Every bartender will know that you are on it because of your Carnival cruise drink card called the Sail and Sign card.
In 2018, an approximate 27.2 million people enjoyed a vacation aboard a cruise ship, so book your cruise well ahead of time, or else prices will go up, and spaces will be full.