Planning a Celebrity cruise and wondering about the bar tab? Many travelers find themselves asking, “How much are Celebrity cruise drink packages?” It’s a common question, as these packages can significantly impact your vacation budget. We’ll break down the different drink package options Celebrity Cruises offers, their prices, and what’s included, so you can decide if purchasing a package is the right choice for you. This guide will help you understand the costs, benefits, and potential savings associated with each package.
Understanding Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
Celebrity Cruises offers several drink package options to cater to different drinking habits and preferences. These packages allow guests to enjoy a variety of beverages throughout their cruise without worrying about individual drink costs. By understanding the specifics of each package, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget, potentially saving money while enjoying your vacation.
Classic Package
The Classic Package is Celebrity’s entry-level beverage option. It includes a selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Included Beverages: Typically includes standard cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass up to a certain price point (usually around $9 per drink).
- Cost: The Classic Package is generally the most affordable alcohol package option.
- Benefit: It offers convenience and predictable budgeting for basic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
This allows you to enjoy many popular drinks without extra charges. Keep in mind that premium brands and specialty cocktails are usually excluded.
Because it provides a smaller range of eligible beverages, the lower price point is ideal for those who drink casually, but still want to enjoy some alcoholic beverages.
If you’re not a heavy drinker or prefer simple drinks, this package offers a cost-effective way to enjoy your cruise without racking up a large bar bill.
Premium Package
The Premium Package is the most comprehensive drink package offered by Celebrity Cruises. It includes an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Included Beverages: Includes a wide variety of premium liquors, wines, beers, and cocktails.
- Cost: This is the most expensive drink package available.
- Benefit: Allows access to nearly all drinks on board, providing maximum convenience and variety.
This package caters to those with more sophisticated tastes, offering top-shelf brands and specialty drinks often excluded from the Classic Package. The maximum drink price is typically around $15.
The higher cost reflects the expanded range of premium beverages included. It’s ideal for those who frequently enjoy higher-end drinks and want the flexibility to choose from a wide selection.
With this package, you can order almost anything from any bar or restaurant onboard, offering unparalleled freedom and eliminating the need to check prices or worry about exclusions.
Non-Alcoholic Package (Zero Proof Package)
For those who don’t consume alcohol, the Zero Proof Package provides access to a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks.
- Included Beverages: This includes specialty coffees, teas, bottled water, sodas, and juices.
- Cost: It is generally cheaper than the alcoholic packages.
- Benefit: It covers all your non-alcoholic beverage needs and provides great value if you consume a lot of these drinks.
If you enjoy fancy coffees, refreshing juices, or sparkling water, this package is a great way to stay hydrated and indulge in your favorite non-alcoholic beverages without accumulating individual charges.
The lower price reflects the absence of alcoholic beverages. This package is a cost-effective option for those who prefer non-alcoholic options, such as families with children or individuals who do not drink alcohol.
If you consistently order specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas throughout your cruise, this package can offer significant savings compared to paying for each item individually.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Drink Packages
The price of Celebrity Cruises drink packages can vary based on several factors. Understanding these variables will help you find the best deal and time your purchase effectively. Promotions, cruise duration, and the type of stateroom can all impact the final price you pay.
Promotions and Sales
Celebrity Cruises frequently runs promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of drink packages. These promotions are often tied to specific sailings or booking periods.
- Booking During Sales: Celebrity often offers discounts on drink packages when you book your cruise or during special sales events.
- Early Booking Bonuses: Booking your cruise far in advance can sometimes qualify you for additional perks, including discounted drink packages.
- Monitor Prices: Check the price of drink packages regularly leading up to your cruise. Prices can fluctuate, and you might find a better deal closer to your sail date.
Keep an eye out for these promotions, as they can save you a substantial amount of money. These sales are often advertised on the Celebrity Cruises website or through travel agents.
Many cruise lines reward early planners with special offers. Take advantage of these early booking bonuses to potentially secure a lower price on your desired drink package.
Staying vigilant and monitoring price changes can help you identify the optimal time to purchase your drink package at the lowest possible price.
Cruise Duration
The length of your cruise is a major determinant of the total cost of your drink package. Longer cruises will naturally incur higher package prices.
