Carnival CHEERS! Drink Package vs. Pay As You Go
- Cruising with Lynnie

- Jun 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 22, 2025
Whether to purchase a beverage package like Carnival's "Cheers!" or pay as you go depends on your drinking habits and preferences. If you anticipate consuming several alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and other drinks daily, the package could offer cost savings and convenience. However, if you're a light drinker or prefer to sample drinks occasionally, paying per drink might be more economical. Consider the cost of the package, the price of individual drinks, and your consumption patterns to make an informed decision.

If you are trying to decide whether you should purchase the CHEERS! Drink Package or Pay As You Go here are some things to consider:
CHEERS! PACKAGE BENEFITS:
🍻 All-Inclusive: Includes alcoholic drinks (up to $20 menu price), sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, and more!
💰 Potential Savings: If planning to have several drinks a day, it could be more cost-effective.
😌 Peace of Mind: No need to worry about individual drink costs.
🍹 Variety: Experiment with different drinks without the concern of cost.
CHEERS! PACKAGE NEGATIVES:
💸 Upfront Cost: It’s a significant upfront expense.
🚫 15 Drink Limit: There’s a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks.
👥 Cabin Requirement: If one adult in the cabin buys it, everyone else in the same cabin must also buy it.
⚓️ Port Day Impact: May not be worth it on port-heavy itineraries if most of the day is spent off the ship.
PAY AS YOU GO BENEFITS:
⚖️ Flexibility: Only pay for what is consumed.
💲 Cost-Effective for Light Drinkers: If only having a few drinks per day, it might be cheaper.
🎉 No Pressure to Drink: No need to feel obligated to consume enough to justify the package cost.
PAY AS YOU GO NEGATIVES:
📈 Costs Can Add Up: Individual drink prices, plus gratuity, can quickly exceed the package cost if drinking a lot.
🧾 Track Spending: Drink expenses must be tracked.
Some cruisers find that the package encourages overconsumption, while others appreciate the ease and potential savings. Ultimately, the best choice is personal and depends on your individual drinking habits and preferences.



Comments