Is Coffee Free on Carnival Cruises? Find Out Here.
Carnival Cruise is a popular vacation choice, offering a range of dining and beverage options to cater to every palate. Coffee lovers often wonder about the availability and cost of coffee on Carnival Cruise. To put it simply, it’s both free and charged, depending on what you’re after.
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Is coffee free on Carnival cruises?
Carnival Cruise provides regular coffee, decaf coffee, hot chocolate, hot water, and tea at no cost in the dining rooms and Lido buffet area. Complimentary flavored coffees and cappuccinos are also available in the dining rooms. However, if you visit one of the small cafes aboard or the JavaBlue Cafe, additional charges apply.
Key Takeaways
- Regular coffee, decaf coffee, hot chocolate, hot water, and tea are free in the dining rooms and Lido buffet area.
- Flavored coffees and cappuccinos are also free in the dining rooms.
- Additional fees apply at the small onboard cafes and the JavaBlue Cafe.
Understanding Carnival Cruise’s Beverage Policy
Carnival Cruise Line offers an array of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It’s crucial to understand their beverage policy to avoid any confusion or unexpected costs during your cruise.
Alcoholic Drinks
Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of spirits, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages, available individually or through the CHEERS! Beverage Program. This program allows guests to enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate. Note that guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages on board.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Non-alcoholic drinks, including soft drinks, sodas, and juices, can be purchased individually or via the Bottomless Bubbles program. This program allows guests to enjoy unlimited soft drinks and juices for a flat daily rate.
Beverage Policy
Carnival Cruise Line’s beverage policy prohibits guests from bringing water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles. However, bottled water can be pre-purchased before the cruise. Additionally, guests can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person on board, but consuming it in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar will incur a $15 USD corkage fee.
Types of Coffee on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise offers a range of coffee options, from basic coffee to specialty coffee. The regular coffee is free, but specialty coffee has an additional charge.
Carnival Coffee
Carnival Cruise offers a variety of coffee blends, including regular coffee, decaf coffee, and iced coffee, available 24/7 at various locations throughout the ship.
Specialty Coffee
For those desiring more than basic coffee, Carnival Cruise offers specialty coffee options, including cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and iced coffee, for an additional charge.
Starbucks Coffee
Starbucks coffee is available at the JavaBlue Cafe on select Carnival Cruise ships.
Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison of the different types of coffee available on Carnival Cruise:
| Type of Coffee | Description | Price |
| Regular Coffee | Freshly brewed coffee made from ground beans | Free |
| Decaf Coffee | Freshly brewed decaf coffee made from ground beans | Free |
| Iced Coffee | Refreshing cold coffee | Free |
| Specialty Coffee | Cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and iced coffee | Additional Charge |
| Starbucks Coffee | Starbucks coffee available at the JavaBlue Cafe | Additional Charge |
Carnival Cruise offers a range of coffee options to its guests. The type of coffee to suit your taste is readily available and reasonably priced.
Complimentary and Paid Beverages on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise provides an array of complimentary beverages for its guests. These drinks, included in the cruise fare, can be enjoyed throughout the voyage.
Water, one of the most widely consumed complimentary beverages on Carnival Cruise, is available from dispensers located around the ship, as well as from servers in the dining rooms and bars. In addition to water, milk is also readily available.
During breakfast hours, complimentary juices, such as apple and orange, are offered. Lemonade, another complimentary beverage, is available throughout the day. Guests in search of a warm beverage can opt for hot chocolate, available in dining rooms and bars, while iced tea offers a refreshing cold option.
Sparkling water is also included among the complimentary beverages and can be requested from servers in dining rooms and bars. Bottled water, however, is not complimentary and must be purchased separately.
| Complimentary Beverage | Availability |
| Water | Throughout the ship |
| Milk | Throughout the ship |
| Apple and Orange Juice | During breakfast hours |
| Lemonade | Throughout the day |
| Hot Chocolate | In the dining rooms and bars |
| Iced Tea | Throughout the day |
| Sparkling Water | In the dining rooms and bars |
In addition to the complimentary beverages, Carnival Cruise also offers a variety of paid beverage options:
Alcoholic Beverages
Carnival Cruise offers an assortment of alcoholic beverages for purchase, including wine, beer, and cocktails. Prices vary based on brand and drink type.
