Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! Beverage Package: Everything You Need to Know for 2025
The Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! beverage package offers cruisers the convenience of enjoying a wide selection of beverages for a flat daily fee for their entire cruise. Whether you're sipping cocktails by the pool or indulging in specialty coffees, the package aims to make your onboard experience seamless and cost-effective. Here’s an in-depth look at its inclusions, exclusions, value, and how to determine if it’s the right fit for your cruise.
What Does the Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! Beverage Package Include?
The Cheers! beverage package covers a wide range of beverages, catering to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic preferences:
Soft Drinks and Juices: A variety of soda options and fruit juices are included.
Alcoholic Beverages:
All spirits, including cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass (menu price $20 or lower).
A 25% discount on spirits, wine, and champagne by the glass over $20.
A 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages:
Sodas and energy drinks.
Zero-proof frozen cocktails and specialty coffees.
Hot tea and 500ml bottled water.
Packaged water served in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants.
Other non-alcoholic bottled beverages.
Additional Perks:
A 25% discount on beverage seminars and classes.
Does the Cheers! Package Work at Carnival Cruise Line's Private Islands?
The Cheers! package does not apply to drinks purchased at Carnival Cruise Line's private destinations, including Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays. Beverages at these locations can still be purchased using your Sail & Sign card, but they will be charged at regular menu prices and are not covered under the Cheers! package. This aligns with Carnival Cruise Line's terms, which exclude all beverages consumed off the ship, including at private island destinations. Budgeting separately for drinks on these stops is recommended.
What Is Excluded from the Cheers! Package?
Despite its extensive offerings, there are some exclusions:
Beverages sold in souvenir glasses.
Bottles of liquor.
Beverages offered at gangways, through room service, mini bars, or in-stateroom programs.
Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes, and buckets.
Beverages at private parties or events.
Merchandise, cigars, cigarettes, and food items.
Drinks at destinations, including exclusive Carnival Cruise Line destinations like Celebration Key.
Key Restrictions and Policies
Eligibility: Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase the Cheers! package.
Stateroom Requirements: Every adult in the same stateroom must purchase the package.
Service Charge: An 18% service charge is added to the package price.
Drink Limits: Guests are limited to 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period (6:00 am to 6:00 am).
Activation Delays: For cruises departing from Texas, Norfolk, and New York, the package begins on Day 2 due to local state laws.
Non-Refundable: The package is non-refundable after 10:00 pm ET on the evening before departure.
Pricing and Pre-Purchase Savings
Purchasing the Cheers! package before your cruise can off you the best deals, and save you up to 10% compared to the onboard price. This option is ideal for those looking to plan their onboard expenses in advance while taking advantage of cost savings. Pre-purchase pricing varies depending on the length of your cruise and current promotions but typically ranges between $51.95 and $59.95 per person per day before the 18% service charge.
To maximize savings, book through Carnival Cruise Line’s website or call center no later than 11:59 pm the day before embarkation (or by 10:00 pm EST through the call center). Keep in mind that the pre-purchase price will lock in your rate, protecting you from any onboard price increases.
The daily price for the Cheers! package varies depending on whether you purchase it in advance or onboard:
Pre-Cruise Purchase: Save up to 10% by purchasing the package before embarkation. The cut-off for pre-purchase is 11:59 pm the day before sailing or 10:00 pm EST if booking through Carnival Cruise Line’s call center.
Onboard Purchase: The package is available for purchase on embarkation day at the standard rate.
Taxes and Additional Charges
US Ports: State and local taxes apply for drinks consumed while the ship is in US waters. For example, a $5 drink in a state with a 10% tax will incur a $0.50 tax charge on your Sail & Sign account.
European Carnival Cruises: The package includes VAT where applicable.
Australian Carnival Cruises: The Carnival Cheers! beverage package is available on select Carnival Cruise Line ships in Australia. It provides the same inclusive access to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as on other Carnival cruises, with pricing adjusted for local currency and VAT included where applicable.
Determining the Break-Even Point
Below is a breakdown of the daily drink consumption needed to reach the break-even point for the Cheers! package:
This chart demonstrates that the package provides significant value if you consume 5-6 alcoholic drinks or a mix of 8-10 beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) daily.The value of the Cheers! package depends on your drinking habits. Here’s how to calculate if it’s worth it:
Daily Price: The average daily cost is approximately $82.52/day, inclusive of the daily service charge. However, pricing is dynamic and may vary.
