One popular cruise line increased the price of its drink package without warning. Passengers sailing on Carnival cruises 6 nights or longer now have to pay more for their CHEERS! beverage package.
The hike was revealed on Carnival's official website, which indicates that the price of their only alcoholic drink package is $88.44 per person, per day, regardless of the sailing's length. Guests can prepay for the CHEERS! package online before 11:59pm the evening before the cruise departs for $82.54 daily.
Previously, the drink package on sailings 6 nights or longer was $76.64 per night when purchased on board. The $11.80 increase means those on 7-night cruises can expect to pay $82.60 more. However, it's possible to save money by purchasing a package in advance through Carnival's website or call center.
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No other changes to the package
Carnival's CHEERS! drink package still enforces a $20 cap per beverage and a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks. However, there is no restriction on the number of non-alcoholic beverages, such as specialty coffees and sodas, you can order.
The package still also includes zero-proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, hot tea, 500ml bottled water, a 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00, a 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle, and a 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes.
Additionally, all guests 21 and over in the same cabin must purchase the package. Carnival doesn't allow for exemptions to prevent passengers from sharing the drink package with other cruisers.
That said, the daily price of the Bottomless Bubbles soda package wasn't changed. It still costs $8.20/day for kids (17 years and younger) and $11.21/day for adults (18 years and older). These prices include the mandatory 18% service charge.
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Carnival also quietly raised the price of its internet packages
Cruisers will now pay more for all three of Carnival's internet plans. Like with the drink package increase, passengers weren't notified before the hike, eliminating the possibility of locking in the lower price.
The Social Wi-Fi Plan, the lowest tier, now costs $18.70 when bought in advance and $22 onboard, reflecting a 22% increase. This basic package only includes access to select social media sites and apps, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Snapchat, X, and LinkedIn.
The Value Wi-Fi Plan starts at $22.10 when purchased before sailing, while the onboard price was increased to $26 per day. This package includes access to all sites and applications as the Social plan with a faster connection speed.
Finally, the pre-cruise price for the Premium Wi-Fi Plan increased from $21.25 to $23.80/day. Those who buy the plan onboard will now pay $28 daily. This package is ideal for guests who want to stream movies, video chat, work remotely, and browse the web with the highest speeds on the ship.
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No warning
Carnival last increased its drink package pricing in late 2023, hiking the daily price from $59.95/day to $69.95/day when purchased on board. Guests were notified a few days before the new pricing took effect on Sunday, October 8. This time, however, Carnival didn't warn travelers, meaning they couldn't lock in the lower pricing.
@mandythecruiseplanner posted a TikTok about the change, and commenters were frustrated by the lack of communication about the increase. "I'm sad that they didn't give us a heads up," said Estela Castillo.
"Ugh!!! I have a Feb cruise and I hadn't decided yet. Now it's a no for me," added JamiB.
Others were upset because Carnival upped the price but didn't change the benefits. "Raising the price of the package but still having a 15 drink limit is crazy," wrote Kiana.6885, "If they are gonna start having Royal/ Norwegian drink package prices, they need to do unlimited drinks like them too."
Carnival Cruise Line's Brand Ambassador took to Facebook to share his thoughts about the increase and defend the line's decisions: "We are proud of the quality and value a Carnival cruise vacation provides all of you. Recent nominal price adjustments to help cover higher costs and our investments in on board offerings allow us to continue providing the high-quality experiences our guests know and love."
He was met with backlash, though. Many expressed frustration with Carnival's decision, stating that increasing the package's price without warning felt like a lack of transparency and wasn't a great way to keep cruisers loyal.
Ruthie Jean said, "I would not characterize any of the recent increases as 'Nominal'. Here’s an idea, [upcharge] those not already booked. Then people can decide to pay or not pay at the new rate. Impacting cruisers already booked isn’t the best way to foster loyalty."
"I was waiting until next week to pay for the cheers package (I know my fault) so it was a very unpleasant surprise to find out they raised the price. While I understand that prices are rising and they are not obligated to say anything, a day or 2 notice would have been great. The notice just would have been a gesture of gratitude to people [who] are loyal to Carnival," added Kristi Smith.
"There is no longer 'value' to Carnival. The crazy increases in Cheers, WiFi, specialty dining etc [have] removed the 'value' of Carnival and it’s a shame. All of this has made me...decide to cancel our Magic cruise and book with another line. I looked forward to the fun and entertainment on a fun ship. No longer. The prices don’t justify the return. The cutbacks and price increases are too much for me," explained Randy Smith.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
