Carnival Cruise Line Raises Cheers! Drink Package & Wi-Fi Prices Without Notice
Carnival Cruise Line has quietly raised the prices of both its Cheers! drink package and Wi-Fi plans, leaving passengers frustrated by the lack of notice. The price hikes come as the cruise line continues to adjust its offerings, with many cruisers feeling blindsided by the changes. Whether you’re planning to sip a cocktail with the Cheers! package or stay connected with one of Carnival’s internet plans, the cost of these services has risen—without any advance warning.
16% Price Hike: Cheers! Drink Package
The popular Cheers! drink package has seen a $6 increase, now priced at $82.54 per day for cruises of six nights or longer, and staying the same for shorter sailings. This comes just after the package’s price was previously raised in 2023. The package continues to cover a wide range of beverages, from beer and cocktails to energy drinks and specialty coffee, but many passengers are upset about the lack of notice. Traditionally, Carnival would notify guests of price increases with a grace period, but this time, the change took effect immediately, leaving many feeling deceived.
22% Price Hike: Wi-Fi
But it’s not just the Cheers! package that’s gone up in price—Carnival Cruise Line has also quietly raised its Wi-Fi rates, with increases across all three internet tiers: Social, Value, and Premium. The biggest hike came in the Social Wi-Fi Plan, which jumped 22%, from $15.30 to $18 pre-cruise, and onboard rates increased from $18 to $22 per day. The Value Plan rose 13%, while the Premium Plan saw a 12% increase. Single-day access to the Premium Wi-Fi now costs $35, up from $28.
Many passengers are frustrated by the sudden increase, especially since Carnival didn’t provide advance notice. In the past, the cruise line allowed passengers to lock in the old rates by purchasing packages ahead of time. But this time, the increases took effect immediately, with no option for cruisers to avoid the higher fees.
Passenger Reactions: Mixed Feelings
The reactions to these price hikes have been varied, with many passengers expressing frustration on social media. Some cruisers reminisced about the days when internet access was far cheaper, with one commenter recalling, “Remember when Social was $5 per day? Not that long ago.” Others defended the increases, acknowledging that price hikes are common in business.
Carnival Cruise Line’s sudden price hikes for both the Cheers! drink package and Wi-Fi plans have left many passengers feeling blindsided and frustrated. While the company justifies the increases as necessary to cover rising operational costs, the lack of prior notice has left a bad taste for many cruisers. Whether you’re planning to indulge in Carnival’s Cheers! package or need reliable Wi-Fi to stay connected, it’s important to factor in these new prices when booking your cruise.