For instance, a glass of wine might cost anywhere from $7 to $20, while beer prices range from $5 to $8.50. Cocktails, depending on their complexity and ingredients, can cost between $8 and $12.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks, such as Red Bull and Monster, are also available for purchase for those needing a quick pick-me-up. The cost ranges from $4 to $6 per can.
Soft Drinks
While water, lemonade, and iced tea are free, soft drinks like Pepsi are not. A can of soda costs around $2.50, and a fountain soda package is available for about $8 per day.
| Beverage | Price Range |
| Glass of wine | $7 – $20 |
| Beer | $5 – $8.50 |
| Cocktails | $8 – $12 |
| Energy drinks | $4 – $6 per can |
| Soft drinks | $2.50 per can, $8 per day for soda package |
Carnival Cruise also offers a beverage package called Cheers! This package, which costs $59.95 per person, per day (plus an 18% service charge) if purchased online before the cruise or $64.95 per person, per day (plus an 18% service charge) if bought onboard, includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks.
Drink Packages on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise offers several drink packages to accommodate different tastes and budgets. The packages include options for soda lovers, beer enthusiasts, and cocktail connoisseurs.
The Bottomless Bubbles package is an excellent choice for juice and soda drinkers on the cruise. This package offers unlimited soda and juice throughout the cruise, costing $5.95 per day for children and $8.50 per day for adults, plus an 18% gratuity. It can be purchased online before the cruise or on board the ship.
For guests interested in alcoholic beverages, Carnival Cruise provides several drink packages:
- Cheers! Package: Priced at $51.95 per day (plus an 18% gratuity), this package includes a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. This package is only available for guests aged 21 and above.
- Carnival Easy Drink Package: This package includes a selection of beer, wine, and spirits, along with non-alcoholic beverages. It costs $44.95 per day, plus an 18% gratuity.
- Carnival Premium Drink Package: Offering a wide variety of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, this package is priced at $59.95 per day, plus an 18% gratuity.
To select the best package, consider your drinking habits and preferences. For instance, if you plan on consuming substantial amounts of alcohol, the Cheers! Package might be the most cost-effective choice. If you primarily enjoy beer and wine, the Carnival Easy Drink Package could be a better fit.
Here’s a comparison table of the different packages:
| Package | Price per Day | Alcoholic Beverages Included |
| Bottomless Bubbles | $5.95 (children) / $8.50 (adults) | No |
| Carnival Easy Drink Package | $44.95 | Yes |
| Carnival Premium Drink Package | $59.95 | Yes |
| Cheers! Package | $51.95 | Yes |
Keep in mind that prices do not include the 18% gratuity, and if you purchase a drink package, everyone in your cabin aged 21 and above must purchase the same package.
Coffee Shops on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of coffee options onboard. You can enjoy complimentary coffee or opt for specialty coffee drinks for a fee at one of their coffee shops.
- Free Coffee: Regular, decaf, and hot water for tea are available 24/7 in various locations on board, including the Lido Deck and main dining rooms.
- JavaBlue Café: Available on select Carnival Cruise ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama), this specialty coffee shop offers an assortment of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries for a fee. The café provides a cozy atmosphere for guests to unwind and enjoy their beverages.
- Coffee Bar: Another specialty coffee shop available on select ships (Breeze, Dream, Magic), offering specialty coffee drinks, teas, pastries, milkshakes, cakes, and cookies for a fee.
Here’s a summary of the coffee options available on Carnival Cruise:
| Coffee Shop | Available on | Type of Coffee | Price |
| Free Coffee | All ships | Regular, Decaf, Tea | Free |
| JavaBlue Café | Select ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama) | Specialty Coffee Drinks, Tea, Pastries | Fee |
| Coffee Bar | Select ships (Breeze, Dream, Magic) | Specialty Coffee Drinks, Tea, Pastries, Milkshakes, Cakes, Cookies | Fee |
Whether you prefer complimentary coffee or specialty coffee drinks, Carnival Cruise caters to every coffee enthusiast’s needs.
