Carnival Cruise Line Quietly Raises Prices — Here’s What Travelers Need to Know Before Booking

If you’re planning a Carnival Cruise (or already have one on the books), there’s something you’ll want to know before you sail: Carnival has quietly rolled out a wave of price increases that are already affecting onboard spending — and more changes are on the horizon.

From gratuities to drink packages and Wi-Fi, these adjustments may seem small at first glance, but together they can significantly impact your cruise budget. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s changed, what’s coming next, and how savvy travelers can stay one step ahead.

The Big One: Higher Onboard Service Charges

One of the most noticeable shifts is Carnival’s increase in its onboard service charge, which applies to:

• Alcoholic and specialty drinks

• Drink packages

• Specialty dining

• In-stateroom gifts and experiences

The service charge has risen from 18% to 20%, meaning every mojito, latte, or steakhouse dinner now costs a bit more than it did just months ago. This change is already live across Carnival sailings and affects both onboard purchases and many pre-cruise add-ons.

Wi-Fi Prices Are Climbing Too

Staying connected at sea is getting more expensive.

Carnival has increased prices on its pre-purchased Wi-Fi plans, including the popular Social and Value packages. While pricing varies by ship and sailing, guests are reporting noticeable bumps in daily rates compared to late 2024 and early 2025.

For travelers who rely on Wi-Fi for messaging, social media, or remote work, this is an important line item to factor into total cruise costs.

A Gratuity Increase Is Coming in 2026

Looking ahead, Carnival is preparing to raise its daily service gratuities, with the change expected to take effect in April 2026.

Here’s what’s expected:

• Standard staterooms: increase to $17 per person, per day

• Suites: increase to $19 per person, per day

That $1-per-day increase may sound minor, but on a 7-night cruise for a family of four, it adds up quickly. Guests with existing bookings have reportedly begun receiving notifications about this upcoming adjustment.

Drink Packages: More Expensive in Subtle Ways

CHEERS! Beverage Package

While the headline price of Carnival’s popular CHEERS! alcohol package hasn’t dramatically jumped overnight, the higher 20% service charge now makes the true daily cost noticeably higher.

When all fees are factored in, the effective daily cost lands in the low-$80 range per person — and remember, Carnival still requires all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the package if one does.

Bottomless Bubbles (Soda Package)

This one is worth watching closely. While Carnival’s official pricing still lists the soda package at its previous rate, guests have reported receiving notifications of a potential price increase beginning in April 2026.

In short: the soda package may soon cost more, even if the official site hasn’t caught up yet.

Why These Changes Matter

Carnival has long positioned itself as one of the most value-friendly cruise lines at sea. These price increases don’t erase that reputation — but they do signal a shift.

Instead of one dramatic announcement, Carnival has rolled out changes quietly, across multiple onboard categories. When combined, these increases can significantly raise the real cost of cruising, especially for families, longer sailings, and guests who enjoy drink packages, specialty dining, and connectivity.

How Smart Travelers Can Beat the Increases

Here’s the good news: informed cruisers still have options.

Pre-pay whenever possible.

Gratuities, drink packages, and Wi-Fi purchased in advance typically lock in the price at the time of purchase — even if rates rise later.

Review your booking regularly.

Carnival often communicates changes via email or through your booking dashboard. A quick check can save surprises later.

Do the math on packages.

With higher service charges, drink and Wi-Fi packages are worth reevaluating. For some travelers, à-la-carte spending may now make more sense.

The Bottom Line

Carnival Cruise Line isn’t alone in raising prices — the entire cruise industry is adjusting to higher operating costs. But these changes mark a clear evolution in how Carnival structures onboard spending.

For travelers who plan ahead, budget smartly, and pre-purchase strategically, Carnival can still deliver a fun-packed, high-value vacation. The key is knowing where prices are rising — and acting before they rise again.

Stay tuned to The Jetset Journal for the latest cruise news, onboard trends, and insider tips that keep your next getaway smooth, stylish, and surprise-free. 🚢✨