Carnival Cruise Alcohol Package: Does It Cover Private Islands?

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Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of alcoholic beverage packages for its guests, such as the CHEERS! package, which includes a flat rate for alcoholic drinks for the entire voyage. While drinking is a significant feature on Carnival cruises, the line has tried to play down its party reputation. Carnival's drink packages are generally applicable across bars, lounges, and eateries on its ships. However, they are not always valid at private islands, and there is some ambiguity around this. While some sources indicate that Carnival's drink packages do not extend to its private islands, other accounts suggest that drinks may be included at certain locations.

Characteristics Values
Number of alcoholic drinks allowed per day 15
Cost per day $60 to $90 per person
Cost if purchased on board $88.44 per person, including 18% service charge
Cost if purchased before sailing $82.54 per person, including 18% service charge
Applicable taxes Applicable state and local sales taxes will be charged to the guest's folio when used in US waters
Availability Not available at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, Princess Cays, The Bahamas, and Celebration Key

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Carnival's Cheers package

Carnival Cruise Line offers an array of alcoholic beverages through its Cheers package. The package allows guests to purchase drinks at a flat rate for the entire voyage, which works out to be around \$60 to \$90 per person per day. It is important to note that the package can only be purchased for the entire trip, and guests are limited to a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages per person per day. This limit is in place to encourage responsible drinking, and bartenders are trained to look for signs of intoxication and will discontinue serving guests who appear to be intoxicated.

The Cheers package includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. For alcoholic drinks, guests can enjoy beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails. Non-alcoholic options include sodas, zero-proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages. Additionally, guests who purchase the Cheers package receive a 25% discount on spirits or wine by the glass above $20 and wine or champagne by the bottle.

It's important to clarify that the Cheers package is designed for onboard purchases only and does not extend to exclusive destinations such as Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays. This limitation has been a point of contention for some customers, as other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer beverage packages that are accepted on their private islands. However, Carnival has stated that their policy has not changed, and the package is intended for use on their ships.

The Cheers package offers convenience and savings for guests who plan to consume a significant number of alcoholic beverages during their cruise. By pre-purchasing the package, guests can save $5 per day, and it will be activated upon boarding the ship (except for ships sailing from Texas, Norfolk, and New York, where activation occurs on the second day). For group bookings of 30 adults or more, the package can be purchased prior to the cruise by contacting Group Event Planning, and all adult guests in the group must participate in the program.

Overall, the Carnival Cheers package provides a wide range of beverage options and flexibility for guests looking to enhance their cruising experience. While it may not include drinks at their private islands, it still offers good value for money and convenience for on-board purchases.

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Alcohol limits

Cheers Beverage Package

Carnival's Cheers package offers a flat rate for alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise. This package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person, applicable from 6:00 am to 6:00 am the next morning. This limit is in line with Carnival's responsible drinking policies, and bartenders are trained to discontinue serving guests who appear intoxicated. The package is not available for purchase on a daily basis and must be bought for the entire voyage.

Bottomless Bubbles Package

This package is a non-alcoholic alternative, offering unlimited sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages. It is included for guests who purchase the Cheers package, providing a comprehensive range of options.

Signature Beverage Package

Carnival also offers a slightly less expensive package that includes drinks costing up to $11. This package does not have a specified drink limit, but it only covers beverages within the specified price range.

Quench Package

The Quench package is another non-alcoholic option, providing unlimited bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, Coke products, and mocktails. It is available at a lower daily rate compared to the alcoholic beverage packages.

It is important to note that these beverage packages are designed for onboard purchases and do not extend to exclusive destinations or private islands, including Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays. The packages also exclude drinks from in-room minibars, super-premium brands, and bottled water in some cases.

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Private islands

Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of beverage packages for its guests, including alcoholic drinks. The Cheers package, also known as CHEERS!, is available for $82.54 USD per person, per day when purchased online, and $88.44 USD per person, per day when purchased on board. This package includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks per person, per 24-hour period (9 AM to 3 AM) and must be purchased for the entire voyage. Sodas, zero-proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic drinks are also included.

However, it is important to note that the Cheers package is only applicable for onboard purchases and cannot be used for beverage purchases at certain destinations, including Carnival's private islands, Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays. These exclusions are explicitly mentioned on Carnival's website.

