Carnival Swaps to Ritual Zero Proof for 2026 Mocktail Program

Carnival’s revamped zero-proof bar lineup signals how cruising is leaning into the sober-curious market, treating alcohol-free drinks as premium menu stars rather than afterthoughts.

Carnival Swaps to Ritual Zero Proof for 2026 Mocktail Program
Image Credit: Cruise Hive

Carnival Cruise Line is refining its alcohol-free beverage program for 2026 sailings, adding new zero-proof cocktails while also switching key brands used onboard. The changes apply both to guests who buy the Cheers Zero Proof package and to cruisers ordering mocktails individually from the standard bar menu.

Fleetwide brand changes for zero-proof drinks

Carnival has replaced Lyre’s with Ritual Zero Proof as its non-alcoholic spirits partner across the fleet for cocktails served under the Cheers Zero Proof program. The change was confirmed by Carnival Cruise Line brand ambassador John Heald in a Facebook video update posted Jan. 6, 2026.

“We’ve moved from them to a new brand called Ritual non-alcoholic spirits, and those are available across the fleet now,” Heald said, adding that the products “are absolutely still part of the Cheers Zero Proof program.”

Separately, Carnival is changing the energy drinks offered under the alcohol-free program, moving away from Monster-branded options to Red Bull and Red Bull Sugar Free, according to Heald.

Four new signature zero-proof cocktails, priced at $9.75 each

Carnival has also added four signature zero-proof cocktails to its main bar menu for 2026. Each drink is priced at $9.75 when purchased individually, and all are included for guests who purchase the Cheers Zero Proof package.

  • On the Water: Watermelon, lychee nectar, and lemon juice.
  • Yuzu Vice: Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, triple sec, guava nectar, yuzu, and lime juice.
  • Captain’s Cooler: Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, piña colada mix (or blend), passion fruit nectar, topped with club soda.
  • Tropic Tide: Orange juice, pineapple juice, hibiscus nectar, and passion fruit.

Carnival has positioned the menu update alongside its move to Ritual Zero Proof, with two of the new signature drinks built around Ritual Zero Proof Tequila.

What Cheers Zero Proof covers, and where to order

Introduced in late 2025, Cheers Zero Proof was created as a standalone package for guests who want premium non-alcoholic drinks without purchasing an alcohol-inclusive plan. The package costs $29.99 per person, per day when purchased in advance, plus a 20% service charge.

In addition to zero-proof cocktails, the package covers a broad mix of non-alcoholic beverages, including premium coffees and teas, sodas, juices and smoothies, bottled water (still and sparkling) and coconut water, milkshakes and bottled protein shakes, alcohol-free beer and alcohol-free sparkling wine, and energy drinks.

The new signature drinks are listed on Carnival’s main bar menu, while additional alcohol-free cocktail options remain available at venues known for crafted drinks, including Alchemy Bar and, on certain ships, Havana Bar. Carnival guests have also praised bartenders for customizing non-alcoholic versions of traditional cocktails.

Availability and timing for 2026 sailings

Carnival has not opened Cheers Zero Proof for purchase across all 2026 departures. The package is currently available for select sailings in January, February, and early March 2026.

Heald said he expects an update on when the package will be available for sailings beyond March. “I will hopefully have news very soon about when it will become available for purchase for the remainder past March of this year,” he said.

All-In-One bundles add another option for 2026

For guests who prefer bundling, Carnival is offering two All-In-One packages for 2026 departures that pair beverage benefits with WiFi and pre-cruise discounts. The bundles apply to cruises departing between Jan. 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2026, and are available to book online through Dec. 31, 2025.

Essentials Value Package

Priced at $50 per person, per day, the Essentials Value Package includes Cheers Zero Proof, the Value WiFi plan, a $50 shore excursion discount when booked prior to the cruise, and a $25 discount on specialty dining reservations when booked prior to the cruise.

Ultimate Value Package

Priced at $90 per person, per day, the Ultimate Value Package includes Premium WiFi and the alcohol-inclusive CHEERS! beverage package, along with the same $50 shore excursion discount and $25 specialty dining discount when booked prior to the cruise. The bundle also includes 50% off spa treatments booked prior to the cruise and 50% off the Photo Package when booked prior to the cruise.

Purchase rules and age requirements

Carnival requires all qualifying guests in the same stateroom to purchase the same All-In-One package, and the packages cannot be mixed once purchased. Packages are refundable if canceled before the cruise, but unused benefits, including discounts, are non-refundable. The Essentials Value Package applies to guests ages 3 and older in the stateroom (guests 2 and under are not eligible), while the Ultimate Value Package requires guests to be 21 or older (guests 20 and under are not eligible).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Cheers Zero Proof cost, and what does it include?

Cheers Zero Proof costs $29.99 per person, per day when purchased in advance, plus a 20% service charge. It covers a range of non-alcoholic beverages, including zero-proof cocktails, premium coffees and teas, sodas, juices and smoothies, bottled water (still and sparkling) and coconut water, milkshakes and bottled protein shakes, alcohol-free beer and alcohol-free sparkling wine, and energy drinks.

What non-alcoholic spirits brand is Carnival using now?

Carnival has replaced Lyre’s with Ritual Zero Proof across its fleet for cocktails served under the Cheers Zero Proof program, according to a Jan. 6, 2026, video update from brand ambassador John Heald.

When can guests buy Cheers Zero Proof for 2026 sailings beyond early March?

Carnival has only made Cheers Zero Proof available for select sailings in January, February, and early March 2026 so far. Heald said he expects to share news soon on when it will be available to purchase for sailings beyond March.

What are Carnival’s 2026 All-In-One packages, and who can buy them?

Carnival’s Essentials Value Package ($50 per person, per day) and Ultimate Value Package ($90 per person, per day) bundle beverage benefits with WiFi and pre-cruise discounts for 2026 departures, and they can be booked online through Dec. 31, 2025. All qualifying guests in the same stateroom must purchase the same package; the Essentials package applies to guests ages 3 and up, while the Ultimate package is limited to guests 21 and older.

With Ritual Zero Proof now used fleetwide, new $9.75 signature mocktails on the main bar menu, and the energy drink lineup shifting to Red Bull options, Carnival’s 2026 beverage updates leave guests watching for the next timing announcement on when Cheers Zero Proof will open for sailings beyond early March.