Imagine yourself relaxing on a luxurious cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, and the sun warming your skin. But wait, what about that refreshing cocktail you’ve been dreaming of? Knowing what’s included in your cruise fare is key to a stress-free vacation. Many travelers wonder, does Celebrity Cruises include drinks? This blog post will break down Celebrity Cruises’ drink policies, explaining which beverages are complimentary and detailing the various drink packages available, so you can budget accordingly and sip your way to paradise. You’ll gain a clear understanding of your options and make the best choice for your cruising style.
Beverage Policies on Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of beverage options, ranging from complimentary drinks to comprehensive beverage packages. Understanding their general beverage policies is crucial for planning your cruise budget and maximizing your onboard experience. This section provides an overview of what you can expect regarding drinks included in your base fare and the availability of additional beverage packages.
Complimentary Beverages
While not all drinks are free, Celebrity Cruises does provide certain complimentary beverages. These are typically available in the main dining room, the Oceanview Cafe (buffet), and other select locations throughout the ship. These are intended to cover basic refreshment, but not alcoholic or premium beverage options.
- Basic Coffee and Tea: Regular brewed coffee and tea are generally available at no extra charge. These are staples offered at most dining venues.
- Iced Tea and Lemonade: These refreshing beverages are usually provided as complimentary options throughout the day.
- Juice at Breakfast: A selection of juices, such as orange juice and apple juice, is typically included during breakfast service.
- Milk: Regular milk is available as a complimentary beverage, primarily during meal times.
Access to complimentary coffee and tea allows guests to enjoy essential refreshments without incurring additional costs, which is convenient for those who prefer simple beverages or are mindful of their spending.
Iced tea and lemonade offer a non-caffeinated and hydrating alternative to other beverages, making them ideal for enjoying in the warm weather or as a light refreshment during meals.
The inclusion of juice during breakfast ensures that guests have access to essential nutrients and a refreshing start to their day, contributing to a more satisfying dining experience.
Offering milk allows guests, especially families with children, to have a familiar and nourishing beverage option readily available, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
Availability and Limitations
It is important to note that the complimentary beverage options are generally limited to specific times and locations. For example, juice is usually only free during breakfast hours. Additionally, specialty coffees, premium teas, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water are typically not included in the base fare and will incur an additional charge. Knowing these limitations helps guests plan their beverage consumption and decide whether a beverage package is worthwhile.
Exploring Celebrity Cruises’ Drink Packages
For those who enjoy a variety of beverages or prefer not to pay for each drink individually, Celebrity Cruises offers several drink packages. These packages provide access to a wider range of drinks for a fixed daily price. This section delves into the different drink packages available, their costs, and what they include, enabling you to choose the option that best suits your preferences and consumption habits.
Classic Package
The Classic Package is an entry-level option that includes a selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and premium teas. The specific brands and varieties available may vary, but this package offers a good starting point for those who want more than just the basic complimentary beverages. According to Celebrity Cruises’ website, the Classic Package typically costs around $59-$69 per day.
- Variety of Drinks: Includes a selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass.
- Specialty Coffees and Teas: Allows you to indulge in premium coffee and tea options.
- Sodas and Juices: Enjoy unlimited fountain sodas and a variety of juices.
This variety ensures guests can enjoy a range of alcoholic beverages, catering to different tastes and preferences throughout the cruise.
The inclusion of specialty coffees and teas provides guests with a more upscale beverage experience, offering a broader selection of flavors and blends beyond the basic offerings.
Offering unlimited sodas and juices ensures that guests can stay refreshed throughout the day with familiar non-alcoholic options, which is especially appealing to families with children.
Premium Package
The Premium Package is the most comprehensive option, offering an even wider selection of drinks, including top-shelf liquors, premium wines by the glass, craft beers, and other specialty beverages. This package also includes bottled water, which is not included in the Classic Package. According to online cruise forums, the Premium Package typically costs around $79-$89 per day.
- Top-Shelf Liquors and Premium Wines: Access to higher-quality alcoholic beverages.
- Craft Beers: A wider selection of craft beers for beer enthusiasts.
- Bottled Water: Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water.
Top-shelf liquors and premium wines elevate the drinking experience, allowing guests to enjoy superior quality spirits and wines from renowned vineyards and distilleries.
Offering a wider selection of craft beers caters to beer enthusiasts who appreciate unique and artisanal brews, providing an opportunity to explore different flavors and styles.
The inclusion of bottled water ensures that guests can easily stay hydrated with clean, refreshing water, especially important in warmer climates or during physical activities on board.
Non-Alcoholic Package
For those who don’t consume alcohol, Celebrity Cruises offers a non-alcoholic package that includes specialty coffees, premium teas, sodas, juices, bottled water, and zero-proof cocktails. This package is a great option for guests who want to enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic beverages without paying per drink. The pricing for this package varies but is generally less expensive than the alcoholic packages.
