Is the Drink Package worthwhile on a Cruise?

Is the Drink Package worthwhile on a Cruise?

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My Fiance and I recently took a 7 day cruise on Carnival's newest ship, Mardis Gras. They had some really amazing themed bars and lounges, so we wanted to be able to try everything that we could.

We wanted to be sure that we weren't paying too much for the drink package, so we had some math to do. Carnival's "Cheers! Beverage Package costs $59.95 per day, per person. On average, a beer or seltzer will cost between $6-$8, the average cocktail or "shot" will run you between $10-$13, and wine will run anywhere from $9-$14 per glass.

Using that math, your break-even number would be 8-10 beers or 5-6 cocktails. That may seem like a generous amount, and it is, but don’t forget that on your at-Sea days, you will most likely like to enjoy a morning cocktail, such as a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa, and those do count against your drink package.

The other thing to consider is your in-Port days. Chances are, you may enjoy a few drinks off the boat, which means you are paying out of pocket and you may want fewer drinks back on the ship on those days.

The Cheers drink package also includes soda, specialty coffee, as well as energy drinks. All of those will count against your total drink number of 15 per day (resets at 11:59PM ship time) per person.

The last thing to consider is quality. We were very surprised at the quality of the spirits themselves. There were no “well liquors” in sight. All decent quality bottles. We even saw (and consumed) Blanton’s at one of the bourbon bars. We couldn’t believe they had it and really couldn’t believe that it was included in the Cheers package! They have other decent quality spirits such as Grey Goose vodka, Cazador’s tequila (yes, even Reposado!) as well as good quality rum. The selection was very impressive.

Now that you have the math to make your decision, I wanted to share our two favorite cocktails.

The first one is from The Fortune Teller lounge, and is called the “Crystal Ball”. Shaken with silver tequila, green chartreuse, agave, and lime, it is then strained into a martini glass and is topped with a magical bubble full of smoke that is nearly the size of a soccer ball! They use a special “gun” that forms the bubble and fills it full of smoke. You can then pop the bubble by any means you would like (most people kiss it) and make a wish. When the smoke is released it, it really is quite magical and fun! The cocktail tastes great and the presentation is like no other!

The second cocktail is from Guy Fieri’s Bar in Summer Landing, where his BBQ Restaurant is located as well. It is called the “Smoked Boulevardier” and the presentation is almost better than the drink itself. It is stirred old fashioned style, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and finished with Rosemary Smoke. The bartender will pour the cocktail into a rocks glass, and then place it under a glass dome, under which they light a sprig of rosemary with a torch. The cocktail sits under the dome for 60-90 seconds, at which point some of the more entertaining bartenders will lift the dome and push the smoke towards your face. Enjoy the aroma, it complements the drink very nicely!