This Carnival Cruise drink menu shake-up is making waves
Carnival Cruise Line Announces a Huge Beverage Change—And Fans Are Divided
Published on Jul. 07, 2025
There’s another shake-up coming to Carnival Cruise Line’s drink offerings, and it’s already sparking strong opinions among loyal cruisers. Some are cheering the news, while others are less than thrilled.
The cruise giant confirmed the change in a recent announcement and promised the updated lineup would be available across its U.S. ships by late summer. So what’s behind all the excitement—and controversy?
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What change is Carnival Cruise Line making to its beverage offerings?
Carnival is switching back to Coca‑Cola products after a five-year partnership with PepsiCo, and the rollout is expected to be completed by September 2025.
“We are excited to welcome back Coca-Cola’s diverse lineup of beverages, which our guests love, and which will enhance the food and beverage experience that is always part of a great cruise vacation on Carnival,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line in a press release announcing the change. “Both our brands are built on bringing people together, making The Coca-Cola Company and Carnival Cruise Line a perfect partnership.”
This move is right on trend, because Carnival isn’t the only place seeing a Coke comeback: Earlier this year, Costco’s food courts switched back to Coke after more than a decade with Pepsi.
What new drinks are replacing the old ones?
Since 2019, Carnival has stocked Pepsi products after ending its previous Coke deal. That means that for more than five years, cruisers were limited to Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist and Gatorade. But now Coke loyalists can rejoice with their beverage of choice.
“We’re thrilled to be back on board with Carnival, literally! From an ice-cold Coca-Cola with lunch, a Topo Chico by the pool, or a Powerade after exploring a destination, we’ll have the perfect drink for every moment of the journey,” said Dagmar Boggs, president, Foodservice & On-Premise, The Coca-Cola Company, North American Operating Unit. “This partnership is all about enhancing the guest experience, and we’re thrilled to offer a beverage lineup as diverse and exciting as the adventures Carnival guests embark on.”
What are passengers saying about this change?
It comes as no surprise that the cruise community has many opinions on this change. An active Reddit thread proves just how divisive the decision is.
Celebrating the switch, one commenter joked, “Finally. Vodka/Monster just wasn’t doing it for me.” And another said, “BOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!! Finally, some positive carnival news.”
Still, not everyone is pleased. Another person on that same thread said, “I know this is dramatic, but Pepsi over Coke was a real top reason for me to choose Carnival for my next cruise. This is so disappointing.”
And one more went so far as to say, “I cancelled my upcoming unlimited soda on my cruise. I only got it for my caffeine fix, as I drink Mountain Dew. I hate coffee so I guess it’s back to carrying on and not giving Carnival my money.”
Speaking of “carrying on,” yes, you can bring your own drinks onto Carnival if you want something not offered (or want to save some money). The fine print states: “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. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.”
What other changes has Carnival made to its beverage package recently?
Earlier this year, Carnival began charging extra for a number of juices—specifically, tomato, pineapple and grapefruit. Previously, these juices were free during breakfast in the main dining room and in the Lido Marketplace buffet. Thankfully, some juices are still free.
And in late 2024, the cruise line increased the price of its CHEERS! Beverage program to $82.54 per day versus the previous $70.74 per day. While price increases happen across the industry, passenger complaints were largely focused on the fact that there was no announcement warning of the change.
From soda wars to juice charges to higher prices, it’s clear that beverage programs are evolving—and passengers are paying close attention to these changes and making vacation decisions accordingly.
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Sources:
- Carnival News: “Carnival Cruise Line and The Coca-Cola Company Are Getting Back Together!”
- Carnival: “What is Carnival’s Liquor & Beverage Policy?”
- People: “Carnival Passengers Outraged After Cruise Line Increases ‘Insane’ Beverage Program to $82 Per Day ‘Without Warning’”
