If you're cruising on Carnival Cruise Line soon, chances are you've been asked if you want to purchase their drink program called CHEERS!, But is one flat fee, along with the package limitations, right for you? I'll go over frequently asked questions, give my take on the program, plus, I'll reveal a pretty awesome but unknown, and often overlooked, drink program that even the most seasoned cruisers aren't aware of!
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Hello again my cruising fam,🥰
Today I wanted to go over Carnival's drink package basics, plus I'll answer frequently asked questions about the program, called the CHEERS! Beverage Program, that a lot of cruisers purchase, or think about purchasing to enjoy on their vacation. And while ONE flat fee sounds pretty awesome compared to worrying about your bar tab, some cruisers might not have the budget to add this drink package. Plus, as with all things in life, it seems, there are restrictions that might cause you to nix purchasing the program.
Before I start, remember to be sure to enjoy your drinks, but be sure to always drink responsibly. Ok, now let's get into the common FAQ's.
What's The Cost of CHEERS!:
The price for Carnival’s CHEERS! package will vary because it is based on the length of the cruise, and when you buy (pre-cruise or onboard).
As of August 2022, the CHEERS! package aboard Carnival costs $59.95 per person, per day—if bought ahead of time before your cruise. Please note that if you wait to purchase CHEERS! until you board the ship, the price goes up to $64.95 per person, per day.
And don't forget the extra gratuities you'll be charged, because the cruise line charges an additional 18% gratuity fee. Therefore, the total, actual cost comes to $70.74 per person, per day if pre-purchased or an actual total of $76.64 per person, per day for those waiting to purchase until on the ship.
You are charged this amount every day you are on the cruise—no matter if you are in port or enjoying a sea day. It also doesn’t matter if you decide drink nothing on a certain day, or have 15 drinks. Each day is charged.
And finally, if you have others in your stateroom 21 years of age and over, they must also purchase CHEERS! whether they drink alcohol or not.
For those that like a visual, or maybe you hate math (I feel you!), here's a cost breakdown table of the PRE-PURCHASED CHEERS! package rate for ONE person, INCLUDING GRATUTIES:
As you can see, purchasing CHEERS! is pricey, especially if you are sailing on longer cruises and it's double occupancy. But what drinks are included, you asked? Well, let's look into exactly which beverages are covered, and which aren't, so you can determine if it's worth the price tag. Per Carnival's official CHEERS! page:
CHEERS! INCLUDES:
All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price
Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants
25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00
25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
25% discount off beverage seminars and classes
CHEERS! EXCLUDES:
Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
Bottles of liquor
Beverages offered at gangway
Beverages offered through room service, mini bars and/or in-stateroom beverage programs
Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
Beverages offered through Enomatic wine machines (basically a wine dispenser)
All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes
Food items
If all the above is pretty confusing to you, simply put, just stick with drinks served at the bar if you want to keep from spending extra.
Now let's get to other frequently asked questions.
How will the bartender know I have purchased the CHEERS! Package?
When the bartender swipes your sail & sign card, your account will let them know that you’ve purchased the CHEERS! package. They will also place a sticker on your card when you activate the package at any bar once onboard, that identifies you as having purchased the CHEERS! package.
What happens if I order a drink over $20 per glass?
The Carnival CHEERS! package gives you the run of beverages from the ship’s bars for up to $20 per glass. If you order a drink that’s more than $20, the fine print says that you receive a 25% discount off the menu price. If in doubt, just ask the bartenders and they will steer you clear of additional charges.
Sailing from Ports in Texas and New York? State Laws dictate when you can use CHEERS!
If you are sailing from either Galveston or New York, you might have heard that there are some strange laws affecting alcohol sold on cruise ships. Well, rumors here are true because, due to state laws, Carnival can’t legally activate the CHEERS! package until the second day of the cruise. So, if you purchase the package when sailing from one of these ports, you won’t pay for the package on the first day (or embarkation day) of the cruise, BUT you will have to purchase drinks 'a la carte' instead of having them included. The CHEERS! package will activate at 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd day of the cruise.
How many drinks can I buy at one time?
