Understanding Carnival Cruise Drink Packages: Rules and Guidelines
Embarking on a Carnival cruise promises a fun-filled vacation, and a significant part of that enjoyment often revolves around the wide array of beverages available. Carnival's drink packages, designed to simplify and enhance your onboard experience, come with a set of rules and guidelines to ensure fairness and safety. Let's dive into the details of Carnival's drink packages, their rules, and what you need to know before you set sail.
Carnival's Drink Packages: An Overview
Carnival offers two main drink packages: the Cheers! beverage program and the Bottomless Bubbles package. The Cheers! package includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, while the Bottomless Bubbles package focuses on unlimited soda and juice. Both packages come with specific rules and limitations, which we'll explore in detail.
Cheers! Beverage Program
The Cheers! beverage program is Carnival's most comprehensive drink package, offering a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Here's what you need to know about this package:
- Alcoholic Beverages: Includes spirits, beers, wines, and cocktails up to $15 per drink. Premium drinks and those over $15 will incur an additional charge.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Includes sodas, juices, bottled water, specialty coffees, and teas.
- Soda and Juice Package: If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, you can opt for the Soda and Juice Package, which offers unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water at a lower price point.
Bottomless Bubbles Package
The Bottomless Bubbles package is perfect for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. Here's what's included:
- Soda and Juice: Unlimited soda and juice, including fountain and bottled varieties.
- Bottled Water: Unlimited bottled water, perfect for staying hydrated during your cruise.
Carnival Cruise Drink Package Rules
To ensure fairness and safety, Carnival has implemented several rules and guidelines for their drink packages. Familiarizing yourself with these rules will help you make the most of your package without any surprises:
Age Restrictions
As with any alcohol-related service, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises. Guests under 21 may purchase and consume non-alcoholic beverages only.
Package Limitations
Carnival drink packages have daily limits to prevent excessive consumption. The Cheers! package allows for up to 15 drinks per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package has no daily limit. However, Carnival reserves the right to limit or restrict service based on responsible consumption guidelines.
Drink Size and Refills
Drink packages include a standard drink size, and refills are allowed. However, Carnival may limit refills or service based on responsible consumption guidelines. Premium drinks and those over $15 are not included in the Cheers! package and will incur an additional charge.
Package Duration and Pricing
Drink packages can be purchased for the entire cruise duration or on a daily basis. Pricing varies depending on the length of your cruise and the package you choose. Keep in mind that packages are per person and must be purchased for all guests in the same stateroom who are of legal drinking age.
Cancellation and Changes
Drink packages can be purchased online before your cruise or onboard. If you purchase a package online, you can cancel or change it up to 48 hours before sailing. After that point, changes and cancellations are subject to a $10 fee per person.
Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package
To make the most of your Carnival cruise drink package, consider the following tips:
- Plan your drinks strategically to stay within the daily limits.
- Take advantage of specialty coffees and teas, which can be pricey if purchased individually.
- Share drinks with your travel companions to try a wider variety of beverages.
- Consider purchasing a drink package for the entire group in your stateroom to save money.
By understanding the rules and guidelines of Carnival's drink packages, you can make informed decisions and enhance your onboard experience. Cheers to a fantastic cruise!
