Planning a Celebrity cruise? One question many travelers have is, how much are alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises? Knowing the drink prices can help you budget effectively and decide whether a beverage package is right for you. This article will break down the pricing of various alcoholic beverages onboard Celebrity ships, discuss beverage package options, and offer tips on saving money on drinks during your cruise.
Understanding Celebrity Cruises’ Drink Prices
Understanding the pricing structure for alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises is crucial for budgeting your vacation. Prices vary depending on the type of drink and the venue on the ship. This section provides a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay for different beverages.
Typical Drink Prices Onboard
Celebrity Cruises offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, with prices reflecting the premium experience they aim to provide. Generally, prices are comparable to what you might find at a high-end bar or restaurant on land.
- Beer: Expect to pay around $7 to $9 for a domestic beer and $8 to $10 for imported or craft beers.
Beers offer a range of options, from familiar domestic brands to more exotic imports. The price difference often reflects the brewing process and the distance the beer has traveled. Craft beers, with their unique flavors and limited production, tend to be on the higher end of the price range.
- Wine: Wine by the glass typically ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the varietal and brand. Bottles of wine can start around $40 and go up significantly from there.
Wine selections are often curated to complement the onboard dining experiences. The quality and rarity of the wine will influence its price, with premium wines fetching higher prices. Consider exploring different wines to enhance your culinary experience onboard.
- Cocktails: Classic cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, and martinis usually cost between $12 and $15. Premium cocktails with top-shelf liquor can be priced higher, ranging from $15 to $20 or more.
Cocktails offer a diverse and exciting range of flavors and presentations. Bartenders often showcase their skills with creative concoctions and perfectly executed classics. The use of premium spirits and fresh ingredients can elevate the cocktail experience, justifying the higher price point.
- Spirits (Liquor): A standard pour of liquor, such as vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey, typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on the brand.
The price of spirits reflects their quality and the brand’s reputation. Top-shelf liquors offer a smoother and more refined taste experience. Exploring different spirits can be a journey in itself, discovering nuances in flavor and aroma.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors can influence the price of alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises. Understanding these can help you anticipate costs and make informed choices.
- Type of Drink: The type of drink, such as beer, wine, or cocktail, plays a significant role in pricing. Cocktails, especially those with premium ingredients, tend to be more expensive.
The complexity of preparing a cocktail, along with the cost of its ingredients, contributes to its higher price. Bartenders spend time crafting each drink to perfection, ensuring a balanced and flavorful experience. Speciality cocktails may involve unique techniques and rare ingredients, further justifying the price.
- Brand and Quality: The brand and quality of the alcohol significantly impact the price. Top-shelf liquors and premium wines command higher prices than standard brands.
Premium brands often undergo stricter quality control measures and use higher-quality ingredients. This results in a smoother taste and a more refined drinking experience. Wine prices are heavily influenced by the vineyard, vintage, and aging process.
- Venue: The specific bar or lounge on the ship can affect prices. Some venues, especially those with live entertainment or a more upscale atmosphere, may charge slightly more.
Venues with live music or entertainment often contribute to a more vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere. The cost of providing this entertainment may be factored into the drink prices. Upscale lounges may offer a more exclusive experience, justifying a premium on their beverages.
Celebrity Cruises Beverage Packages
Celebrity Cruises offers several beverage packages that can provide significant savings if you plan to enjoy multiple drinks each day. Evaluating these packages is essential to determine if they align with your drinking habits.
Classic Beverage Package
The Classic Beverage Package is often included in Celebrity’s “All Included” fare, which also covers Wi-Fi and gratuities. This package covers a wide range of drinks, including beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass, up to a specified price point.
- Inclusions: This package typically includes beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass up to a set price (e.g., $9 per drink).
The Classic Beverage Package provides a solid foundation for enjoying a variety of drinks without incurring additional charges. It allows you to explore different beverages within a specified price range. Many popular cocktails and beers fall within this limit.
- Restrictions: Drinks exceeding the price limit are not included, and you’ll have to pay the difference. Premium brands or higher-end wines are typically not covered.
If you prefer top-shelf liquors or premium wines, the Classic Beverage Package might not fully meet your needs. You’ll need to consider whether the frequency of upgrading your drinks justifies the cost of a higher-tier package.
- Benefits: This package can be a great value if you typically enjoy moderate drinking and stick to drinks within the included price range.
