@@BoatBreakersNJ I think you might be confusing the recent changes to how they display the price with a price increase. They recently started showing the TOTAL price per day, including 18% gratuity, instead of showing the base price and only seeing the gratuity when you go to check out. In March, I purchased the Cheers package for my October cruise, and I just checked and the total is the same.
My absolute favorite thing about the drink package is that I don't have to worry about calculating or keeping track of what I had to drink. One less thing to have to worry about while on vacation. Thanks for the video!!
Last cruise me and the wife did, we both had the drink package. We brought the 2 bottles of wine and 2 12 packs of soda we could on Carnival. She isnt much of a drinker but I am. Since we could get 15/day each We started getting the canned beers at the bar or pizza place place. They serve them sealed and all were 16oz. We would bring them back to the room. Put them in the mini fridge. On debarkation day we had 5 liters of liquor, 3 bottles of wine and 13 16 oz beers/selzers/twisted teas that we took home to get our monies worth.
One thing your video should mention in the future is when to think about NOT buying a drink package. People should consider how many stops are on the cruise and what they plan to do on those stops. For example, Mediterranean cruises have several day-long ports of call. If you know you're going to be off the boat 50% of the time, it may be more difficult to get your money's worth getting a drink package.
Just completed Sunrise Cruise on 23 Mar 24. Ship flooded on 2nd deck, my balcony door wouldn't shut completely and blew open multiple times at night during storm, ship had multiple leaks during five day voyage. Pros: Fun for all ages, diversified passengers, good dining options throughout the day, abundance of activities, room cleanliness Cons: Too many children left unattended running throughout ship decks, customer service, unorganized embarkation and debarkation, WIFI for only one person at a time on a group, lack of quality excursions, room maintenance
Your advice about finding a favorite bartender is spot-on. I do this everywhere I go, not just on cruises!! My first Carnival cruise last October was on the Freedom out of Port Canaveral and I found Zora at the Alchemy Bar......she was awesome, remembered my name, remembered my drink(s), and helped make my cruise great!! (Adrian on the Celebrity Edge right now is also one of the absolute BEST!!!)
I think that it is ridiculous that if you want a soda on your beers package you have to go to a bar and stand in line behind everybody else. There should be a few places that just deal in soda and bottled water so you can use your card and get something quick. It’s a pain in the butt to go to the buffet and then have to go find a bar to get a cold drink at.
I hear you, JonFon! It can be a hassle to get a quick soda or water. It would be great if Carnival made it more convenient with dedicated spots just for those beverages. Maybe that's something they'll improve in the future. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Anti drink package tips! Gamble once you hit 1500 points you get free drinks in the casino. Pre order wine and beer before your embarkation and you will have it in your room by the time you board! If the cruise is longer than 7 days I believe you can preorder hard liquor for the cabin. Also bring your own bottle of wine on boarding day. Without the cheers package you can budget your drinking expenses by purchasing bar cash through the fun shops. If the drink package is your thing get the most out of it! I’m talking smoothies fresh squeezed juice liquor and specialty coffee 😂
If you each had a $5 coffee in the morning, three $4 bottles of water throughout the day, two $20 cocktails during the day or evening, and two $15 glasses of wine at dinner - that would be 3276 over the 18 days without being a wildly big drinker (IMO). Food and drink are easily the part of any vacation that costs way more than anyone ever plans lol
I have 2 rooms on a carnival cruise. 4 adults and 4 kids. I put my wife and the other 2 adults in one stateroom. Then the kids are with me and I only purchase 1 drink package. Granted we don't drink much at all. We will be pushing to even share 8 drinks a day.
If you tend to out drink the 15 beers here is a tip ...get a folio number from someone that did not buy the CHEERS , then the waiter you slipped a $20 at the pool will let you " buy that guy a bucket on me but leave it here ". Sure you will have to pay for it but it wont count against your 15 and lets you squirrel some back to your room. Trust me on this , done it on all 15 Carnival trips , also I got stuck on Carnival Celebration due to a software glitch and nobody could get off, well I had stashed about 6 beers so I just went out to the balcony and sipped a few cool ones while everybody else was like "where did you get a beer? I want one !"
@@BoatBreakersNJ I figured it out! It didn't get raised. They display all costs now after taxes and fees. So the $70.74 includes that 18% service charge!
I love Carnival but not so much the 15 drink limit for my own reasons lol If I find I am getting close to the limit and still have some partying to do, I order the Fosters BIG cans. Not the best tasting beer, but if I just want something to sip on to take me through the end of the night it does the trick.
It's a little more work, but you could also order a couple martinis throughout the day and bring them to your room so you have a little backstock of alcohol. Then you just get the mixer of your choice and make your own cocktails. Any time my boyfriend or I go back to the room, we try to make sure and grab a martini and a bottle of water or soda so we have our own little mini bar in the room. We wind up using the water bottles as our liquor bottles, and you really want to pay attention so you don't chug the wrong one when you're thirsty or hung over.
@@jessicawright4779 great advice! Usually at the end of the night if I have anything left over I’ll try and order an unopened beer, but bringing back other alcohol is a great idea! My wife has accidentally grabbed the wrong Gatorade bottle when hungover before 🤣
@@soundcentral Ugh, instant barf. If you're not a gin/vodka drinker, the bartenders will generally still make you a martini, even if it's a "rumtini" or "whiskini" especially if you tip well. On my last cruise, my favorite bartender would see me coming down the promenade and have an old fashioned made for me by the time we got to the bar. Made me feel like a big old movie star.
Before we sailed on Celebration last August I had figured an “ average price per drink (including tip)”. I realized we could drink pretty much what we had on our previous, ‘package-enhanced’ cruise. My husband like to tip folks and I thought the non-package option was a better option. Well, the drink prices had actually increased and that the 18% gratuity was included before the total, and little line for tips :/. We only drank mid-level cocktails and the occasional fancy coffee and found our break over point (on long cruise) was 5 drinks a day. It would be even more efficient if I drank soda. We will probably do the package on our upcoming cruise on the Mardi Gras
Yes. Norwegian has a strict policy concerning the number of drinks you can have in a 24 hour period. Their policy is, you must stop drinking when you are throwing up overboard or passed out face down in the pool or hot tub.
