Are you dreaming of a Carnival cruise, envisioning sun-drenched decks, the gentle sway of the ocean, and, perhaps, a refreshing cocktail in hand? Then, understanding the Carnival Cheers! drink package is not just a good idea; it's a crucial step in maximizing your cruise experience and potentially saving money.
The Carnival Cheers! drink package has become a cornerstone of the cruise experience, but navigating its complexities and finding the best deals can feel like charting uncharted waters. Today, we're setting sail to demystify this popular add-on, providing you with the knowledge to decide if it's the right fit for your vacation, and, more importantly, how to potentially snag it at a discount.
The Carnival Cheers! package is, in essence, a pre-paid bar tab that allows you to enjoy a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise. This eliminates the need to constantly sign chits and track your spending, offering a more relaxed and carefree vacation. But is it worth the price? That depends on your drinking habits and how you approach the purchase.
One of the most significant aspects to consider is the price. Purchased on board, the Cheers! package will set you back $88.44 per person, per day. However, theres a golden opportunity to reduce that cost. By purchasing the package in advance, through Carnivals website or by contacting their call center, you can often secure a 10% discount. This seemingly small percentage can translate into significant savings over the course of your cruise. Let's do some quick math: if you buy it in advance, you'll pay $82.54 per day. This is especially important if you're cruising for an extended period.
So, how can you get the best possible deal on your Cheers! package? Here are some strategies to consider.
The first piece of advice is already mentioned: buy it in advance. Booking in advance saves you 10% over on-board pricing. This is a straightforward strategy that can save you money right from the start.
Another smart move involves leveraging gift cards. Carnival gift cards are available through AARP, offering a consistent 10% discount. You can purchase these in $100 or $500 denominations, and then use them to pay for your Cheers! package before you sail. Buying a $500 gift card for $450 is an excellent way to immediately reduce the cost of your onboard spending.
Carnival also offers the Bottomless Bubbles package. This non-alcoholic package is priced at $8.20 per child, per day or $11.21 per adult, per day. Consider it, if you aren't the drinking type, or have kids who love sodas or mocktails.
Finding promotional codes for the Cheers! package can be a little like searching for buried treasure; these types of offers are not widely available. Carnival might occasionally send targeted offers to members of its VIFP Club loyalty program or casino guests. These offers are typically tailored to their travel history with the cruise line.
It's also worth keeping an eye on websites like Groupon Coupons. They often have verified coupons and promo codes for Carnival cruises. For example, you can often find offers ranging from $10 to $40 off, particularly around April 2025. Another website to keep an eye on is wethrift.com. These websites curate various deals and discounts that can help you save.
Here's a table summarizing some of the key points about the Cheers! Package.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A pre-paid drink package for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises. |
| Cost (Onboard) | $88.44 per person, per day (prices may vary) |
| Discount (Pre-Purchase) | Typically 10% off when purchased in advance. |
| AARP Gift Cards | Purchase Carnival gift cards at a 10% discount. |
| Bottomless Bubbles | A non-alcoholic package for children and adults. |
| Promo Codes | Not widely available; check VIFP Club and casino guest offers, as well as sites like Groupon Coupons and Wethrift. |
Are you a Carnival VIFP member? You may have received email about a promotion. Carnival is offering a sale to past guests, where they receive a free Cheers! drink package for themselves and a guest when they book. The 'free cheers to you!' sale was valid until December 13, 2020.
Purchasing the Cheers! package is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Consider your own drinking habits. Do you typically enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages per day? If so, the package can offer significant savings. If you mostly drink water or one or two drinks daily, it may be more cost-effective to pay as you go. Also consider the length of your cruise, as the daily cost will add up quickly.
It is also important to understand the terms and conditions. Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason. The "/ bottomless bubbles (ru0) offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer.
Before you book your cruise, or at least before your final payment is due, take some time to research your options, compare prices, and weigh the potential benefits. Buying in advance and using gift cards can lead to substantial savings. By doing your homework, you can maximize your enjoyment and make your Carnival cruise the most cost-effective and memorable vacation possible. With a little planning, you can raise a glass (or two!) without worrying about the bill and cheers to a fantastic voyage.