- Price Per Day: Drink packages are typically priced on a per-day basis.
- Shorter Cruises: These may offer slightly higher per-day rates due to the shorter duration.
- Longer Cruises: Longer voyages may have lower per-day rates but result in a higher overall package cost.
The daily rate is multiplied by the number of days in your cruise to determine the overall cost. This means that a 7-day cruise will have a higher package price than a 3-day cruise.
Cruise lines may adjust the per-day pricing to ensure profitability, even on shorter voyages. Be aware that the overall cost is lower, but the daily rate might be slightly elevated.
While the daily rate might be more attractive, the extended duration of the cruise will increase the total price of the drink package. Factor this into your budgeting process.
Stateroom Type and Loyalty Programs
Your choice of stateroom and participation in Celebrity’s loyalty program can sometimes influence the availability or cost of drink packages.
- Suite Guests: Some suite categories may include complimentary drink packages as part of the stateroom benefits.
- Celebrity Cruises Captain’s Club: Higher-tier members may receive discounts or complimentary drinks.
- Bundled Packages: Look for bundled cruise packages that include drink packages, as these can offer better value than purchasing them separately.
If you’re considering a suite, be sure to check if a drink package is included. This could significantly impact the overall value of your booking.
Loyalty programs often reward frequent cruisers with perks and benefits. If you’re a member of the Captain’s Club, check your benefits to see if you qualify for any drink-related discounts or complimentary drinks.
These packages often combine various amenities, such as drink packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions, at a discounted rate. Consider these options when booking your cruise to maximize your savings.
Calculating the Value of a Drink Package
To determine if a Celebrity Cruises drink package is worth the investment, you need to estimate your daily beverage consumption and compare it to the package’s cost. This involves considering your drinking habits, the types of drinks you typically enjoy, and the potential savings offered by the package.
Estimate Your Daily Consumption
Determine how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you typically consume on a daily basis during a vacation.
- Typical Drinks: List the types of drinks you usually order (e.g., cocktails, beer, wine, soda, coffee).
- Frequency: Estimate how many of each type of drink you would consume per day.
- Consider All Days: Remember to account for both sea days and port days, as your consumption may vary.
Creating a comprehensive list of your preferred beverages will help you accurately estimate your daily consumption and potential costs.
Be realistic about your drinking habits. Consider whether you’ll be spending time at the pool bar, enjoying drinks with dinner, or relaxing in the evening with a cocktail.
On sea days, you might consume more beverages due to spending more time onboard. On port days, you might consume fewer drinks due to exploring ashore. Factor these variations into your calculations.
Compare to Individual Drink Prices
Research the average price of drinks on Celebrity Cruises to calculate the cost of purchasing each drink individually.
- Average Drink Prices: Check online forums, cruise reviews, or Celebrity’s website for approximate drink prices.
- Calculate Daily Cost: Multiply the number of drinks you expect to consume by the average price of each drink.
- Compare to Package Price: Compare your estimated daily cost to the per-day price of the drink package.
Drink prices can vary slightly depending on the specific bar or restaurant onboard. However, you can find reliable estimates from other cruisers’ experiences.
This will give you an estimate of your daily spending on beverages if you were to pay for each drink individually.
If your estimated daily cost exceeds the package price, then purchasing the drink package is likely a cost-effective option. If it’s lower, then paying individually might be more economical.
Consider Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Be aware of any restrictions or exclusions associated with the drink packages, as these can impact their overall value.
- Premium Brands: Check if your preferred premium brands are included in the package.
- Specialty Drinks: Confirm whether specialty cocktails or unique bar creations are included.
- Sharing: Drink packages are non-transferable and cannot be shared with other guests.
If you primarily drink top-shelf liquors or expensive wines, ensure that the drink package covers these options. Otherwise, you might still incur additional charges.
Some packages may exclude certain specialty drinks. If you enjoy trying new and innovative cocktails, verify that these are covered by your chosen package.
Each adult in the stateroom must purchase a drink package if one person opts to purchase a package. This policy is strictly enforced to prevent abuse of the system.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you don’t opt for a drink package, there are still several ways to save money on drinks during your Celebrity cruise. By being mindful of your spending and taking advantage of available promotions, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars on Celebrity Cruises offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Check the daily schedule for locations and times.