@BoatBreakersNJ You did have a good recap at the end of the video saying that sometimes the bartenders will skip the call brands and finish lower end liqours.
If I get the drink package and I purchase multiple energy drinks for my mini fridge throughout the week and canned coffee drinks, can I bring those things off the ship with me and through the airport and back home?
For one, energy drinks are included in Cheers so you would get them for free. And yes, you can bring them off the ship, that's no problem, however TSA rules still apply at the airport, so you'd have to check the drinks in your luggage and run the risk that they spill.
Did anyone notice how difficult it is to get a cold dring when not ordering with dinner or a show? You have to go to a bar to get it most times so you can't exactly send your kids. You would think they could have a special drink are just for the bubbles to make it easier to acces the drinks. Also, do they have milkshakes on any of the packages? Last cruise you could get a Milkshake even though they had only one place you could get them and only one person making them.
Its a shame 😥 YES, milkshakes are good to go! It does, however, say on their website '*where available', meaning some ships might not carry! Also, you can get them spiked 😈
@@BoatBreakersNJ Yea. That's true. We did have them on our last cruise. I am being told now you only get them with the Cheers package. In order to make it financially viable I would have to come back from the cruise weighing 4oo lbs. Thinking about it...
Booked on Mardi Gras in December. Since it’s all about “finessing the system” how observant is the crew? Let’s just say that someone was to use the package to get a specialty coffee and they went around the corner and gave it to their daughter. Would those people be easily busted and have their Cheer package revoked? Asking for a friend.
Oh absolutely not! You'd be ok doing that I'm sure. Like you said around the corner you're good!! They are usually busy as hell anyways. Since it's coffee and energy drinks are unlimited I horde energy drinks in the rooms mini fridge
So the Gatorade doesn’t count as one of your 15 drinks? The 15 is only for alcohol correct? Going on my first cruise next year and doing all the research now
Great advice! Any one able to fill me in on non alcoholic drinks rules and regulations for minors ..such as my son who will be 17 on our April 2025 trip?
We were on Carnival Celebration October 15 - October 22 7 Day Cruise out of Miami . We bought the soft drink Pepsi Package. Only 2 days the fountain dispensers worked. We had to walk to any bar to get a can of Pepsi. We had to wake 15 minutes or longer to get a second can of Pepsi . We went to service desk complain about the Pepsi dispenser and others were there complaining about the machines being down. Only reply was go to a bar to get a soft drink but you can drink orange juice, Mango Juice or Apple juice free. They didn't care. It could be 1 AM at the service and there would be between 10-15 People lined up. The service at some restaurant that you paid for food, the server would forget some items and you had to tell the server. This Ship wasn't as good at past Carnival Ships. This is just my 2 cents worth.
Dam! Sorry to hear about that! Usually Carnivals service is better and the Celebration being their newest ship they should do better! This is how they lose customers!! SIDENOTE! I was right next to you on the Wonder of the Seas.. took same dates!!
Not a fan of Carnival but did the Celebration last summer because we joined other family members on their cruise. If you drink little to no alcohol or soda, I would not buy a beverage package. We got one soda pkg, and it was a colossal waste of💰. Who makes somebody wait 15 minutes before being able to refill a cup of a soft drink. WHO DOES THAT AND WHY?? Drink the iced tea, lemonade and free juices at breakfast. Bring your refillable bottles and save yourself 💰💰💰💰💰
We were on the Carnival Celebration ship the same time you were and YOUR RIGHT! Me and my husband were complaining about the same thing! If you're charging for drink packages, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE MACHINES ARE WORKING AND ACCESSIBLE!
So did you not bring 212 packs on board with you or the number for your cabin? What about? Did you buy Pepsi at ports?? If Pepsi, is that important to you…
The kids' drink package does not include piña coladas. You'll need to purchase the Cheers package for the adults in your cabin to enjoy those drinks. Thanks for asking!
From what I’ve read there is a 15 drink limit per day for the cheers package, does soda, coffee, and all other non-alcoholic beverage count towards your daily limit?
I just want to clarify- when you said it's excluded at ports like Nassau, you mean if you get of the ship, correct? We are going on a 5 day and Nassau is port we've been to many times so we were going to stay on. I called Carnival and they said you can still use th Cheers pkg if you stay on the ship that day in port.
@@BoatBreakersNJ so annoying TH-camr move my posts after I posted a link but the Australian website says that it doesn't include it and the American website says it does include it in the in drinks package AMERCIAN CHEERS! INCLUDES: All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes AUSTRALIAN CHEERS PACKAGE: WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHEERS! DRINK PACKAGE? - Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses. - Bottles of liquor. - Beverages offered at gangway. - Beverages offered through room service, in-stateroom beverage programs, and apps. - Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets. - All other beverage-related programs including merchandise and cigarettes. - Food items. - Fresh pressed and squeezed juices. - Specialty coffee and tea.
@@BoatBreakersNJ Yeah, I checked. The American website said it includes specialty coffee and the Australian website said it doesn't include specialty coffee. I have no idea why they are different. I might have to contact them. As I'm cruising in March next year
@@BoatBreakersNJ Yeah, the American website says it includes specialty coffee but the Australian website says it does not include specialty coffee. So weird. I don't know why they are different
I booked a trip for end of this year. A 4 day cruise out of New Orleans. Leave port on a Thursday, sea day Friday, Cozumel sat ,sea day Sunday and Mon arrive at the port. I would only pay for Thursday, Friday, sat , and Sunday right? Or they would charge the 2 hours available Monday?
DP no good. I cruise for 3 days to Nassau. Bring bottle of wine. That covers me for first day. I have two days left to pay for drinks. DP too expensive for two days.