You can only purchase one beverage at a time. And you need to wait after ordering. There is a 5 minute waiting period between drinks. Need to get more than one? Well, if you want to purchase more than the one drink covered by CHEERS!, you can just charge one to your drink package, and simply pay for the others on your onboard account. But honestly, I'd just wait five minutes to get another beverage included with the package.
Is there a daily limit to how many drinks you can have?
Yep. Carnival allows up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day (that's between 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.). After that, the guest will not be served any additional alcoholic beverages (they WILL monitor your account, no getting around this). However,
there is no limit on non-alcoholic or zero-proof drinks, so drink all that hydrating bottled water, virgin strawberry daquiri's, and sodas that you want!
Can I order a 'double'?
Want to level up your drink with an extra shot called a 'double'? Sadly, you technically can’t do it on the beverage package. According to Carnival, a double shot is the same as ordering 2 drinks and is prohibited. However, to get around this, some cruisers will order the 2nd shot separately, but will wait the 5 minutes to grab it and add the shot to your previous drink. Remember though, this adds to the 15 alcoholic drink maximum.
Does it work on Carnival’s private islands or in ports?
Unfortunately, no. The CHEERS! package only works for drinks served on the ship. Even though Carnival has private islands for its guests, the drink package doesn’t work there (I wish it would!). It also doesn’t work in ports of call like Cozumel or Nassau.
What about buying a 'round of drinks'?
If you are really enjoying your vacation and time with friends, you might want to buy everyone a round. In that case, the 1st drink will apply to your drink package, but the rest of your drinks will go on your onboard account.
Can I bring my own tumbler or cup to use for my drinks?
In my experience, I have been able to bring my own tumbler and the bartenders will happily fill the cup. Keep in mind this is per each bartender's or server's discretion, but I found a small tip ensures that I can use my own tumbler. And sometimes, I even received a few ounces extra of beer or a frozen cocktail. I do highly recommend this tumbler below because it's the perfect size, has a lid, and straws:
How much would I need to drink to 'break even' on the cost?
Let's reiterate that you're going to be paying at least $70+ bucks a day, per person. If you're only thinking about getting booze, let's say you want to just get beers at $7 a pop. Well, if you buy and drink more than 10 of those, you've gotten your money's worth. Of course, since coffee drinks, mocktails, and bottled water are part of the program besides alcohol, if you drink a lot of these beverages, it would be easier to reach the 'break even' cost.
Want to learn the actual prices of the drinks on board to calculate for yourself? Click here to access my blog where I list ALL the 26 Carnival Cruise Line drink venues, menus, and prices (or watch the video below). And don't forget to calculate those hidden gratuities into it. Click here to read my Beginner's Guide To Gratuities to better understand the gratuity system on a Carnival cruise as of August 2022.
Ok, now that you are aware of the basics concerning the program and the drink prices, are you still tempted to purchase or are you still on the fence? Allow me to put my 2 cents in.
My Humble Opinion on CHEERS!
After my first time purchasing CHEERS!, I never did again, and I don't plan to. So, do I think it's worth it? No, not for me. Here's why:
Reason #1. The total cost is completely out of my price range. Even on a shorter cruise, I don't ever 'break even' on what I paid because I'm not a huge alcohol drinker, and I can only drink so many coffee drinks, juice, and bottled water. I'd rather use that money to book an excursion, or shop in a cool port to help their economies.
Reason #2. I don't like the pressure of 'getting my money's worth'. I cruise to because I love the ocean, I like meeting new people, and to see new travel destinations, not spend all my time at a bar onboard trying to make sure I throw down drink after drink. If that's what you want for your vacation, go for it, but it's not for me.
Reason # 3. I can save so much money by just choosing to do many of the alternatives to the drink package! Since I use quite a few tricks and hacks here, I will do a separate blog post on this subject, coming soon.
