In a broad sense, all of the major family-friendly cruise lines that sell adult beverage packages require that every adult in the cabin buy one (or nobody can buy one.)
The rule was created to prevent people from cheating and sharing their beverage packages. It's simply too hard for a cruise line to enforce when a husband and wife, or any two people traveling together, were gaming the system.
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There's also only so much enforcement that bartenders and servers can be expected to do in a situation where an accusation could quickly escalate.
Of course, people who aren't in the same cabin may find ways to cheat the unlimited adult beverage package, but the "all or none rule" cuts that down.
Royal Caribbean, however, offers passengers a second choice. If adults staying in cabins together do not want the Deluxe Beverage Package, the cruise line will allow them to buy the Refreshment Package — an all-inclusive offer including everything except alcohol.
To get that exception made, you actually have to call Royal Caribbean. It can't be booked over the phone, but at least it's an option for passengers who don't (or can't) drink alcohol, as well as people who might only have the occasional adult beverage.
Carnival Cruise Line passengers would love a similar consideration, which Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald recently addressed.
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Image source: Carnival Corp.
Carnival stands by its rules
"Good Morning Mr. Heald. My husband and I are boarding Mardi Gras on Saturday, November 30, 2024. In relation to the Cheers package (since we are 'seasoned' Carnival guests) I am familiar with the program and that everyone in the cabin must purchase. My question: Husband is taking a medication which will make him violently ill if he consumes any alcohol. Since this is not something we want to happen, is there a waiver that can be applied so that he is not required to have the Cheers package?" a passenger wrote.
Heald explained why Carnival will not do that.
"Thank you so much. I’m so so sorry, but there are no waivers, even for medical conditions like this. It is the only way that we can really control the program. I do sincerely apologize at this time you won’t be able to get it," he shared.
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That led to passengers calling on Carnival to add the Royal Caribbean-style alternative option.
"Hi John! I would like to know if Carnival has ever considered offering an all-inclusive drink package minus the alcohol. My husband and I rarely drink, but it would be nice to have a package that includes mocktails, specialty coffees, and milkshakes," Angie Voiselle posted.
Why Carnival does not offer an alcohol-free beverage plan
Heald shot that request quickly.
"Yes, we have looked at that very closely. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to find the savings to pass on. That’s because the program like this is actually more expensive than a program that contains alcohol. If anything changes, I will let you know," he shared.
Carnival does offer a soda-only package.
Rich Alice Hill explained why a package without alcohol may not make sense for Carnival.
"Angie Voiselle, Alcohol has a low cost and high markup, meaning it can be discounted and still make a profit. Specialty coffees and dairy products have a high cost and low markup, meaning it can’t be discounted and still make a profit," they wrote.
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Carnival only sells its Cheers Beverage Package for the length of the cruise and not on a per-day basis.
"The beverage package can only be purchased for the entire voyage at a rate of (5 days or less) $82.54 USD per person, per day, including 18% service charge or (6 days or more) $70.74 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge via Carnival’s website and (5 days or less) $88.44 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge or (6 days or more) $76.64 USD per person, per day including 18% service charge if purchased once on board," the cruise line shared on its website.
It generally does not offer sales on its Cheers Beverage Package, but that could change selectively.
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