What does a Carnival cruise actually cost?
Updated 2026-07 · 5 min read
Carnival is the largest cruise line in North America by passenger count, and the most budget-friendly of the majors. Casual, loud, and built for a party crowd — waterslides, comedy clubs, and a "Fun Ship" identity leaned into on purpose. Like every budget-tier line, the advertised fare is only the starting point — here's what the rest of the trip typically adds.
What's included vs. what's extra
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Gratuities | $17 / person / day |
| Drink package | $65 / adult / day |
| Wi-Fi | $20 / day |
| Specialty dining | $60 / adult / night (typically 2 nights) |
| Shore excursions | ~$110 / adult / port |
A worked example
Two adults, balcony cabin, 7 nights, 3 ports, with the drink package, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions turned on:
| Line item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cruise fare (sticker price) | $1,785 |
| Taxes & port fees | $336 |
| Gratuities | $231 |
| Drink package | $910 |
| Wi-Fi | $140 |
| Specialty dining | — |
| Shore excursions | $660 |
| Travel insurance | — |
Sticker price: $1,785. Real total: $4,062 (roughly $3,656–$4,468), or about $290 per person, per night, all-in.
For a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) on the same itinerary, the real total comes to roughly $6,090 ($5,481–$6,699).
Adjust cabin, nights, or family size for Carnival →Where Carnival sails from
Common homeports include Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Long Beach. Positioning cruises and repositioning sailings (moving a ship between seasonal regions) can carry lower fares than round-trip itineraries from the same port — worth checking if your dates are flexible.
Our take
Carnival's low fares are real, but its drink package ("Cheers!") excludes premium spirits above a per-drink price ceiling — read the fine print before assuming it's truly unlimited top-shelf.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in Carnival's fare?
Carnival's advertised fare covers the cabin and standard dining and entertainment only. Gratuities ($17/person/day), drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and shore excursions are all sold separately.
How much is the Carnival drink package?
Roughly $65 per adult, per day, based on typical budget-tier pricing. For two adults on a 7-night cruise that's about $910.
Is Carnival a good value?
Carnival's low fares are real, but its drink package ("Cheers!") excludes premium spirits above a per-drink price ceiling — read the fine print before assuming it's truly unlimited top-shelf.
What will a Carnival cruise actually cost?
For two adults in a balcony cabin on a 7-night, 3-port itinerary with drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions included, expect a real total around $4,062 (roughly $3,656–$4,468) against a sticker fare of $1,785. Run your own cabin and family size in the calculator for an exact estimate.