- Daily Specials: Look for daily drink specials or themed promotions at various bars.
- Early Evening: Happy hour is typically offered during the early evening hours, before dinner service begins.
- Location Matters: Different bars may have different happy hour offerings, so explore your options.
Cruise lines often feature daily specials to attract guests and promote different bars. Take advantage of these opportunities to try new drinks at discounted prices.
Plan your schedule accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on these savings. Arriving early can also help you secure a good spot at the bar.
Consider visiting multiple bars to take advantage of the various happy hour specials available. This can add variety to your drinking experience and help you discover new favorite drinks.
Bring Your Own Wine (With Corkage Fee)
Celebrity Cruises allows guests to bring a limited amount of wine onboard, subject to a corkage fee for consumption in dining rooms or bars.
- Corkage Fee: Be aware of the corkage fee, which covers the cost of service and glassware.
- Quantity Limits: There are limits to how much wine you can bring onboard, typically two bottles per stateroom.
- Savings Potential: This can be a cost-effective option if you prefer specific wines that are not available or are expensive onboard.
While bringing your own wine can save you money on the wine itself, the corkage fee will add to the overall cost. Compare the price of the wine plus the corkage fee to the price of purchasing a bottle onboard to determine if it’s a worthwhile option.
Adhere to these limits to avoid any issues with customs or cruise line policies. Exceeding the limit may result in confiscation of the excess wine.
If you have a favorite wine that you enjoy and that is not readily available on the ship, this is a great solution.
Use Onboard Credit Wisely
If you have onboard credit, consider using it to purchase drinks or bar tabs. This is a great way to enjoy beverages without spending additional money out-of-pocket.
- Apply to Bar Tab: Dedicate a portion of your onboard credit to cover your beverage expenses.
- Monitor Your Spending: Keep track of your onboard credit balance to avoid overspending.
- Strategic Purchases: Consider purchasing a bottle of wine or spirits to enjoy in your stateroom, using your onboard credit.
This allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks without worrying about the cost. Simply inform the bartender that you’d like to use your onboard credit to pay for your drinks.
Regularly check your account to ensure you’re staying within your budget. You can typically view your balance on the cruise line’s app or by visiting the guest services desk.
This can be a cost-effective way to enjoy your favorite drinks without paying individual drink prices at the bar.
Common Myths About Cruise Drink Packages
There are several common misconceptions about cruise drink packages. Separating fact from fiction will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase one.
Myth: Drink Packages Are Always Worth It
This is not always the case. Whether a drink package is worth it depends on your individual drinking habits. If you only consume a few drinks per day, you may save money by paying individually.
- Consider Your Consumption: Assess how many drinks you typically consume each day on vacation.
- Compare Costs: Compare the total cost of the drink package to your estimated individual drink expenses.
- Factor in Promotions: Keep in mind any promotions or discounts that might make the drink package more attractive.
If you only have one or two drinks, it may be cheaper to pay individually. Calculate the cost of those drinks over the length of your cruise to see if it exceeds the drink package price.
If the drink package is significantly more expensive than what you would spend on individual drinks, it may not be the best value for you.
Sometimes, the drink package promotion will include perks such as onboard credits or shore excursion credit, making the drink package worth the purchase.
Myth: Everyone in the Cabin Must Buy a Drink Package
This is not entirely true. While Celebrity Cruises requires all adults in the same stateroom to purchase a drink package if one person buys one, there are some exceptions.
- Medical Exemptions: Passengers with medical conditions that prevent them from drinking alcohol may be exempt.
- Non-Drinking Adults: In some cases, non-drinking adults may be allowed to purchase a non-alcoholic package instead.
- Call Customer Service: It is best to contact Celebrity Cruises’ customer service directly to discuss your specific situation and explore available options.
To qualify for an exemption, you may need to provide documentation from a medical professional. Contact Celebrity Cruises to determine if you are eligible.
This is typically handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact Celebrity Cruises to confirm their policies on non-drinking adults purchasing alternative packages.
