SKIP THE DRINK PACKAGE? Here’s How to Save on Drinks on a Carnival Cruise 🍹

Didn’t buy the drink package on your Carnival cruise? Don’t worry—you can still enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty drinks without spending a fortune. There are plenty of ways to sip smarter, save money, and even score a few free drinks along the way 👀.

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Here are some tips to enjoy your cruise drinks without overspending:

🥤 BRING NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS ONBOARD

Carnival allows each guest to bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic drinks in cans or cartons (12 oz or less) at embarkation. You don’t need to keep them in the original packaging—you can mix and match your favorite sodas, sparkling water, or juices. Just avoid plastic bottles. This is an easy way to save money throughout your cruise. I created a list of items designed to help with carrying drinks onboard

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🍾 BRING A BOTTLE OF WINE OR CHAMPAGNE ONBOARD

Carnival allows each adult (ages 21+) to bring one sealed, unopened 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per persononboard, only on embarkation day, in your carry-on luggage. It must be carried on with you (not packed in checked luggage) — otherwise it may be confiscated. Bringing your own bottle can save money compared to buying drinks on the ship. A corkage fee may apply if you want to enjoy it in the main dining room or a bar, but if you pour it in your stateroom, you can carry your glass to dinner and avoid the fee.

🍊 MAKE YOUR OWN MIMOSAS

If you bring a bottle of wine onboard, you can mix it with the free orange juice from the Lido Marketplace to make your own mimosas. It’s a simple, refreshing way to enjoy a brunch-style cocktail without paying for the bar version.

🍷 BUY WINE BY THE BOTTLE INSTEAD OF BY THE GLASS

If you plan on having more than one glass or enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, buying the bottle is usually the better deal. And here’s the best part—they’ll cork it and hold it for you if you don’t finish it, so you can enjoy it again the next night at dinner.

🍻 BUY BEER BUCKETS INSTEAD OF INDIVIDUAL BEERS

Buckets are typically priced to save you a few dollars compared to ordering individually. You can also mix and match canned beers and hard seltzers—perfect for pool days or sharing.

🍹 ORDER COCKTAILS BY THE PITCHER

Drinks like sangria and margaritas are often available by the pitcher. Buying a pitcher usually costs less per serving than ordering individual drinks, making it a smart way to save money while enjoying your favorites.

🍾 BRING SODA AND BUY A BOTTLE OF LIQUOR FOR YOUR ROOM

Bring a few sodas onboard and purchase a bottle of liquor to be delivered to your stateroom. While the liquor is usually higher priced than in stores, it’s often cheaper than buying multiple individual cocktails at the bar—and you can mix your own drinks anytime.

🍷 FREE BOTTLE OF WINE

Book a specialty dining dinner on embarkation day and you may receive a complimentary bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal. Availability varies by ship and sailing.

🥃 GO TO TASTINGS (WITH A PERK!)

Wine, whiskey, martini, and tequila tastings do cost a small fee—but you’ll usually get multiple pours that add up to more than a standard drink.

🎨 ATTEND THE ART AUCTIONS

Yes, really. The art auctions are known for offering free champagne while you browse. No purchase required.

🛍️ LISTEN FOR SHOPPING & PORT TALKS

Port shopping seminars and certain events sometimes include complimentary drinks or samples.

🎉 CAPTAIN’S TOAST & SPECIAL EVENTS

On some sailings (especially longer ones), you may catch complimentary welcome drinks at events or celebrations.

🎰 CASINO PERKS

Drinks in the casino are NOT automatically free just for playing. However, if you earn enough casino points (typically around 2,000+), you can unlock free drinks in the casino for the remainder of your cruise. Once you qualify, you can grab a glass of your favorite drink whenever you want while in the casino.

☕ DIY SPECIALTY COFFEE DRINKS

Enjoy the free regular coffee from the Lido Marketplace, and bring along your favorite creamer, milk frother, travel mug, and flavor syrups to make your own specialty coffee drinks—delicious, convenient, and money-saving. Find my favorite cruise coffee picks HERE! 👉 https://joylink.io/sunpackedsuitcase/xKuST7u

🥤 MAKE YOUR OWN COFFEE MILKSHAKE

Use the free coffee from the Lido Marketplace, add a little ice to cool it down, then blend with vanilla soft serve. You’ll have a delicious specialty milkshake—an easy, money-saving treat.

🍋 COPYCAT CHICK-FIL-A FROSTED LEMONADE

Blend the free lemonade from the Lido Marketplace with vanilla soft serve to create a refreshing, tangy specialty drink—just like the Chick-fil-A classic, without the extra cost.

🍹 REFRESHING ARNOLD PALMER

Mix the free tea and lemonade from the Lido Marketplace for a classic, zero-cost Arnold Palmer—perfect for a leisurely sea day.

☕ JAVA BLUE PUNCH CARD

On Carnival ships with JavaBlue Cafés, you can get a punch card for specialty coffees and milkshakes. Buy 6 drinks, and your 7th one is free! Just ask for the card when you make your first purchase and have it punched each time—an easy way to save on your favorite coffee or specialty drink. Subject to change or may end at any time.

🍺 RED FROG PUB BEER GROWLER / REFILL DISCOUNT

On Carnival ships with a RedFrog Pub (not to be confused with RedFrog Rum Bar), you can purchase a refillable beer growler, which includes the first fill. After that, you can get discounted draft beer refills throughout your cruise. This is a smart way to save if you enjoy draft beer often. Availability varies by ship and sailing, and deals are subject to change or may end at any time.

🍹 ORDER THE “DRINK OF THE DAY”

These are usually cheaper than regular cocktails, and you can get them in a souvenir cup or regular glass for less.

🎂 RUM CAKE TASTINGS

Many Carnival ships offer complimentary rum cake tastings in the shops or at special events. You get a sample (or two!) for free—delicious and zero cost unless you decide to buy a whole cake. I know this isn't a drink but RUM = YUM!

📅 CHECK THE DAILY SCHEDULE (HUB APP)

Happy hour-type specials and random drink deals pop up throughout the cruise—you just have to catch them.

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You don’t have to buy the drink package to enjoy yourself. With a little strategy, you can still have plenty of fun without the big bar bill.

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☀️ We live local to Port Canaveral, cruise often, and love sharing what we learn along the way — Follow Me for more tips, hacks, and insider info for your next cruise!

Did I miss any of your favorite money-saving drink hacks? Drop them below 👇🍻