August 2024 will be our first time cruising. We were told it's an all-inclusive cruise. Are there any non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks or water included without the cheers or drink package?
Hey there first timer! So unfortunately no bottle water or soda is included in the base cruise fare. Only drinks avaliable will be fountain water, fountain juice located in buffet area and drip coffee.
Those 5 minutes between drinks is just for alcohol drinks or for soft drinks too? Also, I’m gonna have 3 port days I won’t be able to get drinks on those days?
The 5-minute wait between drinks applies to all beverages, including both alcoholic and soft drinks. However, you will still be able to use your drink package on port days when you are on the ship, but the package does not cover beverages purchased off the ship.
How does the drink package work when sailing out of Texas. I’m going on a 7 day cruise would I only pay for 6 days cause the first day doesn’t qualify from Texas
@@BoatBreakersNJYeah you didn’t answer the question. He’s leaving from Texas on a 7 day cruise and is asking if he’s paying for a 7 day package or a 6 day package because it’s not available until Day 2.
Honestly what I’ve noticed is that people will go super hard on short cruises and then on longer ones people are tired of waking up really hungover halfway through the cruise so they’ll chill a little bit more
Great video! Thanks for all the info. Couple Questions for ya… 1.) When off the ship while stopped at a particular port resort for the day (Grand Turk, Freeport, etc), do any drinks we pay for out of our own pocket while we’re there get counted towards our 15 while we’re off the ship? And 2.) Will they deliver unopened cans of beer to your room for room service as part of the Cheers package?
Heyyy! When off the ship, they have no way of tracking your drinks. Go crazy 😈 I've heard they will not deliver unopened to the room, but who knows what could happen with a small tip 🥂
They have a form for that, needs to be filled out by your MD. It will allow you to be exempt from paying for the cheers package if the others in the room get it.
So there's a bubble package! Buttttt, if you are into finessing 😉 your Cheers package has unlimited drinks of any kind! (Alc is 15 max) Coffees, soda, energy drinks...
@@BoatBreakersNJ You missed the wine packages by the bottles,some people don't drink hard liquor like myself..All the info you want is available on the cruise line website..
I usually see Rockstar! I think it changes depending on the cruise! I've seen Monster and Celsius before also! Its not clear on their website, unfortunately 😅
Wow way to screw people carnival. It's like they are punishing you for taking a short cruise. Some people might only be able to afford the package on a short cruise since they insist everyone gets it even though my mother is diabetic and literally can't drink because it messes with her blood sugar levels
It doesn't make sense to scalp a few extra bucks on shorter cruises 🥺 The rule that everyone in the cabin has to have it too should be enough. They have to do better
@@BoatBreakersNJ I think what they need tk do is take a page out of royals book and have a middle package that includes everything excpt alcohol, and charge maybe 20-25 per day but not force both people to get it. I'd get that and try all the coffee and milkshakes Last 8 day cruise I only had 2 cocktails, but that's because I generally don't like most drinks since I can't stand the taste of alcohol... Which is the appeal of the package because I could try wighout worrying I'd hate it. but I'm not going to drop $140 a day since although mom does drink soda that's all she'd use. Maybe 1-2 virgin drinks. If I could just pay for myself, then 100% I'd try it once because between the waters and thr coffee and (assuming I wasn't paying per drink) the 2-3 cocktails per day, I'd likely break even it just kills me with the 2 person rule.
If I was with someone that couldn’t drink it’d be cheaper for me to just buy drinks A la carte. Since my wife and I enjoy ourselves on the cruise the drink package actually saves us money compared to a la carte. But cheers definitely isn’t for everyone as a lot of reviews say it is
I agree with you! The fact still stands, they're trying to make a buck by putting the rule in place.. I say who cares if you share with your 21+ roommate... There's still a 15 drink max
The short cruises are usually over a weekend and considered booze cruises. People like to drink their weight in alcohol on these trips, so Carnival is making sure they get more money from these guests. At least this is my guess!
Yeah it’s hard when they force everyone in the room to get the package, if you sail with friends you can book the two drinkers together and switch rooms when you board!
You used to be able to purchase the package individually, but people abused it and shared the package. Which, to me, just indicates that there is a demand for a demi-cheers package for 7-8 drinks per day at a reduced cost.
Question - sailing with three teens, the last few years we have done all inclusive resorts, so they are used to order virgin daiquiri and pina coladas , with the cheers package will I be able to order these for them? Do others order virgin drinks? I have read non alcoholic are unlimited, so thinking I can get as many as we want of those and milkshakes and coffees right?
The 18% gratuity for the Carnival Cheers Package is typically added to the total price of the package at the time of purchase. This means you pay the gratuity upfront when you buy the package, not on a per-day basis. 🥂
I'm waiting on the coffees and shakes package. I don't drink enough alcohol to make the cheers package worth it. And I'm not a major soda drinker either. Blended coffees are my vice. Water occasionally mixed with a bit of fruit juice is my main form of beverage. I would consider a specialty coffees option that meets a similar value to the cheers and bubbles packages to be worth it to me. Otherwise I'll just pay per drink while onboard. ;)
Yes! Why is there not a package in between the bubbles and cheers. That includes specialty coffees, shakes, fresh juries, and smoothies. Everyone doesn't drink alcohol but would like more than pop and juice.
Shout-out and big thanks to our two comments from the last video @secinstalls & @deandavidson8270
The cheers price is now over $82.
Can you take your own bottle of wine
I believe guests are allowed one 750ml bottle of wine. Prices just went up July 1st
@@JB-armybrby7 For how many days? I'm booking for now and it's $70.74 which is says includes service charge.
They should offer an option for people that don't drink that much. Maybe 8 drinks instead of 15 for a lower price!
Unfortunately, although I agree, I feel that will never happen 😥 In fact, they just raised the prices again July 1st!
@@sonyac1229 There are free coffees, refillable water and teas included for free with any cruise package.
