Carnival Cruise Drink Package Price Going Up

If you’ve got a Carnival cruise coming up in the next few months, here’s a way to save yourself a bit of money: purchase the popular CHEERS! program before the end of the year. Why? Because the price of the Carnival drink package will go up $2 or a day as of January 1, 2018.

 Carnival Drink Package Detailed

Currently, the cost to purchase the CHEERS! program is $49.95 per person, per day if purchased online in advance. On January 1, the price will rise to $51.95 per person, per day, plus gratuities.

Those purchasing the Carnival drink package on board currently pay $54.95 per person, per day. On January 1, the price rises to $56.95 per person, per day, plus gratuities.

Read More: Pros and Cons of Carnival CHEERS! Beverage Program

Under the CHEERS! program, all guests over 21 in the stateroom must purchase the drink package. Guests can order drinks up to $50 per round, and are limited to 15 per day. Guests will also receive a 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $50. The Carnival drink package cannot be used on their private island Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Compared to Other Cruise Lines

In September, Norwegian Cruise Line raised the price of their unlimited beverage program to $89 ($105 per person, per day with the 18 percent added gratuity). Previously it was $79 per person, per day. However, many Norwegian passengers receive the drink package “free” as one of the perks offered as part of the line’s Free At Sea promotion. Like with Carnival, every guest in the stateroom must purchase the ultimate beverage package.

Royal Caribbean’s program will run you $55 (plus gratuity) per person, per day and will soon require everyone in the stateroom of legal age to also purchase the package.

In case you’re wondering, the average break-even point for Carnival’s new CHEERS! program pricing is eight drinks.

Will you still purchase the CHEERS! beverage package?