Carnival Cruise Line just extended a popular deal that could save you money on pricey add-ons.
If you have an upcoming cruise booked, you may be wondering how to save money on Carnival's pricey CHEERS! Drink Package or Premium Wi-Fi Plan.
While the cruise line doesn't offer pre-cruise sales to the same degree as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, a new promotion could save you over $30 per person, per day.
The Essentials Value Package and Ultimate Value Package are available for purchase through March 23, 2026, and are valid on sailings departing from Feb. 28, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026.
"These brilliant bundles of fun are now available," shared John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, on Facebook.
Heald later added that, although the packages were initially only available for purchase through Dec. 18, the cruise line brought them back because of their popularity. They also made a few minor adjustments to make them more flexible.
Minor guests (under 21 in the U.S. and under 18 in Australia) are not required to purchase a package if the adults get one and not all minors in the same stateroom are required to make the purchase," he posted.
"You can now mix or match package types between adults and minors… meaning, while all adults in the same stateroom must purchase a package of the same type (if one adult gets a package), minor guests can now get something different from the adults… or nothing at all."
The Essentials Value Package
Carnival's Essentials Value Package is the cheaper of the two, costing $50 per person, per day.
It includes the CHEERS! Zero Proof package and the Value Wi-Fi Plan. When purchased separately on the ship, these add-ons cost $58.99.
Not only that, but the Essentials Value Package also includes a $50 pre-cruise shore excursion discount and a $25 pre-cruise specialty dining discount.
Read more: Carnival Cruise WiFi: Pricing, Plans, & More
This makes the package a great deal for those who aren't worried about throwing back cocktails, visiting the spa, or building up the family photo album.
Minors can get the Essentials Value Package even if an adult in the same stateroom doesn't get any of the bundled deals.
Moreover, you can upgrade from the Value to the Premium Wi-Fi Plan once your sailing begins through the HUB App.
The Ultimate Value Package
At $90 per person, per day, the Ultimate Value Package isn't cheap. However, if you take advantage of everything it offers, the overall savings are significant.
Carnival's Ultimate Value Package includes:
- The alcoholic CHEERS! Drink Package
- Premium Wi-Fi
- $50 pre-cruise shore excursion discount
- $25 pre-cruise specialty dining discount
- 50% discount on pre-cruise spa bookings
- 50% discount on pre-cruise photo package bookings
Breaking that down, the CHEERS! Drink Package cost ranges from $83.94 when bought ahead of time to $89.94 for last-minute purchases on the ship.
Moreover, the Premium Wi-Fi plan, the cruise line's most expensive internet option, starts at $25.50 per day when purchased before the cruise and increases to $30.00 per day if bought onboard.
As such, if you're considering buying the CHEERS! Drink Package and Premium Wi-Fi, you will save at least $19.44 on the add-ons with the Ultimate Value Package.
You can save even more money if you utilize the other benefits of the package, too. For example, if you want to celebrate a special occasion at the ship's specialty steakhouse, the Ultimate Value Package will save you $25 off the $52 cover charge — and that’s before factoring in the generous discounts on spa treatments and photo packages.
For example, the spa's Skin Renewal Facial 2.0 starts at $179.99 through the online Cruise Manager. With the Ultimate Value Package, however, the 50-minute treatment would only cost $89.99.
Carnival's Ultimate Value Package is only available to guests 21+. Additionally, every passenger sharing the same stateroom must purchase the package.
Finally, both packages are non-transferable and non-refundable after 10:00 p.m. EST the evening before the ship's departure.
Cruisers react to Carnival's new money-saving packages
Many Carnival fans appreciate the new bundles, noting that they offer a good deal compared to buying the add-ons individually.
"Love this new deal! I already cancelled my drink/wifi package for a 14 day journey cruise next month and saved $600 by buying the value package! Thanks Carnival for really testing out new deals and bundling opportunities this past year and continually coming out with great opportunities," Jessica Rodriguez shared on Facebook.
Donald Bennett added, "Premium Package is a GREAT DEAL. Currently, Cheers! rounds up to $83/day/person and Premium Internet is $25/day/person. That is a decent discount by itself, but then there are the additional discounts. Good Job Carnival!!!"
Despite the enthusiasm, some cruisers have raised concerns about the bundles. Critics argue that, although the packages may seem like a good value, the terms and conditions aren't fair. Moreover, many wish there was more flexibility.
"Forcing the entire stateroom to purchase the non alcoholic package is where Carnival can’t seem to improve on. I will pass," said Chrissy Chanel.
English Buchanan had similar feelings, writing, "No. I usually defend y'all, but this is not going to be one of those times. Requiring a [three-year-old] to get the same package is just beyond asinine. Ten would be more reasonable, but even then you're pushing it. Maybe Carnival should come up with a plan that covers everyone in the cabin."
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