@@BoatBreakersNJ I think you might be confusing the recent changes to how they display the price with a price increase. They recently started showing the TOTAL price per day, including 18% gratuity, instead of showing the base price and only seeing the gratuity when you go to check out. In March, I purchased the Cheers package for my October cruise, and I just checked and the total is the same.
My absolute favorite thing about the drink package is that I don't have to worry about calculating or keeping track of what I had to drink. One less thing to have to worry about while on vacation. Thanks for the video!!
Right!! That's why it's hard for me to hop on other cruise lines at the moment. Virgin Voyages 🤷♂️
Last cruise me and the wife did, we both had the drink package. We brought the 2 bottles of wine and 2 12 packs of soda we could on Carnival. She isnt much of a drinker but I am. Since we could get 15/day each We started getting the canned beers at the bar or pizza place place. They serve them sealed and all were 16oz. We would bring them back to the room. Put them in the mini fridge. On debarkation day we had 5 liters of liquor, 3 bottles of wine and 13 16 oz beers/selzers/twisted teas that we took home to get our monies worth.
How did you do the 5 liters of liquor??
went thru customs and no one ever asked what I was declaring @@BoatBreakersNJ
@@BoatBreakersNJcame to ask that lol
@@BoatBreakersNJprobably the same thing I did I ordered a pitcher 🤣🤣😂🤦🏾♂️😏
Must be nice if you don't have to fly home right after 🤷♀️😥
I will always buy the drink package. I always get my money worth. It’s not just for alcohol
Exactly, I'm grabbing coffees and energy drinks everyday!! 🍻
One thing your video should mention in the future is when to think about NOT buying a drink package. People should consider how many stops are on the cruise and what they plan to do on those stops. For example, Mediterranean cruises have several day-long ports of call. If you know you're going to be off the boat 50% of the time, it may be more difficult to get your money's worth getting a drink package.
That’s a great point! Thanks David 🥂
Just completed Sunrise Cruise on 23 Mar 24. Ship flooded on 2nd deck, my balcony door wouldn't shut completely and blew open multiple times at night during storm, ship had multiple leaks during five day voyage.
Pros: Fun for all ages, diversified passengers, good dining options throughout the day, abundance of activities, room cleanliness
Cons: Too many children left unattended running throughout ship decks, customer service, unorganized embarkation and debarkation, WIFI for only one person at a time on a group, lack of quality excursions, room maintenance
Sounds exactly like a Carnival cruise 😥 Just got of the Vista with many similar experiences 🤷♂️
Your advice about finding a favorite bartender is spot-on. I do this everywhere I go, not just on cruises!! My first Carnival cruise last October was on the Freedom out of Port Canaveral and I found Zora at the Alchemy Bar......she was awesome, remembered my name, remembered my drink(s), and helped make my cruise great!! (Adrian on the Celebrity Edge right now is also one of the absolute BEST!!!)
You got the science down! Which cruise line made better cocktails?
Great tips!! Thank you so much we feel better prepared for our first carnival cruise😊
Absolutely what we are here for! Thanks for watching 🥂
So we get the package and are able to get our drinks and get the non alcoholic drinks , smoothies, ect for the kids. It tends to be so worth it.
That’s the smart way to do it 😉
@hopemyers799 so, if I buy the drink package....my 17 yr old son can can get non alcoholic drinks included?
Although I would never buy carnivals drink package, I do like you’re reasoning behind why the package is worthy buy. 😊
Yeaaa! Get out the comfort zone 😊 Try something new!
I think that it is ridiculous that if you want a soda on your beers package you have to go to a bar and stand in line behind everybody else. There should be a few places that just deal in soda and bottled water so you can use your card and get something quick. It’s a pain in the butt to go to the buffet and then have to go find a bar to get a cold drink at.
I hear you, JonFon! It can be a hassle to get a quick soda or water. It would be great if Carnival made it more convenient with dedicated spots just for those beverages. Maybe that's something they'll improve in the future. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Anti drink package tips!
Gamble once you hit 1500 points you get free drinks in the casino.
Pre order wine and beer before your embarkation and you will have it in your room by the time you board! If the cruise is longer than 7 days I believe you can preorder hard liquor for the cabin.
Also bring your own bottle of wine on boarding day.
Without the cheers package you can budget your drinking expenses by purchasing bar cash through the fun shops.
If the drink package is your thing get the most out of it! I’m talking smoothies fresh squeezed juice liquor and specialty coffee 😂
Great advice 😂 Those hard lix you ared to the room though are crazy crazy expensive
Right ahhaha. I am going in November and I get free drinks all while I am in the casino plus an onboard credit!
We bought 84 liquid iv for our upcoming cruise lol. Great tips. Love it.
Lolllll! I want to vacation with you 🤣
Which brand of liquid IV to buy? I know nothing about them but would love to stay hydrated on our cruise. Thank you.
So for a couple on an 18 day cruise, $2,158 dollars? That's insane.😮
Been on too many where it was more expensive than the cruise 🤷♂️
If you each had a $5 coffee in the morning, three $4 bottles of water throughout the day, two $20 cocktails during the day or evening, and two $15 glasses of wine at dinner - that would be 3276 over the 18 days without being a wildly big drinker (IMO). Food and drink are easily the part of any vacation that costs way more than anyone ever plans lol
I have 2 rooms on a carnival cruise. 4 adults and 4 kids. I put my wife and the other 2 adults in one stateroom. Then the kids are with me and I only purchase 1 drink package. Granted we don't drink much at all. We will be pushing to even share 8 drinks a day.
Very good!! Luckily, you had that option, a lot of people have to just suffer and buy!
Perfect plan
Going on a high school reunion Carnival Cruise soon. Thanks for sharing. Very informative.😊
Absence my pleasure! Have a good time!! 🥂
Let’s make Pete’s dad proud!!!
We’re trying!