Number of Drinks: Break-even typically occurs at 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day, assuming each drink costs around $10-$12.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Consider the cost of specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water you might consume daily, which are also included in the package.
For a cruise passenger who enjoys cocktails, wine, and coffee, the package can quickly pay for itself.
Are Carnival Cruise Line Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?
Determining whether the Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! beverage package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and onboard preferences. Here are the key factors to consider:
Break-Even Analysis: If you typically consume 5-6 alcoholic drinks or a mix of 8-10 alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks daily, the package offers great value.
Convenience: With the Cheers! package, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without worrying about per-drink charges, making it a hassle-free option.
Restrictions: Keep in mind the 15-drink limit for alcoholic beverages and the fact that the package does not cover drinks at private islands or port stops.
Non-Alcoholic Benefits: For coffee lovers or those who enjoy specialty sodas, the inclusion of non-alcoholic options adds significant value.
Overall, the package can be an excellent deal for those who plan to indulge regularly during their cruise. For light drinkers or those who spend a lot of time off the ship, it might not be as cost-effective.
Pros and Cons of the Cheers! Package
Pros:
Convenience of pre-paying for beverages.
Variety of drink options, including non-alcoholic beverages.
Discounts on premium beverages and classes.
Cons:
15-drink limit on alcoholic beverages.
Must be purchased by all adults in the same stateroom.
Non-transferable and non-refundable.
Doesn’t apply to drinks consumed off the ship, including at Carnival Cruise Line’s private destinations.
Tips for Maximizing the Cheers! Package
To get the most value from the Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! beverage package, consider these tips:
Start Early: Use the package for specialty coffee in the morning and transition to cocktails or wine later in the day.
Take Advantage of Discounts: Make the most of the 25% discounts on premium beverages and beverage seminars.
Plan Sea Days Wisely: Drink packages tend to be more valuable on sea days when you’re on the ship all day.
Avoid Off-Ship Purchases: Since the package doesn’t apply at ports or private islands, plan to enjoy your drinks while on board.
Comparison with Other Cruise Line Drink Packages
Here’s how the Cheers! package stacks up against similar offerings:
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package:
Includes most drinks, similar to Cheers!, but with no daily drink limits.
Costs are typically higher than Carnival Cruise Line’s package.
Drinks packages can be used at Royal Caribbean’s private islands: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s More At Sea Beverage Package:
Includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with no daily drink limits.
Included with bookings; only gratuities are paid separately, rather than the full package price.
The package is valid at Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
MSC Cruises’ Easy Plus Package:
Includes drinks up to $9, which is lower than Carnival Cruise Line’s $20 threshold.
MSC has a 15-drink daily limit on this package.
Covers drinks at MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Top Drinks to Try with the Cheers! Package
Maximize your package with these popular choices on Carnival Cruise Line cruises:
Cocktails:
Mai Tai
Blue Margarita
Carnival Cruise Line’s signature "Kiss on the Lips"
Wine by the Glass:
Chardonnay
Merlot
Specialty Coffee:
Cappuccino
Caramel Latte
Zero-Proof Options:
Virgin Piña Colada
Energy drinks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I share my Cheers! package with someone else? No, the Cheers! package is non-transferable, and sharing drinks is prohibited.
What happens if I exceed the 15-drink limit? Once you reach the 15-drink limit for alcoholic beverages in a 24-hour period, you will not be able to purchase additional alcohol until the next day.
Does the package apply on back-to-back cruises? Yes, but the package must be purchased for each cruise leg separately.
Can I use the package for drinks at the casino? Yes, beverages purchased at the casino are included in the package as long as they meet the price limits and other terms.
Does Carnival offer discounts on the beverage packages? Yes, occasionally there will be special offers on the drinks packages for Black Friday or other promotional periods.
Final Thoughts
The Carnival Cruise Line Cheers! package offers great value for guests who plan to enjoy multiple drinks each day, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Its convenience and discounts make it a popular choice for many cruisers. However, understanding the exclusions, restrictions, and your own consumption habits is key to determining if it’s the right choice for your cruise. For more details, visit Carnival Cruise Line’s official site or contact their customer service team.
