Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: Cheers Or Bubbles? Plan Now For 2023 Sailings! - Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers (2024)

Ahoy, matey! Are you ready for a cruise adventure with Carnival Cruise and looking for info on Carnival Cruise Drink Packages? If you’re like me, you want to make the most of your vacation and indulge in all the food and drinks the ship has to offer. That’s where the Carnival Cruise drink packages come in handy. But with two options to choose from, Cheers and Bottomless Bubbles, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

Well, I’m here to help you navigate through the sea of options and figure out which drink package will give you the most value and freedom on your voyage. As someone who has sailed with Carnival Cruise multiple times, I’ve tried both drink packages and have some insider knowledge to share with you.

Whether you’re a co*cktail connoisseur or just looking for something to quench your thirst, we’ll explore the inclusions and restrictions of each package, the prices, and even a value calculator to help you make an informed decision. Plus, I’ll let you in on some free drink options and the refund policy in case you change your mind.

So, grab a drink (or two!) and let’s set sail on this journey to find the best drink package for you.

  • Carnival offers two drink packages: Cheers and Bottomless Bubbles
  • The Cheers package includes almost all drinks up to $20 and gives a 25% discount on drinks priced above $20, bottles of wine and champagne, and drinks classes and seminars
  • Carnival’s Cheers drink package limits guests to 15 alcoholic drinks per day
  • The Bottomless Bubbles package includes only sodas and juices

Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: Cheers Or Bubbles? Plan Now For 2023 Sailings! - Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers (1)

Types of Carnival Cruise Drink Packages

I’m learning about the types of packages available for Carnival cruises, including the Cheers and Bottomless Bubbles options.

The Cheers package is the more comprehensive of the two, offering unlimited access to almost all drinks up to $20, as well as discounts on drinks priced above that amount, bottles of wine and champagne, and drink classes and seminars. However, it does have some limitations, including a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages, and exclusions for certain types of drinks, such as those in souvenir glasses or purchased off the ship.

In contrast, the Bottomless Bubbles package only includes soda and juice, but it is significantly cheaper and does not have any daily limits.

To choose the right package, it’s important to compare the benefits and limitations of each and consider your own drinking habits and preferences. If you plan to indulge in more than five alcoholic drinks per day, the Cheers package may be worth the investment. However, if you prefer non-alcoholic beverages or only plan to have a few drinks, the Bottomless Bubbles package may be the better option.

Inclusions and Restrictions

It’s amazing how many drinks aren’t included in the package, even though it’s supposed to be ‘bottomless’ bubbles.

While the Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soda and juice, it doesn’t include alternative drink options like coffee or Gatorade. Additionally, non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and juice are not included either, such as bottled water or hot drinks.

On the other hand, the Cheers package comes with a wider range of drink package benefits, including almost all drinks up to $20 and a 25% discount on drinks priced above $20, bottles of wine and champagne, and drink classes and seminars. However, it’s important to note that the package has restrictions, such as not including drinks in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, or drinks purchased off the ship, including on private islands.

Overall, while both packages offer benefits, it’s important to consider alternative drink options and restrictions before making a decision.

Drink Prices

Looking at the average cost of beverages, I can see that co*cktails on Carnival cruise ships range from $10.50 to $12.50, while beer costs between $7.00 and $8.50 for a 16oz serving.

Wine by the glass is priced between $9.50 and $14.00, and spirit and mixer drinks range from $7.50 to $15.00.

Soft drinks are priced at $2.75, while specialty coffee and energy drinks cost between $2.50 and $4.95, respectively.

Smoothies are priced at $6.50, and bottled water costs between $1.50 and $3.95.

When budgeting for drinks while on a Carnival cruise, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of beverages can add up quickly.

Comparing drink prices between Carnival and other cruise lines can also help in deciding which cruise line to choose.

It’s important to consider factors such as the types of drinks included in drink packages and any restrictions that may apply.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide if purchasing a drink package or paying for drinks individually throughout the cruise is the better option for their budget and drinking habits.

Value Calculator

Calculating the value of purchasing a beverage package can be helpful in deciding if it’s worth it for me to pre-purchase or buy drinks individually on my upcoming Carnival cruise. To determine which package is worth it, I plan to use Carnival’s drink package calculator which compares the cost of purchasing drinks individually versus purchasing a package. The calculator considers factors such as the type of drinks I’ll be consuming, the number of drinks per day, and the length of the cruise.

