When passengers book a cruise vacation, they often expect a luxurious all-inclusive experience where they can relax without constantly worrying about additional charges. However, modern cruise lines have increasingly adopted a la carte pricing models that can leave travelers feeling nickel-and-dimed for basic amenities they assumed would be included. From Wi-Fi fees to specialty dining surcharges, these unexpected costs can quickly add up and turn what seemed like a great deal into an expensive surprise.
One Carnival Cruise passenger recently discovered just how costly even the most basic refreshments can be when paying individually rather than purchasing a beverage package.
Passenger Tests Carnival Cruise’s Per-Ounce Soda Pricing
In a viral video with more than a million views, content creator @ogcrumbley explained the eye-opening experience of using Carnival’s self-serve soda station without a beverage package.
The video shows a small screen next to the soda fountain displaying the per-ounce pricing and payment process.
To use the machine, passengers must scan their room key card to authorize charges directly to their cabin account. The screen clearly shows the cost: 27 cents per ounce for any beverage dispensed from the fountain.
@ogcrumbley scanned his room key and filled a small yellow cup with Sprite.
After filling the modest-sized cup, the final tally appeared on screen: 8.52 ounces of soda. At 27 cents per ounce, the single serving costs $2.30. In comparison, a standard 12-ounce can of soda typically costs under $2 at most convenience stores on land.
“Carnival taxing for the soda. Smh I suggest bringing a 12 pack onboard if you don’t want to pay,” @ogcrumbley said in the caption.
What is a Beverage Package?
Cruise lines often offer beverage packages as a way for passengers to simplify drink purchases during their trip. Instead of paying per drink, guests can pay a set daily rate that covers a wide range of beverages.
These packages usually come in two categories: alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Depending on the cruise line, a package might include sodas, specialty coffees, bottled water, cocktails, wine, or beer. For travelers who plan to order drinks regularly, a beverage package could ultimately be cheaper.
How Much Do Beverage Packages Cost on a Carnival Cruise?
Carnival offers two beverage package options:
CHEERS! is its alcohol-inclusive plan, which starts at $69.95 per person, per day when purchased before sailing (the price is slightly higher if bought on board).
The package covers most cocktails, beer, and wine priced under $20, along with sodas, energy drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffee. Guests receive up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, plus unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. A 25% discount is applied to drinks not fully covered by the package, such as wine bottles or premium spirits.
CHEERS! Zero Proof is for guests who prefer to skip alcohol. Carnival sells the package at $29.99 per person, per day. This option includes sodas, juices, bottled water, milkshakes, smoothies, energy drinks, and a selection of zero-proof cocktails, alcohol-free beer, and sparkling wine.
Both packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise. CHEERS! requires every adult in the same stateroom to participate, and both packages come with restrictions such as no sharing and no use off the ship.
@ogcrumbley Carnival taxing for the soda. Smh I suggest bringing a 12 pack onboard if you don’t want to pay. Did you know you can also bring champagne on the ship with you? #carnival #carnivalcruise #carnivalcelebration #carnivalcruiseline ♬ original sound – FlyyGamer OGCrumbley
Commenters criticize Carnival Cruise
“This is crazy as [expletive] why does it feel like every company in the world is DESPERATE to squeeze every last possible dime out of us????” a top comment read.
“27¢ per ounce is crazy work, I’ll stick to the free lemonade,” a person said.
“People gotta stop normalizing being scammed. rich people do NOT live like this,” another wrote.
“I drank zero ounces of soda while I was on my cruise. Finally detoxed off of Dr. Pepper,” a commenter shared.
The Mary Sue reached out to @ogcrumbley for comment via TikTok direct message and comment to reached out to Carnival Cruise Line via email.
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