Carnival adds pricier drinks to beverage package

Carnival Cruise Line has improved its onboard beverage package in a major way by including drinks costing up to $50 in the program.

The previous ceiling had been $10, putting many drinks made with top-shelf liquors beyond reach.

Carnival’s enhanced Cheers! Beverage program, which takes effect March 1, also includes a greater variety of non-alcoholic beverages.  For examples, guests can now get specialty coffees and teas served in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and coffee bars.

Prices for the packages remain at $49.95 per person per day if purchased in advance of departure or $54.95 if purchased onboard.

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For guests with really expensive liquor tastes, Carnival is also providing a 25% discount for any spirit, cocktail or wine by the glass costing above $50 per serving, and a similar discount for wine and champagne by the bottle purchased outside the main dining room or specialty restaurants.

Continued exclusions from the program include beverages in souvenir glasses, bottles of liquor, beverages offered at the gangway or ordered through room service, mini-bar purchases and beverages sold through self-service machines, as well as sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets, Carnival said.

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Tom Stieghorst covers cruising for Travel Weekly.