Comparing drink package costs can help me save money and avoid overspending on drinks. The table below shows an example of how the Cheers package can be worth it for someone who drinks five alcoholic drinks per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package can be worth it for someone who drinks four sodas or juices per day. However, there are factors to consider when deciding on a package, such as the cost of drinks on the ship, the length of the cruise, and the type of drinks I’ll be consuming. Ultimately, I’ll need to weigh the pros and cons and decide which package, if any, is right for me.

Drink PackageCost per DayNumber of Drinks IncludedCost per Drink
Cheers$59.95 (pre-purchase) or $64.95 (onboard)15$4-$5
Bottomless Bubbles$9.50 (adults) or $6.95 (kids)Unlimited sodas and juices$0.59-$2.38

Free Drink Options

I’m excited to learn about the free drink options available on my upcoming Carnival cruise. While the Cheers and Bottomless Bubbles packages offer great value for those who plan on drinking a lot of soda or alcohol, it’s good to know that there are also free drink options available on the ship.

Here are some of the options I can enjoy without having to pay extra:

  • Water: Staying hydrated is important, especially on a cruise where the sun can be intense and dehydration is a risk. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms of dehydration. Luckily, Carnival provides free drinking water on their ships, so I can stay hydrated without worrying about the cost.
  • Lemonade and Fruit Juice: If I’m looking for something more flavorful than water, I can also enjoy free lemonade and fruit juice on the ship. These drinks can be a great alternative to soda or juice for those who want something sweet and refreshing without the added sugar.
  • Coffee and Tea: For those who need a caffeine fix in the morning, Carnival provides free coffee and tea. I can start my day with a hot cup of coffee or tea without having to pay extra. Plus, there are plenty of options to choose from, including decaf and herbal tea.

Overall, there are plenty of free drink options available on my upcoming Carnival cruise. By taking advantage of these options, I can stay hydrated and refreshed without having to spend extra money on drinks. Plus, I can enjoy a variety of flavors and options without having to stick to soda or juice. Benefits of hydration and alternatives to soda and juice are important to consider, and I’m glad Carnival offers free drinks to help me stay on track.

Alcohol Limits

When it comes to drinking on my Carnival cruise, I need to be mindful of the alcohol limits set by the Cheers package. The package includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, which may seem like a lot, but it’s important to remember that drinking culture can vary from person to person.

It’s crucial to listen to your body and make health considerations while enjoying your drinks. While the Cheers package is a great way to save money on drinks, it’s important to be responsible and not exceed your limits.

It’s also worth noting that the package does not include drinks in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, and certain other types of drinks. If you plan on drinking more than 15 alcoholic beverages per day, it may be worth considering purchasing individual drinks or opting for the Bottomless Bubbles package instead.

Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference and being mindful of your own drinking habits.

Purchase Options

Now that we know about the alcohol limits of the Carnival drink packages, let’s talk about the different purchase options. When it comes to buying a drink package, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, if you plan to drink alcoholic beverages frequently throughout your cruise, purchasing a drink package can save you money in the long run. Secondly, it’s important to note that pre-purchasing the package can save you $5 per day compared to buying it on board. And finally, it’s worth comparing the drink package with the cost of individual drinks to determine which option is best for you.

Here are some benefits of pre-purchasing a drink package on Carnival and how they compare with other cruise lines:

  1. Pre-purchasing a drink package on Carnival saves you money compared to buying it on board.
  2. Unlike some other cruise lines, the Carnival drink package includes almost all drinks up to $20, including bottled water and wine by the glass.
  3. Carnival’s drink package limits guests to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, which is higher than some other cruise lines.
  4. Carnival offers a drink package calculator to help guests determine whether purchasing a package is worth it for them.

When it comes to purchasing a drink package, it’s important to do your research and compare the options available. By pre-purchasing a drink package on Carnival, you can save money and enjoy a wide variety of beverages while on board.

Refund Policy

To receive a refund for the drink package, it’s important to note that the package must be canceled by 9 pm ET on the evening before departure. This gives guests the opportunity to change their mind and opt out of the package if they decide it’s not worth it for them.

The cancellation process is straightforward and can be done by contacting Carnival’s Guest Services or online through the Manage My Booking portal. If you cancel before the deadline, you’ll receive a full refund of the package price.

However, if you cancel after the deadline, you won’t be able to receive a refund and will be charged the full package price. It’s important to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to purchase a drink package and to make sure you cancel before the deadline if you change your mind.

Overall, Carnival’s refund policy for drink packages is reasonable and gives guests the flexibility to change their plans without being penalized.