- Specialty Coffees and Teas: Enjoy a variety of premium coffee and tea options.
- Sodas and Juices: Unlimited fountain sodas and a variety of juices.
- Zero-Proof Cocktails: Delicious non-alcoholic cocktail options.
The availability of specialty coffees and teas provides a sophisticated non-alcoholic beverage experience, allowing guests to savor different flavors and blends throughout the day.
Unlimited sodas and juices ensure that guests have access to refreshing and familiar non-alcoholic options, catering to a wide range of preferences and tastes.
Zero-proof cocktails offer a flavorful and festive alternative to alcoholic beverages, allowing guests to enjoy creatively crafted drinks without the effects of alcohol.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Each package comes with its own set of inclusions and exclusions. For example, some high-end wines and liquors may not be included even in the Premium Package. Additionally, packages are usually required to be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise and for all adults in the same stateroom. Always review the specific terms and conditions of each package before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs. A 2022 survey by CruiseCritic found that 70% of cruisers who purchased beverage packages felt they received good value for their money.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drink Package
Deciding whether to purchase a drink package and, if so, which one, depends on several factors. Considering your drinking habits, cruise itinerary, and budget will help you make an informed decision. This section outlines the key considerations to keep in mind when evaluating Celebrity Cruises’ drink packages.
Drinking Habits
Assess your typical consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on a daily basis. If you usually only have a couple of drinks per day, purchasing individual drinks might be more cost-effective. However, if you enjoy multiple cocktails, glasses of wine, or specialty coffees throughout the day, a drink package could save you money. A helpful rule of thumb is to estimate the cost of each drink individually and compare it to the daily cost of the package.
- Daily Consumption: How many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks do you typically consume in a day?
- Preferred Beverages: What types of drinks do you typically enjoy?
- Specialty Drinks: Do you enjoy premium liquors, craft beers, or specialty cocktails?
Assessing your daily consumption habits allows you to estimate the potential cost savings of a drink package versus purchasing individual beverages, helping you determine which option offers the best value.
Identifying your preferred beverages helps you choose a drink package that includes the types of drinks you’re most likely to consume, ensuring you get the most out of your purchase.
If you regularly indulge in premium liquors, craft beers, or specialty cocktails, a more comprehensive drink package that includes these options may be worth the investment, enhancing your overall cruise experience.
Cruise Itinerary
Consider the itinerary of your cruise. On port-intensive cruises, where you spend most days exploring different destinations, you might not be on the ship long enough to take full advantage of a drink package. Conversely, on cruises with many sea days, you’ll have more time to enjoy the onboard amenities, making a drink package potentially more beneficial. Some itineraries also offer unique included drink opportunities, like welcome aboard parties with complimentary drinks.
- Port Days vs. Sea Days: How many days will you be at sea versus in port?
- Excursions: Will you be participating in excursions that include drinks?
- Onboard Activities: How much time will you spend participating in onboard activities?
Knowing the balance between port days and sea days helps you determine how much time you’ll spend on board, influencing whether a drink package is a worthwhile investment based on your potential beverage consumption.
If your excursions include drinks, factor this into your calculations, as you may not need to purchase as many beverages on board, potentially making a drink package less necessary.
The amount of time spent participating in onboard activities can affect your beverage consumption, influencing whether a drink package will enhance your cruise experience and provide good value.
Budget
Evaluate your overall cruise budget and determine how much you’re willing to spend on beverages. While a drink package can offer convenience and potentially save money, it’s important to ensure it fits within your financial constraints. Compare the cost of the package to the estimated cost of purchasing individual drinks, and consider whether the package offers enough value to justify the expense. Remember to factor in gratuities, which are often automatically added to the cost of drink packages. According to a 2021 report by The Points Guy, the average cruiser spends between $50 and $100 per day on drinks if they don’t purchase a package.
- Total Cruise Budget: How much have you allocated for onboard spending?
- Individual Drink Prices: What are the average prices of drinks onboard?
- Gratuities: Are gratuities included in the price of the package?
Knowing your total cruise budget helps you prioritize spending and determine if a drink package fits within your financial constraints, ensuring you don’t overspend on beverages.
Researching the average prices of drinks onboard allows you to compare the cost of individual beverages with the price of a drink package, helping you make an informed decision about which option offers the best value.
Understanding whether gratuities are included in the drink package price ensures that you factor in all associated costs, providing a more accurate assessment of the package’s overall value.
How to Decide
If you plan to consume more than 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day, a drink package is likely a good value. If you only plan on having a few drinks, paying individually might be more cost-effective. If you don’t drink alcohol, the non-alcoholic package is worth considering if you plan to enjoy specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water regularly. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your personal preferences and consumption habits.
