For many cruisers, the allure of an all-inclusive drink package is strong, promising a worry-free flow of beverages throughout their vacation. Carnival Cruise Line’s “Cheers!” program offers just that, allowing guests to indulge in a wide array of drinks for a fixed daily price. However, before you raise a glass to unlimited libations, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of the package, its costs, limitations, and whether it truly aligns with your drinking habits and budget. Let’s take a comprehensive look at Carnival’s Cheers! to help you decide if it’s the right thirst-quencher for your next “Fun Ship” adventure.

The cost of the Cheers! package varies slightly depending on when you purchase it. If you decide to add it to your cruise fare in advance, the daily rate is typically $82.54 USD per person. If you wait until you are onboard the ship to purchase Cheers!, the daily cost increases to $88.44 USD per person. This price difference incentivizes pre-cruise purchase and is something to keep in mind when budgeting. Once you’ve opted into Cheers!, you’ll have access to a wide selection of beverages, with the key stipulation that all individual drinks must be priced at $20 USD or less per serving. This covers most cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, sodas, specialty coffees, and energy drinks offered onboard.  However, it’s important to note that regardless of whether you purchase the Cheers! package or not, Carnival has a responsible alcohol service policy that limits each guest to a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages per day. This is a standard across the board and not specific to the Cheers! program.

A critical aspect of the Cheers! package is its strict policy against sharing. The package is intended for the sole use of the individual who purchased it. Carnival monitors this closely, and any attempt to share drinks with guests who haven’t purchased the package may result in the revocation of your Cheers! benefits without a refund. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and the financial viability of the program. Furthermore, there’s a significant rule regarding who in your cabin must purchase the package. If even one person aged 21 and older in the same stateroom opts to buy Cheers!, all other individuals in that cabin who are also 21 or older are required to purchase it as well, with no exceptions. This “whole cabin” rule is a key factor to consider, especially for groups or families where not everyone may be interested in an all-inclusive drink package.

While the Cheers! package covers a vast array of beverages available onboard, Carnival does allow guests to bring a limited amount of their own drinks. Each person aged 21 and older is permitted to bring one 750ml bottle of wine onboard at embarkation. Additionally, each person can bring a 12-pack of unopened, canned or bottled sodas or non-alcoholic beverages. It’s important to note that no bottled water or other bottled beverages are allowed to be brought onboard. Once you’re in port, you can certainly purchase more canned sodas or other non-alcoholic beverages to bring back onto the ship. Finally, it’s essential to remember that the Cheers! package is not valid off of the Carnival ship in any port of call. This includes Carnival’s private destinations like Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key. Any beverages consumed ashore will be at your own expense. Understanding these nuances of the Cheers! program is vital to determining if its cost and restrictions align with your anticipated beverage consumption and overall cruise budget.

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