Bringing Your Own Drinks

Well, look at me, trying to be all sneaky and bring my own drinks on board like some kind of rebellious teenager. But hey, sometimes you just want to enjoy your favorite wine or soda without having to pay extra for it.

Before you start packing your cooler, there are a few things you should know about bringing your own drinks on a Carnival cruise.

First of all, make sure you check the customs regulations for the ports you’ll be visiting. Some countries have strict rules about bringing alcohol or other beverages into their territory, and you don’t want to end up with a hefty fine or worse.

Secondly, keep in mind that there is a corkage fee of $15 per bottle if you wish to drink your own wine or champagne in a bar or restaurant. So if you’re planning to bring a few bottles, factor in this cost as well.

Overall, bringing your own drinks can be a good way to save money, but make sure you do it in a smart and legal way.

Other Information

I found it interesting to learn about the customs regulations and corkage fees associated with bringing your own drinks on a Carnival cruise. As a seasoned cruiser, I know that it’s tempting to bring your favorite beverages on board to save money, but it’s important to be aware of the rules.

According to Carnival’s policy, each adult is allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne and 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages such as water, soda, energy drinks, juice, or milk on board. However, there’s a corkage fee of $15 per bottle if you wish to drink your own wine in a bar or restaurant.

In addition to the corkage fee, it’s important to note that Carnival’s ships serve Pepsi products, not co*ke. So if you’re a die-hard co*ke fan, you may want to bring your own supply on board.

On the bright side, if you’re a gambler, you can earn casino points that can be redeemed for free drinks while playing. And if you’re looking to save money on drinks overall, be sure to check out Carnival’s new cruise offers and consider purchasing the Cheers package or using onboard credit to do so.

It’s important to be aware of the limitations of the unlimited soda package offered by Carnival. While it’s a great value for those who enjoy drinking soda and juice, it doesn’t include non-alcoholic beverages other than those two options. This means that if you’re looking for coffee or bottled water, you’ll need to purchase those separately or consider upgrading to the Cheers drink package.

To help you weigh the pros and cons of each package, I’ve created a table below. This is based on my personal experience and may vary depending on your individual drinking habits, but it should give you a good idea of what to expect. Remember, the key to maximizing your value with either package is to ensure you’re drinking enough to make it worth the cost. Happy cruising!

PackageProsCons
CheersIncludes almost all drinks up to $20, 25% discount on drinks over $20, bottles of wine and champagne, and drinks classes and seminars.Limits guests to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, does not include drinks in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, drinks offered at the gangway, room service or mini bar, sharing co*cktails, pitchers, floaters, tubes, and buckets, self-service wine machines, freshly squeezed orange juice in the Havana Bar, and drinks purchased off the ship including Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay.
Bottomless BubblesIncludes unlimited soda and juice by the glass.Does not include non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and juice, drinks in souvenir glasses, bottled water, hot drinks, drinks offered at the gangway, and room service or mini bar.Bottomless Bubbles is a great option for guests who want to enjoy unlimited soda and juice throughout their cruise without having to worry about the cost.

Can you purchase a drink package for only a portion of the cruise?

Looking for partial drink package options? Unfortunately, Carnival requires the package to be purchased for the entire cruise, except for NY or Texas departures. Pre-purchasing saves $5 per day compared to onboard pricing.

Are there any restrictions on the number of alcoholic drinks per day for the Bottomless Bubbles package?

The Bottomless Bubbles package includes unlimited soda and juice, but there are no restrictions on the number of alcoholic drinks per day. However, it may be more cost-effective to consider alternative non-alcoholic packages or individual drink purchases.

Can you use onboard credit to purchase the Bottomless Bubbles package?

Yes, onboard credit can be used to purchase the Bottomless Bubbles package on Carnival cruises. However, it cannot be used for the Cheers package or specialty dining. Onboard credit can also be used for excursion options.

Are there any restrictions on bringing non-alcoholic beverages on board?

Looking to bring non-alcoholic beverages on your Carnival cruise? Alternatives to bringing your own include purchasing the Bottomless Bubbles package, which offers unlimited soda and juice, or ordering free drinks like water, lemonade, and coffee. Benefits of non-alcoholic drink packages include convenience and cost savings.

Is there a limit to how many drinks can be purchased with onboard credit?

I learned that Carnival Cruise allows me to use onboard credit to purchase unlimited drinks, but there are alcohol limits to be aware of. Understanding the rules for drink packages is important for maximizing my experience and freedom on the ship.

Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: Cheers Or Bubbles? Plan Now For 2023 Sailings! - Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers (2024)
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