So with the opening of Celebration Key, Carnival’s new private island, there has been some talk and some irritation over its exclusion of the drink package.

This is the second Private island for Carnival. It sits on the island of Grand Bahama. It looks amazing and boasts 5 different portals, with varying entertainment and activities. Tons of dining options . One meal is included, at one of 14 venues, or a discount at one of their full service restaurants. Sounds great right? However there is a catch….

The catch being… the drink package. On Carnival with the drink package, you are allotted 15 alcoholic drinks per day. It is pre paid before your voyage. Now, this in and of itself is not necessarily the issue. The issue is that it does not transfer to their private island. Carnival is the only cruiseline that does not honor their drink packages on their private islands.

While this alone is enough to put people in an uproar, it gets worse. Not only do they not honor the package, but you still have to use your sail and sign card for purchases. No big deal right? Well here it is. Any alcoholic drinks you purchase  count against your allotted 15.

So you have now paid for this package, can’t use it on their island, and have to pay for your drinks. At this point, you think it sucks, but you would pay for them at any other port so ok. But to then have drinks that you had already pre purchased be taken away because you bought some on the island. This is absurd to me. You are essentially paying double for those drinks that you have on the island.

I mean, imagine getting back on the ship thinking you still have those 15 drinks available to find out because you had three cocktails while on the island… you now only have 12.. Not ok.

To be fair and because we try to look at all angles. Having to pay for drinks and food while in port isn’t a big deal. You do that in any other port you go to. Not having that package transfer on their island is not that big of a deal. It doesn’t make sense since the island is an extension of the ship. If we have to use our sail and sign card… Why doesn’t the drink package work?

How we did it at Half Moon Cay was we ate prior, and waited until the free buffet to eat. We also took drinks off the ship, and got one shareable sized cocktail .

Here is another fun fact that most dont realize or simply dont know. Carnival has a fifteen alcoholic drink limit across the board. So if you thought this just applied to the cheers package, it doesn’t. Even if you are just alacarting your drinks, you still only get 15. So when you think about buying a round of drinks for your friends, keep in mind that counts toward your 15. We have a hard time even getting close to that number, but if you like to drink or are feeling generous, be aware.

What’s your next adventure?