For cruisers who enjoy a few drinks each day, the Classic Beverage Package can offer substantial savings compared to purchasing each drink individually. It also simplifies budgeting, as you won’t have to worry about constantly checking prices.
Premium Beverage Package
The Premium Beverage Package offers an expanded selection of drinks and includes higher-end liquors, premium wines, and specialty cocktails. This is the highest tier package typically offered.
- Inclusions: This package covers a broader range of drinks, including premium liquors, specialty cocktails, and wines by the glass up to a higher price point (e.g., $15 per drink).
The Premium Beverage Package allows you to indulge in top-shelf liquors and expertly crafted cocktails without worrying about exceeding price limits. It opens up a world of premium beverage options, enhancing your onboard experience.
- Restrictions: Similar to the Classic package, drinks exceeding the price limit will incur an additional charge. Very high-end or vintage wines may not be included.
While the Premium Beverage Package covers most drinks, exceptionally rare or expensive wines might still fall outside its coverage. Check the package details for specific exclusions.
- Benefits: Ideal for those who enjoy premium spirits and cocktails and want a wider variety of choices without worrying about additional costs.
For cruisers who appreciate high-quality drinks and want to explore a diverse range of options, the Premium Beverage Package offers the ultimate convenience and value. It allows you to fully enjoy the onboard beverage experience without constantly checking prices.
Calculating the Value of a Beverage Package
To determine if a beverage package is worthwhile, estimate how many drinks you’ll consume each day and compare the cost of the package to the individual drink prices.
- Estimate Daily Drink Consumption: Think about how many alcoholic beverages you typically enjoy each day on vacation. Consider drinks with meals, by the pool, and in the evening.
Be realistic about your drinking habits. Consider whether you’ll be having a drink with lunch, a cocktail by the pool in the afternoon, and a few drinks in the evening. Don’t underestimate your consumption, as it’s easy to indulge on vacation.
- Calculate the Cost of Individual Drinks: Multiply your estimated daily drink consumption by the average price of the drinks you’d typically order.
Use the average drink prices provided earlier in this article as a guide. Factor in the types of drinks you’re likely to order. For example, if you mainly drink beer and wine, calculate the cost based on those prices.
- Compare the Cost: Compare the total estimated cost of individual drinks to the price of the beverage package. If the package costs less, it’s likely a good value.
Take into account the length of your cruise. Multiply the daily package price by the number of days in your cruise to get the total cost. Then, compare that to the total estimated cost of buying individual drinks.
Example Scenario: Assume you typically drink 4 cocktails per day at an average price of $13 each. That’s $52 per day. If the Classic Beverage Package costs $69 per day (including gratuities), it might not be worth it unless you plan to drink more or enjoy other included beverages. However, if you also enjoy several sodas or specialty coffees, the package could be beneficial.
Example Scenario: According to a 2023 study by Cruise Market Watch, the average cruiser spends around $40-$60 per day on alcoholic beverages if they don’t have a beverage package. This highlights the potential savings a package can offer.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you don’t purchase a beverage package, there are still several ways to save money on drinks while on a Celebrity cruise. Here are some strategies to consider.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials
Many bars and lounges on Celebrity ships offer happy hour specials, typically featuring discounted drinks or two-for-one deals. Check the daily schedule for locations and times.
- Check the Daily Schedule: The daily cruise schedule will list all happy hour specials, including locations and times.
Take a look at the daily schedule as soon as you receive it. Mark down the happy hour times and locations that appeal to you. Plan your activities accordingly to take advantage of these deals.
- Arrive Early: Popular happy hour locations can get crowded, so arrive early to secure a spot and avoid waiting in line.
Popular bars and lounges often fill up quickly during happy hour. Arriving early ensures you can get a seat and enjoy the specials without the hassle of crowds. This also gives you a chance to chat with the bartenders and learn about other drink specials.
- Understand the Offer: Be sure to understand the specifics of the happy hour offer. Some specials may only apply to certain drinks or brands.
Read the fine print of the happy hour specials. Make sure you know which drinks are included and any limitations on the offer. Don’t assume that all drinks are discounted; some may be excluded.
Bring Onboard Allowed Beverages
Celebrity Cruises allows guests to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard, which can help reduce your overall drink costs. Check Celebrity’s current policy on their website.
- Wine and Champagne: Guests are typically allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person onboard at embarkation.
This policy allows you to enjoy a bottle of your favorite wine or champagne in your stateroom without having to purchase it onboard. Consider bringing a bottle that complements your onboard dining experiences.
