Passengers aboard Carnival cruises may soon pay different amounts for the same onboard amenities depending on where and when they cruise.
The world’s largest cruise company announced it would implement dynamic pricing for drink and Wi-Fi packages starting Dec. 1, with prices fluctuating based on how long the cruise is, the itinerary and the season. Carnival Cruise Line said the change will offer guests more flexibility and options to tailor their vacation experience.
It comes as U.S. consumers are increasingly uneasy about the practice, which adjusts prices in real time based on supply and demand. The announcement has sparked concerns among cruise customers who are worried individualized prices will mean higher costs.
Cruise influencer Tony Barnette told NBC’s “TODAY” show he’s worried about different people getting different pricing for the same service.
“Would it be possible if I purchase the drink package on a certain sailing and then say somebody else buys a package on the exact same sailing. Are those prices going to be different?” Barnette said.
Carnival currently offers several flat-rate, per-day drink packages ranging from $6.95 to $124 and internet plans that range from $20.40 to $25.50 per person per day, according to its website. The cruise line did not say what the potential price ranges would be for the new model, but customers can likely expect to pay more for drink and Wi-Fi packages during peak cruise season.
Those planning a cruise will likely need to do a little more researching budgeting for their particular sailing rather than assume the same package will cost the same amount across the fleet and length of the itinerary. Barnette said he hopes Carnival’s dynamic pricing means a discount for regular cruisers like himself.
“The more transparency as to how the pricing is going to work, I think it would be better for cruisers,” Barnette said.
Carnival did not immediately respond to NBC’s email request for comment.
The new dynamic pricing policy was announced alongside the introduction of so-called “FunPacks,” which will allow passengers to purchase a mixed package of onboard extras at discounted rates.
FunPacks include bundled drink and Wi‑Fi packages, excursion discounts, specialty dining, and spa treatment offers, and range from $25 to $99 per person per day. The FunPacks are available for booking until Oct. 30, 2026, for sailings departing Oct. 31, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2027.
AAA projects a record number of Americans will set sail on a cruise in 2027. The association estimates 22.4 million people in the U.S. will go on a domestic and international ocean cruise next year as more travelers turn to cruising for its “convenience, value and variety.”
