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Carnival Cruise Line is no stranger to strict rules around its Cheers alcoholic beverage package.
After all, they’re designed to keep passengers safe, prevent overconsumption, and curb any abuse of the system.
But recently, those rules got a little tighter — and some passengers are starting to wonder: are these rules going too far?
The cruise line has long limited guests to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period with the Cheers package, and that rule remains the same.
However, a new change to the order timing is leaving some cruisers frustrated, especially when it comes to ordering non-alcoholic beverages.
Let’s dive into what’s changed and why some guests aren’t too happy about it.
Cheers Package: New Wait Time Between Drinks
As if waiting for your drink to be prepared wasn’t enough, Carnival has recently increased the wait time between orders for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Here’s the deal: previously, there was a five-minute wait time between orders. Now? That’s doubled to a 10-minute wait.
Under the Cheers program, passengers can still only order one drink at a time, but the increased time between drinks now applies to all beverage orders — whether you’re sipping on a cocktail, a mocktail, or something else entirely.
Why the change? The cruise line says it’s to avoid overserving alcohol and to prevent guests from sharing their drink packages, which is against the rules.
But some cruisers feel that this new 10-minute rule might be pushing things a little too far, especially for those who want to grab a drink or snack a bit quicker.
Cheers Zero Proof: Non-Alcoholic Drinkers Feel the Sting
The biggest area of frustration is with the Cheers Zero Proof package, which is Carnival’s new non-alcoholic beverage package.
Passengers with this package can enjoy premium non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, smoothies, specialty coffees, and even energy drinks. Sounds great, right?
However, many have reported that the 10-minute wait time now applies even to non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, Red Bull, or specialty coffees — and some people think it’s a bit much.
One Mardi Gras cruiser shared their frustration on Reddit, saying, “On the Mardi Gras now, can confirm it’s 10 minutes.
This applies not only to alcohol but also to bottled water, Red Bull, specialty coffee, etc.
Most bars have allowed a bottle of water when ordering a beer, but if I want to order a Red Bull and a bottle of water, I need to wait 10 minutes.”
It seems like a small thing, but for those looking to stay hydrated or switch between drinks quickly, a 10-minute wait can feel pretty inconvenient.
Why the Change?
So, what’s behind this change? Well, Carnival introduced the Cheers Zero Proof package recently, likely as a way to offer more options for guests who want to enjoy premium beverages without the alcohol.
While the alcohol restrictions make sense (nobody wants over-served passengers roaming the ship), the new non-alcoholic drink wait time feels like a step too far for some.
The longer wait is likely intended to curb the temptation for passengers to share the non-alcoholic package or “game the system” by ordering multiple drinks quickly.
But for those who just want a second smoothie or a water bottle with their energy drink, it’s starting to feel like the rules are a bit over the top.
Reactions from Passengers: Is the Wait Too Long?
There’s no doubt that many cruisers are scratching their heads over this one.
While most guests understand the need for a wait between alcoholic beverages, having the same restriction apply to non-alcoholic drinks has rubbed some people the wrong way.
Cruisers on forums like Reddit have pointed out that Carnival bars usually allow water bottles to be paired with alcoholic drinks without issue.
But now, even the basic items like bottled water and Red Bull are tied to the 10-minute wait. For some passengers, it feels like it’s taking the rules a bit too far.
Is This Really Necessary?
It’s clear that Carnival’s new rules are aimed at preventing passengers from abusing the Cheers package and the Cheers Zero Proof package.
The hope is that with a 10-minute wait, it’ll be harder for guests to share their drink packages or stack up on beverages too quickly.
But the question is: Does it go too far?
For cruisers who enjoy a quick drink order or want to sip a refreshing beverage on a warm deck without a long delay, this new wait time is definitely a bit frustrating.
Still, the rule is here to stay for now, so if you’re planning a Carnival cruise and thinking about purchasing the Cheers or Cheers Zero Proof package, you’ll need to be prepared for the 10-minute wait between orders.
Final Thoughts: More Patience, Please?
While no one likes to wait for their drinks, it’s hard to argue with Carnival’s reasoning behind the change.
The cruise line has been working hard to ensure safety, fairness, and guest enjoyment across the board.
But will this rule backfire with guests looking for a more relaxed vacation experience? Only time will tell.
If you’re cruising on Carnival soon, keep this new restriction in mind.
Be prepared for a longer wait time — and maybe even a little extra patience while you enjoy that cocktail or refreshing mocktail!
