How Much Are Drinks On Carnival Cruises?

Carnival’s Beverage Policy

The days of toting cases of bottled water onboard Carnival Cruise Line ships are over. The company recently changed its beverage policy. It now states that passengers are no longer able to take non-alcoholic beverages onboard Carnival vessels, including water. In addition, cruisers are now limited to taking one bottle of wine per adult upon embarkation. In regards to corkage fees, Carnival Cruises continues to charge $10 per bottle for personal wine consumed in the dining room and $14 in the dining room or supper club. The new policy also warns that ship personnel will confiscate and discard any outlawed beverages.

How Much are Drinks on Carnival Cruises: The Answer

Unless you are drinking free tap water, coffee, milk, or juice provided by the ship, expect to shell out a pretty penny to quench your thirst. Like many of its competitors, Carnival Cruises tacks on a 15 percent gratuity to its beverage prices.

The following list provides current bar menu prices for beverages on Carnival Cruise ships as of February 2009 (prices in U.S. dollars). Keep in mind that prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on port of embarkation.

Water

A liter of bottled water will cost you about $4, while a liter of imported bottled water, such as Perrier, runs about $5.

Soft Drinks

A standard 12-ounce can of soda sells for $2 on most Carnival Cruise ships. Expect to pay $3 for a 20-ounce bottle of Powerade and $5 for a can of Red Bull. Specialty coffees are available on some ships and range from $4 to $6 and higher depending on the type of drink.

Beer

You will have to pay $5 for a 16-ounce bottle of domestic beer or a 12-ounce bottle of imported beer, though prices can vary depending on the brand. Non-alcoholic beer is sold for $4.

Champagne and Wine

Bottles of champagne sell for between $22 and $35 depending on the brand, while 6-ounce glasses sell for between $6 and $8. If you plan on drinking wine or champagne with each , the dining staff can hold a bottle for you, therefore making a bottle purchase a better deal.

Specialty Cocktails

Specialty cocktails such as margaritas, Bahama Mamas, and Planter’s Punch cost $5 each in a regular glass, but are generally more expensive when served in souvenir cups, funnel cups, or carved coconuts.

Frozen Exotic Cocktails

Frozen tropical libations including daiquiris, mudslides and pina coladas sell for $6 apiece, but again prices are higher in specialty glasses.

Martinis

Standard martinis will set you back $7 while premium martinis with higher brands of alcohol or more exotic combinations cost between $8 and $9.

Other Hard Liquor

Mini bottles of vodka, bourbon and scotch sell for between $5 and $8 each.

How to Save Money on Carnival Cruise Line’s Drinks

There are ways to cut down on your bar tab while onboard Carnival cruise ships. Some of the most popular include:

• Fountain Fun Card. Carnival’s Fountain Fun Card costs about $15 for a three-day cruise and entitles you to unlimited soda throughout the duration of your trip. Purchasing the card on the first day of the cruise is the best option, because prices are not reduced as the cruise goes on.
• Drink Specials. Carnival publishes "Drinks of the Day" in its daily newsletter. You can save a couple of bucks by purchasing these beverages. Additionally, most Carnival ships offer "Early Bird Specials" on select alcoholic beverages such as bloody marys and mimosas. You can save money by ordering these drinks before noon.
• Bar and Soft Drink Credits. Carnival allows passengers to purchase credits for use on soft drink and bar sales. The credits come in the form of tickets and sell for discounted rates prior to setting sail.
• Funship Dollars. Carnival now offers gift certificates that friends, family members or businesses can purchase for passengers to help defray onboard expenses, including beverages. Funship Dollars come in denominations ranging between $25 and $500 and can be applied as an on board credit to a passenger’s account.
• Free Alcohol. Passengers are treated to free champagne at onboard art auctions, the Captain’s Cocktail party, past passenger mixers, and scheduled alcohol tastings in the shopping plaza.
• Think Before You Drink. If you don’t want to get hit with a four digit bar tab at the end of your trip, then consider keeping a running total of the number of drinks you consume. Knowing when you have reached your limit is also a good way to avoid excessive drinking and huge beverage bills.

What to Know Before You Let the Good Times Roll

Before asking, “How much are drinks on Carnival Cruises?” be aware that the minimum age for the purchase and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in Carnival Cruises’ bars, lounges, and gift shops is 21 years of age. However, the company does reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone. In addition, if you appear younger than 21, you will be asked to show a picture identification prior to being served.