Carnival Cruise Line Introduces New Drink Package Restrictions In A Move To Curb Overindulgence And Sharing: What Passengers Need To Know!

Published on November 23, 2025

Carnival Cruise Line, which is one of the major cruise industry participants, has made some modifications to its Cheers! drink package that will affect the customer experience on the cruise. The newly revised rule, which increases the waiting time between drink orders from one to two hours, has led to some doubts on the part of the passengers who are eager to pamper themselves with the full alcoholic package during their cruise holiday.

What’s Changed with Carnival’s Cheers! Package?

Previously, guests purchasing the Cheers! package, which allows passengers to enjoy unlimited drinks (within certain limits), were required to wait just 5 minutes between drink orders. However, Carnival has now increased this wait time to 10 minutes. This change applies to all drinks covered under the package, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. While the 15-drink daily limit remains in place, this adjustment in wait times is the latest effort to regulate consumption on Carnival ships.

In addition to the longer wait between drinks, Carnival’s updated policy prohibits ordering double shots or sharing drinks with others, a practice that was already prohibited under the original terms. The policy is aimed at reducing potential abuses of the Cheers! package and ensuring guests adhere to the guidelines.

The Impact on Passengers’ Cruise Experience

The new policy has been met with mixed reactions from guests. While some passengers have welcomed the change, believing it will help moderate excessive drinking on board, others have expressed disappointment. For frequent cruisers who enjoyed ordering multiple drinks in quick succession, the new 10-minute wait feels like an unnecessary interruption to their vacation enjoyment.

One passenger shared their frustration on social media, expressing that the 10-minute wait interferes with their preferred routine of ordering a beer and a shot, forcing them to wait unnecessarily between orders. Similarly, another cruiser noted that the new restriction puts a “damper” on their experience, especially when trying to enjoy tropical cocktails, which often require additional ingredients like fruit juices.

Possible Reasons Behind the Change

While Carnival has not officially explained the reasons for the 10-minute wait increase, there are several speculations as to why the cruise line has made this adjustment. One plausible explanation is the cruise line’s effort to curb overindulgence, particularly in light of alcohol-fuelled incidents that can sometimes lead to disruptive behaviours among passengers.

Some industry observers believe that the 10-minute wait aims to combat illicit sharing of drinks. Sharing the Cheers! package, although explicitly prohibited, is a common practice among some guests. By enforcing a longer wait time between orders, Carnival may hope to minimise the chances of one guest ordering multiple drinks for others, which could help ensure more passengers are abiding by the package rules.

Furthermore, the policy may also be an attempt to reduce alcohol-related altercations among passengers. With many cruise guests looking forward to a fun, relaxing time at sea, Carnival may be prioritising safety by keeping guests’ alcohol consumption in check.

The Potential Effect on Passengers Who Are Used to the 5-Minute Wait

For regular Carnival guests who are accustomed to the 5-minute wait time, the new 10-minute interval could feel like a significant change. While some guests may not mind the new policy, others argue that it significantly alters the dynamics of enjoying the package to its full extent.

One long-time cruiser noted their past experience on Carnival’s Horizon ship, where they could easily order a whiskey and coke in quick succession. However, under the new rules, the same passenger will now have to wait longer between their drinks. This extended waiting period could potentially affect the social aspect of drinking on board, as many cruisers enjoy sharing drinks with new friends and having multiple rounds without interruption.

Moreover, passengers used to ordering mixed drinks that include both alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages will also feel the effects of the new restriction. Under the previous policy, guests could order a drink like a whiskey and soda or a beer with a soda, but now they will have to wait before they can order another drink, regardless of whether it’s alcoholic or not.

How Will This Affect Overall Guest Satisfaction?

It is still too early to determine how the extended wait times will affect overall guest satisfaction. While some passengers may find the change mildly inconvenient, others may appreciate the more controlled drinking environment, which could contribute to a more relaxed cruise experience. However, if too many guests feel frustrated by the new rules, it could affect Carnival’s reputation among loyal passengers.

In any case, passengers who rely heavily on the Cheers! package for their cruise enjoyment should be aware of this policy shift and plan accordingly. Whether it’s waiting a little longer for the next round or finding new ways to enjoy the perks of the drink package, passengers should be prepared for the new realities of Carnival’s drink service.

What Passengers Can Expect from Carnival Going Forward

For those planning to sail with Carnival in the near future, the Cheers! package will still offer great value for those who drink moderately. The extended wait time may be a minor inconvenience for some, but with careful planning and respect for the rules, passengers can still enjoy a variety of beverages throughout their voyage.

The alteration of the Cheers! package by Carnival Cruise Line is not an isolated case in the cruise industry but rather reflects the movement to encourage responsible drinking, and at the same time, letting the guests have their fun while aboard. With the new developments, the cruise company is looking at maintaining the satisfaction of the customers and also at promoting a safe and enjoyable experience for all the passengers.