They can provide accurate information and help you find a solution that works for your travel party.
Myth: Drink Packages Cover Everything
This is a common misconception. Most drink packages have exclusions, such as premium brands, certain specialty cocktails, and drinks purchased at specific venues.
- Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of the drink package before purchasing.
- Check Maximum Price: Most drink packages have a maximum price per drink.
- Venue Restrictions: Some drink packages may not be valid at certain venues, such as specialty restaurants or exclusive bars.
This will help you understand what is covered and what is not. Pay attention to any specific brands or drinks that are excluded.
If you order a drink that exceeds this price, you will be charged the difference. Be mindful of the prices when ordering to avoid unexpected charges.
Check the terms and conditions of the package to confirm which venues are included.
Real-Life Examples
Consider these scenarios to better understand how a drink package might work for you.
- The Casual Drinker: Sarah enjoys a glass of wine with dinner and a cocktail by the pool. She’s not a heavy drinker and values saving money. For her, the Classic Package might be sufficient, as it covers basic drinks and keeps her costs predictable.
- The Premium Connoisseur: Mark prefers top-shelf liquors and fine wines. He enjoys trying new cocktails and wants access to a wide range of beverages. The Premium Package is the best fit for him, allowing him to indulge in his favorite drinks without worrying about the cost.
- The Non-Alcoholic Enthusiast: Emily doesn’t drink alcohol but loves specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. The Zero Proof Package is ideal for her, providing access to her favorite non-alcoholic beverages at a fixed price.
FAQ
FAQ
How much does the Classic drink package cost on Celebrity Cruises?
The cost of the Classic drink package varies depending on the cruise length and promotions but generally falls in the range of $69 to $79 per day, plus gratuities. It’s best to check the Celebrity Cruises website or contact a travel agent for the most up-to-date pricing for your specific sailing. Remember that prices are subject to change, and booking during a promotion can often result in significant savings.
Is it cheaper to buy a drink package before the cruise or on board?
Generally, it’s cheaper to purchase a drink package before your cruise through Celebrity Cruises’ website or through a travel agent. Onboard prices tend to be higher. Plus, buying ahead of time allows you to budget more effectively for your vacation and potentially take advantage of pre-cruise sales and promotions that aren’t available once you’re on the ship.
What happens if I don’t purchase a drink package on a Celebrity cruise?
If you don’t purchase a drink package, you’ll pay for each drink individually. This can be a viable option if you only plan on having a few drinks throughout the cruise. However, be aware that the cost of individual drinks can add up quickly, especially if you enjoy cocktails or premium beverages. Check the onboard prices to estimate whether a package would be more cost-effective.
Can I upgrade my drink package after purchasing it?
Yes, you can typically upgrade your drink package after purchasing it, either before your cruise or onboard. If you upgrade before the cruise, you’ll pay the difference between the original package and the upgraded package. If you upgrade onboard, you may be subject to additional fees or restrictions. It’s best to contact Celebrity Cruises or your travel agent to arrange an upgrade and confirm the details.
Are gratuities included in the Celebrity Cruises drink package price?
No, gratuities are generally not included in the base price of Celebrity Cruises drink packages. You’ll typically be charged an additional daily gratuity fee, which covers the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff. Be sure to factor this additional cost into your overall budget when deciding whether or not to purchase a drink package. This typically adds around 20% to the total cost of the package.
What if one person in my cabin doesn’t drink alcohol?
Celebrity Cruises generally requires all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the same drink package if one person purchases one. However, you can contact Celebrity Cruises directly to request an exemption for the non-drinker. They may allow the non-drinker to purchase a non-alcoholic package or provide a medical exemption with appropriate documentation. Policies can vary, so it’s crucial to confirm the specific requirements with Celebrity.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to purchase a Celebrity cruise drink package depends on your individual drinking habits and preferences. By carefully evaluating your daily consumption, comparing costs, and understanding package inclusions and exclusions, you can determine if a package is the right choice for you. Consider the potential savings, convenience, and the freedom to enjoy your favorite beverages without worrying about individual drink prices. Ultimately, making an informed decision will contribute to a more enjoyable and budget-friendly cruise vacation.