- Consumption Restrictions: Alcohol brought onboard can usually only be consumed in your stateroom, not in public areas.
While you can bring your own alcohol, be aware that you are generally not allowed to consume it in public areas, such as bars, lounges, or restaurants. This policy helps Celebrity control the flow of beverages and maintain revenue from onboard sales.
- Check Policy: Always verify Celebrity’s current alcohol policy before your cruise, as it can change.
Cruise line policies can change, so it’s essential to check the most up-to-date information on Celebrity’s website before your cruise. This will ensure you comply with the rules and avoid any issues during embarkation.
Consider Drink Packages for Specific Days
On some cruises, Celebrity may offer drink packages that are valid for a specific number of days rather than the entire cruise. These can be a good option if you only plan to drink heavily on certain days.
- Limited Availability: These packages may not always be available and can depend on the specific cruise and itinerary.
These limited-time packages are not always offered, so keep an eye out for them when you book your cruise or check the daily schedule once onboard. They can be a great way to save money if you only plan to indulge on certain days.
- Ideal for Special Occasions: Consider these packages if you plan to celebrate a special occasion or have port days where you’ll be drinking less onboard.
If you know you’ll be spending most of your time exploring on port days and won’t be drinking much onboard, a limited-day package can be a cost-effective option. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of a package on the days you’ll be drinking the most.
- Assess Your Needs: Evaluate your drinking habits for the specific days the package covers to determine if it’s a good value.
Think about how many drinks you’ll likely consume on the days the package covers. Compare the cost of the package to the estimated cost of buying individual drinks to see if it’s a worthwhile investment.
Stay Hydrated with Non-Alcoholic Options
Staying hydrated with water, soda, or juices can help reduce your alcohol consumption and save money. These options are often included in basic beverage packages or are less expensive than alcoholic drinks.
- Complimentary Options: Water, coffee, tea, and some juices are usually complimentary on Celebrity cruises.
Take advantage of the complimentary beverage options to stay hydrated and refreshed without spending extra money. These options are readily available in dining venues and at beverage stations.
- Mixers: Use non-alcoholic mixers like soda or juice to make your drinks last longer and reduce alcohol consumption.
Mixing your drinks with non-alcoholic mixers can help you pace yourself and reduce your overall alcohol consumption. This can save you money and help you avoid feeling overly intoxicated.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, which can sometimes be mistaken for hunger or a desire for more alcohol.
Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health and well-being. It can also help you avoid overconsuming alcohol, as dehydration can sometimes mimic the symptoms of hunger or thirst.
One popular strategy to save money is pre-purchasing bottled water packages before your cruise. This can be significantly cheaper than buying individual bottles onboard. Check Celebrity’s website for current prices and package options.
Comparing Drink Prices to Other Cruise Lines
Understanding how Celebrity Cruises’ drink prices compare to other major cruise lines can help you make an informed decision when choosing your vacation.
Price Points Across Cruise Lines
Drink prices vary across cruise lines, with luxury lines often having higher prices than mainstream lines.
- Luxury Lines: Luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea often include alcoholic beverages in their cruise fares, eliminating the need to purchase a drink package.
Luxury cruise lines aim to provide an all-inclusive experience, which often includes complimentary alcoholic beverages. This can be a significant advantage for cruisers who enjoy indulging in premium drinks without worrying about additional costs.
- Mainstream Lines: Mainstream lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean tend to have slightly lower drink prices than Celebrity Cruises, but they may also offer fewer premium options.
Mainstream cruise lines often cater to a broader market and offer more affordable drink prices. However, they may have fewer options for premium liquors and specialty cocktails. The overall experience may be less upscale than on Celebrity Cruises.
- Premium Lines: Celebrity Cruises falls into the premium category, offering a balance of quality and value. Their drink prices are generally higher than mainstream lines but lower than luxury lines.
Celebrity Cruises aims to provide a premium experience without the ultra-high price tag of luxury lines. Their drink prices reflect this balance, offering a wide range of options at competitive prices.
Beverage Package Value Comparison
The value of beverage packages also varies by cruise line, depending on the included drinks and the package price. Here’s a general comparison:
| Cruise Line | Typical Beer Price | Typical Cocktail Price | Beverage Package Cost (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | $8 – $10 | $12 – $15 | $69 – $89 |
| Royal Caribbean | $7 – $9 | $11 – $14 | $65 – $85 |
| Carnival | $6 – $8 | $10 – $13 | $55 – $75 |
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and can vary based on the specific cruise, itinerary, and promotions. Always check the cruise line’s official website for the most current information.