In contrast, other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer beverage packages that can be used on their private islands. For example, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package can be utilized on their private islands, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee in Haiti. This is considered a significant advantage over Carnival's package.

Some travelers have expressed disappointment that Carnival's drink package is not applicable on their private islands, especially when comparing it to other cruise lines. There has been speculation about the reasons for this exclusion, including potential accounting and technological challenges.

While Carnival's alcoholic beverage package offers a wide range of drinks onboard, it is important to be aware of the limitations regarding their private islands and certain other destinations.

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Cost

The cost of Carnival's alcoholic beverage package, Cheers!, is $82.54 USD per person, per day including an 18% service charge when purchased via Carnival's website. If purchased once on board, the cost is $88.44 USD per person, per day, including the same service charge. Guests who pre-purchase Cheers! will have it activated upon boarding the ship, except for ships sailing from Texas and New York, where activation will occur at 6 am on the second day of the cruise.

The Cheers! package allows guests to purchase drinks at a flat rate, with a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person, per 24-hour period (9 am-3 am) while on board. This package does not include drinks purchased at ports of call or private islands. For example, it cannot be used for beverage purchases at Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays in the Bahamas.

The cost of cruise ship drink packages varies by cruise line, with some lines offering multiple tiers of packages. Basic tiers may include only non-alcoholic drinks, while more expensive tiers add alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and other premium options. At several major cruise lines, including Carnival, the main drink packages that include all types of drinks typically cost about $60 to $90 per person, per day. Other lines, such as Royal Caribbean, may charge over $100 per person, per day for their top-tier packages.

It is worth noting that some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, include their private islands in their drink packages, while Carnival does not. This is considered a disadvantage for Carnival, as guests need to pay extra for drinks at their private islands.

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Alternatives

Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of beverage packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. While their packages offer good value for money, they do not include alcoholic beverages on their private islands. Here are some alternative options and considerations:

  • Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package: This package offers excellent value, as it includes alcoholic drinks not only on their ships but also on their private islands, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee in Haiti. It is expected that the package will also be accepted at their upcoming private-island-style destinations, the Royal Beach Clubs in Cozumel and Nassau.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): NCL's beverage package can be used on their private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. While their Harvest Caye location in Belize is a joint venture with the Belizean government, and drinks are not included in the package, alcohol is generally available for free on the island.
  • Other Cruise Lines: Different cruise lines have varying policies regarding beverage packages and their applicability on private islands. While some lines, like Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, do not offer flat-fee drink packages, they provide alternative ways to save on beverage purchases. It is worth exploring other cruise lines to compare their drink package inclusions and prices.
  • Carnival's Alternative Packages: Carnival offers a range of alternative packages that may better suit your needs. For example, their Signature Beverage Package includes drinks up to a certain price point, and they also have non-alcoholic options like the Quench package, which offers unlimited bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, and mocktails.
  • Onboard Beverage Options: If you decide not to opt for a beverage package, you can still purchase drinks onboard. Carnival offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at different price points. Their bars, lounges, and eateries provide a wide selection of drinks to cater to different tastes and preferences.
  • Private Island Alternatives: Consider exploring alternative private island destinations that may offer all-inclusive beverage options. Some private islands or resorts may provide alcoholic drinks as part of their package deals, allowing you to enjoy a more inclusive experience without the restriction of drink packages.

When choosing a cruise line and beverage package, it is essential to review the fine print and understand the inclusions and exclusions. Additionally, be mindful of responsible drinking practices and follow guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Frequently asked questions

No, Carnival's alcoholic beverage package does not include their private islands.

Carnival's Cheers package includes up to 15 alcoholic drinks per person, per 24-hour period (9 am-3 am) while on board. It costs $82.54 USD per person, per day, including an 18% service charge, if purchased via Carnival's website, and $88.44 USD per person, per day, including an 18% service charge, if purchased once on board.

The package is applicable for onboard purchases only and cannot be used for beverage purchases at Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, Princess Cays, The Bahamas, and Celebration Key.

Yes, Carnival also offers the Bottomless Bubbles package, which includes unlimited sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Yes, Royal Caribbean offers the Deluxe Beverage Package, which can be used on their private islands, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti.

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