Carnival’s Cheers! beverage package, renowned for offering passengers an all-inclusive drinking experience, has seen a price adjustment. As of October 8, 2023, the price for short cruises (3, 4, or 5 nights) has been raised by $10 per person, per day. If you book this package before your cruise, it will cost you $69.95 per person, per day. Decide to wait until you’re on board? The price jumps to $74.95 per person, per day.
Interestingly, this price increase is selective, affecting only some cruises. Specifically, the updated pricing applies to all cruise departure dates from December 1, 2023, and later. It’s a strategic move likely aimed at adapting to evolving market demands and ensuring the continued provision of high-quality beverage options for guests.
The Cheers! Package: What’s Included?
Opting for the Cheers! beverage program means unlocking a world of unlimited drink options, enhancing your cruise experience. The package covers unlimited spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass. It also includes zero-proof frozen cocktails, specialty coffee, hot tea, and bottled water. Plus, there’s a 25% discount on premium drinks and wines priced above $20.
But, as with all good things, there are restrictions. The Cheers! package doesn’t cover beverages sold in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, or drinks purchased outside the ship, among other exclusions. And, if one person in a stateroom purchases the Cheers! package, everyone 21 and over in that stateroom must also purchase it, although exceptions may apply for certain conditions.
Drink Individually: A La Carte Pricing
If the package doesn’t sound like your cup of tea (or glass of beer), knowing the a la carte pricing might help. Typical menu prices range from $6 to $8 for beer, $8 to $14 for wine, and $7 to $20 for mixed drinks. Soft drinks are about $2.50, and bottled water prices vary from $1.25 to $5.
The Cheers! Cap Adjustment
Another significant change is the adjustment of the price cap for drinks included in the Cheers! package. Previously covering all drinks up to $50, the program now includes beverages with a menu price of $20 or lower per serving, offering a 25% discount on drinks exceeding this price.
Navigating the Seas of Beverage Choices
The decision to purchase a beverage package or go a la carte depends on your drinking habits and cruise duration. The Cheers! package offers convenience and potentially significant savings for heavy drinkers, while occasional drinkers might find better value in paying for drinks as they go.
Carnival’s adjustments to its beverage package pricing and terms reflect a broader industry trend of cruise lines fine-tuning their offerings to balance guest satisfaction with profitability. Whether these changes will affect the overall cruise experience remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: informed passengers can better plan their onboard spending to ensure a smooth sailing experience.
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