Carnival Drinks Packages 2026: 19 Essential Tips You Need to Know

Carnival drinks packages are incredibly popular and can be a great way to make your cruise feel all-inclusive – but they’re not always as simple as they seem. While they come with plenty of perks, there are also a few pitfalls that can catch first-time cruisers out.

From daily limits and sharing rules to service charges and port-day exclusions, there are a few things you need to know before you buy. Understanding exactly what’s included (and what isn’t) can save you from unexpected surprises on your bill at the end of your trip.

In this guide, I’ll share 19 expert tips to help you get the most value from Carnival’s drinks packages, avoid hidden charges, and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible on your cruise.

1. Purchase the Cheers Package Before Your Cruise to Save up to 10%

When planning your Carnival cruise, it’s a good idea to purchase the Cheers drink package in advance. Doing so will net you a $5 per day discount compared to purchasing it onboard. It’s a no-brainer!

It’s around $5 cheaper too for the Zero-Proof package, but that doesn’t quite equate to 10% since the package is cheaper overall.

	Buy on website	Buy on ship
Cheers package	$82.54	$88.44
Zero-Proof Cheers package	$35.39	$41.29

(Just so you know, you used to get the package cheaper on cruises of 6 nights or more, but that changed in December 2024…)

2. Compare the Cost of a Drink Package vs. Paying for Individual Drinks

Before opting for any package, do the math. Consider how many drinks you might consume daily and compare that with the cost of the package.

Sometimes, if you’re a light drinker or particular about your drink choices, paying as you go might be more economical.

You can see Carnival’s drinks menus and prices here. But if that sounds like too much hard work, just use my free drink package calculator. It’ll do the sums for you.

3. If You Don’t Drink Alcohol, Don’t Get the Cheers Package

The Cheers package is best suited for those who enjoy both alcoholic and speciality non-alcoholic beverages. If you mostly drink sodas, the Bottomless Bubbles package will probably be a better fit.

It’s virtually impossible to get your money’s worth from the Cheers package if you don’t drink alcohol.

There is now a third option, Zero-Proof Cheers, which may be better suited to you if you don’t drink alcohol but you don’t just want sodas.

It includes a lot more options, such as premium coffees, mocktails, energy drinks and more.

4. Don’t Worry About the Gratuity!

The cost of Carnival’s drink packages used to be advertised without the gratuity, so they looked a lot cheaper – the lowest price was from $59.95 per day.

However, laws changed in early 2024, which meant that cruise lines could get in trouble advertising prices without extra fees included in certain US states. For ease, they just decided to update all of their prices to include the gratuity.

So the prices above are the prices you’ll pay – there are no extra fees on top that you need to worry about, like there would’ve been previously.

5. Be Aware of Local Taxes When in US Waters

​​When you use the Cheers package while the ship is docked or in US waters, local state taxes may apply. This is usually an extra 10% on the price of each drink, whether you have the package or not, so you’ll want to be mindful of this while budgeting.

6. Don’t Go Crazy on the First Night if You’re Sailing from Texas or New York

For cruises departing from Texas or New York, the Cheers package isn’t activated until the second day. So, pace yourself on the first night, as any drinks consumed will be charged individually.

Sure, have some drinks and a good time. But know that if you decide to drink 15 beers on the first night, your bill will be about $120. And that’s a lot more than the package.

7. Discuss with the People in Your Stateroom Before You Buy

If you want the Cheers package, then every adult in the same stateroom must purchase the same package. It’s crucial to discuss with your roommates and ensure everyone is on board with the idea before purchasing.

The same rule doesn’t apply to the Zero-Proof package. If only one of you wants it, then that’s fine – provided the other person isn’t buying the alcohol-inclusive Cheers package.

So, to be clear – if one person in your cabin wants the Cheers package, then everyone over 21 in your cabin has to also get it.

But if nobody is getting the Cheers package, and only one person wants the Zero-Proof Cheers package, that’s fine.

8. Don’t Share Drinks

Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to the Cheers package. Sharing drinks can lead to potential penalties, including the possible deactivation of your drink package without a refund.

9. Know Exactly What’s Included in Your Package

If you order anything except for these drinks, you’ll have to pay for it. I’ll explain some of these that you may not have thought of further along in this guide.