Dining and Snack Options on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line presents a wide array of dining and snack options to cater to diverse palates. From formal sit-down meals to quick bites, you’re sure to find something you enjoy onboard.
The main dining room offers daily changing dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are assigned seating and flexible dining options to suit guests’ needs.
The Lido Buffet provides a more casual dining setting, featuring a broad selection of dishes including snacks, ice cream, and treats. You can choose from American, Italian, and Asian cuisines.
For a more refined dining experience, Carnival Cruise Line offers specialty restaurants serving Italian, steakhouse, and sushi dishes.
Late-night cravings are taken care of with the “Good Eats: Late Night Snack” menu, offering pizza, soup, sandwiches, and more. Additionally, room service is available 24/7, offering sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages.
Below is a summary of the dining options:
| Dining Option | Offered Cuisines | Available Times |
| Main Dining Room | American, Italian, Asian | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Lido Buffet | American, Italian, Asian | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Specialty Restaurants | Italian, Steakhouse, Sushi | Dinner |
| Late Night Snacks | Pizza, Soup, Sandwiches | Late Night |
| Room Service | Sandwiches, Salads, Desserts | 24 Hours |
Room Service on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line offers 24-hour room service, allowing guests to order food and drinks directly to their stateroom at any time. While most items are free of charge, certain items may incur an additional fee.
The room service menu offers a variety of options from breakfast items to sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Drinks, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, can also be ordered.
The room service menu may vary based on the ship and itinerary. It can be accessed by scanning a QR code in the stateroom or by calling room service directly.
Pros and Cons of Room Service:
| Pros | Cons |
| 24-hour availability | Limited menu compared to dining venues |
| Convenient for in-room dining | Some items may have an additional charge |
| Free of charge for most items | Menu may vary depending on ship and itinerary |
Other Amenities on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise offers a multitude of amenities to enrich your onboard experience:
- Art Auction: Art enthusiasts can attend onboard auctions held by professional auctioneers. The art ranges from contemporary to classical, with prices varying accordingly.
- Casino: Try your luck at various games in the onboard casino, which is open 24 hours a day.
Other amenities include a spa and fitness center, swimming pools and waterslides, a mini golf course, a sports court, live entertainment, and youth programs for kids and teens.
Carnival Cruise offers an array of amenities to make your cruise experience enjoyable and unforgettable. Whether you’re interested in art, gaming, relaxation, or other activities, there’s something for everyone on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free beverages on Carnival cruises?
Yes, Carnival offers several complimentary beverages on their cruises. These include water, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee (regular and decaf) at the Lido Marketplace and dining rooms.
What drinks are included in the Carnival Bubbles package?
The Carnival Bubbles package includes unlimited soda and juice, as well as milkshakes and floats at the Shake Spot.
Is coffee included in the Carnival drink package?
No, coffee is not included in the Carnival drink package. However, it is available for purchase at various locations on the ship.
What beverages are complimentary on a Carnival cruise?
In addition to the free beverages mentioned above, Carnival also offers complimentary hot tea, hot chocolate, and select juices during breakfast hours.
Are milkshakes included in the free drinks on Carnival?
No, milkshakes are not included in the free drinks on Carnival. They are available for purchase at the Shake Spot or as part of the Carnival Bubbles package.
Does the Carnival Cheers package cover coffee?
No, coffee is not included in the Carnival Cheers package. However, it does include a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, juice, and energy drinks.
| Beverage Type | Included in Carnival Cheers Package? |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Yes |
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages (including soda, juice, and energy drinks) | Yes |
| Bottled Water | Yes |
| Specialty Coffees | No |
| Bottled Juices | No |
Overall, Carnival offers a variety of complimentary and paid beverage options on their cruises. It’s important to check the specific details of each package to ensure you’re getting the beverages you want.