If you tend to out drink the 15 beers here is a tip ...get a folio number from someone that did not buy the CHEERS , then the waiter you slipped a $20 at the pool will let you " buy that guy a bucket on me but leave it here ". Sure you will have to pay for it but it wont count against your 15 and lets you squirrel some back to your room. Trust me on this , done it on all 15 Carnival trips , also I got stuck on Carnival Celebration due to a software glitch and nobody could get off, well I had stashed about 6 beers so I just went out to the balcony and sipped a few cool ones while everybody else was like "where did you get a beer? I want one !"
Very interesting!!! Never thought about that!! Wish they would just switch to unlimited like everyone else 😅🥂🍻🤟
Thanks!
Becky, thank you!!! 💙🥂
Just watched another channel where a dude drank 15 mixed drinks or beer in 4 hours.
He lived.
Lolllll!!! I've seen that video, I think 😅🤣 Hopefully, he gets a check-up soon 🩺🥼🚑
THAT SHIRT IS STONE COLD PIMPING
You’re making me blush 🙈
Can't believe it's only been nine months and it's already $70.74 before cruise sailing price
They literally keep raising it, it’s insane.
@@BoatBreakersNJ I figured it out! It didn't get raised. They display all costs now after taxes and fees. So the $70.74 includes that 18% service charge!
Ahh thanks for clarifying what you meant!
Ikr I’m just shaking my head
Sailing in Jan.
You’re about to have an amazing time, especially with the drink package!
I love Carnival but not so much the 15 drink limit for my own reasons lol If I find I am getting close to the limit and still have some partying to do, I order the Fosters BIG cans. Not the best tasting beer, but if I just want something to sip on to take me through the end of the night it does the trick.
Yea I had to come up with strategies of my own if I start running low! For that price, it should he unlimited 😅🥂
It's a little more work, but you could also order a couple martinis throughout the day and bring them to your room so you have a little backstock of alcohol. Then you just get the mixer of your choice and make your own cocktails. Any time my boyfriend or I go back to the room, we try to make sure and grab a martini and a bottle of water or soda so we have our own little mini bar in the room. We wind up using the water bottles as our liquor bottles, and you really want to pay attention so you don't chug the wrong one when you're thirsty or hung over.
@@jessicawright4779 great advice! Usually at the end of the night if I have anything left over I’ll try and order an unopened beer, but bringing back other alcohol is a great idea! My wife has accidentally grabbed the wrong Gatorade bottle when hungover before 🤣
@@soundcentral Ugh, instant barf.
If you're not a gin/vodka drinker, the bartenders will generally still make you a martini, even if it's a "rumtini" or "whiskini" especially if you tip well. On my last cruise, my favorite bartender would see me coming down the promenade and have an old fashioned made for me by the time we got to the bar. Made me feel like a big old movie star.
Before we sailed on Celebration last August I had figured an “ average price per drink (including tip)”. I realized we could drink pretty much what we had on our previous, ‘package-enhanced’ cruise. My husband like to tip folks and I thought the non-package option was a better option.
Well, the drink prices had actually increased and that the 18% gratuity was included before the total, and little line for tips :/. We only drank mid-level cocktails and the occasional fancy coffee and found our break over point (on long cruise) was 5 drinks a day. It would be even more efficient if I drank soda.
We will probably do the package on our upcoming cruise on the Mardi Gras
Yeah the package makes sense if you do 6 or more drinks a day, plus it’s just peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about keeping a tally.
Yeah the package makes sense if you do 6 or more drinks a day, plus it’s just peace of mind that you don’t have to worry about keeping a tally.
This is why I cruise on Norwegian. You can have as many top shelf drinks as you want. You could have 15 every hour if you want. They don’t count them
Yeah carnival definitely has its drawbacks!
Yes. Norwegian has a strict policy concerning the number of drinks you can have in a 24 hour period. Their policy is, you must stop drinking when you are throwing up overboard or passed out face down in the pool or hot tub.
Carnival, take notes!
The only thing is some carnival ships don't have Jim Beam OR Cap'n Morgan. If you don't know that and buy the drink package, you may be out of luck
That's a very good point. I should throw that in our next updated video!! 🙏
@BoatBreakersNJ You did have a good recap at the end of the video saying that sometimes the bartenders will skip the call brands and finish lower end liqours.
🫡 Thank you! I noticed yearsssss ago, I was able to get Hennessey XO, and now its no where on Carnival
If I get the drink package and I purchase multiple energy drinks for my mini fridge throughout the week and canned coffee drinks, can I bring those things off the ship with me and through the airport and back home?
I'm not sure haha!! Technically, the energy drinks are unlimited.. so I suppose 🤔
For one, energy drinks are included in Cheers so you would get them for free. And yes, you can bring them off the ship, that's no problem, however TSA rules still apply at the airport, so you'd have to check the drinks in your luggage and run the risk that they spill.
Did anyone notice how difficult it is to get a cold dring when not ordering with dinner or a show? You have to go to a bar to get it most times so you can't exactly send your kids. You would think they could have a special drink are just for the bubbles to make it easier to acces the drinks. Also, do they have milkshakes on any of the packages? Last cruise you could get a Milkshake even though they had only one place you could get them and only one person making them.
Its a shame 😥 YES, milkshakes are good to go! It does, however, say on their website '*where available', meaning some ships might not carry! Also, you can get them spiked 😈
@@BoatBreakersNJ Yea. That's true. We did have them on our last cruise. I am being told now you only get them with the Cheers package. In order to make it financially viable I would have to come back from the cruise weighing 4oo lbs. Thinking about it...
Booked on Mardi Gras in December. Since it’s all about “finessing the system” how observant is the crew? Let’s just say that someone was to use the package to get a specialty coffee and they went around the corner and gave it to their daughter. Would those people be easily busted and have their Cheer package revoked? Asking for a friend.
Oh absolutely not! You'd be ok doing that I'm sure. Like you said around the corner you're good!! They are usually busy as hell anyways. Since it's coffee and energy drinks are unlimited I horde energy drinks in the rooms mini fridge
@@BoatBreakersNJI’ll pass this on to my friend.
