Four months after Carnival Cruise Line increased its water bottle prices by as much as 25%, the cruise company again hiked the price of its 16.9-ounce bottles.
The price of Carnival’s 16.9-ounce bottles, which are sold in packs of 12, reflect another 25% markup compared to the months before. As of April 2024, packs of 12 are being sold on the website for $14.95 versus last December’s $11.95. Passengers now will pay around $1.25 per bottle instead of the former $0.99.
The cruise operator increased its water bottle prices three times in less than two years. You might recall that the same 12-pack, 16.9-ounce bottles were sold for $4.95 in early 2022.
By November, the price had gone up to $9.95.
In December 2023, the price of bottled water was $11.95. (Guests pay the same price whether they purchase their water before or during the cruise.)
Taking the recent price hike into account, Carnival effectively raised its price by over 200% in a relatively short period.
| Early 2022 | November 2022 | December 2023 | April 2024 | Increase since early 2022 | |
| 16.9-ounce bottles, pack of 12 | $4.95 | $9.95 | $11.95 | $14.95 | 202.02% |
The prices of Carnival Cruise Line’s 8-pack 1.5-liter bottles and single 1.5-liter bottles have remained the same since December 2023.
Eight 1.5-liter bottles can still be bought for $24.95, while a 1.5-liter water bottle is still available for $4.50.
Can passengers bring water onboard a Carnival Cruise?
Yes, but it can not be in a plastic bottle. In 2015, the cruise line prohibited passengers from bringing bottled water and bottled soda onboard.
However, each passenger can bring 12 unopened, sealed cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages such as sparkling water, juice, milk, and soda. Note that each sealed container must be no more than 12 ounces.
Cruisers can also take some comfort in the fact that the CDC regulates water from their staterooms, water fountains, and drink stations around the ship, which are free and safe to drink. The water is tested during USPH surprise inspections.
Norwegian Cruise Line is $5 more for the same amount of water by volume. Royal Caribbean’s pricing is fluid and varies by sailing.
It should also be noted that bottled water is still included in the CHEERS! beverage package and remains unchanged.
