Most cruise lines offer some complimentary beverages.  Complimentary beverages generally include coffee, tea, lemonade, and iced tea which are available in the buffet or lido deck areas of the ship and are available 24 hours per day.  You will also find a variety of complementary beverages at breakfast time which generally include an assortment of juices and milk.  Sodas and carbonated beverages, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase throughout the ship.  If you are looking to save money on non-complimentary beverages during your next cruise, consider carrying on your own beverages.  Most cruise lines will allow passengers to carry on sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages as well as wine and champagne for consumption while onboard the ship.

Bottled Water

It used to be commonplace to see passengers carrying cases of water while boarding their ship. Some travelers used water bottles to smuggle vodka or other clear liquors onboard the ship. The cruise lines have become wise to this practice and therefore no longer allow bottled water to be carried onboard the ships. When in port I used to purchase a couple bottles of water when returning to the ship. I could usually find bottled water in duty-free stores or nearby shops for about $1.00 per bottle. I no longer do this however because Carnival has implemented a convenient water package that is available for purchase prior to cruising or during your cruise for the same price. I now pre-order a pack of 12 bottles of water for $4.50. Although this is about twice as much as I would pay in a grocery store back home, this is a significant savings from purchasing water bottles separately and the convenience makes it well worth the price. If you pre-purchase your water, it will be waiting for you in your stateroom upon boarding your ship.

Sodas and Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages

During embarkation soda and other non-alcoholic beverages may be brought on board as well. On Carnival the amount of beverages allowed to be carried on is limited to 12 cans or cartons per person and must conform to the following guidelines.

• Must be unopened.
• Must be carried onto the ship.  Do not pack beverages in your checked luggage.
• The size is limited to 12 ounces per can/carton.
• Beverages in glass or plastic bottles are not allowed.

Please be sure to follow these guidelines and do not pack beverages in your checked luggage. Failure to follow these rules will result in your beverages being confiscated and discarded at your own expense.

Personally, I find the cost of soda very reasonable while onboard the ship. Generally, when cruising to the Caribbean I find I mostly drink water during the day to stay hydrated. In the evening I may want a soda at dinner or elsewhere on the ship. Carnival charges approximately $1.99 for a can of soda while onboard the ship. This is less expensive than ordering a soft drink at a major restaurant chain back on land. Personally, I am not a huge soda drinker and I find the cost of purchasing soft drinks onboard outweighs the inconvenience of lugging a 12-pack of soda onboard.

Wine and Champagne

During embarkation you may carry onboard wine or champagne as well.  You may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult.  Adults are considered 21 years of age or older.  This is important.  The guideline for wine and champagne is limited to one bottle per adult passenger.  If you are a family of four with two adults and two children, you will only be permitted to carry on 2 bottles; one for each adult.  A good tip if you are carrying on your own wine is to pack a corkscrew.  This way you can enjoy your wine in your stateroom, on your balcony or elsewhere on the ship.  If you prefer you can bring your wine to the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or to one of the bars located on the ship.  There is a corkage fee imposed for opening and serving wine or champagne that is not purchased onboard the ship.  The fee is $15.00 per bottle on Carnival.  Rumor has it though that this fee is rarely charged.

Beer, Liquor, and Other Alcoholic Beverages

You are not permitted to carry on beer, liquor or other alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruise ships.  That doesn’t mean these items are not available though.  You will find plenty of options available for purchase all around the ship.  You will find the bars, restaurants, main dining and specialty restaurants, showrooms, comedy clubs, night clubs, casinos, and even poolside decks are fully stocked and eager to satisfy your thirst.