Hopefully I've helped you decided if the CHEERS! program is worth it or not, to you. Now, it's time to reveal the 'secret', often overlooked drink package you can't buy online:
'CRUISE THE VINEYARDS' Wine Package Program
Are you a lover of wine? Then this might be the package for you instead of paying the big bucks for CHEERS! Basically, you can enjoy awesome discounts on wine packages when you purchase wines through Carnival's exclusive wine program called 'Cruise the Vineyards'. In fact, wines from all around the world are featured in two different packages, so if you're a wine newbie or a more adventurous wine consumer, you'll be satisfied with whichever program you decide on. 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine packages allow you to enjoy your favorite wines at a discounted price while also being able to explore new wines, if you choose to, from the wide assortment of wines offered in these packages. **Please note though, that 'Cruise the Vineyards' can ONLY be purchased on board (ask your dining room waiter) or by calling The Fun Shops department directly (Phone #: 800-522-7648, 9am-9pm EST).
If you'd like to see this on Carnival's Official site, please click here.
Here's a few of the 'Cruise The Vineyards' Good-To-Knows before purchasing:
Packages feature wines from all around the wrold to include: Italy, California, Washington, Oregon, Chile, Argentina, Germany, France, Spain, Australia and New Zealand,
But, you may drink the wine ONLY in the dining room.
Plus, unconsumed wine will NOT be refunded, but purchasers may take home any unopened bottles.
Package #1: Price & Offerings
Simply Called the 'Wine Package':
3 Wines for $77.00 or 5 Wines for $119.00
Wines to choose from:
Sparkling, Wycliff, ‘Brut’, California
Pinot Grigio, Mezzacorona, Delle Venezie, Italy
Pinot Grigio, GIFFT, Monterey County, California
Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile
Chardonnay, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile
Chenin Blanc, Baron Herzog, California
Riesling, Leonard Kreusch, Germany
Rosé, GIFFT, Monterey County, California
White Zinfandel, Canyon Road, California
Merlot, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile
Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile
Package #2: Price & Offerings
'Premium Wine Package'
3 Wines for $108.00 | 5 Wines for $168.00
Wines to choose from in this package:
Sparkling, Domaine Ste. Michelle, ‘Brut’, Columbia Valley, Washington
Sparkling Rosé, Domaine Ste. Michelle, ‘Brut Rosé’, Columbia Valley, Washington
Pinot Grigio, Ecco Domani, Delle Venezie, Italy
Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Alto Adige, Delle Venezie, Italy
Pinot Gris, J Vineyards, California
Sauvignon Blanc, McBride Sisters, Marlborough, New Zealand
Sauvignon Blanc, Kendall Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California
Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
Chardonnay, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley, Washington
Chardonnay, Kendall Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California
Chardonnay, McBride Sisters, Central Coast, California
Chardonnay, Cave de Lugny, Macon-Lugny, ‘Les Charmes’, Burgundy, France
Chardonnay, La Crema, Monterey County, California
Moscato, Stemmari, Terre Siciliane, Italy
Viognier, Maison Les Alexandrins, France
Riesling, Albrecht, ‘Tradition’, Alsace, France
Rosé, Gerard Bertrand, ‘Côte des Roses’, Languedoc, France
Pinot Noir, Ryder Estate, Central Coast, California
Pinot Noir, Kendall Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California
Pinot Noir, Sokol Blosser, ‘Evolution’, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Zinfandel, Cline, Lodi, California
Merlot, Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley, Washington
Merlot, Kendall Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, Sonoma County, California
Cabernet Sauvignon, Murphy Goode, California
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hess Select, North Coast, California
Cabernet Sauvignon, J. Lohr, ‘Seven Oaks’, Paso Robles, California
Côtes du Rhône, Maison Castel, Rhône Valley, France
Tempranillo/Garnacha, Martin Codax, ‘Ergo’, Rioja, Spain
Chianti Classico Riserva, D’Aquino, Tuscany, Italy
Shiraz, Peter Lehmann, ‘Portrait’, Barossa Valley, Australia
Shiraz, Grant Burge, ‘5th Generation’, Barossa Valley, Australia
Malbec, Catena, Mendoza, Argentina
Have I answered all your CHEERS! questions?
I hope I did! If I didn't, or you need more clarification on something, please feel free to leave me any questions or comments down below. And don't forget, you can click here to subscribe 💌 to my official mailing list so you can be the first to know when I publish new content.
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And if you want to discover more cruise tips, head over to another article like the ones featured below. ⬇
Until next time,
Happy Sailing,
Peggy Lynne