Carnival Cruise Beer Policy: Pack Your Own Or Buy?

Carnival Cruise Line offers two drink packages: the Cheers! Beverage Program and the Bottomless Bubbles package. The Cheers! package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person per day, and costs $59.95 per person, per day. The Bottomless Bubbles package includes unlimited soda and juice and costs $6.95 per child or $9.50 per adult, per day.

On embarkation day, guests are allowed to bring on board a maximum of 12 12-ounce cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages and one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person. Alcohol purchased in ports or on board will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage and can be collected on the morning of debarkation.

Can you bring your own beer on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line has one of the most lenient beverage policies of all cruise lines, allowing guests to bring a small quantity of beer on board.

On embarkation day only, guests aged 21 and over may bring one 750ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. A corkage fee of $15 will be charged if guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, steakhouse or bar.

Guests are prohibited from bringing beer in their checked luggage, and it cannot be packaged in glass or plastic bottles. However, a small quantity of beer may be brought on board and must be packaged in cans or cartons and placed in the guest's carry-on luggage. A small quantity is defined as a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces (350ml) or less per person.

How much does beer cost on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line offers a wide range of beers, from domestic and international options to craft beers and ciders. The price of beer on a Carnival cruise can vary depending on the type and brand of beer, but most beers typically cost between $6.50 and $8.50 per serving. This price includes an 18% gratuity that is automatically added to the cost of the drink.

For those who enjoy craft beers, the price is typically around $8.25 per serving. Angry Orchard cider is also available for around $8.25 a can, while Carnival's own ThirstyFrog canned seltzers cost $7.50 each.

If you're looking to save some money, you can also pre-order beer through the Fun Shops before your cruise. Pre-ordered beer is typically sold in 4-packs, and the prices are slightly lower than what you would pay for a single beer at a bar onboard. For example, a single Heineken at a bar would cost around $6.50-$7.50, while a 4-pack pre-ordered through the Fun Shops would cost a few dollars less.

It's important to note that the prices mentioned above are subject to change without notice, so it's always a good idea to check the most up-to-date information on the Carnival Cruise website or by contacting their customer service team.

In addition to the à la carte drink prices, Carnival Cruise Line also offers drink packages that can save you money if you plan on consuming a certain number of drinks per day. The "Cheers" package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as beers, wines, cocktails, spirits, sodas, juices, and more. The package costs $59.95 per person/day if purchased before the cruise, or $64.95 per person/day if purchased onboard, plus an 18% gratuity. With this package, you can enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, and non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.

What are the rules for drinking on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line has a strict set of rules regarding the consumption and possession of alcohol on its ships. Here are the key points to be aware of:

Drinking Alcohol On Board

The minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages in bars, lounges, and gift shops is 21 years. Carnival staff are trained to check IDs and refuse service to those who appear intoxicated. Each adult in a stateroom must purchase the CHEERS! beverage program if they wish to consume alcohol. This program includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate.

Bringing Alcohol On Board

On embarkation day, guests aged 21 or older may bring one 750ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. A $15 USD corkage fee will be charged if consumed in the main dining room, steakhouse, or bar. All other alcoholic beverages are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and will be confiscated without compensation.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

A small quantity of non-alcoholic drinks (sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) in cans or cartons is permitted on embarkation day. This is limited to a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened 12-ounce cans/cartons per person. Bottled water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic drinks are prohibited. Distilled water for CPAP machines or nursery water for babies is allowed and can be purchased onboard.

Purchasing Alcohol During the Cruise

Alcohol purchased in ports or on board will be stored for safekeeping until the end of the voyage and can be collected on debarkation morning. Alcohol purchased through The Fun Shops for onboard consumption is for in-room entertainment only and cannot be taken to public areas. Wine or champagne ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or steakhouse.

Beverage Packages

Carnival offers the CHEERS! beverage package, which includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It must be purchased for the entire cruise and by each adult in the same stateroom. The package is non-transferable and non-refundable after the cruise begins. A maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period are allowed, and all bottles and cans will be served opened.

Drinking Water

Bottled water can be purchased and delivered to staterooms, or guests can contact room service to buy it onboard. Pre-purchased bottled water is non-refundable, but any unopened bottles can be taken home. Distilled water for CPAP machines or nursery water can also be purchased or brought onboard.

Large Coolers

Large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage due to security screening and boarding impediments. Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 30x30x30cm are allowed for carrying small quantities of non-alcoholic drinks and medications.

What drink packages are available on a Carnival cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line offers two drink packages: the Cheers! Beverage Program and the Bottomless Bubbles package. The Cheers! package is an alcoholic drink package that includes cocktails, cognacs, whiskies, beer, wine and champagne by the glass, and non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, juices, milkshakes, and energy drinks. The Bottomless Bubbles package is an unlimited soda and juice program.

The Cheers! package starts at \$59.95 per person, per day, plus an 18% service charge, and a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period. The Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 per child (17 years and younger) or $9.50 per adult, per day, plus an 18% gratuity.

It is important to note that drink packages on Carnival are priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise. They are not offered on 2-day cruises or charter cruises. Additionally, applicable state and local taxes will be applied to purchases made in US waters. Pre-purchased beverage packages are non-refundable and non-transferable after 9 pm ET the evening before departure.

While the drink packages offer convenience and a flat daily rate, it is important to consider your own drinking habits and the length of the cruise to determine if purchasing a drink package is the right choice for you.

What drinks are included in the price of a Carnival cruise?

Carnival Cruise Line has a range of drinks packages available for guests to purchase, as well as some complimentary drinks. The CHEERS! package is an all-inclusive beverage program that allows guests to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate. The package includes spirits, cocktails, cognacs, whiskies, beer, wine and champagne by the glass (with a $20 USD or lower menu price), sodas, zero-proof frozen cocktails, juices, specialty coffees, hot tea, milkshakes, energy drinks, bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled drinks. The package costs $69.95 USD per person, per day for sailings of 5 days or less, and $59.95 USD per person, per day for sailings of 6 days or more.

For those who don't drink alcohol, the Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soda and juice for a flat rate. This package costs $6.95 USD per person, per day for children, and $9.50 USD per person, per day for adults.

In addition to these packages, the following drinks are included in the price of a Carnival cruise and are served in the main dining room and available 24/7 in the Lido Restaurant: non-bottled water, lemonade, iced tea, hot chocolate, and non-specialty coffee and tea. The following drinks are also available through room service at no additional charge: juices (orange, tomato, apple or grapefruit), regular or decaffeinated coffee, hot tea, iced tea, hot chocolate, chocolate milk, regular and skim milk.

Guests are also permitted to bring their own drinks on board, with some restrictions. Each adult (21+) guest may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne in their carry-on luggage. A $15 USD corkage fee will be charged if guests wish to consume their own alcohol in the main dining room, steakhouse or bar. A small quantity of non-alcoholic drinks (such as sparkling water, sodas, juice and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may also be brought on board, with a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened 12 oz cans/cartons per person.

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