Some of the most asked questions in social media groups is about the Carnival Cruise Line Cheers package. It’s a very busy topic. Let’s breakdown all of the aspects of it!

Is it worth it?

The Carnival CHEERS! beverage package can be a worthwhile investment for some cruisers, but its value depends on your drinking habits and preferences.

What’s Included:

The CHEERS! package offers a range of beverages:

• Up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, each priced at $20 or less
• Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, including sodas, specialty coffees, energy drinks, bottled water, and zero-proof cocktails
• 25% discount on drinks over $20, wine/champagne bottles, and beverage seminars  

Note that the package excludes drinks from the minibar, room service, and souvenir glasses.

Pricing

As of December 2024, the CHEERS! package costs:

• $82.54 per person, per day if purchased before the cruise
• $88.44 per person, per day if purchased onboard 

These prices include an 18% gratuity. 

Is It Worth It?

The package may be cost-effective if you consume:

• At least 5–6 alcoholic drinks daily
• Multiple non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees or energy drinks 

For example, two cocktails ($12 each), two glasses of wine ($10 each), a specialty coffee ($4), and an energy drink ($5) total approximately $53. Without the package, this would be your daily cost. 

However, if you drink less, the package might not offer savings. Some passengers have found they didn’t consume enough to justify the cost, even when trying to maximize usage.

How to Purchase

To purchase the Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers! drink package, you can do so either online through the Carnival website or on the ship itself. Purchasing it online before your cruise is generally cheaper, with potential savings of at least 10%, and it allows you to avoid the initial onboard queues. The package must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise, and all adults in the same stateroom must purchase it as well. 

Steps to purchase online: 

1. Access your booking: Log in to your Carnival account on the cruise line’s website and navigate to your cruise booking. 
2. Find the Cheers! package: Locate the drink packages section, typically within the cruise planner or pre-cruise purchase options. 
3. Add the package to your cart: Select the Cheers! package and add it to your order. 
4. Complete the purchase: Follow the prompts to finalize the purchase and make the payment. 

Important Considerations: 

• Deadline: You can purchase the Cheers! package online up until 11:59 PM the night before your cruise. 
• Refunds/Transfer: The package is non-refundable and non-transferable after the deadline. 
• Onboard Purchase: If you don’t purchase it online, you can still buy it onboard at a slightly higher price, but be prepared for potentially long lines at the bars. 
• Age Requirement: All guests 21 and older in the same stateroom must purchase the package. 
• Package Activation: If purchased online, a message card will be placed in your stateroom on embarkation day, directing you to the Casino Bar to activate the package. 

Key Policies and Restrictions

• Eligibility: Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase the CHEERS! package. 
• Mandatory Purchase for Stateroom: If one adult in a stateroom purchases the package, all adults 21 and over in the same stateroom must also purchase it.  
• Duration: The package must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise; it is not available on a per-day basis. 
• Non-Refundable: The package is non-refundable after 10:00 PM ET the evening before departure.
• Drink Limits: Guests are allowed up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period (6:00 AM – 6:00 AM). Once this limit is reached, no additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased.  
• One Drink at a Time: Only one drink may be ordered at a time, with a mandatory 10 minute wait between orders. Sharing is not permitted.  
• The package doesn’t apply to drinks purchased on Carnival’s private islands.  
• Activation Delays: For cruises departing from Texas, Norfolk, and New York, the CHEERS! package becomes active on Day 2 at 6:00 AM due to local laws.
• Tax Implications: Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest’s folio when the program is used within U.S. waters.  
  
  

Conclusion

If you plan to enjoy multiple beverages daily and value the convenience of a prepaid plan, the CHEERS! package can be beneficial. However, if your consumption is moderate, you might find it more economical to pay per drink.

Carnival rarely gives exceptions to guests over 21 yrs old in the same stateroom. This applies even if you have a medical condition, are a recovering alcoholic, or are pregnant.

If you have booked your Carnival cruise with a casino offer you probably have a Drinks On Us promotion. This typically includes all drinks while actively gambling in the casino and usually includes a companion. Some offers may include drinks everywhere on the ship.

To make an informed decision, track your typical daily beverage consumption. Compare the costs with and without the package. It’s a personal decision!

Included Drinks on Your Carnival Cruise