Carnival Cruise Line has announced an increase in daily gratuities and the adult price for its popular Bottomless Bubbles beverage package. These adjustments will take effect starting in April 2026 for gratuities and early April for the beverage package. The company states these changes help support its onboard crew members.
Key Takeaways
- Daily gratuities will increase by $1 per person for most guests.
- Suite guests will see gratuities rise from $18 to $19 per day.
- Adult Bottomless Bubbles package price increases from $9.99 to $11.99 per day.
- Children's Bottomless Bubbles price remains unchanged.
- Existing bookings will honor previous prices if purchased before the effective dates.
Gratuity Changes Effective April 2026
Starting April 2, 2026, standard daily gratuities for Carnival Cruise Line guests will increase by one dollar. This means the daily charge will move from $16 to $17 per person. Guests staying in suites will also see a similar increase, with their daily gratuities rising from $18 to $19 per person.
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald confirmed the change. He noted that the last adjustment to gratuities occurred in April 2023. The new rates apply across most of the fleet.
Gratuity Increase Details
- Standard Guests: $16 to $17 per day
- Suite Guests: $18 to $19 per day
- Effective Date: April 2, 2026
Crew Support and Gratuity Purpose
Heald addressed common questions regarding where these gratuity funds go. He emphasized that all gratuity payments are directly distributed to the ship's crew members. He explicitly denied any rumors suggesting that gratuities contribute to crew salaries.
"That’s absolutely not true. All the pennies you give are kept by the crew, and thank you for that," Heald stated in a video message to guests.
He added that these payments serve as a direct thank you from guests to the crew for their service. "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," Heald explained. However, he noted that only a small number of guests choose to remove gratuities.
The Brand Ambassador highlighted the importance of gratuities as a way for guests to show appreciation. He mentioned that crew members often use these funds to improve the lives of their families back home, demonstrating their dedication beyond their individual needs.
Bottomless Bubbles Package Price Adjustment
In addition to gratuities, Carnival Cruise Line will also increase the daily cost of its popular Bottomless Bubbles beverage package for adults. This change will take effect in early April, though a specific date was not provided.
Currently, the Bottomless Bubbles package for adults is priced at $9.99 per person, per day. Following the adjustment, this price will increase to $11.99 per person, per day. A 20 percent service charge will still apply to the package.
About Bottomless Bubbles
The Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soft drinks and juices throughout a cruise. It is one of several beverage options available to Carnival guests, providing a convenient way to enjoy non-alcoholic beverages without tracking individual purchases.
Children's Package Price Remains Stable
While the adult price is rising, Carnival has confirmed that the cost of the Bottomless Bubbles package for children aged 17 and under will remain unchanged. Children can continue to enjoy the package for $6.95 plus a service charge per person, per day. This decision helps maintain affordability for families traveling with younger guests.
Bottomless Bubbles Price Changes
- Adults (18+): $9.99 to $11.99 per day (plus 20% service charge)
- Children (17 and under): Remains $6.95 per day (plus 20% service charge)
- Effective Date: Early April
Impact on Existing Bookings
Carnival Cruise Line's advisory includes a policy for existing bookings. Guests who have already purchased either their gratuities or the Bottomless Bubbles package prior to the effective dates of these increases will have their original prices honored. This means guests who booked before the changes were announced will not be subject to the new, higher rates for these specific items.
This approach allows guests to secure current pricing if they plan their purchases in advance. It also provides clarity for those who have already finalized their cruise expenses.
Exceptions for Australian Sailings
It is important to note that the gratuity increase does not apply to Carnival ships sailing in Australia. For these specific itineraries, gratuities are already integrated into the overall cruise fare. This means Australian guests will not see a separate daily charge for gratuities or any increase related to this recent announcement.
The distinction highlights regional differences in how cruise lines manage and present their pricing structures. Guests should always check the specific terms and conditions for their chosen itinerary and region.
Looking Ahead
These adjustments reflect operational costs and the company's commitment to its crew. Cruise lines periodically review their pricing for various services to align with industry standards and economic factors. Guests planning future cruises should factor these new prices into their budget considerations.
Carnival continues to offer various amenities and packages designed to enhance the onboard experience. These minor adjustments are part of ongoing efforts to maintain service quality and support the dedicated crew members who work to ensure enjoyable voyages for all passengers.
