Carnival Cruise Line Announces Small Price Increases for 2026

Carnival Cruise Line recently told guests about upcoming price changes. Daily gratuities will go up by $1 starting April 2, 2026. The cruise line will also raise prices for its Bottomless Bubbles drink package.

What’s Changing with Gratuities

John Heald is Carnival’s Brand Ambassador. He shared details about the gratuity increase in a recent announcement.

“The last time we did this was in April 2023, so now the gratuities go from $16 per day to $17 per day, while for guests in suites it goes from $18 to $19 per day,” Heald said.

Standard stateroom guests will pay $17 per day. Suite guests will pay $19 per day. These new rates start in early April 2026.

Australia Sailings Not Affected

Carnival ships sailing from Australia won’t see this change. Those cruise fares already include gratuities in the base price. The increase only applies to other Carnival sailings.

Where Your Gratuities Actually Go

Some cruisers wonder if gratuities really go to crew members. Heald addressed this concern directly in a video message.

“That’s absolutely not true. All the pennies you give are kept by the crew, and thank you for that,” he explained. The gratuities don’t pay crew salaries. They go directly to the hardworking staff who serve you onboard.

Heald reminded guests they have control over their gratuities. “When you give these gratuities to the crew, it’s a personal thing. If you decide that a crew member is not worthy of those gratuities, that’s up to you,” he said.

Most guests appreciate the crew’s hard work. “But I’m glad to say that it’s still a very small minority of people who do remove gratuities and give nothing,” Heald noted.

Supporting Crew Families

Heald shared why gratuities matter so much to crew members. The money helps them support their families back home.

“These crew members all have the same common denominator, and that is that they are not just looking after themselves, but they are creating a better world for their families.”

He views the gratuity increase as a chance for guests to show appreciation. It’s an opportunity to say “a huge thank you” to the people who make your cruise special.

Bottomless Bubbles Package Goes Up Too

Carnival’s soda package is also getting more expensive. The Bottomless Bubbles package currently costs $9.99 per person per day. Starting in early April, it will cost $11.99 per person per day.

A 20 percent service charge applies to both prices. This package gives you unlimited soft drinks and juices throughout your cruise.

Good news for families: the kids’ price stays the same. Children 17 and under still pay $6.95 per person per day plus service charge.

Lock In Current Prices

You can avoid these price increases with advance planning. Carnival will honor the old prices if you book before April 2, 2026. This applies to both gratuities and the Bottomless Bubbles package.

If you prepay your gratuities or buy the drink package before the deadline, you’ll pay the current rates. This could save you a few dollars per person per day on your upcoming cruise.