Carnival Cruise Line has long been a favorite for travelers, including solo female travelers, seeking a lively, fun-filled vacation at sea. Among the various onboard amenities that make a cruise memorable, drinks play a crucial role. From tropical cocktails by the pool to a glass of wine with dinner, beverages are integral to the Carnival cruise experience for all guests, including women traveling alone. However, purchasing drinks individually can quickly become expensive, making the Carnival Cheers Package a popular choice for those looking to save on their onboard beverage costs, regardless of their travel style.
In this detailed guide, we will compare the prices, benefits, and overall value of the Carnival Cheers Package to help you determine if it's the best option for your next cruise. We’ll also explore strategies to maximize the value of this package and answer frequently asked questions.
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What is the Carnival Cheers Package?
The Carnival Cheers Package is Carnival’s all-inclusive drink package that offers cruisers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily fee. With this package, guests can enjoy a wide variety of drinks, including beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like sodas, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
This package is designed for cruisers who want to enjoy a hassle-free experience without worrying about the cost of each individual drink. It’s available for purchase either before the cruise or onboard, with a slight difference in price depending on when and how you purchase it.
What’s Included in the Cheers Package?
The Carnival Cheers Package covers most alcoholic beverages priced at $20 or less per drink. This includes:
All spirits (e.g., vodka, rum, whiskey)
Domestic and imported beer
Wine and sparkling wine by the glass
Handcrafted cocktails (both classic and frozen)
For those who aren’t big drinkers or simply want to take a break from alcohol, the package also covers an array of non-alcoholic drinks, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
What’s Not Included in the Cheers Package?
While the Cheers Package offers a broad selection, certain drinks and services are excluded:
Bottles of liquor
Beverages promoted or sold in souvenir glasses
Room service drinks or beverages through in-room apps
Beverages purchased at shore excursion spots or through Gangway sales
Bucket drinks, pitchers, and large beverage containers
Beverages from the minibar
While these exclusions may not affect most cruisers, it’s important to be aware of what’s covered before purchasing the package.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
The Cheers Package doesn’t only cater to alcohol enthusiasts. Carnival ensures that guests who enjoy non-alcoholic drinks get a great deal too. The package includes:
Sodas
Juices (like orange or cranberry juice)
Specialty coffees and teas (such as cappuccinos and lattes)
Bottled water
Milkshakes
Energy drinks
Sparkling water
Frozen mocktails (non-alcoholic versions of your favorite tropical cocktails)
This makes the package appealing even to those who don’t drink alcohol regularly but love indulging in specialty coffees or refreshing mocktails.
Additional Perks and Discounts
In addition to unlimited drinks, the Cheers Package offers a few perks that can enhance your cruising experience:
25% discount on premium spirits or glasses of wine priced above $20: If you want to try a top-shelf liquor or an exclusive wine that’s over the $20 limit, you’ll get a 25% discount on the price.
25% off beverage seminars and classes: For those interested in learning more about wine, cocktails, or spirits, the Cheers Package provides a 25% discount on beverage seminars and tastings.
Discounts on bottles of wine in certain restaurants: You can also receive 25% off bottles of wine in specialty dining venues like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
Carnival Cheers Package Pricing
The pricing of the Cheers Package depends on whether you purchase it in advance or wait until you are onboard. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Pre-purchase price: $59.95 per person, per day
Onboard purchase price: $64.95 per person, per day
Additionally, there’s an 18% service charge that will be added to the total price. This means the actual daily cost is:
Pre-purchase: $70.74 per person, per day (including service charge)
Onboard purchase: $76.74 per person, per day (including service charge)
It's clear that pre-purchasing the Cheers Package before you board the ship can save you around $6 per day.
Is the Carnival Cheers Package Worth It?
Determining whether the Cheers Package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and cruise preferences. Here's how to evaluate:
Estimate your daily drink consumption: Are you someone who enjoys a couple of cocktails during the day, perhaps a glass of wine with dinner, and a nightcap before bed? You can easily exceed five drinks a day, which is where the package pays off.
Look at drink prices on board:
Beer: $6–$8
Wine by the glass: $8–$14
Cocktails: $10–$20
Soft drinks: $2.50–$4.25
Compare the Cheers Package cost to a pay-as-you-go approach: For example, if you drink four $10 cocktails and two $3 sodas in one day, that’s $46. But if you add a couple more drinks or switch to pricier options like wine or specialty cocktails, you could easily surpass $70 in drink expenses.
For heavy drinkers or those who like variety, the package can offer substantial savings. However, if you’re a light drinker, the upfront cost might outweigh the value.
To understand if the Cheers Package is the best option for you, compare the package's cost with buying drinks individually.
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Type of Beverage
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Pay-as-you-go
|
Included in Cheers Package
|
|
Beer
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$6–$8
|
Included
|
|
Wine by the glass
|
$8–$14
|
Included
|
|
Cocktails
|
$10–$20
|
Included
|
|
Soft drinks
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$2.50–$4.25
|
Included
|
|
Specialty coffee
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$2–$6
|
Included
|
|
Energy drinks
|
$4–$6
|
Included
|
|
Bottled water
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$1–$5
|
Included
|
If you drink at least six to seven beverages a day (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), the Cheers Package offers clear financial savings.
How to Get the Best Value from the Cheers Package
To maximize the value of the Cheers Package, follow these tips:
Pre-purchase the package: You’ll save $5 per day by purchasing it before your cruise.
Drink a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages: Don’t forget to enjoy the mocktails, smoothies, and specialty coffees included in the package.
Take advantage of discounts: Use the 25% discount on premium wines or spirits if you feel like splurging.
Attend beverage seminars: Learn more about your favorite drinks and take advantage of the discounted class rates.
FAQs about the Cheers Package
Can I share the Cheers Package with someone else?
No, the Cheers Package is non-transferable and non-shareable.
Does the Cheers Package cover drinks on shore excursions?
No, the package is only valid for drinks consumed onboard the ship.
Can I buy the Cheers Package for a single day?
No, the package must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise.
Final Thoughts
The Carnival Cheers Package is an excellent option for cruisers who plan to enjoy several drinks each day, including a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It offers convenience, eliminates the stress of tracking drink expenses, and can lead to significant savings, particularly if you like to indulge on vacation. However, for light drinkers, it might be more cost-effective to purchase drinks individually.
Ultimately, whether or not the Cheers Package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and how much you want to simplify your onboard experience. If the thought of unlimited drinks and fewer worries about your tab appeals to you, it’s a great way to enhance your Carnival cruise experience.
Cheers!
