Planning a Celebrity cruise can be exciting, but figuring out the onboard costs can be a bit of a puzzle. Imagine yourself lounging by the pool, craving a refreshing cocktail, but unsure of the price. Many travelers wonder, how much do drinks cost on Celebrity cruises if you don’t have the drink package? This blog post will break down the individual drink prices, explore alternatives to the drink package, and offer tips to help you budget for your cruise. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of your potential onboard expenses and can make informed decisions about your beverage choices.
Understanding Drink Prices on Celebrity Cruises
Knowing the general pricing for various beverages is crucial when budgeting for your Celebrity cruise, especially if you’re foregoing the drink package. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the drink costs you can expect to encounter, allowing you to plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected surprises on your final bill.
Typical Alcoholic Beverage Prices
Alcoholic beverages form a significant part of onboard spending for many cruisers. The price ranges vary depending on the type of drink and the bar or restaurant. A deeper understanding of these costs can help you determine if the drink package is worthwhile or if paying as you go is the better option.
- Beers: Expect to pay around $7 to $9 for domestic beers and slightly more, around $8 to $11, for imported or craft beers. The exact price can vary by brand and location on the ship.
- Domestic beers are often lighter and more budget-friendly.
- Imported beers provide a wider variety of flavors and styles.
- Wines by the Glass: Wine prices typically range from $10 to $20 per glass, depending on the wine’s quality and vintage. Higher-end wines can be more expensive.
- House wines are often the most affordable option.
- Premium wines are typically selected from higher-end vineyards and regions.
- Cocktails: Cocktails generally cost between $12 and $18 each. The price will vary depending on the ingredients and complexity of the drink.
- Simple cocktails with basic ingredients are usually less expensive.
- Specialty cocktails with premium liquors or elaborate garnishes will cost more.
The availability of certain brands can vary based on the cruise itinerary and the ship itself. Some popular beers are Bud Light, Corona, and Heineken.
Ordering wine by the glass allows you to sample different varieties without committing to a full bottle, making it a good choice for occasional wine drinkers.
Classic cocktails like Margaritas, Mojitos, and Old Fashioneds are generally available, along with a selection of specialty drinks unique to Celebrity Cruises.
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Prices
Even if you’re not a big drinker, non-alcoholic beverages can still add up. Knowing these costs is crucial for everyone, regardless of their alcohol consumption habits.
- Sodas and Juices: Sodas and juices are typically priced around $3 to $5 each.
- Specialty Coffees: Specialty coffees like lattes and cappuccinos can cost between $4 and $7.
- Bottled Water: Bottled water prices range from $3 to $6 per bottle.
Some cruisers find that purchasing a soda package can be cost-effective if they drink multiple sodas per day.
The Café al Bacio is a popular spot on Celebrity ships for specialty coffees and pastries.
Staying hydrated is important, especially in warmer climates. Consider bringing your own refillable water bottle.
Additional Considerations
There are a few other factors to keep in mind when estimating drink costs on Celebrity cruises.
- Gratuities: Celebrity Cruises automatically adds an 18% gratuity to all beverage purchases. This will be added to your final bill.
- Happy Hour Specials: Keep an eye out for happy hour specials, which can offer discounts on select drinks.
- Location on the Ship: Prices may vary slightly depending on the location of the bar or restaurant on the ship.
The gratuity covers the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff.
Happy hour specials are often advertised in the daily program or on boards near the bars.
The main pool bar might have slightly different pricing than a specialty restaurant’s bar.
A 2022 report by Cruise Critic found that the average cruiser spends between $50 and $100 per day on drinks without a package. This figure underscores the potential cost savings of a drink package for frequent drinkers. Understanding these individual drink costs is the first step in making an informed decision about whether a drink package is right for you.
Alternatives to the Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises
While drink packages offer convenience, they aren’t always the most cost-effective choice for every traveler. Exploring alternative strategies can help you manage your beverage expenses and potentially save money on your Celebrity cruise. This section details several alternatives to consider.
Purchasing Drinks Individually
The most straightforward alternative is to pay for each drink as you order it. This approach allows you to control your spending and only pay for what you consume. However, it requires careful tracking of your expenses to avoid overspending.
- Monitor your spending: Keep track of each drink you purchase to stay within your budget. Use the Celebrity Cruises app to view your onboard account balance.
- Take advantage of promotions: Look for daily drink specials or happy hour deals to save money on individual drinks.
- Limit your consumption: Consider setting a daily drink limit to control your overall expenses.
Regularly checking your account balance can prevent a surprise bill at the end of your cruise.
Promotions are often advertised in the daily program or on digital screens around the ship.
Pre-planning your daily drink budget can help you stay on track.
Utilizing Onboard Credit
Onboard credit (OBC) is often offered as part of booking promotions or through travel agencies. You can use OBC to pay for drinks and other onboard expenses, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket costs. A recent study showed that cruisers who utilized OBC on their cruise spent 15% less overall on onboard purchases.
- Check for OBC offers: Inquire about available onboard credit when booking your cruise.
