After booking a cruise, one of the most popular add-ons is an alcoholic drink package. There’s nothing quite like having a delicious cocktail at the pool or a specialty latte in the morning to start your day while cruising. Vacation is meant to be relaxing, not stressing over the cost of every drink you want to enjoy!
If you’re planning to go on a Carnival cruise, you might wonder if you should purchase Carnival’s alcoholic drink package, known as the CHEERS! package. You’re not alone if you’re considering whether or not the package is worthwhile.
Because Carnival Cruise Line is known for having some of the craziest parties and rowdiest crowds onboard, the CHEERS! package is a common pre-cruise purchase. Purchasing a drink package can allow you to let loose onboard without worrying about racking up a large bill from your onboard drinking.
As a frequent cruiser, I typically don’t purchase drink packages because they are expensive. Moreover, I receive free cocktails onboard Royal Caribbean cruises because of my loyalty status. With five free drinks daily, there is little need to purchase a drink package.
In fact, the one time I did purchase a drink package on Royal Caribbean, I found the high cost to not be worthwhile when I already receive five free drinks each day. As a math wiz, I was constantly calculating whether I was getting my money’s worth from the drink package, as we spent $800 on it for a 4-night cruise.
To break even on our splurge, my husband and I had to drink about 10 cocktails daily to make the package worth it. After one day of drinking, I threw in the towel (and my liver thanked me). Since then, I haven’t even looked at the price of a drink package when cruising.
However, after booking my recent 4-night cruise on Carnival Valor, I was surprised to see the drink package reasonably priced. For two people, the package was only $660.32 for a weekend cruise to Mexico. Considering this was cheaper than my package with Royal Caribbean, I thought the splurge was worthwhile.
Even after six cruises with Carnival, I’ve never splurged on the drink package. While still expensive at $82.54 per person per day, I wanted to see if purchasing Carnival’s CHEERS! package was worth the money or not.
Carnival’s CHEERS! program is the cruise line’s option for guests who want an alcoholic package for their cruise, allowing passengers to pay a flat rate for their alcohol, so you don’t need to worry about paying for each drink individually.
The cost of the CHEERS! package depends on the duration of your cruise and whether you purchase the package before you get onboard the cruise.
Pre-purchased drink packages:
- 5 days or less: $82.54 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge
- 6 days or more: $70.74 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge
Onboard drink packages:
- 5 days or less: $88.44 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge
- 6 days or more: $76.64 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge
All guests of 21 years and older are required to purchase the drink package in the same stateroom. For example, for a 4-night cruise for two people, the cost breaks down to $559.60 for the package and $100.72 for the required service charge, totaling $660.32. If it was purchased onboard, the drink package would have been $707.52.
The cruise line also indicates that guests should expect additional taxes to be charged on the first day of cruising. Carnival’s website states that applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio while docked in US waters. Carnival states the tax is based on the state’s tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased.
“For example: if the drink price is $5 and the tax is 10%, the guest's Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.50 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call),” states the website.
What’s included in Carnival’s drink package, and what are the restrictions?
The CHEERS! drink package includes most beverages onboard Carnival’s cruise ships. Everything from cocktails, coffee, and soda are included in the CHEERS! Package.
The drink package with Carnival can be purchased before you board in the cruise planner or after you set sail. However, you will always pay a higher price on the ship. Because of this, Carnival’s website indicates you can save up to 10% by pre-purchasing the drink package.
Unlike some cruise lines, Carnival’s drink package limits the number of alcoholic drinks that you can order each day. The CHEERS! package includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks within a 24-hour period (6:00 am - 6:00 am) each day of your cruise. After you’ve consumed the 15 alcoholic drinks, you are not able to purchase any additional alcohol until the next day.
Read more: When is the best time to buy a cruise drink package?
