So you’re setting sail with Carnival in 2025 — drinks on deck, ocean breeze in your face, and maybe a little umbrella sticking out of your glass. But here’s the thing: if you plan to sip more than just pool water, you’ll want to understand Carnival’s drink packages before you’re wrist-deep in piña coladas. Let’s break it down like a fellow cruiser would.
CHEERS! Beverage Program – The All-Inclusive Experience
Carnival’s CHEERS! Beverage Program is its most comprehensive package, and if you’re someone who likes a little bit of everything — a few cocktails, a glass of wine with dinner, an espresso to start your day — this is the one you’ll want to look at first. It’s essentially the “drink what you want” pass, but with enough structure that you should know what’s actually included before you get too comfortable at the bar.
The CHEERS! package covers all alcoholic beverages priced at $20 or less per glass. That includes spirits, wine, beer, and cocktails — and Carnival’s menus are packed with creative concoctions, so you won’t feel limited. What really makes this package shine, though, is the inclusion of all the non-alcoholic goodies, too. We’re talking specialty coffees like cappuccinos and lattes, zero-proof frozen drinks, energy drinks, sodas, and even bottled water (in the 500ml size). And yes, that includes packaged water served in dining rooms and specialty restaurants, so you won’t be nickel-and-dimed at dinner.
Now here’s where it gets even better. If you’re feeling fancy and order a glass of wine or a cocktail priced above the $20 mark, you’ll still get a 25% discount. The same goes for bottles of wine and champagne, as well as access to cocktail-making classes and tasting events onboard. So if you’re looking to try something new or join a little mixology fun, you’re covered.
As for pricing, CHEERS! will run you $82.54 per person, per day if you book it before your cruise. Wait until you board, and you’ll pay $88.44 per day instead. That price includes the 18% service charge — so what you see is what you pay. But there are a few rules to be aware of: everyone 21 or older in the same stateroom has to purchase it if one person does, it’s non-transferable, and non-refundable after 10 p.m. Eastern the night before departure. Also important: the package is capped at 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period, which resets at 6 a.m. each day. That might sound limiting, but unless you’re planning to turn the Lido deck into your personal tiki bar, it’s more than enough for most cruisers.
It’s also worth noting that CHEERS! isn’t available on two-day sailings, on charter cruises, or when you’re ashore at Carnival’s private destinations — places like Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, or the newly launched Celebration Key.
What’s Included:
- Alcoholic Beverages: All spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass with a menu price of $20.00 USD or lower.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Sodas, zero-proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water, and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages.
- Dining Room Beverages: Packaged water in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants.
- Discounts: 25% off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00 USD, as well as a 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle and beverage seminars and classes.
Pricing:
- Pre-Cruise Purchase: $82.54 per person, per day.
- Onboard Purchase: $88.44 per person, per day.
- An 18% service charge is included in these prices.
Important Details:
- The program is non-transferable and non-refundable after 10:00pm ET the evening before departure.
- All adults (21 years or older) in the same stateroom must purchase the program if one person does.
- There is a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period (6:00am to 6:00am).
- Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.
- The CHEERS! package is not offered on 2-day cruises, charter cruises, and beverage purchases made at Carnival’s private destinations, including Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.
Bottomless Bubbles – Unlimited Soda and Juice
If alcohol isn’t part of your cruise game — or you’ve got younger cruisers with a serious Sprite habit — the Bottomless Bubbles program is Carnival’s answer to unlimited soda and juice. It’s a great value for families, teens, and anyone who’s looking to stay refreshed without sipping spirits.
What you get with Bottomless Bubbles is pretty straightforward: unlimited fountain sodas and a selection of juices served at bars, dining rooms, and buffet areas throughout the ship. The package is priced at $8.20 per day for kids (17 and under) and $11.21 per day for adults. Like CHEERS!, these prices include the 18% service charge. Once again, it has to be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise — you can’t just grab it for one or two days.
There are a few limitations here, too. Bottled water, specialty coffees, frozen drinks, and mocktails aren’t included. You also can’t use the package through room service, in-stateroom ordering systems, or at Carnival’s private destinations. Still, if your cruise style
What’s Included:
- Unlimited sodas and juices throughout the cruise.
Pricing:
- Children (17 years and younger): $8.20 per person, per day.
- Adults (18 years and older): $11.21 per person, per day.
- An 18% service charge is included in these prices.
Important Details:
- The package is non-transferable and must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.
- Bottomless Bubbles does not extend to any destinations visited, including exclusive destinations such as Celebration Key.
- It does not cover non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and juices listed above, beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses, bottled water, hot tea, specialty coffee, beverages offered at gangways, and beverages offered through room service or the interactive TV system (where applicable) or other in-stateroom beverage programs.
| Package | Inclusions | Exclusions | Price (Per Day) |
| CHEERS! Beverage | Alcoholic drinks (up to $20), sodas, specialty coffees, energy drinks, etc. | Souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, room service, private events, etc. | $82.54 (pre-cruise), $88.44 (onboard) |
| Bottomless Bubbles | Unlimited sodas and juices | Bottled water, specialty coffee, room service, beverages at private destinations, etc. | $8.20 (children), $11.21 (adults) |
How to Choose What’s Right for You
Picking between CHEERS! and Bottomless Bubbles really comes down to your personal preferences and your cruise itinerary. If your idea of a good vacation includes trying new cocktails, enjoying a few glasses of wine, or sipping spiked coffee while you watch the sunrise over the water, CHEERS! is likely to pay for itself — especially on sea days when you’re onboard from morning to midnight.
But if you’re more into soda or plan to spend most of your days off the ship exploring ports of call, the value of a full drink package starts to drop. On port-heavy itineraries, it’s easy to find that you only end up on the ship in the evenings — and you may not want to rush to “drink your money’s worth” in just a few hours. That’s where Bottomless Bubbles can be a more budget-conscious option.
One smart move is to think about what you normally drink in a day. A few coffees, a couple cocktails, a glass of wine, and some bottled water can easily add up to $70–$100 per day if you pay à la carte. If you’re anywhere near that ballpark, the CHEERS! package becomes a no-brainer. If you’re just grabbing a soda with lunch and tea at dinner, save your money and go with Bubbles — or skip a package entirely.
Final Sip: What’s Worth It?
Your drink package should match your vacation style. Want to treat yourself from morning espresso to nightcap? Go for CHEERS! Looking to keep things bubbly and alcohol-free? Bottomless Bubbles will do just fine. Either way, get familiar with what’s covered, run your own numbers, and buy ahead of time if you can — it saves cash.
Carnival makes it easy to cruise how you like. Just make sure your drink plan sails right alongside your good time.