Carnival Cruise Line Drops Pepsi for Coca-Cola Comeback
Soda brands can inspire intense loyalty, so much so that which brand is available onboard a cruise ship can be of great concern to some travelers. For Carnival cruisers, Pepsi has been the onboard option since January 2020.
Coca-Cola lovers can soon rejoice, however, as Carnival Cruise Line has now announced it will be switching back to Coke products.
The switch will start “later this summer” across the North American fleet with Coca-Cola becoming the preferred beverage partner of the cruise line for soft drinks, sparkling flavored water, and both zero-sugar and low-calorie options.
“Carnival Cruise Line and Coca-Cola are two iconic brands that celebrate fun, family, friendship, food and fabulous memories,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“We are excited to welcome back Coca-Cola’s diverse lineup of beverages which our guests love and which will enhance the food and beverage experience that is always part of a great cruise vacation on Carnival.”
The onboard brands will include the classically outstanding Coca-Cola along with Sprite, Fanta, Powerade, Topo Chico, and more. Beverages are available both individually as well as used for specific cocktails and mixers.
“We’re thrilled to be back on board with Carnival, literally! From an ice-cold Coca-Cola with lunch, a Topo Chico by the pool, or a Powerade after exploring a destination, we’ll have the perfect drink for every moment of the journey,” said Dagmar Boggs, president of Foodservice & On-Premise, The Coca-Cola Company, North American Operating Unit.
There is no firm date other than “later this summer” for when Coke products will be available onboard Carnival cruise ships.
Undoubtedly, the exact time for each ship to switch will depend on individual supplies of Pepsi products that remain onboard as well as supplies already shipped and ready for sailings. How much soda is consumed on each cruise will also impact when the switch can be made.
At this time, the switch is only being made for Carnival ships sailing from North American homeports. Ships based in Europe, as well as those in the Carnival Australia fleet, will continue with their current soft drink offerings.
As ships reposition back to North America following the European season, however, they will be switched to Coca-Cola products along with the rest of the fleet.
Cruise lines regularly re-evaluate their food and beverage suppliers for the best deals, product availability, and overall appeal. It is not unusual for these contracts to change every few years.
But What About Pepsi Drinkers?
Of course, this decision is sure to be upsetting to guests who prefer Pepsi. Guests can, however, still bring aboard an unopened 12-pack of cans of their favorite beverage, regardless of brand.
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For years, I’ve seen guests toting 12-packs of Sprite, Coke, Diet Coke, Vanilla Coke (okay), Cherry Coke (why?!), Barq’s root beer, and other Coke products onboard.
Now, that baggage will undoubtedly shift to Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Sierra Mist, and other PepsiCo products.
Of course, some guests choose to bring their own sodas onboard regardless of brand. Depending on whether or not one purchases the Bottomless Bubbles or Cheers! drink packages or how much someone may individually drink, it can be cheaper just to bring your own soda on the ship.
Personally, I’m a Pepsi drinker, and while I can tell the difference between the soda flavors – Pepsi being a bit sweeter and with less “bite” than Coke – the choice of beverage will not impact my cruise enjoyment.
Will Coke’s availability make your Carnival cruise experience even better? Share your beverage choices and preferences on the Cruise Hive boards!