Absolutely
These were great tips!
Thank you, glad it was helpful!
How do you get it unopened? What’s the best liquor ?
Some say it works, others say it doesn't. When you order a beer from pizza, ask for it not to be opened 😭
So the Gatorade doesn’t count as one of your 15 drinks? The 15 is only for alcohol correct? Going on my first cruise next year and doing all the research now
Nope, only alcoholic beverages ☺️ Those are unlimited 🥂
Great advice! Any one able to fill me in on non alcoholic drinks rules and regulations for minors
..such as my son who will be 17 on our April 2025 trip?
If you check the website, there's a few free options! There's also a Bubbles Beverages Package 🥂
@BoatBreakersNJ Many thanks!
Hey Pete, do shakes or water/Gatorade go AGAINST your drink package?????
Nope! They do not, even specialty coffee and energy drinks! You can get the giant 1L bottle of water in the MDR or in the casino, I believe 🥂
We were on Carnival Celebration October 15 - October 22 7 Day Cruise out of Miami . We bought the soft drink Pepsi Package. Only 2 days the fountain dispensers worked. We had to walk to any bar to get a can of Pepsi. We had to wake 15 minutes or longer to get a second can of Pepsi . We went to service desk complain about the Pepsi dispenser and others were there complaining about the machines being down. Only reply was go to a bar to get a soft drink but you can drink orange juice, Mango Juice or Apple juice free. They didn't care. It could be 1 AM at the service and there would be between 10-15 People lined up. The service at some restaurant that you paid for food, the server would forget some items and you had to tell the server. This Ship wasn't as good at past Carnival Ships. This is just my 2 cents worth.
Dam! Sorry to hear about that! Usually Carnivals service is better and the Celebration being their newest ship they should do better! This is how they lose customers!! SIDENOTE! I was right next to you on the Wonder of the Seas.. took same dates!!
I'll just drink water and tea if I have to drink Pepsi products. Thanks for letting us know this
Not a fan of Carnival but did the Celebration last summer because we joined other family members on their cruise. If you drink little to no alcohol or soda, I would not buy a beverage package. We got one soda pkg, and it was a colossal waste of💰. Who makes somebody wait 15 minutes before being able to refill a cup of a soft drink. WHO DOES THAT AND WHY?? Drink the iced tea, lemonade and free juices at breakfast. Bring your refillable bottles and save yourself 💰💰💰💰💰
We were on the Carnival Celebration ship the same time you were and YOUR RIGHT! Me and my husband were complaining about the same thing! If you're charging for drink packages, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE MACHINES ARE WORKING AND ACCESSIBLE!
So did you not bring 212 packs on board with you or the number for your cabin? What about? Did you buy Pepsi at ports?? If Pepsi, is that important to you…
The piña coladas are includes in the kids drink package or do I need to purchase the cheers for the two adults in my cabin? Thank you
The kids' drink package does not include piña coladas. You'll need to purchase the Cheers package for the adults in your cabin to enjoy those drinks. Thanks for asking!
From what I’ve read there is a 15 drink limit per day for the cheers package, does soda, coffee, and all other non-alcoholic beverage count towards your daily limit?
Nope the 15 is just alcoholic drinks, it’s unlimited non alcoholic!
@@BoatBreakersNJ just saw this but thank you! 😄
Pete! That’s not a tip! That’s not saving me money! I’m not finessing the system!
🤣 Finesse is the game!!
Good tips
Appreciate that!!🥂
I just want to clarify- when you said it's excluded at ports like Nassau, you mean if you get of the ship, correct? We are going on a 5 day and Nassau is port we've been to many times so we were going to stay on. I called Carnival and they said you can still use th Cheers pkg if you stay on the ship that day in port.
Yes! Sorry for the confusion. When you stay on the ship, you can still use it!!
Love all the videos keep it up!
Thanks Danny, you know we will! 🥂
In Australia I'm not sure about America but there's no specialty coffee now that's included in the cheers package
No way?! Any reason? I'm curious if they've changed that rule here as well?! I have to see
@@BoatBreakersNJ so annoying TH-camr move my posts after I posted a link but the Australian website says that it doesn't include it and the American website says it does include it in the in drinks package
AMERCIAN CHEERS! INCLUDES:
All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price
Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants
25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00
25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
25% discount off beverage seminars and classes
AUSTRALIAN CHEERS PACKAGE:
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CHEERS! DRINK PACKAGE?
- Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses.
- Bottles of liquor.
- Beverages offered at gangway.
- Beverages offered through room service, in-stateroom beverage programs, and apps.
- Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets.
- All other beverage-related programs including merchandise and cigarettes.
- Food items.
- Fresh pressed and squeezed juices.
- Specialty coffee and tea.
@@BoatBreakersNJ Yeah, I checked. The American website said it includes specialty coffee and the Australian website said it doesn't include specialty coffee. I have no idea why they are different. I might have to contact them. As I'm cruising in March next year
@@BoatBreakersNJ Yeah, the American website says it includes specialty coffee but the Australian website says it does not include specialty coffee. So weird. I don't know why they are different
I love santo blanco and the kiss 💋 on the lips 👄 😉
Absolutely!! Same
Is there a drink package for non drinkers?
Check out the Bottomless Bubbles package 🥤
can you pack your own wine for the cruise?
You can bring one bottle per person for the sailing but you need to keep it in your carry on.
I booked a trip for end of this year. A 4 day cruise out of New Orleans. Leave port on a Thursday, sea day Friday, Cozumel sat ,sea day Sunday and Mon arrive at the port. I would only pay for Thursday, Friday, sat , and Sunday right? Or they would charge the 2 hours available Monday?
I believe you only get charged for nights not days!
It’s good to mention, in TX. The Cheers Package is not available on Day 1 ‘Embarkation Day’
You are correct both in Texas and New York it does not work!
