After weeks of waiting (and pestering brand Ambassador John Heald), Carnival Cruise Line has finally made the new Cheers! Zero Proof Drink Package available for purchase for all 2026 sailings based in North America and Australia.

As of January 27, 2026, the package can be purchased by all cruisers embarking on 2026 sailings throughout North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

While many are excited to secure their packages, this news has also brought old frustrations about what is included, especially for passengers based in the Land Down Under.

“Here is the direct link for you for sailings from North America for the zero proof program. It should now be open for all of you,” Heald posted, along with a link to the drink package on Carnival’s US website.

“Good morning Australia. Here is the direct link to your Cheers Zero Proof package which is now open for all sailings,” Heald said in a subsequent post.

In addition to booking through Carnival’s website, guests can also book through the HUB App or by calling the cruise line’s customer service team.

Impatient Guests Pestered John Heald

The first-of-its-kind non-alcoholic drink package debuted in September 2025, and was initially only available to purchase for sailings embarking through the end of the year.

In November 2025, the package became available for purchase through the first quarter of 2026, which includes cruises setting sail in January, February, and March.

But this wasn’t quick enough for eager guests sailing later in the year, who repeatedly pestered Heald on his public Facebook page about when the purchasing window would expand again.

“In the last seven days, hundreds of you have asked me, yes hundreds of you asked me when we will open it up for the rest of 2026,” Heald lamented in a post on January 19, 2026.

As the classic Cheers! Drink Package can usually be purchased immediately after booking, the waiting game is not a typical part of the Carnival experience.

Differences Between the US and Australia

The Zero Proof package has similar offerings across North America and Australia, though there are some key regional differences that are leading to debate and frustration.

Most notably, Australia’s version of the package does not include premium teas and coffees, while the North American package does.

Some also noticed that bubble tea and slushies that were previously included in drink packages are no longer available at the links that Heald shared.

“Specialty coffee? Bubble tea? What’s going on here? Even McDonald’s knows Australian’s love coffee and therefore opened their very first McCafe in the world, here in Australia,” one cruiser said.

“Once again overpriced and not the full package for Australia, we really get the short end of stick here since Carnival took over,” another guest complained.

These drinks are still available onboard Carnival ships in Australia and New Zealand, but must be purchased separately.

Is the Zero Proof Drink Package Worth It?

This non-alcoholic drink package costs $29.99 per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entirety of the sailing. An additional 20% service charge is added to all drink packages as well.

Guests will ultimately have to decide if this investment makes sense for them and their consumption habits, which can be calculated using the Cruise Hive Cruise Drinks Package Calculator.

Additionally, keep in mind that guests staying in the same stateroom can’t mix and match packages, meaning one cruiser can’t get the Cheers! Package while their travel companion picks the Zero Proof option.

But unlike the Cheers! drink package, which includes alcohol, not everyone in the same cruise cabin has to purchase the Zero Proof package once one person does.

Carnival’s Zero Proof Drink Package is Finally Available for All 2026 Sailings