// what to expect
The Pool Bar is a casual outdoor spot located beside the main swimming area, offering a convenient place to enjoy a drink between dips or while relaxing nearby. It serves a range of beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks, with a focus on simple, familiar favorites. Guests can sit at the bar or use nearby tables and lounge chairs to take in the atmosphere. The setting is open and comfortable, with steady background music and views of the pool and surrounding deck. It’s a straightforward and social space where guests can unwind, meet others, or take a short break during the day.
// know before you go
Pricing
On your upcoming Carnival cruise, you can expect to pay around $7.50 to $8.50 for a domestic beer and $8.25 to $9.75 for premium or imported options. A glass of wine generally ranges from $10.75 to $15.50, while a bottle typically starts around $35 and can go upward depending on the selection. Cocktails are usually priced between $12 and $14.25 each, and non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas or juices cost about $2.75 to $3. All beverage purchases automatically include an 18% gratuity, which is added to the listed price. These prices are consistent across the fleet but can vary slightly depending on the ship and sailing itinerary. The main drink package available is called CHEERS!, which lets guests aged 21 and older pay a flat daily rate for a variety of beverages. It includes most spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass up to a certain value, as well as soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees, and energy drinks. There is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks within a 24-hour period, and beverages above the value limit receive a discount instead of being fully included. Carnival also offers separate non-alcoholic packages for guests who prefer soda and juice options. The standard alcoholic drink package (called CHEERS!) costs $82.54 USD per person, per day when purchased before the cruise embarkation. If you wait to buy the package onboard, the price rises to $88.44 USD per person, per day.
Attire
Pool Bar recommended attire, according to Carnival, is "cruise casual" - including collared shirts, slacks, or jeans (no rips) for men, and blouses, sundresses, or pants for women, with no swimwear, tank tops, or flip-flops.
How to reserve
Pool Bar does not require reservations. The venue is first-come, first-served. Visit during off-peak hours or during port stops to avoid heavy crowds.
How to purchase
You can purchase the drink package before your cruise through the Cruise Planner section on Carnival’s website or mobile app. Buying in advance usually costs less than purchasing onboard, saving a few dollars per person per day. The pre-purchase window typically closes the night before embarkation, and all adults in a stateroom must buy the package if one does. Pre-purchasing ensures a faster boarding process and allows you to start using the package immediately once onboard. If you prefer to wait, you can purchase the drink package after boarding, either through Guest Services, at select bars, or via the ship’s mobile app. The onboard price is slightly higher than the advance rate, and you must add the package within the first two days of the cruise. The package applies for the remainder of the sailing once purchased and cannot be prorated or canceled mid-cruise. The same rule applies that all adults in the same stateroom must participate if one does, helping ensure consistent service and billing throughout the voyage.
Age restrictions
Pool Bar is open to all ages during the day (with supervision for under 13s) but restricted to 21 and older after 6:00–7:00 p.m. for alcohol service and evening events, with a Carnival curfew requiring under 18s to be accompanied after 1:00 a.m. The drinking age is 21, enforced by keycard/ID checks.
Good to know
Pool Bar opens around 10:00 a.m. - closing time often depends on the crowd and demand.