Carnival’s ‘Zero Proof’ Clarification: Heald Responds to Questions About the New Non-Alcoholic Drink Package

When Carnival Cruise Line first introduced CHEERS! Zero Proof in September 2025, it was sort of an experiment based on perceived demand to see if Carnival cruisers were ready for a premium non-alcoholic option.

But the response was so overwhelming that the program has quickly become one of the more popular add-ons for the 2026 sailing season. 

Even though the Zero Proof package has been available for a while now, Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald is still being asked a lot of questions about how it works and what 2026 will look like.

Taking to Facebook this morning, Heald addressed the “dozen plus” questions he received in just a 30-minute span, promising fans: “I will share the news about it opening for the rest of 2026 as soon as I can.”

With this news on the horizon, many cruisers are still trying to figure out if the premium price tag is worth it or if they should just stick to the classic “Bubbles” package.

Here is the latest clarification on how these two options compare and what is included.

Heald’s “Zero Proof” Bar Tour

In his recent video updates on Facebook, Heald went behind the bar to show that “Zero Proof” is about having access to the “premium” side of the ship’s beverage program.

The biggest draw for many is the inclusion of Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits. These are high-end distilled botanicals used to create mocktails that actually taste like gin, rum, or tequila.

Heald also confirmed that the package includes:

• The Coffee Shop: Unlimited lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso from JavaBlue Café.
• Energy Drinks: Unlimited Monster Energy drinks and Powerade.
• Coca-Cola products: A full range of Coca-Cola products, including Barq’s Root Beer, Ginger Beer, and Tonic Water.
• Health & Treats: Bottled protein shakes, smoothies, and milkshakes.

Zero Proof vs. Bottomless Bubbles

The “Bottomless Bubbles” Soda Program

This is Carnival’s unlimited soda option that has been around for a while. It is strictly a “glass and juice” package with fountain sodas.

• Inclusions: Unlimited fountain sodas (served in 16oz glasses) and juices (served in 10oz glasses).
• The Restrictions: It does not include bottled water, specialty coffee, or any mocktails. It is also limited to onboard use only and cannot be used for Room Service.
• The Price: Usually $9.50 per adult, per day (plus a 20% service charge).

The “CHEERS! Zero Proof” Premium Program

This is the more premium version of the non-alcoholic package. At $29.99 per day (pre-cruise) or $34.99 (onboard), it is more expensive, but it covers the entire 500ml bottled water lineup (still, sparkling, and coconut), every specialty coffee, and every zero-proof cocktail on the ship.

The One Rule Everyone Asks About

One of the most important clarifications Heald has made involves the “Cabin Rule.”

The standard alcoholic Cheers! Package forces every adult in the stateroom to buy it if one person does.  But Zero Proof is an individual purchase, making it an even more economical route to take.

You can buy it for yourself without forcing the whole cabin to chip in. This makes it a great value for the one person in the room who can’t survive without their morning latte and afternoon energy drink.

Important 2026 Reminders

• 21+ Restriction: Even though it’s “Zero Proof,” you still have to be 21 or older to order the alcohol-free beer, sparkling wine, or Lyre’s-based mocktails.
• The Cool Down: There is a 10-minute wait time between orders to prevent sharing.
• The Locations: Neither package works at private destinations like Celebration Key or through the mini-bar in your stateroom.

If you don’t see the Zero Proof package available for your upcoming cruise you’re not alone. Many future cruisers have reported that that package isn’t showing up as an option for their cruise.

As Heald mentioned today, the 2026 booking calendar for this package is a work in progress. If you don’t see it in your Cruise Manager yet, keep checking.  Heald said, he’ll be the first to let the “Fun Ship” family know when it officially goes live for the full year.