Complimentary alcoholic beverages- where to go?

Hi all,

I am very much aware of carnival's alcoholic beverage policy, and it seems we should expect to allocate a good amount of cash to the high bar prices. That being said, are there areas or events where carnival will offer a complimentary beverage? For example, if I play slots in the casino will I be offered a free beverage, or is that only for the high rollers? Other events like captains toast?

Thanks for the tips!

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slots is only for high rollers so you have to play a lot to get free drinks.

you can get a free champagne at the art shows I believe

It will depend in the casino. If the Casino Host observes that you are a high roller, you will be offered drinks.

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From Carnival's website:

DRINKS ON US!

The onboard casino action can get intense, but here’s the deal: we’ve got a plan to make sure it always stays refreshing. With Drinks On Us!, once you earn enough casino points, the cocktails, beer and wine — as well as sodas and other nonalcoholic drinks — they’re all on us, the whole time you’re playing. And what’s more, on Carnival you earn free drinks twice as fast as on any other cruise line… plus you’ll always have full access to our casino bar menu. (See a casino host for details once you’re aboard.)

Great info. Thanks!

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There are also some mornings with mimosas in certain shops for promotions.

… plus you’ll always have full access to our casino bar menu.

The casino bar menu is rather limited. A lot of well and frozen cocktails. Top shelf liquor is not available. Sadly even in land based casino's this has become the rule except in high roller parlors.

I don't think bar prices are out of line from prices on shore. I believe people think it's more because you have access to drink more than usual.

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Hi all,

I am very much aware of carnival's alcoholic beverage policy, and it seems we should expect to allocate a good amount of cash to the high bar prices. That being said, are there areas or events where carnival will offer a complimentary beverage? For example, if I play slots in the casino will I be offered a free beverage, or is that only for the high rollers? Other events like captains toast?

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

 

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Hi

Just to mention, the bar drink prices aren't really that high. Not compared to a typical large city bar and certainly not as high as other cruise lines.

If you are only a moderate drinker, your tab will not be very high. There are wine packages, if that is your preferred drink. You are permitted to carry on one bottle of wine per person on embarkation day. You also have the option to purchase a bottle of alcohol to be delivered to your cabin for your cruise. If you are more than a moderate drinker, there is the "cheers" option which allows you unlimited non-alcoholic drinks as well as up to 15 of your choice of alcoholic drinks per day. People who choose this option seem quite pleased with the value.

There are a few occasions where you might enjoy a "free" drink, but not many. The steakhouse has a promotion where they offer a free bottle of wine with the meal, on the first night. You can get a few glasses of (questionable) champagne (sparkly wine) during the "art" auctions (personally not worth the effort). They also give away bottles of this same champagne throughout the cruise as promotions, giveaways, prizes for participation in events. I believe if you enter the "mixology" contest you get to drink your drinks for free. As already mentioned, if you gamble a lot in the casino, you will get a "drinks on us" card, which will entitles you to free drinks while in the casino gambling. If you attain "platinum" status or higher with Carnival's loyalty program, there will be a party where drinks are free (for about an hour). I have been on a cruise where 2 times for an hour each they offered free drinks to everyone in the atrium area for some celebration (this was a madhouse). I can't think of any others, somebody else might contribute.

have a great cruise

Usually a free liquor tasting once or twice st the shops. (Thimble size shots)

And if you do an excursion many of them include complimentary beverages. (I know it is built into the price). But you can find a similarly priced/similar excursion that includes drinks often times.

My parents and I went to the art auction and they give out free champagne but the entire process is too time consuming so I would never go again

They usually have a free liquor tasting at some point on the cruise. I have never done it but i do know that you should expect a line.

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If you're gold or above, you'll get a coupon for one free drink. I think this is only on cruises of 5+ days though...

The casino bar menu is rather limited. A lot of well and frozen cocktails. Top shelf liquor is not available. Sadly even in land based casino's this has become the rule except in high roller parlors.

Have always has Belvedere Vodka, Knob Creek Whiskey as well as other high end spirits at the Casino Bar even with Drinks on Us card

Anyone remember the Past Cruiser cocktail parties? I haven’t sailed Carnival since 2007, but I heard that they no longer do that. And then there was the Captains Reception, held in the theater with cocktails and appetizers. I haven’t seen anything like that on RCCL and NCL. Closest to it was a free glass on champagne on the Captain’s Formal night in the Promenade on RCCL.

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Anyone remember the Past Cruiser cocktail parties? I haven’t sailed Carnival since 2007, but I heard that they no longer do that.

 

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Hi

As I previously said they still have the past cruiser party, but it is restricted to platinum and diamond patrons and they have an open bar for about an hour.

Hi

 

As I previously said they still have the past cruiser party, but it is restricted to platinum and diamond patrons and they have an open bar for about an hour.

That sucks! They used to consider anyone with one or more cruises a “Past Cruiser”!

Don’t forget that you can carry on two bottles of wine without a charge, as long as you serve yourself in your state room.

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I've been to several ladies nights at the dance clubs. Free champagne.

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Beside the Plat/Diamond party we've received free drinks on the Journey's cruises we've been on.

The last one being the Legend Hawaii > Vancouver relocation this spring. Not sure of the reason, but there were Lei's, dancing, and free drinks in the atrium one night. I recall them trying to get rid of some Australian beer (from the previous cruise leg) and "forced" me to take several. I ended up with six to take back to the cabin. That was a good night....

Have always has Belvedere Vodka, Knob Creek Whiskey as well as other high end spirits at the Casino Bar even with Drinks on Us card

Those are $20 at retail. Top shelf often refers to liquor priced at $100. and up.

Those are $20 at retail. Top shelf often refers to liquor priced at $100. and up.

That's beyond top shelf for me - that's locked in the glass case, haha. Anything better than Aristocrat is top shelf to me.

Free drinks? How is Carnival supposed to make any money? :')

Hi all,

I am very much aware of carnival's alcoholic beverage policy, and it seems we should expect to allocate a good amount of cash to the high bar prices. That being said, are there areas or events where carnival will offer a complimentary beverage? For example, if I play slots in the casino will I be offered a free beverage, or is that only for the high rollers? Other events like captains toast?

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

 

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If you attend concert or sporting events you will pay as much, if not more for drinks there then on the ship.

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I've been to several ladies nights at the dance clubs. Free champagne.

Oh nice! I may have to go to the ladies night dances....

Unfortunately I am not a gold or higher member. I've only cruised once before!