Carnival Cruise Line explains 24 hour ban on controversial drinks package rule

Cruise ship holidays are often paired with paid for drinks packages on top of what you've paid to get on to the vessel in the first place.

But under Carnival Cruise Line, there is somewhat of a 24 hour ban when it comes to taking advantage of your package. And not everyone might be aware of this, so listen closely.

It's all to do with departing with Carnival at numerous locations dotted around the United States of America.

One such port is Norfolk in Virginia on the east coast of the USA. Having pledged $12 million (around £9.2 million) on the port and customer experience earlier this year, Carnival is now using it as one of its few year-round locations for cruise departures and arrivals. A big benefit to the local economy, that's for sure, with the Carnival Sunshine ship using it as its home port.

The Carnival Sunshine ship serves the Cheers package (Getty Stock Images)

Well, for those who sail from there - as well as New York and any port in Texas - there's one alcohol package you need to be aware of.

Carnival, like most cruise lines, offers a drinks package. Called the Cheers package, it's a premium alcohol deal that includes spirits, beer, wine, sodas, cocktails, energy drinks, coffee, bottled water and discounts on premium drinks.

Starting at $82.54 (£63) per person per day, it's not a cheap package. But for many, it often works out cheaper to buy ahead than pay by the drink.

What's the controversy with this, then? Well it's not clear to everyone that the package only kicks in a while after boarding.

A cocktail by the cruise ship pool is something many enjoy (Getty Stock Images)

Carnival's Brand Ambassador, John Heald, was forced to address the issue on his Facebook page in one of his recent videos.

"I'm so happy to see we have so many people enjoying Carnival Sunshine," Heald said.

"The reviews from the ship have been outstanding. Cruising from Norfolk is something we are very excited about.

"But I do want to mention something because I get this asked all the time. According to the Virginia state rules, we are not allowed to use the Cheers program on the first day.

"It is against their legislation, they have asked not to do the drinks program on the first day. So there you go, you can only use that on the second day."

Carnival Sunshine leaving port in Charleston (Getty Stock Images)

And over on the Carnival website, it states that this is the case in Texas and New York as as well as Norfolk, explaining: "Activation will occur at 6am on the second day of the cruise."

It's not the only rule with the Cheers package. While international drinking laws allow you to consume alcohol from the age of 18, you must be 21 to benefit from the Cheers package in line with US drinking laws. Kids and young adults can't enjoy drinks on it.

You're also only able to buy one drink at a time and you cannot share with others.

The total number of alcoholic drinks allowed in a 24 hour period is 15, with this timed from 6am to the same time the day after.

Outside of the Cheers package, Carnival guests can bring one bottle of red, white, or rose wine on board per person for the traditional sailaway celebration. This can be a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.