It’s only when you’re in port. Once the ship is out to sea you can use it
Doesn’t the fine print of the cheers package say that you can’t get drinks with your package until day 2?
I should have mentioned. I believe this is for New York & Texas only do to some laws
I can’t see how this is beneficial. There’s no way I’m going through 15 drinks. It should include the $20+ drinks and Carnival locations off the ship.
You only have to drink 7 drinks a day for it to be “worth it”, if you’re a heavy drinker it pays for itself.
A little confused... cruising in Feb. 2025. If l buy the Cheers package now, do l pay the current price or the higher price?
You should be locked in at whatever the current price is. They will not come back and ask you for more money!
DP no good. I cruise for 3 days to Nassau. Bring bottle of wine. That covers me for first day. I have two days left to pay for drinks. DP too expensive for two days.
Yea, for shorter cruises, they jack up the price for some unknown reason 👎
August 2024 will be our first time cruising. We were told it's an all-inclusive cruise. Are there any non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks or water included without the cheers or drink package?
Hey there first timer! So unfortunately no bottle water or soda is included in the base cruise fare. Only drinks avaliable will be fountain water, fountain juice located in buffet area and drip coffee.
How many cocktails can you get a day? Shots?
15 max with or without the package. If you get 15 with package and try to pay for number 16, they won't let you.
I thought they check bags when you leave the ship for a beach day? How are you able to get unopened bottles & also take off ship?
When you are getting pff the ship, they do not check!
When you get the beer from the pizza shop does it count towards drink package
Yup! It definitely does, all alcoholic beverages count towards your 15
Those 5 minutes between drinks is just for alcohol drinks or for soft drinks too? Also, I’m gonna have 3 port days I won’t be able to get drinks on those days?
The 5-minute wait between drinks applies to all beverages, including both alcoholic and soft drinks. However, you will still be able to use your drink package on port days when you are on the ship, but the package does not cover beverages purchased off the ship.
Sorry for the dumb question but most people just emphasize on the alcoholic drink. I just wanted to know exactly how it works before purchasing
No worries!! Not a dumb question
How does the drink package work when sailing out of Texas. I’m going on a 7 day cruise would I only pay for 6 days cause the first day doesn’t qualify from Texas
You cannot use the package day one out of Texas or NY unfortunately 😕
@@BoatBreakersNJYeah you didn’t answer the question. He’s leaving from Texas on a 7 day cruise and is asking if he’s paying for a 7 day package or a 6 day package because it’s not available until Day 2.
You don't pay for day 1
Does the sodas waters or coffee count into the 15 drink limit
They do not, it’s just 15 alcoholic drinks
Sucks we are going out of Texas, first day we have to pay 🙄
Yeah New York and Texas are rough
Crazy that the longer cruise = more drinking is cheaper than the short cruise ? Doesn’t make a ton of sense but can’t do anything lol
Honestly what I’ve noticed is that people will go super hard on short cruises and then on longer ones people are tired of waking up really hungover halfway through the cruise so they’ll chill a little bit more
@@BoatBreakersNJ that really does make sense thank you. Are the non alcoholic unlimited ?
Yes, with the package!
It’s about money
Can you pay the drinks in cash ? Even if you don’t have the cheers package
Unfortunately not, you can go to the customer service desk and load your card with cash but they do not take cash anywhere else on board.
Except the casino
Great video! Thanks for all the info. Couple Questions for ya…
1.) When off the ship while stopped at a particular port resort for the day (Grand Turk, Freeport, etc), do any drinks we pay for out of our own pocket while we’re there get counted towards our 15 while we’re off the ship?
And 2.) Will they deliver unopened cans of beer to your room for room service as part of the Cheers package?
Heyyy! When off the ship, they have no way of tracking your drinks. Go crazy 😈 I've heard they will not deliver unopened to the room, but who knows what could happen with a small tip 🥂
Ok, thanks brother! 👍
Are non alcoholic beverages limited to 15 per day? And is non alcoholic drinks count as one of your 15?
Nope those are unlimited and do not count towards your 15. So go have as many coffees or energy or soda your heart desires
So the specialty coffees are unlimited and don't count towards the 15 drinks a day?
Correct!!
So if I order a bucket of beer or a pitcher of margaritas do I still get the 20% discount on those?
You can not use cheers discount to purchase pitchers or buckets, just wine, liquor above $20 and classes according to their website.
@@BoatBreakersNJ thanks.
Absolutely 😁
wE ARE PAYING $111 per day....not sure where your getting your price from unless it is based on another country
If you go to their website it even says $59.95 a person, I would check again because you are getting ripped off if that’s what you’re paying.
That's insane are you using carnivals website? It shouldn't be that much on the ship either
Carnival dream?
I do be dreaming 🥂
Would they make a pregnant woman buy a drink package too?
I would call them and set that straight, if you have a doctors note I could see that being an easy fix.
They have a form for that, needs to be filled out by your MD. It will allow you to be exempt from paying for the cheers package if the others in the room get it.
What about cruising with a teenager? Is there a package for that or can you include it in your package?
So there's a bubble package! Buttttt, if you are into finessing 😉 your Cheers package has unlimited drinks of any kind! (Alc is 15 max) Coffees, soda, energy drinks...
@@BoatBreakersNJ so I have a max of 15 drinks per day regardless of alcohol and non-alcohol for my fitness days wink LOL
Did you watch the video 🤣 So only alcoholic beverages count towards your 15. Everything else is unlimited 🥂
I must have been refilling my wine class at that moment 🤣
Gotta get some practice in before the cruise 😜
you forgot tax is extra also on cheers package
I do be forgetting things 😔
@BoatBreakersNJ no problem we priced cheers yesterday for an 8 days, was $990.00 for 2 prople
Not too bad? What you think
@@BoatBreakersNJ I could go on another cruise lol
This is very true! Just unfortunately you will be stuck with water and juice 🤣
Do you have a royal Caribbean drink pkg review
We are currently making one! Should be good to go soon 🥂
Staying wasted is not fun..Cruise lines make their money on selling drinks and charging you gratuities to pay their workers..
