Carnival Cruise

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.

It's not too late to begin planning your 2026 Carnival cruise vacation. 

Although the cruise line isn't welcoming any brand-new ships in 2026, there's a lot to look forward to, from unique itineraries to the unveiling of the revitalized Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay. 

Even if you're a loyal Carnival cruiser, there are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind when planning your voyage next year that will help make the most of your time onboard and minimize pre-cruise stress. 

Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old soon-to-be high school graduate found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month, died by asphyxiation, according to ABC News sources close to the investigation

Kepner was found hidden under a bed in her cabin on the Carnival Horizon on November 7. Her body was wrapped in a blanket and covered by life jackets.

A Carnival drink package allows you to indulge in a fixed number of alcoholic or unlimited non-alcoholic beverages each day of your cruise for a set price, so you do not have to worry about purchasing each drink á la carte. 

They are one of the most popular cruise add-ons for a reason! Of course, if you are not a big drinker, you may not get your money's worth. Maybe you would rather splurge on some once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions or a nicer stateroom. 

Cruisers have a few more months to lock in lifetime Diamond loyalty status with Carnival Cruise Line!

The cruise giant announced that, rather than taking effect in June, the controversial Carnival Rewards™ program will now launch on September 1, 2026. 

This means that all Carnival cruise activity through August 31, 2026, will count toward the final VIFP status, which will match each guest’s starting Carnival Rewards™ loyalty level. 

The body of Anna Kepner, 18, was discovered aboard a Carnival cruise ship, resulting in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. 

While few details were initially released, new evidence has since emerged, with Kepner's 16-year-old stepbrother listed as a suspect in official court documents. 

Carnival Horizon’s propulsion problems have now affected the disembarkation and embarkation of two consecutive cruises. However, the ongoing speed issues continue to frustrate guests with last-minute port cancellations. 

The Vista Class developed mechanical problems while on an 8-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean, which resulted in a delayed arrival in Miami, Florida. Consequently, Carnival had to push back the next sailing's embarkation, with check-in times rescheduled for as late as 10:00 p.m. 

The identity of the passenger who died while sailing aboard a Carnival cruise ship over the weekend has been revealed. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responded to a report about a deceased guest when Carnival Horizon returned to Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 8. 

Initially, few details were available about the incident, and the cruise line only confirmed that federal authorities had boarded the ship to investigate.

Along with alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, and specialty meals, gratuities are another fee that you have to factor into your cruise budget.

Very few cruise lines include them in their advertised rates, and they can cost a family of four another $400+ on a 7-day cruise. 

Many cruise lines let you prepay your gratuities, including Carnival Cruise Line. However, when, if ever, does it make sense to prepay automatic cruise tips?