You will now pay more for Carnival's drink package and tips — here's why

Carnival Cruise Line officially raised its daily gratuity rate for the first time since 2023. 

Carnival announced the changes in February 2026, giving passengers around two months to lock in the current rate and pre-pay their tips. 

For those who didn't, the new, higher gratuity rates now automatically apply, whether the tips are settled in advance or added to the Sail & Sign account on board. 

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"We are writing to let you know that we will be changing the price for Bottomless Bubbles (for adults only – there is no price change for children) and adjusting the onboard gratuity guidelines, effective April 2, 2026, as outlined below. However, we will honor the existing price for both if purchased prior to the adjustment," read the increase notice emailed to passengers. 

As of April 2, 2026, the Carnival gratuity rate is as follows (note that Carnival charges the same tip amount for every passenger, regardless of their age):

• Standard cabins: $17 per person (up from $16)
• Suites: $19 per person (up from $18) 

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Carnival last raised its gratuities in April 2023. Before that, the daily rate was $14.50 per person for standard cabins and $16.50 for suites, reflecting a 9% to 10% increase at the time.

Although the new rate is just $1 higher, the difference can add up — especially on longer sailings or larger families traveling together. 

For example, a family of four staying in a standard cabin will now pay $476 in tips for a 7-night Carnival cruise, whereas they would have previously paid $448 just a few days ago. 

Read more: Carnival Cruise Line abruptly raises the daily gratuity charges for the first time in three years

In the same email, Carnival also confirmed a price increase for the Bottomless Bubbles drink package

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Adults will pay more for Carnival's soda package, too. The cruise line did not make any changes to the child's pricing. 

According to the notice, Bottomless Bubbles increased to $11.99 per day, effective April 2. With the mandatory 20% service charge, the soda package now costs over $14 per adult, per day. 

Speaking of, the cruise line quietly raised its service charge in December without warning, upping it from 18% to 20%.

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This means cruisers will pay more for add-ons like the Cheers! alcoholic drink package, specialty restaurants, and spa treatments. 

"Thank you, most especially, for your support of our onboard crew. Our shipboard team members work hard to provide exceptional and friendly service, and your gratuities go directly to benefit the crew in addition to their base pay. We hope you will agree that this slight increase is well deserved," Carnival concluded the email.