18 Carnival Drink Package Tips (2025)

Thinking of getting a drinks package on your next Carnival cruise? You’re not alone – they’re wildly popular. But before you raise a glass, there are a few things you really need to know to dodge surprise charges and make sure it’s actually worth it.

A couple toasting with orange drinks on a cruise ship balcony, enjoying the expansive ocean view under a bright blue sky.

1. Book the Cheers Package Before You Sail and Save 10%

Want to save money before you’ve even had your first cocktail? Buy the Cheers package before your cruise and you’ll pay around $82.54 per day instead of $88.44. That’s a $5-a-day saving just for being organised.

2. Do the Maths: Package vs. Pay-As-You-Go

Before you splash out on a drinks package, work out if it actually makes sense. Think about how many cocktails, beers, or sodas you really plan to have each day.

If you’re more of a two-drinks-and-done kind of cruiser, or you’re picky with your drinks, you might save money by just paying as you go.

3. Skip the Cheers Package If You Don’t Drink Alcohol

A group of three friends enjoying drinks at a bar, with a woman in the center holding a vibrant red cocktail and smiling at her companions.

The Cheers package is great if you’re mixing margaritas with mocktails, but if you’re sticking to soft drinks, it’s probably not worth it.

Unless you’re planning to drink your weight in fancy coffees and energy drinks, you’ll get better value from Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles soda package.

4. No Surprise Gratuities – It’s All Included Now

Carnival used to advertise lower prices for drink packages, but that was before they added the 18% gratuity at checkout.

As of 2024, new laws cracked down on hidden fees in certain U.S. states, so Carnival now rolls the gratuity into the price upfront. What you see is what you pay – no sneaky add-ons at checkout.

5. Watch Out for State Taxes in U.S. Waters

Even with the Cheers package, drinks aren’t always totally free-flowing. When your ship is docked or sailing in U.S. waters, some states add a local tax – usually around 10% per drink.

It’s not Carnival’s fault, but it does mean a few surprise charges might show up on your onboard account if you’re sipping while still stateside.

A bartender in a white coat demonstrates a cocktail-flipping trick to an amused woman and man seated at a warmly lit bar, with a selection of colorful cocktails displayed on the countertop.

6. Sailing from Texas or New York? Take It Easy on Night One

If your cruise departs from Texas or New York, your Cheers package won’t kick in until Day 2, thanks to local laws. That means every drink on the first night is charged separately.

So by all means, enjoy yourself… just know that sinking 15 beers before bed will set you back about $120. Not exactly the bargain you signed up for.

7. Everyone in Your Cabin Has to Get It

Thinking about getting the Cheers package? Keep in mind that Carnival requires all adults in the same stateroom to buy it too.

So before you hit “purchase,” have a quick chat with your cabin mates. It’s not exactly a solo decision!

The image showcases an elegant Amari bar onboard the Carnival Venezia, featuring three prominent bottles of Italian liqueurs — Campari, Amaro Nonino, and Amaro Montenegro — in sharp focus on a marble countertop. In the foreground, three glasses of the amari are neatly lined up, suggesting a tasting is about to take place. The warm ambiance of the bar provides a sophisticated backdrop for these classic Italian spirits.

8. No Sharing – Carnival’s Watching

We get it, you want to be generous. But handing over your drink to a mate is a big no-no with the Cheers package.

If Carnival catches you sharing, they can shut down your package without a refund. Not exactly worth it for a sip of someone else’s piña colada.

9. Know What You’re Actually Paying For

The Cheers package covers a lot, think cocktails, spirits, beer and wine by the glass, sodas, mocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, energy drinks, speciality coffees, and even bottled water (500ml). Basically, if it’s poured, blended, or brewed, it’s probably included.

Meanwhile, the Bottomless Bubbles package is strictly soda and juice. Anything outside these lists? You’ll be footing the bill. I’ll flag the common “gotchas” later in this guide.

10. Mini Bar = Extra Charges (Ask to Have It Emptied)

The Cheers package doesn’t include anything in your cabin’s mini bar, not the snacks, not the sodas, and definitely not the overpriced little booze bottles. If you dip into it, you’ll be charged per item.

