Here are some pros and cons to help you decide
Pros of Carnival’s CHEERS! Drink Package:
Worry-Free Drinking
Drinking on your cruise becomes worry-free since you prepay for your drink package (including 18% gratuities).
With Carnival’s CHEERS! package, your beverage budget is predetermined, so there’s no need to ration your drinks daily. The CHEERS! program allows you 15 drinks per day, each valued up to $20. So kick back and keep the drinks coming.
Top-Shelf Liquor and Wines
Thanks to the rule that each drink can be valued up to $20, you can order top-shelf liquors in your cocktails and frozen drinks.
Mix your martini with Grey Goose VX or enjoy a neat glass of Hennessy XO, both normally $15 per shot and included in the program. The same applies to wine; any glass valued up to $20 is included in CHEERS!, so feel free to try something new.
Discounts on Drink Classes
Another perk of the program is the discount on beverage seminars and classes. This includes events like martini tastings or mixology classes at Alchemy Bar. The martini tasting includes sample tastings of various martinis from the menu, including a full-sized martini of your choice at the end, giving you great value with your CHEERS! discount.
CHEERS! is Almost All-Inclusive
In addition to alcohol, Carnival’s CHEERS! program includes sodas, bottled water, zero-proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, hot teas, juices, milkshakes, smoothies, coconut water, and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages.
For beverages not included, you still get 25% off any spirit or glass of wine above the $20 value limit, wine and champagne by the bottle, and beverage seminars and classes.
Preset Cruise Budget
By prepaying for your drink package, you know exactly how much you’re spending on alcohol, making it easier to budget for excursions, photos, the spa, or souvenirs once you’re on the ship.
There is no need to check your onboard account daily to track alcohol expenses or cut costs elsewhere if you want more drinks—you’ve already paid for it!
Cons of Carnival’s CHEERS! Drink Package:
Everyone in the Room Must Purchase The Drink Package
Before getting too excited about the CHEERS! program, check with your roommate first. If one person wants the CHEERS! program, everyone in that room over 21 must purchase it.
So, if another adult cruiser in the same cabin refuses to buy the package, you might have to miss out on the perks.
Can Be a Bust on Port-Intensive Cruises
Does your itinerary spend more days in port than at sea? Consider how much time you’ll spend in port versus on the ship using the program. If you’re on a 3-day cruise with two port days, is the program still worth it?
Delayed Start Time for Cruises from Texas and New York
Due to state laws, if your Carnival cruise ship departs from Texas or New York, your CHEERS! program will not go into effect until the second day of your cruise.
This means all drinks on the first day go on your Sign & Sail account, which slightly diminishes the worry-free feeling of knowing everything is prepaid.
Some Drinks Not Included
Despite being advertised as “all-inclusive,” a few items aren’t included. Drinks served in souvenir glasses, through room service, bottles of liquor, buckets of beers, self-service beer stations, and self-service wine machines are not covered.
You Can’t Buy Friends a Round
Suppose you plan to “buy a round” for friends or family, the CHEERS! program won’t cover it. It will only cover your drink, and you’ll be charged separately for all other drinks on your Sign & Sail account. This can be inconvenient when you’re all together and prefer one bill.
Find more about Carnival’s CHEERS! beverage program here.
