Loading Page...

Is Cheers on a cruise worth it?

Whether the drink package is worth it on Carnival depends on how much alcohol you plan to drink — and which kind. Are you more of a beer drinker, or are you into wine, spirits and cocktails? Beer is generally cheaper, so it would take more drinks per day to add up to the daily value of the Cheers package.



Whether the "Cheers!" beverage package (primarily on Carnival Cruise Line) is worth it in 2026 depends on your drinking habits and itinerary. For an average cost of $60 to $80 per person, per day, the package covers up to 15 alcoholic drinks every 24 hours, plus unlimited sodas, specialty coffees, bottled water, and energy drinks. To "break even" financially, most cruisers need to consume about 5 to 7 cocktails or high-end glasses of wine daily. If you are a heavy drinker or enjoy starting your day with a mimosa, followed by poolside beers and evening martinis, the package offers significant savings and the "peace of mind" of a pre-paid vacation. However, if your cruise is "port-intensive"—meaning you spend most days exploring land where the package doesn't apply—it becomes much harder to get your money's worth. A critical rule to remember: if one adult in a cabin buys the package, all adults in that cabin must also buy it, which can make it a poor value if one partner is a light drinker. Ultimately, it’s a choice between the math of "pay-as-you-go" versus the luxury of never looking at a bar tab.

People Also Ask

No sharing is permitted. Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (9AM - 3AM). Once you have consumed your 15 drinks, you cannot purchase any additional alcoholic beverages.

MORE DETAILS

Tips are therefore paid on the value of the package, and not per drink as you order. You're welcome to tip bartenders extra on a cruise, but keep in mind that a tip has already been added when you purchased the beverage package.

MORE DETAILS

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception - at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750-ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage.* Outside this exception, ...

MORE DETAILS

In our buffet restaurant, special drinks dispensers provide you with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade and ice tea around the clock and free of charge. In addition, you can book beverage packages for the entire duration of the cruise on the day of embarkation.

MORE DETAILS

The absolute best way to determine if a drink package is best for you is to get out that calculator and tally up how much you would spend without the package. In general, if you think you're going to order five or so alcoholic drinks a day during your trip, a package is worth considering.

MORE DETAILS

While purchasing a beverage package prior to your cruise is the most cost effective, you can opt to purchase one on board for a slightly higher price.

MORE DETAILS

In many cases, no. Several of the biggest cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drinks package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This is to prevent two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single drinks package.

MORE DETAILS

Your SeaPass® will have either a sticker or a printed verification of your package. The bar staff will request to see your SeaPass for verification prior to service, so keep it handy.

MORE DETAILS

If you are on a longer cruise and will drink more than that, you'll save by ordering a Bottomless Bubbles soda package. Same goes for drinking water on a cruise. While bottled water is not allowed, you can save by bringing your own refillable water bottle and get water from the fountains on the Lido Deck.

MORE DETAILS

How much are drinks on a cruise? On most cruise lines' ships, alcoholic drinks cost extra and incur an automatic 15 to 20 percent service fee. Pricing will vary by line, but it's akin to restaurant and nicer bar prices -- about $12 per cocktail, $8 to $10 per glass of house wine, $14 to $25 for nicer wines.

MORE DETAILS

The standard point level that must be reached to qualify from slot play is 1,000 points on sailings less than 5 days and 1,500 points on sailings 5 days or longer. Table Players: Table players will be awarded a 'Drinks On Us!' card when they reach comparable table play.

MORE DETAILS

Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.

MORE DETAILS

A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.

MORE DETAILS

61% tip their stateroom attendant an additional $20–$40 per couple per week, 26% tip $40–$70, and 13% tip an additional $70–$140. The average amount tipped to the head waiter was an additional $20–$50 per week per couple.

MORE DETAILS

As for daily housekeeping gratuity, $2 to $5 per person per day is a good rule of thumb. For help with your luggage when boarding and disembarking, tip the luggage handler immediately following the service. Beyond the day-to-day staff, you may also want to tip out specialized crew members you encountered regularly.

MORE DETAILS