Everyone has their own ideas of what a relaxing vacation is, we’re just here to present facts about the packages🥂
@@BoatBreakersNJ You missed the wine packages by the bottles,some people don't drink hard liquor like myself..All the info you want is available on the cruise line website..
I sub-ed for Dad
Dad!!! He's going to be so proud of me 🏆
Are bottles of water and gatorade included free with the drink package?
You can get a free bottle of water with every drink! Also, Gatorade is included with the package
15 drinks now? thats a downgrade from 16. earlier this year.
Tip the right bartender and it’s 20 drinks 😜
There is no booze in the booze I know I drank 15 Martines in 1 hour and no buzz.. Bring your own Booz.
👀 You may need to see a doctor 🤣 That's crazy though
Me too, I couldn’t get a buzz at all on my second cruise. On my third I figured how to bring my own 😂
What yall sipping on!!
Lies
Can you get a sugar free Red Bull?
They do not carry Redbull products 😥
@@BoatBreakersNJwhat energy drinks do they have 😮
I usually see Rockstar! I think it changes depending on the cruise! I've seen Monster and Celsius before also! Its not clear on their website, unfortunately 😅
Wow way to screw people carnival. It's like they are punishing you for taking a short cruise. Some people might only be able to afford the package on a short cruise since they insist everyone gets it even though my mother is diabetic and literally can't drink because it messes with her blood sugar levels
It doesn't make sense to scalp a few extra bucks on shorter cruises 🥺 The rule that everyone in the cabin has to have it too should be enough. They have to do better
@@BoatBreakersNJ I think what they need tk do is take a page out of royals book and have a middle package that includes everything excpt alcohol, and charge maybe 20-25 per day but not force both people to get it. I'd get that and try all the coffee and milkshakes
Last 8 day cruise I only had 2 cocktails, but that's because I generally don't like most drinks since I can't stand the taste of alcohol... Which is the appeal of the package because I could try wighout worrying I'd hate it. but I'm not going to drop $140 a day since although mom does drink soda that's all she'd use. Maybe 1-2 virgin drinks.
If I could just pay for myself, then 100% I'd try it once because between the waters and thr coffee and (assuming I wasn't paying per drink) the 2-3 cocktails per day, I'd likely break even it just kills me with the 2 person rule.
If I was with someone that couldn’t drink it’d be cheaper for me to just buy drinks A la carte. Since my wife and I enjoy ourselves on the cruise the drink package actually saves us money compared to a la carte. But cheers definitely isn’t for everyone as a lot of reviews say it is
I agree with you! The fact still stands, they're trying to make a buck by putting the rule in place.. I say who cares if you share with your 21+ roommate... There's still a 15 drink max
The short cruises are usually over a weekend and considered booze cruises. People like to drink their weight in alcohol on these trips, so Carnival is making sure they get more money from these guests. At least this is my guess!
Number one tip: don’t sell carnival
We don’t own carnival so we won’t be able to sell it, if you mean sail well.. that’s just bad advice.
Very informative! I do wish that carnival had a better option for couples that drink and don’t drink if it’s just them that go without friends.
Yeah it’s hard when they force everyone in the room to get the package, if you sail with friends you can book the two drinkers together and switch rooms when you board!
You used to be able to purchase the package individually, but people abused it and shared the package. Which, to me, just indicates that there is a demand for a demi-cheers package for 7-8 drinks per day at a reduced cost.
Very informative. I wish they would do what royal does and do non alcoholic drink package and alcoholic drink package.
They have the bottomless bubbles package, it doesn’t include coffee or specialty drinks but bottomless soda at least!
@@BoatBreakersNJ I am aware of that package but it’s not the same as having non alcoholic beverages included like royal,
Legit advice on tipping. My first Cruise we found a bartendeer we liked gave him a $20... never waited for drink at the pool all weekend!!!!
Haha we just did this on the Vista! Hands down the best thing you can do for yourself 🔥
@@BoatBreakersNJ Which bar location on the Vista? Have a cruise on Vista in June.
Vista Tour drops today at 12 noon EST!! I'd say either Lido bar, Red Frog Rum or Tequila Bar
Yess tip them and they will make sure that you are taken care of!
Question - sailing with three teens, the last few years we have done all inclusive resorts, so they are used to order virgin daiquiri and pina coladas , with the cheers package will I be able to order these for them? Do others order virgin drinks? I have read non alcoholic are unlimited, so thinking I can get as many as we want of those and milkshakes and coffees right?
They are unlimited I believe! I know for sure, coffees and energy drinks are! Id say share around the corner and wait 5 mins 😅
Is the 18% gratuity added to the total price or charged per day when you are paying for it?
The 18% gratuity for the Carnival Cheers Package is typically added to the total price of the package at the time of purchase. This means you pay the gratuity upfront when you buy the package, not on a per-day basis. 🥂
@@BoatBreakersNJ do i need to tip bartender every time i get a drink?
I would try and give a decent size first tip after you find a spot/tender you like. Then spread out some small ones 🥂
I'm waiting on the coffees and shakes package. I don't drink enough alcohol to make the cheers package worth it. And I'm not a major soda drinker either. Blended coffees are my vice. Water occasionally mixed with a bit of fruit juice is my main form of beverage. I would consider a specialty coffees option that meets a similar value to the cheers and bubbles packages to be worth it to me. Otherwise I'll just pay per drink while onboard. ;)
We get a lot of comments like this so I’m sure carnival does too, hopefully it happens!
Yes! Why is there not a package in between the bubbles and cheers. That includes specialty coffees, shakes, fresh juries, and smoothies. Everyone doesn't drink alcohol but would like more than pop and juice.
Agreed, I would only drink 2-3 cocktails a day, don't like beer or wine and my teen (18) would enjoy specialty coffee.