Key Aspects:
- Carnival Cruise Line’s new Cheers! Zero Proof package can now be booked for cruises in early 2026.
- Sailings later in the year still have to wait before the popular package is available for purchase.
- Exact drink availability can vary based on supply and demand as well as restocking opportunities.
Ever since the announcement of the new Cheers! Zero Proof package in September, Carnival cruise guests have rejoiced at the long-dreamed-for non-alcoholic drink package. Bookings for the package have been outstanding, but only for a few months.
Some guests were understandably concerned that they could not find the package for their upcoming sailings, including popular spring break and summer 2026 voyages.
This was not because the package would not be offered, but because it was not open for bookings right away.
Now, the package is available for purchase for cruises in the first few months of 2026, as confirmed by Carnival’s brand ambassador, John Heald.
“Cheers Zero Proof is now available for the first quarter of 2026 cruises,” he said. “I will let you know when we open for the rest of 2026.”
The current price of the premium non-alcoholic package is $29.99 (USD) per person, per day. It must be purchased for the full length of one’s cruise and is not available on a day-by-day option.
An 18% gratuity is also automatically added to the purchase price. Of course prices are always subject to change.
Guests should be aware that the package (and other drink packages as well) does not apply to any private destinations, including Celebration Key and Princess Cays.
“They are designed for use on board our ships,” the Cheers! Zero Proof purchase page confirms.
Carnival Cruise Line has not offered any explanation about why the package simply isn’t available for all future bookings.
The limited future availability may be related to supply pricing. If the most popular beverages were to increase in price significantly in the next few months, for example, the profitability of the package could plummet unless prices are adjusted.
By only permitting purchases for limited periods, Carnival Cruise Line can more carefully plan for any possible supply price increases (or decreases!) to deliver the best deal to guests while still keeping the bottom line in mind.
What Beverages Are Included?
Described as a “premium non-alcoholic beverage package, designed to elevate your cruise experience with variety and flavor” Cheers! Zero Proof includes the Coca-Cola products now carried on every Carnival ship.
Additional non-alcoholic beverages in the package include juices, bottled water, coconut water, premium coffee and teas, mocktails, smoothies, bottled protein shakes, milkshakes, energy drinks, and more.
Heald also noted that bottles of Fairlife Milk (plain, strawberry, and chocolate) are also included and now available.
“Previously due to some delivery issues, we did not have these on some of the ships,” he explained. “But for all of the ships sailing from our North American Home ports we have them back in stock.”
He is checking whether or not the milk or a similar equivalent brand is available on sailings from Australia.
What If Your Favorite Drink Runs Out?
Experienced Carnival cruisers have a very important tip for guests who have a favorite drink.
“Be aware that even if they stock them at the beginning of a cruise they may run out of popular drinks part way through the cruise,” one guest noted from their recent transatlantic sailing.
Admittedly, transatlantic sailings are generally 14-15 nights without any chance to bring additional supplies onboard, making it impossible to restock any very popular items.
General passenger preferences on different sailings can make it challenging at times to keep popular drinks in stock as well. For example, if a group of whiskey aficionados set sail as friends on one cruise, they could deplete their favorite top shelf spirits that might not be replenished for a couple of sailings.
If a guest’s cruise experience might be diminished if a specific drink is missing, it may be best to bring a limited quantity onboard themselves to be sure of the correct supply.
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“On embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk), packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest’s carry-on luggage,” Carnival’s Liquor & Beverage Policy reads.
“A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.”
Heald has previously confirmed that guests can also restock their supply in ports of call, which can be a handy trick for longer sailings.
