Carnival Cruise Line is trying something new—and it could change how cruisers plan their onboard spending. For a limited time, the line is rolling out two bundled add-on options for 2026 sailings, the Essentials Value Package and the Ultimate Value Package, giving guests a way to lock in popular cruise extras before they ever step onboard.
Both packages are available to purchase through December 18, 2025, and apply to cruises sailing between January 1 and December 31, 2026. They don’t make Carnival fully all-inclusive, but they do bundle drinks, Wi-Fi, and select discounts into a single daily price—something that matters more than ever as onboard costs, especially internet, continue creeping up.
Here’s how the two packages compare, and who they actually make sense for.
The Essentials Value Package: A Practical Option for Non-Drinkers
The Essentials Value Package costs $50 per person, per day and is built for cruisers who don’t plan on drinking alcohol but still want convenience and savings.
It includes:
- CHEERS! Zero Proof beverage package
- Value Wi-Fi plan
- $50 off one pre-booked shore excursion
- $25 off one pre-booked specialty dining reservation
Purchased separately, the Zero Proof drinks package and Value Wi-Fi come to roughly $58.99 per day, so the bundle already saves money before you even use the excursion or dining discounts.
This package works best for families, non-drinkers, and cruisers who mainly want Wi-Fi for browsing, messaging, or staying in touch back home. It also makes sense for anyone already planning to book at least one shore excursion or specialty dining experience.
One important rule to be aware of is that if one eligible guest in a stateroom purchases the Essentials package, all guests aged three and older in that cabin must purchase it as well.
The Ultimate Value Package: Designed for “All-In” Adult Cruisers
The Ultimate Value Package is the headline offering. It starts at $90 per person, per day and is available only to guests 21 and older.
It includes:
- CHEERS! alcoholic drink package
- Premium Wi-Fi
- $50 off one pre-booked shore excursion
- $25 off one pre-booked specialty dining reservation
- 50% off select spa treatments (pre-cruise only)
- 50% off select photo packages (pre-cruise only)
All adults in the same stateroom must purchase the package if one does—no mixing bundles.
At face value, $90 a day sounds steep. But once you compare it to what Carnival already charges for drinks and Wi-Fi on their own, the price starts to make a lot more sense.
Why Drinks + Wi-Fi Are the Real Anchors
The CHEERS! drink package alone typically costs between $83.94 and $89.94 per day, depending on when you purchase it. Add Premium Wi-Fi, which now costs $25.50 per day when pre-purchased and up to $35–$37 per day onboard, and you’re already at—or above—the cost of the Ultimate Value Package.
This matters even more now because Carnival has quietly raised Wi-Fi prices across most of its plans. What used to feel like a small add-on can now make a real dent in the cruise budget, especially on longer sailings or for anyone buying internet onboard.
At the same time, the service itself is genuinely better than it used to be. A fleetwide Starlink rollout has made streaming, video calls, and remote work far more reliable at sea—but that improved experience comes at a higher price. Bundling Premium Wi-Fi with the drink package feels like Carnival’s way of easing that sticker shock.
Where the Ultimate Package Really Adds Value
The Ultimate Value Package becomes more compelling if you actually use the extras.
The $50 shore excursion discount can meaningfully reduce the cost of popular tours in high-demand ports. The $25 specialty dining credit covers nearly half the steakhouse surcharge on many ships.
The spa savings are even more noticeable. A facial priced around $180 drops to roughly $90 with the 50% pre-cruise discount. The same goes for photo packages—often skipped because of price, but far more tempting at half off.
All of these discounts must be booked before sailing, which encourages planning ahead but also helps avoid impulse spending once onboard.
The Fine Print Most Cruisers Miss (And Why It’s Sparking Debate)
Both packages come with similar fine print:
- All eligible guests in a cabin must purchase the same package
- Packages can’t be mixed
- Discounts are one-time use
- Packages are non-refundable after 10:00 p.m. the night before sailing
While some cruisers like the simplicity, there’s been clear pushback—especially around the requirement that everyone in the cabin buy the same package.
Read more: Carnival Debunks Viral Cruise Gratuity Myth Misleading Thousands Online
A Bigger Signal From Carnival
More than anything, these packages hint at a broader shift. Cruise lines like Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian already bundle drinks and Wi-Fi into upfront pricing. Carnival has long resisted that model—but rising onboard costs are changing how cruisers feel about “flexibility.”
With these value packages only available for a short booking window (through December 18, 2025) and limited to 2026 sailings, Carnival appears to be gauging demand before making any bigger decisions.
The Bottom Line
The Essentials Value Package is a sensible option for non-drinkers and families who want straightforward savings and fewer onboard surprises. The Ultimate Value Package makes the most sense for adults who already buy drinks, Wi-Fi, and at least a few premium extras.
This isn’t Carnival going fully all-inclusive—but it is Carnival acknowledging how quickly add-ons add up. If cruisers respond well, these bundles could shape how Carnival prices its cruises in the future.
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