Carnival’s new zero alcohol drinks package is being extended- but Aussies still don’t get all the inclusions

• Carnival has confirmed it will be expanding its new zero alcohol drinks packages into 2026.
• This new package caused a controversy for the local market – Australians get fewer inclusions in the package than their American counterparts. Most notably, premium tea and coffee are not included for Australians.
• It doesn’t appear that these inclusions are set to change for Australia.

Carnival has confirmed it will be expanding its Cheers! Zero Proof beverage packages in 2026 and likely beyond. Popular Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald confirmed the product would be made available for 2026 and Carnival executives have recently decided on it.

While the package generally appears to be a hit, it’s not without its controversy in Australia. Aussies were disappointed when the package was released, as there is a host of inclusions in the packages for the international market that are not included for Australians. The most notable of these is premium coffee and tea.

At the time it was announced, Carnival even forgot to include this information in their initial announcement, leading to some cruisers initially booking the package under false pretences and requested refunds.

The stand-out exclusion for Aussies is definitely premium coffee and teas; however, there are others, including sparkling and coconut water, smoothies and bottled protein shakes. While milkshakes are included for Aussies, this doesn’t extend to New Zealand Natural milkshakes on Adventure and Encounter. 

While the package for USA cruisers costs about $6 more per day, many locals have said on platforms like Facebook and Reddit that they would likely be happy to pay the difference to get the extra inclusions they’ve been missing out on.

As of now, the Carnival website does not suggest that there are any changes to these inclusions for Aussies. Cruise Passenger has contacted Carnival for comment to see if any changes would come to the program.

With the package set to continue, it would surely be appreciated by many Aussies if Carnival could find a way to add the other inclusions for Aussies into the Zero Proof package.

John Heald says the new package has been very popular.

“Cheers! Zero Proof is so popular. Every day I’m asked when it is going to be available for 2026.

“I spoke with the Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations, and he told me that they are meeting about it at the moment and it will be available for 2026.”

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Full inclusions

The full list of inclusions for Aussies, for a total of AUD$39.99 per day are:

• Sodas (Coca-Cola line of products)
• Juices (standard)
• Bottled water (600ml)
• Zero proof cocktails (non-alcoholic) (18+)
• Alcohol-free beer (18+)
• Alcohol-free sparkling wine (18+)
• Frozen drinks (non-alcoholic)
• Milkshakes (standard)
• Energy drinks

For the USA, for USD$29.99 ($46AUD) a day are: 

• Sodas (Coca-Cola line of products)
• Juices (standard)
• Bottled water (500ml); still, sparkling and coconut water
• Premium coffees & teas
• Zero proof cocktails (non-alcoholic) (21+)
• Alcohol-free beer (21+)
• Alcohol-free sparkling wine (21+)
• Frozen drinks (non-alcoholic)
• Smoothies and bottled protein shakes
• Milkshakes
• Energy drink