Is the Carnival drink package worth it? A complete guide to saving money at sea (2025)

TL;DR: The Carnival CHEERS! package costs $82.54 pp per day when pre-purchased ($88.44 onboard) in 2025 and breaks even at about 8 alcoholic drinks—or 5 drinks plus a couple of coffees and bottled waters.

Buy it if:

✅ You average 6+ cocktails, beers, or wines on sea days.

✅ You start mornings with specialty coffee and grab bottled water all day.

✅ Your itinerary leans heavy on sea days vs. long port stops.

✅ Every adult in your cabin drinks at a similar pace.

✅ You’d rather prepay than face a surprise bar bill.

Planning a Carnival Cruise Line cruise and wondering if you should splurge on a Carnival drink package? You're not alone. With prices ranging from $82.54 to $88.44 per day for the Cheers! package, deciding whether to purchase this add-on can significantly impact your vacation budget. For a couple on a 7-day cruise, that's over $1,155—a substantial investment.

Carnival's drink packages are among the most searched topics for cruise planners, and for good reason. The prospect of "unlimited" beverages sounds appealing, but is the Carnival cruise drink package actually worth the investment? Whether you're a budget-conscious family, a fun-seeking group of friends, or a couple wanting to relax without tracking every purchase, understanding your options is essential.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Carnival cruise drink packages—from costs and inclusions to the all-important question: is the Carnival drink package worth it? We'll provide real calculations and practical examples to help you make the best decision for your specific vacation style.

📊 Calculate your Carnival CHEERS! package cost