To avoid temptation (and surprise charges), just ask your room steward to clear it out on Day 1. Bonus: you’ll free up fridge space for your own drinks – like that bottle of wine or your 12-pack of soda.

An enticing cocktail with a gradient of orange to red colors is garnished with an orange slice on a wooden countertop, with a dark backdrop enhancing the drink's vibrant colors, suggesting a refreshing citrus beverage.

11. Don’t Miss Carnival’s Signature Cocktails

One of the best perks of the Cheers package? You can explore Carnival’s unique cocktails without worrying about the bill. Try something totally new. If you hate it, just move on to the next one.

Check out spots like the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Celebration or the Amari Bar on Carnival Venezia. Ever had a pineapple rum negroni? Now’s your chance.

12. Stick to Wine by the Glass

If you’re a wine lover, make sure you’re ordering by the glass, that’s what’s covered under the Cheers package. Bottles? Not included.

And steer clear of those self-serve wine machines too, they’ll show up on your bill faster than you can say “Cabernet Sauvignon.”

13. Splurging on Something Fancy? You’ll Get 25% Off

Unlike some cruise lines that charge you full price if your drink goes over the package limit, Carnival cuts you a break. If you order a spirit, wine, or champagne over $20, you’ll get 25% off the full price.

So if you fancy treating yourself to a premium pour, go for it, it won’t hit quite as hard as you think.

This image depicts a couple enjoying a dining experience aboard a Carnival cruise ship. A hand is seen pouring red wine into a glass, with a blurred background showcasing a warm, inviting dining ambiance. The scene captures the elegance and enjoyment of cruise ship dining, emphasizing relaxation and indulgence.

14. Skip the Fishbowls and Souvenir Glasses

Fishbowls might look fun, but they’re not covered by the Cheers package and they’ll show up on your bill in full. Same goes for any drink served in a souvenir glass.

If you want to get the most from your package, stick with standard drinks in regular glasses. Your wallet will thank you.

15. Hitting the 15-Drink Limit?

With the Cheers package, you’re capped at 15 alcoholic drinks per day (from 6am to 6am). For most people, that’s plenty – but if you’re starting with mimosas and cruising through beers all day, you might hit the limit faster than expected.

Once you’ve had your 15, that’s it, Carnival won’t serve you any more alcohol, even if you offer to pay. That said, some cruisers get around it by saving their splurge for the end of the day – like ordering a bucket of beers, a fishbowl, or a bottle of wine (which aren’t covered, but can still be bought separately).

16. Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks? Yes, Please

While alcoholic drinks are capped at 15 per day, non-alcoholic drinks are totally unlimited with the Cheers package. Sip on sodas, mocktails, speciality coffees, energy drinks – whatever keeps you going.

It’s a great way to stay hydrated and get your money’s worth without overdoing the booze.

17. Bring a Bottle (or a 12-Pack) With You

This image features multiple bottles of wine with red caps stored in a reusable bag, possibly in a passenger’s luggage. The setup suggests a traveler bringing wine onboard a cruise, raising potential compliance questions with cruise line beverage policies.

Carnival lets each adult bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne, plus up to 12 cans or cartons of soft drinks. And yes, even if you’ve got the Cheers package, it’s still worth doing.

Why? Because the mini bar isn’t included in your package. So if you fancy a quiet drink on your balcony or while getting ready, it’s nice to have your own stash in the fridge without trekking to the bar.

18. Not Sure What’s Included? Just Ask

If you’re ever unsure whether a drink is covered by your package, ask the bartender or server before you order. They know the rules inside out and are usually happy to help.

Better to double-check than end up with an unexpected charge on your account.

The Bottom Line

A drink package can be a great way to sip your way through the cruise without worrying about the bill, as long as you know the rules. Hopefully, these tips help you avoid the common pitfalls and make the most of it.

Still on the fence? Grab my Carnival drink package calculator to see if it’s actually worth it for you before you buy.