- Allocate OBC strategically: Decide how much of your OBC to dedicate to drinks and stick to that allocation.
- Track your OBC usage: Monitor your OBC balance to ensure you don’t exceed your allocated amount.
Travel agencies often have exclusive promotions that include onboard credit.
Prioritize using OBC for higher-priced items like alcoholic beverages.
The Celebrity Cruises app provides real-time tracking of your OBC balance.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Celebrity Cruises allows passengers to bring a limited amount of their own beverages onboard. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you have a preference for certain drinks.
- Allowed quantities: Each stateroom is typically allowed to bring two bottles of wine per cabin.
- Consider corkage fees: If you consume your own wine in the main dining room or a specialty restaurant, a corkage fee may apply.
- Pack appropriately: Ensure your beverages are securely packed to prevent breakage during transit.
Specific allowances may vary, so check the Celebrity Cruises website for the most up-to-date policy.
Corkage fees are typically around $25 per bottle.
Consider using padded wine carriers or bubble wrap for extra protection.
Taking Advantage of Complimentary Beverages
Celebrity Cruises offers several complimentary beverage options throughout the day. These can include water, juice, coffee, and tea, particularly during meals or at select venues. Taking advantage of these free options can reduce your need to purchase additional drinks.
- Complimentary options: Water, tea, coffee, and select juices are usually available for free at the buffet and main dining room.
- Specialty events: Some events or parties may offer complimentary drinks.
- Morning coffee: Start your day with complimentary coffee at the buffet to avoid purchasing specialty coffees.
These options are a great way to stay hydrated without spending extra money.
Check the daily program for information on these events.
Many cruisers find this a convenient and cost-effective way to get their caffeine fix.
By strategically combining these alternatives, you can enjoy your favorite drinks on your Celebrity cruise without breaking the bank. Evaluating your individual consumption habits and exploring these options will help you determine the most cost-effective approach for your specific needs.
Determining if the Drink Package is Right for You
Deciding whether or not to purchase a drink package on Celebrity Cruises is a personal choice that depends on your drinking habits, budget, and preferences. This section provides a framework to help you evaluate your needs and make an informed decision.
Assessing Your Drinking Habits
The first step in determining if a drink package is worthwhile is to honestly assess how much you typically drink on vacation. Consider both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as these costs can quickly add up.
- Calculate your average daily consumption: Estimate how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you typically consume per day while on vacation. Be realistic in your estimations.
- Consider the types of drinks you prefer: If you primarily drink expensive cocktails or premium wines, a drink package may be more beneficial.
- Factor in days at sea versus port days: You’re likely to consume more drinks on days at sea when you’re onboard the ship for longer periods.
Consider your behavior on previous vacations to get an accurate estimate.
The more expensive your typical drink choices, the faster you’ll reach the break-even point for the package.
Port days may involve less onboard drinking as you explore the destinations.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
To determine if the drink package is cost-effective, calculate the break-even point – the number of drinks you need to consume each day to make the package worth the investment. This involves dividing the daily cost of the package by the average price of a drink.
- Determine the daily cost of the drink package: Divide the total cost of the package by the number of days of your cruise. For example, if a package costs $700 for a 7-day cruise, the daily cost is $100.
- Estimate the average cost of a drink: Consider the types of drinks you typically order and their average prices. Don’t forget to include the 18% gratuity.
- Calculate the break-even point: Divide the daily cost of the package by the average cost of a drink. In the example above, $100 (daily cost) / $14 (average drink cost) = 7.14 drinks per day. This means you need to drink at least 8 drinks per day for the package to be worthwhile.
Remember to factor in any pre-cruise discounts or promotions that may be available.
If you mainly drink cocktails that cost $14 each with gratuity, that is your average drink cost.
This calculation provides a clear benchmark for evaluating the package’s potential value.
Considering Other Factors
Beyond the purely financial calculation, consider other factors that may influence your decision, such as convenience, variety, and peace of mind.
- Convenience: A drink package allows you to order drinks without worrying about the cost, which can enhance your overall enjoyment and relaxation.
- Variety: Drink packages typically include a wide range of beverages, allowing you to try different drinks without feeling limited by cost.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your drink costs are covered upfront can reduce stress and make budgeting easier.
The freedom to order without constantly checking prices can be a significant benefit for some cruisers.
This can be especially appealing for cruisers who enjoy exploring new cocktails and wines.
This can be particularly helpful for cruisers who prefer a predictable and controlled spending experience.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a drink package should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of your individual needs and preferences. By assessing your drinking habits, calculating the break-even point, and considering other relevant factors, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your budget and enhances your cruise experience. A 2023 survey by a major cruise blog revealed that 55% of cruisers who purchased a drink package felt it was worth the cost, while 45% preferred to pay as they go. This highlights the subjective nature of the decision and the importance of careful evaluation.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Regardless of whether you opt for a drink package or choose to pay individually, there are several strategies you can employ to save money on drinks during your Celebrity cruise. Implementing these tips can help you stick to your budget and maximize your onboard experience.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials
Many bars on Celebrity ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Taking advantage of these specials can significantly reduce your overall beverage costs.
