Carnival CHEERS! Package Explained

What Is Carnival CHEERS!?

CHEERS! is Carnival Cruise Line's alcoholic beverage package. It allows guests to purchase many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise for a flat daily price instead of paying individually for each beverage.

For many Carnival cruisers, CHEERS! is one of the first upgrades considered after booking. The package is designed to simplify onboard spending and eliminate surprise bar tabs at the end of the cruise.

Not sure whether the CHEERS! package makes sense for your travel style? Try our Cruise Drink Package Calculator to estimate your onboard beverage spending.

If you're comparing cruise packages across multiple cruise lines, start with our Cruise Packages Hub and our Carnival Cruise Line Guide.

What Drinks Are Included With CHEERS!?

CHEERS! covers a wide range of alcoholic beverages including cocktails, mixed drinks, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, frozen drinks, and many specialty bar selections that fall within Carnival's pricing limits.

The package also includes many non-alcoholic beverages such as specialty coffee drinks, milkshakes, energy drinks, bottled water, sports drinks, premium teas, and other eligible beverages.

For travelers who enjoy specialty coffees in the morning, bottled water throughout the day, and cocktails in the evening, the value can add up faster than many first-time cruisers expect.

What Is Not Included?

Not every beverage onboard is included in CHEERS!.

Certain premium beverages above Carnival's pricing limits may require an additional charge. Bottles of wine, room service alcohol purchases, minibar purchases, and some specialty offerings may also fall outside the package.

Because package rules can change, travelers should always review Carnival's current terms before sailing.

How Much Does CHEERS! Cost?

Carnival typically offers lower pricing when CHEERS! is purchased before embarkation. Waiting until boarding day often results in a higher daily rate.

Pricing changes periodically, which means travelers should verify current pricing directly with Carnival before making a final decision.

The real question isn't the advertised price. The real question is whether you would spend more or less purchasing drinks individually throughout the cruise.

CHEERS! Rules and Daily Limits

Carnival's beverage package includes important rules that travelers should understand before purchasing.

One of the most discussed rules is the daily alcoholic beverage limit. Guests should understand that CHEERS! is not an unlimited package in the literal sense.

The package is intended for personal use and sharing drinks is prohibited. Carnival also requires eligible adults sharing a cabin to generally purchase the package together when applicable.

Understanding these rules ahead of time helps avoid disappointment once onboard.

Is CHEERS! Worth It?

For some travelers, absolutely.

If you regularly purchase cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, bottled water, and other premium beverages throughout the cruise, CHEERS! can provide meaningful value.

For other travelers, particularly those who drink lightly or spend most days in port, paying individually may cost less.

Our Cruise Drink Package Guide and Cruise Drink Package Truth Guide provide additional perspective on beverage package value.

Who Should Buy CHEERS!?

CHEERS! is often a strong fit for:

• Couples who enjoy cocktails, wine, or beer throughout the cruise.
• Travelers who enjoy specialty coffees every morning.
• Guests who prefer predictable vacation spending.
• Cruisers who spend significant time onboard enjoying bars and entertainment.
• Travelers who would otherwise purchase premium beverages throughout the voyage.

Who Should Skip CHEERS!?

The package may not make sense for every traveler.

• Guests who rarely drink alcohol.
• Travelers who spend most days off the ship.
• Cruisers who primarily consume included beverages.
• Guests trying to minimize overall cruise costs.

For these travelers, paying as they go may be the better financial decision.

CHEERS! vs Paying As You Go

The easiest way to evaluate CHEERS! is to estimate what you would actually purchase without the package.

Many travelers overestimate their onboard drinking habits. Others underestimate how quickly specialty coffees, bottled water, soft drinks, and cocktails add up over a seven-night sailing.

A realistic estimate usually produces a much better decision than focusing solely on the package marketing.

For a broader view of cruise budgeting, see our Cruise Pricing Explained Guide.

Common CHEERS! Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is purchasing CHEERS! simply because other people say it is worth it.

The package should be evaluated based on your own habits, itinerary, and vacation style.

Another common mistake is ignoring non-alcoholic beverage consumption when calculating value. Specialty coffees, bottled water, and energy drinks can contribute significantly to overall savings.

Need Help Planning Your Carnival Cruise?

The right beverage package depends on how you travel.

If you're comparing Carnival itineraries, cabin categories, cruise fares, and package options, it helps to evaluate the entire vacation rather than focusing on a single upgrade.

You can also review our Best Cruise Deals Guide and Wave Season Booking Guide before making a final decision.

When you're ready, request personalized pricing through our Cruise Quote Form.