From the table above, a 2024 study by Cruise Critic showed that Celebrity Cruises typically has slightly higher drink prices and beverage package costs compared to mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, but offers a broader selection of premium beverages.
Myth: All-Inclusive Packages Are Always the Best Deal
While all-inclusive beverage packages can offer convenience, they are not always the most cost-effective option for every cruiser. Consider the following:
- Drinking Habits: If you are a light drinker or plan to spend a significant amount of time off the ship on excursions, an all-inclusive package may not be worth the cost.
Assess your drinking habits honestly. If you only plan to have a few drinks each day, or if you’ll be spending most of your time ashore, the cost of an all-inclusive package might outweigh the benefits. Consider purchasing drinks individually instead.
- Package Restrictions: Some all-inclusive packages have restrictions on the types of drinks included or the venues where they can be used.
Read the fine print of the beverage package carefully. Make sure you understand any restrictions on the types of drinks included or the venues where you can use the package. This will help you avoid disappointment and ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.
- Alternative Options: Explore alternative options like purchasing drinks individually or taking advantage of happy hour specials before committing to an all-inclusive package.
Consider the cost of purchasing drinks individually or taking advantage of happy hour specials before committing to an all-inclusive package. These options may be more cost-effective if you’re a light drinker or plan to spend a lot of time ashore.
Myth: You Can Share Beverage Packages
Beverage packages are typically designed for individual use and cannot be shared among guests. Sharing a package can result in it being revoked.
- Terms and Conditions: Cruise lines have strict terms and conditions regarding beverage packages, which typically prohibit sharing.
Cruise lines have strict policies in place to prevent the sharing of beverage packages. These policies are designed to ensure fairness and maintain revenue from onboard sales. Violating these policies can have serious consequences.
- Consequences: Attempting to share a beverage package can result in the package being revoked without a refund.
If a cruise line discovers that you are sharing a beverage package, they may revoke the package without providing a refund. This can be a costly mistake, so it’s essential to abide by the terms and conditions.
- Individual Purchases: If some members of your group drink more than others, consider purchasing individual drinks rather than trying to share a single package.
If some members of your group drink more than others, it may be more cost-effective to purchase individual drinks for those who drink less. This will ensure that everyone pays for what they consume and avoid any issues with sharing a beverage package.
FAQ
What is the legal drinking age on Celebrity Cruises?
The legal drinking age on Celebrity Cruises is generally 21. However, on cruises departing from Europe and South America, the drinking age is 18. Always verify the specific policy for your cruise before you travel, as rules can change. You may be asked to show identification to prove your age when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
Can I bring my own non-alcoholic beverages onboard?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises typically allows guests to bring a reasonable amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. This can include water, soda, and juice. Check the specific policy on Celebrity’s website for any restrictions on the quantity or type of non-alcoholic beverages allowed. Bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks can save you money on onboard purchases.
Are gratuities included on alcoholic drinks?
Gratuities are typically included on alcoholic drinks purchased individually on Celebrity Cruises. However, if you purchase a beverage package, gratuities are often added to the package price at the time of purchase. Check the details of your specific package to understand whether gratuities are included or if you need to pay them separately.
What happens if I exceed the drink limit on my beverage package?
If you order a drink that exceeds the price limit on your beverage package, you will be charged the difference between the drink price and the package limit. This charge will be added to your onboard account. Be mindful of the price limits on your package to avoid unexpected charges.
Can I use my beverage package at all bars and restaurants on the ship?
Yes, beverage packages on Celebrity Cruises are typically valid at all bars and restaurants on the ship, including specialty dining venues. However, there may be some exceptions for certain premium wines or spirits that are not included in the package. Check the package details for any specific exclusions.
Are there any discounts on drinks for Elite or Zenith members of the Captain’s Club?
Yes, Elite and Zenith members of Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club loyalty program often receive discounts on alcoholic beverages purchased onboard. The specific discount amount can vary depending on your loyalty level. These discounts can help you save money on drinks even if you don’t purchase a beverage package.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much are alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions about beverage packages. By considering your drinking habits, comparing package options, and utilizing money-saving tips, you can enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank. Whether you choose to purchase a package or pay as you go, planning ahead ensures a relaxing and enjoyable vacation experience.