According to Carnival’s website, the CHEERS! drink package includes the following:
- All spirits (including cocktails), up to $20 or lower menu price
- Beer and wine by the glass, up to $20 or lower menu price
- Sodas
- Zero-proof frozen cocktails
- Energy drinks
- Specialty coffee
- Hot tea
- 500ml bottled water
- Other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
- Packaged water in the Main Dining Room and specialty restaurants
- For drinks that are priced above $20, guests will receive a 25% discount
While the bars were busy, service was quick throughout our cruise. This made it easy to get drinks whenever we wanted
Because I was trying Carnival’s drink package for the first time, I was eager to taste a variety of cocktails on the ship. We were especially ready to have a drink onboard Carnival Valor after our ship was delayed due to a hurricane.
Our first drink was easier to get than we anticipated, as bar servers were walking around with rum punch. With the swipe of our card, we had cocktails in hand and made our way to the epic sailaway party. This was a fun sailaway party because our cruise was going nowhere!
With Hurricane Francine delaying the previous sailing, our cruise was cut short, and we weren't able to make it to Cozumel, Mexico. Instead, we cruised out to the ocean for two days before returning. This gave us plenty of time to try out the bars on Carnival Valor!
During the sailaway party, we also tried out the BlueIguana Tequila Bar for mojitos. Although the bar looked busy, we were able to get drinks quickly. The ship was technically sailing in Louisiana, so we each had to pay around $1 in taxes because we were not at sea yet.
Later that evening, we also ordered martinis with our dinner, which felt like such a luxury! It was convenient not having to worry about paying $15 for a single drink. We each had about three drinks on the first day of the cruise, which isn’t exactly enough to break even.
Without ports of call, we enjoyed the diverse bars and cocktail menus during our two sea days
When deciding if the drink package is worth it, one consideration should include the amount of time you’ll spend onboard. Itineraries that are port-intensive will not have as many opportunities to take advantage of your drink package onboard. On the other hand, more time on the ship gives ample time to try out the bars.
Considering our cruise ended up being a 3-night itinerary to nowhere, we wanted to try all of the signature bars onboard Carnival Valor. This included the classic RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, Red Frog Pub, and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.
In addition, our drink package included specialty coffee. Each morning of our cruise, we made our way to the JavaBlue Cafe for lattes to start the day. These lattes cost around $6 each with gratuities, and I love to start my cruise day with a specialty coffee. However, coffee isn’t where you will make your drink package worthwhile.
Having the drink package provided a new element to my Carnival cruise experience. I was excited to try the different bars onboard, which is not something that’s usually on my agenda. Some of my favorite drinks include fruity cocktails, martinis, mimosas, and mojitos.
I also liked being able to try new cocktails without having to worry about the cost. For instance, I have always wanted to try a drink called The Cruiser on Carnival’s standard drink menu, which is “a blend of Stoli Vodka, Malibu Coconut Rum, and Peach Schnapps, mixed with pineapple, cranberry, and orange juice.”
Another yummy cocktail I finally tried included a peach cosmopolitan from the the chemistry-themed Alchemy Bar, which is a blend of Stoli Citros Vodka, Blended Family Peach Liqueur, cranberry juice, and fresh citrus. However, the Alchemy bar service was significantly slower than other bars.
With so many different drinks and bars to try on a Carnival cruise, nothing felt repetitive. Each restaurant has its own drink menu, such as the specialty steakhouse. In fact, one of my favorite drinks was a watermelon martini during our specialty meal on the last night.
Our second and third days had a heavier emphasis on the drink package. I loved having a cocktail on the top deck, taking in the calm seas and ocean air. It was also fun having drinks with dinner and during the nightly entertainment.
Read more: 18 Carnival Cruises Tips & Tricks
Although I liked having the drink package during our cruise, I’m not sure if it was worth the money for me
I’m not a heavy drinker, so purchasing the drink package isn’t a must-do for me. I love having some drinks while cruising, as it’s a quintessential cruise experience, but I’m not someone who can drink heavily for more than one or two days at a maximum.
