One of the most popular add-ons for Carnival Cruise Line guests is the Cheers! beverage package, which gives passengers the convenience of enjoying drinks throughout their voyage without worrying about individual costs. But many travelers wonder — how many drinks can you get a day with a Carnival Cruise Line drink package?
The short answer is that Carnival limits passengers to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours under the Cheers! package. However, this policy comes with a few more details worth understanding — including what counts toward the limit, how non-alcoholic beverages are handled, and the rules for responsible service.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Cheers! beverage package is an all-inclusive daily drink plan designed to simplify your vacation experience. It allows passengers to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a flat daily fee.
Here’s how it works:
You pay $59.95 per person, per day if purchased before your cruise (or $64.95 per person, per day onboard).
An 18% service gratuity is automatically added to the package price.
The plan covers drinks up to $20 per glass.
The Cheers package drinks include cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, sodas, specialty coffee, bottled water, and energy drinks.
The Carnival beverage rules state that each passenger with a Cheers! package can have a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period (from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.).
This daily limit is strictly enforced and applies only to alcoholic drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages, such as sodas or bottled water, are unlimited and do not count toward the 15-drink maximum.
The limit is in place to promote responsible drinking and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests onboard.
Carnival Cruise Line’s alcohol policy is designed with passenger safety in mind. The 15-drink rule helps:
Encourage moderation and responsible drinking.
Prevent overconsumption and potential health issues.
Maintain a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all guests.
Even though the Cheers package drinks are included, Carnival’s bar staff reserves the right to refuse service if they believe a passenger has had too much to drink — regardless of whether the 15-drink limit has been reached.
The 15 alcoholic drinks per day include:
Cocktails and mixed drinks
Spirits (served neat, on the rocks, or mixed)
Beer (draft, bottled, or canned)
Wine and champagne by the glass
Frozen or specialty cocktails
Drinks purchased that exceed the $20 per-glass limit are not fully covered — you can pay the difference out of pocket.
If you reach your 15-drink limit for the day, you can still enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic drinks like:
Soda and soft drinks
Bottled water
Specialty coffee and teas
Milkshakes (where available)
Energy drinks
When you purchase the Carnival Cheers package, it’s automatically linked to your Sail & Sign card — the onboard payment and identification system.
Each time you order a drink, you’ll swipe your card, and the system will automatically track your usage.
Key points to remember:
You can only order one drink at a time per card.
You must wait five minutes between orders.
The 15-drink limit resets every 24 hours.
These measures help ensure the package is used by the assigned guest and prevent sharing drinks with others.
Once you’ve reached your 15 alcoholic drink limit, the ship’s point-of-sale system will automatically prevent additional alcoholic orders on your account until the next day.
You will be politely informed by the bartender that you’ve reached your limit. However, you can continue ordering unlimited non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
If you wish to purchase an additional alcoholic beverage after reaching the limit, Carnival does not allow you to pay separately for it. The limit applies across all onboard bars and lounges, and it cannot be overridden.
Sharing the Cheers package with another guest is strictly prohibited under Carnival’s beverage rules.
To prevent misuse:
Every adult (21 or older) in the same cabin must purchase the package if one person does.
Bartenders and servers are trained to ensure drinks are consumed by the purchaser.
If caught sharing, you risk having the drink package revoked without a refund.
Even with the 15-drink limit, most passengers find it difficult to reach the maximum daily allowance. Here’s how to get the most value out of your Carnival beverage package:
Start early but pace yourself: Spread your drinks throughout the day, from morning mimosas to evening cocktails.
Include non-alcoholic beverages: Enjoy unlimited coffee, soda, and bottled water to stay hydrated.
Try premium drinks: Order higher-priced cocktails (up to $20) to maximize your package value.
Mix it up: Alternate between alcohol and mocktails or soft drinks.
Take advantage of sea days: You’ll get the most out of your package when spending full days onboard.
For most passengers, the 15 alcoholic drink limit is more than sufficient.
Here’s why:
Most cocktails, wines, and beers are 8–14% alcohol by volume (ABV).
Consuming 15 standard drinks in a day equates to a very high alcohol intake.
Few guests can reasonably drink that much while staying comfortable and safe.
Therefore, the Carnival drink limit strikes a good balance between offering value and ensuring responsible consumption.
To recap, here’s what to remember about Carnival beverage package rules:
RuleDetails
Daily Alcohol Limit15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours
Non-Alcoholic DrinksUnlimited
Drink Price LimitUp to $20 per drink
Purchase RequirementMust buy for entire cruise
All Adults RuleAll guests 21+ in a stateroom must buy if one does
SharingNot allowed
Waiting Period5 minutes between alcoholic drinks
The Cheers! package is available on most Carnival ships and offers flexibility for guests who like to enjoy beverages throughout the day.
The Cheers package remains a great value even with the 15-drink cap, especially for those who enjoy premium beverages, specialty coffees, and soft drinks.
If you typically drink more than 5–7 alcoholic beverages per day — including wine at dinner, beers by the pool, and cocktails at night — you’ll likely save money compared to paying à la carte.
However, if you drink lightly or spend most of your days on shore excursions, it might be more cost-effective to buy drinks individually.
So, how many drinks can you get a day with a Carnival Cruise Line drink package?
Under the Cheers! beverage plan, guests can enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours, plus unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. This policy helps balance fun and safety while giving passengers an easy, all-inclusive way to enjoy drinks onboard.
Whether you’re sipping a tropical cocktail by the pool, relaxing with a glass of wine at dinner, or enjoying a nightcap, Carnival’s Cheers package ensures your cruise is as carefree and enjoyable as possible.
1. How many alcoholic drinks can I get per day with the Carnival Cheers package?
You can have up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours under the Cheers beverage plan.
2. Are non-alcoholic drinks limited on Carnival’s drink package?
No. You can enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, including soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee.
3. What happens if I reach the 15-drink limit?
Once you hit the limit, no more alcoholic drinks can be served to you until the next day’s cycle begins.
4. Can I share my Carnival drink package with another guest?
No. Sharing is not allowed. Each adult (21+) in the same cabin must buy the package.
5. Is the 15-drink limit enough for most guests?
Yes. The majority of passengers find the Carnival drink limit more than sufficient for a day of responsible enjoyment.
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