Carnival Cruise Line is renowned for its festive atmosphere, lively entertainment, and exceptional dining experiences. Among the highlights of any Carnival cruise is the extensive and diverse bar menu.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage, Carnival’s bars offer something for everyone.
Understanding the bar menu on Carnival Cruise can help maximize your onboard experience. This guide breaks down the drink offerings, pricing, specialty cocktails, and tips for enjoying your favorite beverages while sailing the seas.
Overview of Carnival Cruise Bars
Carnival Cruise ships feature multiple bars and lounges scattered throughout the ship. Each bar often has its own unique theme and specialty drinks.
Some popular bars include the RedFrog Rum Bar, Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and SkyBox Sports Bar.
These venues offer a mix of classic cocktails, craft beers, premium spirits, and non-alcoholic options. The bar menus are thoughtfully curated to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
“The bars on Carnival Cruise are not just places to grab a drink — they are social hubs where guests can relax, mingle, and enjoy live entertainment.” – Cruise Enthusiast Magazine
Standard Drink Menu
The standard drink menu on Carnival Cruise covers all the essentials. You can expect to find a variety of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails at reasonable prices compared to typical land-based resorts.
Below is a sample table highlighting common categories and popular choices found on most Carnival Cruise bar menus:
| Category | Popular Drinks | Typical Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Beers | Bud Light, Heineken, Corona, Guinness | $6 – $8 |
| Wines | Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio | $7 – $10 per glass |
| Spirits | Vodka, Rum, Gin, Whiskey, Tequila | $7 – $9 per shot |
| Cocktails | Mojito, Margarita, Long Island Iced Tea, Piña Colada | $8 – $12 |
| Non-Alcoholic | Soda, Mocktails, Juices, Coffee, Tea | $3 – $5 |
Specialty Cocktails and Signature Drinks
One of the most exciting aspects of Carnival’s bar menu is the extensive list of specialty cocktails. These drinks often incorporate tropical flavors, fresh ingredients, and creative presentations designed to enhance the cruise experience.
Some signature cocktails available onboard include:
- Drunken Sailor – A blend of spiced rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine.
- South Beach Sunset – Vodka mixed with cranberry, orange, and lime juices.
- RedFrog Rum Runner – A fruity concoction featuring various rums and tropical fruit juices.
- BlueIguana Margarita – Classic margarita with house-made sour mix and premium tequila.
These specialty drinks usually cost slightly more than standard cocktails but offer a unique taste experience that’s well worth it.
Featured Specialty Cocktail Menu
| Cocktail Name | Main Ingredients | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Drunken Sailor | Spiced Rum, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine | $11 |
| South Beach Sunset | Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Orange Juice, Lime | $10 |
| RedFrog Rum Runner | Light & Dark Rum, Banana Liqueur, Fruit Juices | $12 |
| BlueIguana Margarita | Tequila, Triple Sec, House-made Sour Mix | $11 |
Alcohol Packages and Pricing
To enhance convenience and value, Carnival Cruise offers several alcohol packages. These packages allow guests to enjoy unlimited drinks from a defined menu for a fixed daily fee.
Purchasing a drink package can be especially beneficial for avid drinkers or those who want to try a variety of beverages without worrying about individual prices.
Popular alcohol packages include:
- Cheers! Beverage Program: Includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks like soda and specialty coffee.
- Deluxe Beverage Program: Extends the Cheers! program to include premium spirits, frozen cocktails, and more exclusive options.
- Bottomless Bubbles: Designed for unlimited soda and fountain drinks, perfect for families and light drinkers.
Prices vary depending on the package and length of the cruise. Typically, the Cheers!
package costs around $56 per day, while the Deluxe package can be about $75 per day. Bottomless Bubbles is usually around $8-$10 per day.
“Purchasing an alcohol package on Carnival Cruise offers both convenience and savings, especially if you plan to enjoy multiple drinks daily.” – Cruise Insider Blog
Non-Alcoholic Options and Mocktails
Carnival Cruise bars pride themselves on their inclusive drink options. Non-alcoholic beverages are abundant and flavorful, perfect for guests who do not consume alcohol or those seeking refreshing alternatives.
Popular non-alcoholic drinks include:
- Virgin Piña Colada
- Shirley Temple
- Virgin Mojito
- Freshly brewed coffees and specialty teas
- Crafted sodas and fresh fruit juices
Many bars also offer unique mocktails with fresh ingredients and creative presentations, ensuring everyone can enjoy a festive drink experience onboard.
Sample Non-Alcoholic Drink Menu
| Drink Name | Main Ingredients | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Piña Colada | Pineapple Juice, Coconut Cream, Ice | $5 |
| Shirley Temple | Ginger Ale, Grenadine, Lime | $4 |
| Virgin Mojito | Mint, Lime, Sugar, Soda Water | $5 |
| Specialty Coffee | Espresso, Steamed Milk, Flavor Syrups | $4 – $6 |
Tips for Ordering Drinks on Carnival Cruise
Knowing how to navigate the bar menu and ordering process can significantly enhance your cruise experience. Here are some helpful tips when ordering drinks onboard:
- Drink Packages: If you plan to have more than 2-3 drinks per day, consider purchasing a beverage package to save money.
- Happy Hours & Specials: Many bars feature happy hours or daily specials, so keep an eye out for discounts and featured drinks.
- Custom Requests: Bartenders are skilled and happy to customize drinks according to your preferences.
- Signature Bars: Visit specialty bars like the Alchemy Bar for creative cocktails and a unique atmosphere.
- Tipping: A standard 15-18% gratuity is usually added automatically to your bar tab.
Popular Bars on Carnival Cruise
Each Carnival ship offers a variety of bars with different styles and atmospheres. Here are some of the top bars you won’t want to miss:
| Bar Name | Location | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| RedFrog Rum Bar | Deck 5 (varies by ship) | Rum cocktails, tropical vibes, live music |
| Alchemy Bar | Mid-ship, Deck 5 or 6 | Craft cocktails, mixology expertise |
| BlueIguana Tequila Bar | Near Mexican restaurant | Tequila-based drinks, margaritas |
| SkyBox Sports Bar | Aft of the ship | Sports viewing, wide beer selection |
| Lobby Bar | Main Atrium | Casual cocktails and wines |
Responsible Drinking on Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruise Line is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests. It is important to drink responsibly and abide by the ship’s policies.
Some key points include:
- Guests must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
- Overconsumption is discouraged, and staff may refuse service to guests who appear intoxicated.
- Guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol onboard; however, a limited amount of wine can be brought to dinner with a corkage fee.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water between alcoholic beverages, especially in warm climates.
Conclusion
The bar menu on Carnival Cruise is a vibrant and essential part of the cruise experience. From classic cocktails and signature drinks to extensive non-alcoholic selections, Carnival offers something for every palate.
Exploring the various bars and lounges onboard is a great way to meet new people, enjoy live entertainment, and relax after a day of adventure.
Whether you opt for à la carte drinks or a beverage package, knowing the menu and options available will enhance your time onboard. Always remember to drink responsibly and savor every moment of your Carnival Cruise journey.
Cheers to smooth sailing and delightful drinks!