Being able to try any drink I wanted onboard at any time was a luxury that I hadn’t experienced on a Carnival cruise. There was no pressure to finish a drink I didn’t particularly care for. Also, I appreciated the freedom to try different cocktails without worrying about whether I would actually like it. When I pay for drinks individually on a cruise, I normally default to my go-to order to make sure my money isn't wasted.
Our cruise was meant to be a 4-night itinerary, but we only sailed for three nights with our revised itinerary. After two days of drinking throughout the day and into the night, I was ready to be sober for a little while. I thought to myself, “I could not get my money’s worth on a 7-night cruise.”
Because my mind is mathematically wired, I wanted to make sure my money didn’t go to waste. I found myself ordering drinks even when I really didn’t need or want another one. You have to remember - your mindset might change when you invest hundreds of dollars! This can lead to drinking more than you want in order to feel your drink package was worth the splurge.
If you plan to drink heavily and consistently, then Carnival’s CHEERS! package could be worthwhile
With cocktails costing around $12 with an 18% gratuity, you can estimate around $14 for each cocktail you have onboard. This means you should plan to have at about six drinks each day of your cruise to break even. If you mix in some specialty coffee, bottled water, or energy drinks, the package could be financially worth it.
If you don’t plan to drink consistently, you could also find value in the drink package because of its peace of mind. Some people don’t want to worry about paying a large bill at the end of their cruise. By purchasing your drinks beforehand, you can let loose and drink wherever, whenever, and whatever you want. This can make your cruise feel more inclusive, which is worth the add-on cost for some.
A shorter itinerary with some sea days is probably the best opportunity to get your money’s worth from a drink package, as you’ll have enough stamina to drink consistently with more time onboard. Similarly, those traveling with a group (such as a bachelorette party) who plan to party will likely find the drink package worthwhile.
Whether the drink package is worthwhile on a Carnival cruise ultimately comes down to personal preference
Everyone has a different travel style and cruise budget that they need to consider before investing in the CHEERS! package. You should also consider everyone’s drinking habits in your stateroom before purchasing. Because you’ll be spending hundreds of dollars on this purchase, you want to ensure you can confidently make the investment worthwhile.
Here’s when I think the CHEERS! drink package would be worthwhile:
1. You’re a heavy drinker: Those who like to drink substantially and consistently can easily get their value from the drink package. Alcohol adds up quickly on a cruise, so these cruisers won’t struggle to get their money’s worth.
2. You enjoy variety: The drink package provides freedom and flexibility during your cruise. You can try new cocktails or drinks and expand your horizons without worry.
3. You’re cruising with a party crowd: Carnival is a go-to cruise line for groups traveling together looking to celebrate and have a good time. If you’re planning to party with your friends and family, investing in a drink package is probably a good idea!
4. You want peace of mind: If you want to have everything already paid for before your cruise, purchasing the drink package could be a good idea. This ensures you won’t be overwhelmed by a large bar tab at the end of your cruise (there is nothing worse!).
Here’s when I think the CHEERS! drink package would not be worthwhile:
1. You’re a light drinker: Even if you only plan to have two drinks each day of your cruise, you won’t get the financial value from the drink package. Lighter drinkers are better off purchasing drinks individually.
2. The itinerary is port-heavy: You will get the most value from your drink package when on the ship instead of exploring ports of call. The more time you have onboard, the more you can utilize your drink package.
3. Your cruise is more than a weekend sailing: It’s easier to drink continuously if you’re only onboard for a few days. This also creates a “now or never” mentality, making it easier to drink more often. Those sailing on longer cruisers could lose their stamina, making it harder to drink consistently for days on end.
4. You’re on a tight budget: Carnival is one of the most affordable cruise lines in the industry. If you are stretching your budget to get onboard, you’re better off finding cheaper drinks in your ports of call. Unless you’re sure that you can get your money’s worth, try other strategies for cheaper alcohol.
Allie Hubers
Allie Hubers has been cruising since she was a tiny toddler. What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. Allie's been on over 45 cruises all over the world. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents.