10. Ask Your Room Attendant to Empty Your Minibar

When you first board your Carnival cruise, you may be tempted to dive into the minibar in your room. But it’s important to know that the Cheers package doesn’t cover minibar items. These drinks and snacks come at an additional cost, and they can quickly add up.

To avoid the temptation and any accidental extra charges, consider asking your room attendant to empty the minibar on your arrival day.

This will not only provide clarity on what drinks are covered under your package but also give you extra storage space in your cabin refrigerator. This comes in handy, especially if you’ve brought along beverages, like the allowable 12-pack of soft drinks or your bottle of wine.

11. Try Carnival’s Unique Speciality Cocktails

Carnival offers a range of speciality cocktails unique to the cruise line. With the Cheers package, make it a point to try them out. It’s a fun way to enhance your cruising experience. And if you don’t like one, it doesn’t matter; you don’t have to finish it!

Carnival ships have some really cool cocktail bars, like the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Celebration or the Amari Bar on Carnival Venezia. So your cruise is the perfect time to try a cocktail that you’ve never had before. Like this pineapple rum Negroni?

12. Order Wine by the Glass

Wine is only included in the Cheers package if you buy it by the glass. So don’t order a bottle and don’t use the self-service wine machines either as these will be chargeable.

13. Take Advantage of the 25% Discount on Spirits, Wine, or Champagne over $20 and Bottled Wines

On some cruise ships, if you order a drink that costs more than the package limit, you’ll have to pay for the whole drink. Luckily, that’s not the case with Carnival cruises.

If you’re looking to indulge in a high-end spirit or wine, the Cheers package offers a 25% discount for any beverage priced over $20. This is a great way to enjoy luxury drinks at a reduced price.

14. Don’t Order Fishbowls

Fishbowls or shared cocktails are not included in the Cheers package. Ordering one would mean paying for it separately, so it’s best to avoid them if you want to make the most of your package.

15. Avoid Beverages Sold in Souvenir Glasses

Drinks served in souvenir glasses come with an additional charge, even if the drink itself is included in the Cheers package. To avoid surprise costs, stick to standard glassware.

16. Know How to Get Around the 15-Drink Limit

If you have the Cheers package, Carnival limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks in any 24-hour period (6 am until 6 am). For most people, this isn’t a problem. But if you start the day with breakfast mimosas and move on to easy-to-drink beverages like bottles of beer, you may find that you want more than 15.

To prevent guests from consuming too much, Carnival’s system means that it’s not possible for them to serve you any more alcohol once you’ve had your 15 drinks, even if you pay for it.

But what if you want more than that? Well, one method that’s discussed on cruise forums is to wait until you get close to the limit, and then buy one of the larger drinks that’s not included in the package. This could be a bottle of wine, a bucket of beers or a fishbowl. 

17. Drink as Many Non-Alcoholic Beverages as You Like

One of the benefits of the Cheers package is that non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited. This includes sodas, mocktails, and speciality coffees, allowing you to hydrate and enjoy a variety without worrying about additional charges.

18. Bring Your Own Wine and Soft Drinks

Carnival allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne and/or 12 cans or cartons of soft drinks onboard. Even if you have the drink package, it can be a good idea to do this.

Remember that the mini bar in your room isn’t included in the package. So if you want to enjoy a drink on your balcony or while getting ready to head out for the evening, it can be nice to grab something from the fridge in your room without having to go out and line up at a bar.

19. Ask the Bartender or Server for Clarification on Drink Package Rules If You’re Not Sure

If you’re ever uncertain about what’s included in your package or have questions about specific drinks, don’t hesitate to ask the onboard staff. They’re there to help and ensure you have a fantastic cruising experience.

The Bottom Line

If you’re savvy, a drink package can be the perfect way to enjoy as many drinks as you want on your cruise, while saving money. But, as you’ve seen, there are a few things to be aware of.

If you’re still not sure whether a drink package is a good idea, be sure to grab my Carnival drink package calculator before deciding whether to buy it or not…

Related Posts:

• Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: The Ultimate Guide
• How Much Cash To Bring On A Carnival Cruise
• Carnival Introduces New Wine Benefits