carnival drink package calculator

Is the Carnival Cheers! Drink Package Worth It? Your Ultimate Guide

Embarking on a Carnival cruise promises fun, relaxation, and perhaps a few refreshing beverages. But with the Cheers! drink package, the question often arises: is it a good value for your money? Our Carnival drink package calculator is designed to help you quickly estimate the cost, allowing you to make an informed decision before you set sail.

How to Use Our Calculator

Our easy-to-use calculator helps you estimate the total cost of the Carnival Cheers! package for your upcoming cruise. Simply input the following details:

• Number of Adults (21+) in Cabin: Carnival requires all adults in the same cabin to purchase the Cheers! package if one person does.
• Cruise Duration (Nights): The package must be purchased for the entire length of your cruise.
• Daily Package Price: This varies by sailing and ship, but typically ranges from $59.95 to $64.95 per person, per day. Check Carnival's website or your cruise planner for the exact price for your sailing.
• Gratuity Percentage: A mandatory 18% service charge is automatically added to the package price. You can adjust this if Carnival's policy changes.

Once you hit "Calculate Cost," you'll see a clear breakdown of the cost per person per day, total cost per person for the cruise, and the grand total for all adults in your cabin.

What is the Carnival Cheers! Package?

The Cheers! beverage program is Carnival's all-inclusive alcoholic drink package. It's designed for guests aged 21 and older and offers a wide variety of drinks for a flat daily rate. Key inclusions are:

• Up to 15 alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails) per 24-hour period (6 AM - 6 AM).
• Unlimited sodas, specialty coffees, hot teas, milkshakes (where available), and 500ml bottled water.
• Energy drinks.
• Zero-proof cocktails.
• Fountain sodas at bars and through the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.

There's a $20 limit per beverage; anything over this amount will be charged to your Sail & Sign account at full price. Most standard drinks fall well within this limit.

Mandatory Gratuity and Pricing

It's crucial to remember that the advertised daily price for the Cheers! package does not include gratuity. An additional 18% service charge is automatically added to the total cost. This gratuity covers the service provided by the hardworking bar staff who keep your drinks flowing.

The daily rate for Cheers! can fluctuate based on the specific ship, itinerary, and booking promotions. Always verify the current pricing for your cruise directly with Carnival.

Who Should Consider the Cheers! Package?

The Cheers! package is generally considered a good value for guests who plan to consume:

• 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day: If you enjoy a mix of cocktails, wine, or beer throughout the day, you'll likely break even or save money.
• Plenty of non-alcoholic beverages: The inclusion of specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas adds significant value, especially if you regularly purchase these items.
• Convenience: The ability to order without worrying about individual costs adds to a stress-free vacation experience.

Consider your typical daily drink consumption at home or on other vacations. If you easily reach 5-6 drinks, plus a few coffees or waters, Cheers! might be for you.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

The Cheers! package might not be the best fit if:

• You're a light drinker: If you only have one or two alcoholic drinks a day, paying à la carte will almost certainly be cheaper.
• You prefer to bring your own: Carnival allows guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person (21+) on embarkation day, and a small amount of non-alcoholic beverages.
• You're on a very short cruise: On 2-3 day cruises, some find it harder to get full value.
• Not all adults in your cabin drink: If one adult in your cabin doesn't drink alcohol, but others do, Carnival's "all adults must purchase" rule can make it less economical. (Exceptions can sometimes be made for medical reasons, but require prior approval).

Important Considerations

• All Adults Rule: As mentioned, if one adult (21+) in a cabin purchases Cheers!, all other adults (21+) in that same cabin must also purchase it.
• Entire Cruise Duration: The package must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise, not just select days.
• Port Days: The 15-drink limit resets at 6 AM. On port days, you might spend less time on the ship and thus drink less, which can impact the daily value.
• Mocktails and Specialty Coffees: Don't underestimate the value of unlimited mocktails, fresh-squeezed juices, and premium coffees. These can add up quickly if purchased individually.

Conclusion

The Carnival Cheers! drink package can be an excellent way to enhance your cruise experience, offering convenience and potentially significant savings if you're a regular drinker and enjoy other included beverages. By using our calculator and considering your personal drinking habits, you can confidently decide if Cheers! is the right choice for your next Carnival adventure!