How much does the alcoholic drinks cost while on a Carnival cruise?

[conchead]

We will be going on our first cruise, however I was wondering if you a get receipt when you buy drinks from the bar telling you how much you just paid?

 

Yes

[askimdog]

Yes, the price of drinks is one spot where they make good money. 5-6 a beer is crazy. As of last week the average price in the U.S. for a pint of beer was 3.00, and in places like rural midwest ( atleast MN & WI) it is cheaper than that. $2.00 a beer is pretty common is some places. So spending 5 or 6 is strange. I can think of only one place I go locally that has a basic beer at $4.00, a reason not to drink there.

 

The good news is some ports can be cheap to drink in. Little hole in the wall joints with cold beers.

[BenjiRodney]

Most of the frozen drinks I had on the Victory were 7.25 plus 15%. Sodas were 1.95 plus 15%.

[Blondie008]

Basically, our rule of thumb is.. board ship, sign for everything, wake up on the last day and then...do THIS

 

[Simplertimes]

We pay around $6 a beer around here (Boston area) and mixed drinks are higher. The prices on the cruise weren't a shock to us. What I'm shocked at is how inexpensive alcohol is in other states!

[agc291]

I suggest you do not get one of the drinks in tall glasses that lots of waiters will be carrying when you board. These are priced higher. You do get to keep the glass, but then how do you take a glass back with you without fear of it breaking? Just ask a waiter or bartender to get you a drink in a regular glass instead. Oh, and it does not save any money to order at the bar -- you still pay the 15% tip. So you might as well sit back in a lounger and have the drinks brought to you. Also, no free drinks in the casino. Well, OK, with Carnival you can get free drinks after you earn 1500 points, but that is a heck of a lot of gambling for me. You can get free drinks at the Carnival party around 5pm the last full day -- but these are limited to selected pre-made drinks. Still, it is free (OK, "complimentary"). RCCL has free champagne at the Captain's party. And past guests get another party with free drinks on most cruise lines.

 

They are plastic so i dont think you really need to worry about them breaking super easy but I have 6 at home and all are in tact!

[cruiseguynashville]

I work in the hotel business, and I am surprised the pricing isn't higher. I've been in hotels where I literally feel gouged when I drink, but I really never feel taken advantage of on Carnival.

[cathyz]

Just cruised in late March and your "house" wine is now $6.25, and I suspect the other house drinks have also increased....it's now becoming a concern because these are premium prices......and they keep going up.

We were on the Spirit in October and my 'Sky' and sprite zero was $4.95 plus 15% tip.

[WinnipegCruiser]

I work in the hotel business, and I am surprised the pricing isn't higher. I've been in hotels where I literally feel gouged when I drink, but I really never feel taken advantage of on Carnival.

 

Nice.... you do know they read the posts here?

 

Jeez, way to give them ideas...

 

Maybe you feel that way because you are on vacation? Hint Hint

[Bonnie J.]

We got off Carnival today. If you get a drink before you are the 3 miles out, you pay the local tax for the drink so it will be more than the rest of the cruise.

We ask for the HOUSE drink. My house win is $5.75. My husband has a HOUSE gin & tonic for $5.25. The house gin is Beefeaters. So, with the 15% tax that is $12.65.