Is Carnival’s Cheers Package Still Worth It? Here’s the Breakdown

Nothing beats relaxing by the pool with a refreshing drink on a cruise. If you enjoy having a good time with a drink in hand, the Cheers package from Carnival Cruise Line might be something you’re considering.

But is the Cheers Package worth it? To answer, you need to consider the package’s cost, your drinking habits, and the recent price changes.

Carnival Cruise Line has increased the cost of the Cheers Package, and understanding these updates is crucial before deciding if it’s a good fit for you.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers Package

The Carnival Cheers Package is a beverage plan offered by Carnival Cruise Line. With it, you can enjoy numerous drinks for a flat daily fee. Plus, you don’t need to perform mental calculations about your bar tab. The package covers drinks priced at $20 and under, including most of the beverages on the ship.

You pay once, relax, and enjoy drinks throughout the day—without stressing about mounting costs. However, recent changes to pricing have made the package more expensive, particularly for longer sailings.

New Pricing for the Cheers Package

Carnival has eliminated its discounted rate for longer cruises. Previously, guests on sailings of six nights or longer could prepay $70.74 per night (including an 18% service charge). For shorter cruises, the rate was higher at $82.54 per night.

Now, all passengers will pay the same higher price regardless of cruise length:

• Pre-purchase (before sailing): $82.54 per person per day
• Onboard purchase: $88.45 per person per day

This change has increased the cost of the Cheers Package for guests on longer cruises by approximately 16%. For example, on a 7-night cruise, passengers now pay an additional $82.60 per person.

However, it’s important to note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information directly with Carnival Cruise Line.

Purchasing the Carnival Cheers Package

The purchase process for the Cheers Package is straightforward. It’s available before or on your cruise’s first day. But there’s a catch. If one person in a cabin gets the Cheers package, everyone over 21 in the same cabin must do it. This prevents the package from being shared among different people.

Once you buy it, you can use the Cheers Package every day of the cruise. You don’t need to renew it daily or keep track of your drinking days. You can just relax and enjoy your drinks.

Related Reading: Carnival Cruise Line Faces Backlash Over New Alcohol Package Policy

Here’s What’s Included

The Carnival Cheers package can make your cruise experience more enjoyable. But you need to know what’s included and what’s not.

Here’s what’s included:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine by the glass (up to $20).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Specialty coffees, sodas, energy drinks, bottled water (500ml), and zero-proof frozen cocktails.
• Dining Areas: Packaged water is included in specialty restaurants and dining rooms.
• Discounts: 25% off premium drinks (above $20), bottles of wine/champagne, and beverage seminars/classes.

There’s also a 15-drink limit on alcoholic beverages per 24 hours, resetting at 6 a.m.

You can enjoy these beverages in various locations on the ship, such as at the Havana bar, self-serve beer stations, or even at the gangway. Wine lovers can make use of wine machines for a self-serve glass of their choice. The package also includes shareable drinks, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy a social drink with friends and family.

Items the Package Doesn’t Cover

There are a few items excluded from the Cheers package. It’s essential to be aware of these to avoid unexpected charges. Items not covered by the Cheers package include:

1. Beverages in Souvenir Glasses: Any drinks promoted and sold in souvenir glasses are not included in the package.
2. Bottles of Liquor: The package does not cover full bottles of liquor.
3. Gangway Beverages: Drinks offered at the gangway are excluded from the package.
4. Room Service and Mini Bars: Beverages ordered through room service, minibars, and in-stateroom beverage programs are not covered.
5. Shared Drinks: Sharing cocktails, as well as floaters, pitchers, tubes, and buckets, are not included. Remember, any shared drinks will count towards your daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages.
6. Private Parties and Events: Beverages offered at private parties and events are not part of the Cheers package.
7. Additional Beverage-Related Items: All other beverage-related programs, including merchandise, cigars, and cigarettes, are excluded.
8. Food Items: The package does not cover any food items.

Is the Cheers Package Worth it?

To help you decide whether the Cheers Package is worth it or not, I have broken down some factors that you might want to take into consideration:

Personal Drinking Habits

When I think about how much I typically drink, the Cheers package’s limit of up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day comes into perspective. If you’re like me and don’t drink lots, then it’s probably not worth it. However, it’s especially beneficial for those who love to indulge in various drinks while on holiday.

Also, I always advise evaluating your preference for alcoholic versus non-alcoholic beverages before opting for the package. It covers a broad spectrum, including specialty coffees and sodas. These drinks can be quite costly when bought individually, so the package might offer good value if you enjoy a mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

Comparison with Individual Drink Prices

When I compare the daily rate of the Cheers package with the cost of individual drinks on board, it becomes clear how the package could be economical. Carnival’s drink prices vary widely, typically ranging from $6 to $20. If you plan on enjoying several of the higher-priced drinks each day, much like I do, the Cheers package can provide good value.

Convenience Factor

One of the biggest advantages of the Cheers package, from my perspective, is the sheer convenience it offers. There’s a certain peace of mind in not having to worry about the accumulating cost of each drink. This ease can significantly enhance the relaxation and enjoyment of your cruise experience, allowing you to fully immerse in the holiday without financial concerns nagging at the back of your mind.

Free Drinks Already Included

It’s worth noting that Carnival includes several free drinks, such as tap water, tea, coffee, milk, and juice, especially at breakfast. If, like me, you find that your beverage consumption largely aligns with these complimentary offerings, you might not find the Cheers package necessary. This is a crucial consideration for anyone looking to economize or who prefers lighter drinking options.

Consideration of Package Limitations

An important aspect to bear in mind about the Cheers package are its exclusions, which include drinks in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, and beverages ordered through room service. If elements like these form an essential part of your cruise experience, as they sometimes do for me, it’s necessary to factor in these additional costs. Understanding these limitations upfront helps in making a more informed decision about whether the package aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

My Verdict

After evaluating all the aspects of the Carnival Cheers Package, the final verdict can be tricky. It all depends on several factors, such as individual drinking habits, the types of beverages you prefer, and how much you value convenience.

Personally, I find that the package offers substantial savings and convenience for those who enjoy a variety of alcoholic and specialty drinks. However, if you stick mainly to complimentary beverages or prefer just a drink or two per day, the package might not be the most cost-effective option.

Related Reading

• These Drinks Are Free on Carnival Cruises
• Royal Caribbean vs Carnival – Which to Choose?
• Is Room Service Free on Carnival Cruises?