Is the Drink Package Worth It on a Carnival Cruise? Here’s the Real Scoop!

One of the biggest questions I get as a travel advisor (and frequent cruiser!) is:
“Should I buy the drink package?”

And honestly?

It depends on you, your travel style, and how much you plan to sip, sample, and celebrate.

I’ve cruised Carnival enough to know what’s worth it and what isn’t — so here’s the honest breakdown to help you decide before you sail.

💸 What’s the Break-Even Point?

This is where things get interesting.

Most Carnival mixed drinks run $10–$14 before gratuity.
Specialty coffees are usually $4–$6, and sodas are around $3.

So if you typically enjoy:

4–5 mixed drinks,
OR
2–3 drinks + a couple of specialty coffees,
OR
a few alcoholic drinks throughout the day + sodas + a frozen treat,

…you’re already at or very close to the break-even point.

Speaking from experience: if I drink about five mixed drinks, I’ve covered the cost for the day.

Anything after that? Free-feeling fun.

🍹 What You Get With the Carnival Cheers! Package

Carnival’s drink package includes:

Cocktails, beer, and wine (up to $20 each)
Specialty coffees (yes, those iced lattes count!)
Frozen drinks
Energy drinks (hello, Red Bull)
Soda
Milkshakes
And 25% off drinks over $20 or wine bottles

Plus—you can order up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day.

If you enjoy variety or don’t want to think about the cost every time you order, this is a huge perk.

🛟 When the Drink Package Is Worth It

You’ll probably get your money’s worth if you…

Like trying different cocktails throughout the day
Enjoy specialty coffees, sodas, or energy drinks
Want the convenience of ordering without doing math
Love poolside frozen drinks (we’ve all been there!)
Are celebrating something and expect to be in “vacation mode”
Plan on spending long days at sea

The freedom alone can be worth the price tag.

⚓ When It Might Not Be Worth It

Skip the package if you…

Only have a drink or two per day
Prefer to stick with water, tea, lemonade, or coffee
Aren’t into specialty coffees or sodas
Spend most of your port days off the ship
Are cruising with someone who doesn’t drink (Carnival requires all adults in a cabin to purchase it)

And of course, if you're someone who gets Drinks On Us in the casino — you're already covered in certain areas of the ship.

🍍 A Little Insider Tip

If you’re on the fence, book the cruise first and watch for deals.
Carnival sometimes offers:

Bundles
Lower daily rates
Pre-cruise discounts

They may not show up for every sailing, but when they do, you can save a nice chunk of change.

🌊 So… Is It Worth It?

For me? Absolutely.
It pays for itself quickly, makes the trip feel easier, and adds a little extra “ahhh, I’m on vacation” to the whole experience.

But for others, the included beverages may be enough — especially if your plans are jam-packed with port adventures.

If you’re unsure, I’m happy to help you look at your sailing, your habits, and whether it makes sense. That’s what I do!

🧭 Ready to Set Sail?

If you want help planning your cruise, comparing packages, or finding the best deal for your dates, I’ve got you covered.
Reach out anytime — let’s make your next adventure smooth sailing from the start.

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