Carnival
Spirit
Honolulu to Vancouver Transit

Nancy Stuart

An otherwise fine cruise was spoiled by Carnival's policy of wringing extra money from its passengers by controlling bottled water and sodas and selling them at exorbitant prices. Although coffee, tea, and water are freely available in the dining room and grill, sodas and bottled water are available only for purchase.

Fountain sodas are available shipwide for purchase, either one at a time or by purchasing a card for unlimited sodas for approximately $5 per day per person. Bottles of water are conveniently available for shore excursions at approximately $2.50 to $3.00 per bottle.

I tried to avoid spending extra money on fluids by bringing a case of bottled water with me. It was "lost" in transit from the dock to the room. Only after the shore excursions were over did the Purser offer to replace the water.

One way to avoid spending unnecessary money on beverages would be to bring a large mug with a lid and fill it in the Grill to take out with you. If you bring a supply of bottled water or sodas with you, it should be placed inside a suitcase to disguise the contents.