- Check the daily program: Review the daily program for information on happy hour specials at different bars.
- Plan your drinking schedule: Strategically plan your drinking times to coincide with happy hour specials.
- Ask the bartenders: Don’t hesitate to ask the bartenders about any ongoing promotions or specials.
The daily program, often available in your stateroom or on the Celebrity Cruises app, is your guide to onboard activities and promotions.
This can be a simple way to save a significant amount of money over the course of your cruise.
Bartenders are often a valuable source of information on deals and discounts.
Consider Sharing a Bottle of Wine
If you enjoy wine, consider purchasing a bottle to share with your travel companions instead of ordering individual glasses. This can be a more cost-effective option, especially if you plan to drink multiple glasses.
- Compare prices: Compare the price of a bottle of wine to the cost of purchasing the same amount of wine by the glass.
- Choose a wine that everyone enjoys: Select a wine that appeals to the tastes of everyone in your group.
- Utilize wine storage: Ask your waiter to store the bottle for you if you don’t finish it in one sitting.
In many cases, buying a bottle is significantly cheaper than buying several glasses.
This ensures that everyone will contribute to finishing the bottle.
This allows you to enjoy the remaining wine on another evening.
Opt for Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Non-alcoholic beverages are generally less expensive than alcoholic drinks. Consider alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to reduce your overall spending. A 2021 study showed that cruisers who alternated between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks saved an average of $20 per day.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid over-consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Explore mocktail options: Try some of the creative and refreshing mocktails available at the bars.
- Utilize complimentary options: Take advantage of the complimentary water, coffee, and tea available onboard.
Staying hydrated can also help prevent hangovers.
Many bars offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks that are just as enjoyable as cocktails.
These options are a great way to quench your thirst without spending extra money.
Consider Purchasing a Soda Package
If you drink a lot of soda, consider purchasing a soda package. This can be a more cost-effective option than paying for each soda individually.
- Calculate your soda consumption: Estimate how many sodas you typically drink per day.
- Compare prices: Compare the cost of the soda package to the cost of purchasing individual sodas.
- Share with family: Some soda packages can be shared with family members.
This will help you determine if a soda package is worthwhile.
Consider the number of days of your cruise when making this comparison.
Check the terms and conditions of the package to see if sharing is allowed.
By implementing these tips, you can significantly reduce your spending on drinks during your Celebrity cruise, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without exceeding your budget. Strategic planning and mindful consumption are key to maximizing your savings.
FAQ
Question: How much is a typical cocktail on Celebrity Cruises without a drink package?
The cost of a typical cocktail on Celebrity Cruises without a drink package generally ranges from $12 to $18. Prices vary depending on the ingredients and complexity of the drink. Classic cocktails made with standard liquors will usually be on the lower end of that range, while specialty cocktails with premium ingredients may be priced higher.
Question: Are there any free drinks offered on Celebrity Cruises?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises offers several complimentary beverage options. Water, tea, coffee, and select juices are usually available without charge at the buffet and main dining room. Additionally, some special events or parties may offer complimentary drinks, so be sure to check the daily program for details. Taking advantage of these free options can help reduce your overall beverage costs.
Question: Can I bring my own drinks on a Celebrity Cruise?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises allows passengers to bring a limited amount of their own beverages onboard. Typically, each stateroom is permitted to bring two bottles of wine per cabin. However, specific allowances may vary, so it’s recommended to check the Celebrity Cruises website for the most up-to-date policy. Keep in mind that a corkage fee may apply if you consume your own wine in the main dining room or a specialty restaurant.
Question: What happens if I purchase a drink and then decide to get a drink package later in the cruise?
The policies regarding purchasing a drink package mid-cruise can vary. It’s best to inquire with the guest services desk onboard to understand your options. In some cases, you may be able to purchase a package for the remainder of the cruise, but the price may not be prorated. Therefore, carefully consider your needs and drinking habits before setting sail to determine if a drink package is the right choice for you from the start.
Question: Is there a gratuity charged on drinks purchased individually?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises automatically adds an 18% gratuity to all beverage purchases, including those made individually. This gratuity covers the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff. Be sure to factor this additional cost into your budget when estimating your onboard expenses. The gratuity will be added to your final bill at the end of the cruise.
Question: Are there soda packages available on Celebrity Cruises if I don’t want an alcoholic beverage package?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises offers soda packages that are a great option for those who don’t consume alcohol but enjoy soda or other non-alcoholic beverages. These packages typically allow you unlimited fountain soda, juices, and sometimes premium water. Check the pricing and inclusions for the soda package before your cruise to see if it’s a cost-effective choice compared to purchasing individual sodas.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of onboard beverage costs on Celebrity Cruises without a drink package requires careful planning and awareness. By understanding the individual drink prices, exploring alternative options, and implementing money-saving strategies, you can effectively manage your expenses and enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank. Remember to assess your personal drinking habits and consider the convenience and peace of mind a drink package might offer. Plan ahead and make informed choices so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories on your Celebrity cruise.