If you’re sailing with Carnival Cruise Line and dreaming of sipping unlimited piña coladas by the pool, it’s time to crunch some numbers. Carnival has just increased the daily cost of its popular CHEERS! Beverage Package by $10, bumping the price from $59.95 to $69.95 per person per day, plus an 18% service charge. For many cruisers, this change could mean reevaluating whether the package is still the perfect fit for their vacation plans.
What Does the CHEERS! Beverage Package Include?
First, let’s talk about what the CHEERS! Beverage Package offers. This all-inclusive package is Carnival’s answer to worry-free drinking onboard. It covers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including:
- Cocktails, spirits, and wine by the glass (valued at $20 or less)
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Bottled water and energy drinks
- Soft drinks and mocktails
- Milkshakes (at select venues)
- Large-format water bottles (delivered to your stateroom)
The package also includes a 25% discount on drinks priced above $20, wine and champagne by the bottle, and beverage seminars and classes. It’s designed to keep your wallet in your cabin while you enjoy a variety of drinks throughout your cruise.
However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. For example, you’re limited to 15 alcoholic beverages per day (whether on the CHEERS! package or not), and the package doesn’t cover beverages purchased off the ship or through room service.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Alcohol Policy: What You Need to Know
The New Price Tag: Is It Still Worth It?
Now for the news that has some Carnival fans doing a double take. The CHEERS! Beverage Package is no longer $59.95 per day; it’s now $69.95 per day, plus that 18% service charge. When you break it down, the new total cost is $82.54 per day per person.
Let’s put that into perspective for a standard 7-day cruise. At the new rate, the CHEERS! package will cost you $577.78 per person. For a couple sharing a cabin, that’s just over $1,155 for the week—before you’ve even had a chance to explore shore excursions or indulge in specialty dining.
This price increase has sparked debates in cruise forums and social media groups. Some frequent cruisers argue that the value is still there for those who enjoy cocktails, wine with dinner, and specialty coffees each day. Others feel the new price point makes the package less accessible or harder to justify unless you’re planning to drink enough to “break even.”
To Buy or Not to Buy? Let the Calculator Decide
If you’re on the fence about whether the CHEERS! Beverage Package is worth the splurge, we’ve got good news! We’ve just updated our Carnival Cruise Line Beverage Package Calculator with the new prices, making it easier than ever to calculate your breakeven point.
Here’s how it works:
- Input Your Drink Preferences: Estimate how many drinks you plan to have each day and their types—cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffees, etc.
- See the Cost Breakdown: The calculator will show you whether the CHEERS! package would save you money or if you’re better off paying à la carte for your beverages.
The calculator is especially useful for couples or groups traveling together, as you can compare the cost of one person getting the package versus everyone going all-in.
Tips for Maximizing Your Beverage Budget
If the new CHEERS! price feels like a stretch, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your cruise without overspending on drinks:
- Take Advantage of Carnival’s Carry-On Policy: You’re allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per person, as well as a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages like soda or juice.
- Look for Drink Specials: Carnival often runs Happy Hour specials or offers discounted drinks during embarkation.
- Consider Sharing a Bottle: If you’re traveling with friends or family, buying wine or champagne by the bottle (with a 25% discount through CHEERS!) can sometimes be more cost-effective.
- Stick to Non-Alcoholic Days: If you’re only planning to have a couple of drinks on shore days, skip the package for those days and indulge on sea days instead.
The Final Sip
Price increases are never fun, but the CHEERS! Beverage Package still offers solid value for cruisers who plan to enjoy a variety of drinks throughout their trip. Whether you’re a fan of boozy piña coladas, refreshing mocktails, or frothy cappuccinos, it’s worth taking a moment to assess your drinking habits and budget.
With the new $10 per day price hike, using tools like our Carnival Cruise Line Beverage Package Calculator can help you make an informed decision. After all, the goal is to have a stress-free vacation—whether that’s with a Mai Tai in hand or a simple soda at your side. Cheers to making your next cruise unforgettable!