Myths About Celebrity Cruises’ Drink Packages
There are several common misconceptions about Celebrity Cruises’ drink packages. Debunking these myths can help you make a more informed decision and avoid potential surprises. This section addresses and clarifies some of the common myths surrounding drink packages.
Myth: Drink Packages are Always a Good Deal
This is not always the case. If you are not a heavy drinker or plan to spend most of your time off the ship in port, a drink package might not be the best value. It’s important to calculate your potential consumption and compare it to the cost of the package before making a decision. A survey by ValuePenguin in 2020 found that 35% of people who purchased a drink package on a cruise did not drink enough to make it worthwhile.
Myth: You Can Share a Drink Package
This is generally not allowed. Celebrity Cruises’ drink packages are typically for individual use only and cannot be shared with other guests. Sharing a drink package can result in the package being revoked without a refund. This policy is in place to prevent abuse of the system and ensure fair usage among guests.
Myth: All Drinks are Included in the Premium Package
While the Premium Package offers a wide selection of beverages, some very high-end wines, liquors, and other specialty drinks may still be excluded. Always check the specific list of included beverages to ensure the package covers the drinks you prefer. The terms and conditions of the package will outline any exclusions.
Tips for Maximizing Your Beverage Experience
Whether you choose to purchase a drink package or pay for individual drinks, there are several ways to enhance your beverage experience on Celebrity Cruises. This section provides practical tips for making the most of your drink options and enjoying a refreshing cruise vacation.
- Take Advantage of Happy Hour: Many bars on Celebrity Cruises offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks.
- Attend Cocktail-Making Classes: Learn how to make your favorite cocktails and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
- Explore Different Bars: Each bar on the ship has its own unique ambiance and drink menu.
- Bring Your Own Wine (With Corkage Fee): Celebrity Cruises allows you to bring your own wine onboard, subject to a corkage fee.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in warm climates or when consuming alcohol.
Taking advantage of happy hour specials allows you to enjoy discounted drinks, reducing your overall beverage costs and providing an opportunity to sample different cocktails without breaking the bank.
Attending cocktail-making classes not only teaches you new skills but also allows you to enjoy the cocktails you create, providing a fun and interactive way to enhance your beverage experience.
Exploring different bars on the ship exposes you to a variety of atmospheres and drink options, ensuring you find the perfect spot and beverage to suit your mood and preferences.
Bringing your own wine allows you to enjoy your favorite wines on board, albeit with a corkage fee, providing a cost-effective way to indulge in premium wines without relying solely on the ship’s selection.
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining your well-being and preventing dehydration, especially in warm climates or when consuming alcohol, ensuring you feel your best throughout the cruise.
FAQ
Does Celebrity Cruises include alcoholic drinks in the base fare?
No, the base fare on Celebrity Cruises typically does not include alcoholic drinks. You will need to purchase a drink package or pay for alcoholic beverages individually. There are some promotional fares that may include a beverage package, so be sure to check the details of your specific cruise.
What non-alcoholic drinks are included on Celebrity Cruises?
Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks usually include basic coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, juice at breakfast, and milk. Bottled water and specialty coffees typically require an additional charge unless you have a beverage package.
How much does a drink package cost on Celebrity Cruises?
The cost of a drink package varies depending on the package level. The Classic Package typically costs around $59-$69 per day, while the Premium Package costs around $79-$89 per day. The non-alcoholic package is generally less expensive. Prices are subject to change, so always check the current rates on the Celebrity Cruises website.
Are gratuities included in Celebrity Cruises drink packages?
Gratuities are typically included in the price of Celebrity Cruises drink packages. This means you won’t have to worry about tipping for each individual drink. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific terms and conditions of your package.
Can I bring my own alcohol on Celebrity Cruises?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises allows you to bring your own wine or champagne onboard, subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room, a restaurant, or bar. Other alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought onboard.
What happens if I don’t finish my drink package on Celebrity Cruises?
Drink packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you don’t consume the full value of your package, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your drinking habits before purchasing a package.
Is it worth getting a drink package on Celebrity Cruises?
Whether a drink package is worth it depends on your personal preferences and consumption habits. If you plan to enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water each day, a drink package can be a good value. However, if you only plan to have a few drinks or spend most of your time off the ship, paying individually might be more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the beverage options on Celebrity Cruises can feel overwhelming, but understanding the various packages and their inclusions can significantly enhance your cruise experience. Remember to consider your drinking habits, cruise itinerary, and budget to make the best decision for your needs. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, you can confidently plan your onboard beverage consumption and enjoy a refreshing and relaxing cruise vacation. Cheers to smooth sailing and informed choices!