Planning a Celebrity Cruise and wondering how much are alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises? Many travelers factor in the cost of beverages when budgeting for their vacation. Understanding the drink prices and package options can significantly impact your overall expenses and help you decide whether a beverage package is right for you. This post will break down the cost of individual drinks and explore the various drink packages available, providing you with all the information you need to make informed decisions.
Understanding Celebrity Cruises’ Drink Prices
Navigating the pricing of alcoholic beverages onboard Celebrity Cruises requires understanding their individual drink costs and how they compare to drink packages. Knowing these details empowers you to make informed choices that align with your drinking habits and budget, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. Let’s dive into the typical prices you can expect.
Average Cost of Alcoholic Beverages
The cost of alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises varies based on the type of beverage. Expect to pay around $9-$14 for beers, $12-$18 for cocktails, and $10-$20+ for glasses of wine, depending on the selection. Premium spirits can range even higher. Prices may also vary slightly depending on the specific bar or venue on the ship.
- Beer: Domestic beers generally fall in the $7-$9 range, while imported or craft beers can be $9-$12.
- Cocktails: Classic cocktails like margaritas and mojitos usually cost between $12-$16. Specialty cocktails and premium mixes can easily reach $16-$20+.
- Wine: A glass of house wine starts around $10-$12, while premium wines by the glass can range from $15-$25+. Bottles of wine start at approximately $40 and can go up significantly.
Craft beers and imported options typically carry a premium due to their specialized brewing processes and transportation costs. These beers often offer unique flavors and experiences, justifying the higher price point for enthusiasts seeking variety.
Specialty cocktails often incorporate exotic ingredients or unique presentations, justifying their higher cost. Premium mixes, made with top-shelf liquors and fresh ingredients, also contribute to the increased price, offering a more refined and flavorful experience.
The price of wine reflects the quality, vintage, and rarity of the grape varietals used. Premium wines often undergo extensive aging processes and are sourced from renowned vineyards, adding to their value and contributing to a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors influence the price of alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises. The type of liquor, the complexity of the drink, and the venue where it’s served all play a role. Premium liquors and specialty cocktails will naturally cost more than basic options. Additionally, some venues might charge slightly higher prices due to their ambiance or entertainment offerings.
- Liquor Quality: The grade of alcohol used in a beverage will significantly affect its price. Top-shelf liquors are more expensive than well liquors.
- Drink Complexity: The more ingredients and labor required to make a drink, the higher the price. A simple beer is always cheaper than a complex cocktail with multiple ingredients.
- Venue: Some upscale bars or lounges might have higher prices than more casual venues due to the atmosphere and service provided.
Top-shelf liquors undergo more rigorous distillation and aging processes, resulting in a smoother and more refined flavor profile. These premium spirits are often sought after for their superior taste and quality, contributing to the higher cost of cocktails made with them.
Complex cocktails require skilled bartenders and a variety of ingredients, including fresh fruits, juices, and liqueurs. The additional effort and resources involved in crafting these drinks contribute to their higher price point compared to simpler beverages.
Upscale bars and lounges often feature luxurious decor, live music, and attentive service, creating a premium ambiance that justifies higher drink prices. These venues cater to guests seeking a more sophisticated and exclusive experience, reflected in their beverage offerings.
Celebrity Cruises’ Drink Package Options and Costs
Celebrity Cruises offers several drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Understanding these packages and their associated costs is crucial for optimizing your cruise experience. The Classic Package and the Premium Package are the most popular choices, providing varying levels of beverage coverage. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Classic Package
The Classic Package is a mid-tier option that includes a selection of beers, wines by the glass, spirits, cocktails, sodas, and juices up to a certain price point (typically around $10-$12 per drink). It’s a good choice for those who enjoy alcoholic beverages but aren’t looking for top-shelf options.
- Price: The Classic Package typically costs around $69-$79 per person per day, plus an 20% gratuity.
- Inclusions: Covers a wide range of drinks including many beers, wines, and classic cocktails.
- Benefits: Offers good value for casual drinkers and helps avoid surprise bills at the end of the cruise.
The daily price of the Classic Package offers a balance between cost and beverage selection, making it an attractive option for guests who enjoy a moderate amount of alcoholic drinks and want a convenient way to manage their spending.
The inclusion of various beers, wines, and classic cocktails within the Classic Package provides guests with ample choices to suit their preferences. This versatility ensures that there is always something appealing available throughout the cruise.
The Classic Package provides peace of mind by covering a significant portion of your beverage consumption, allowing you to relax and enjoy your cruise without constantly worrying about the cost of each drink.
Premium Package
The Premium Package offers a more comprehensive selection of beverages, including top-shelf liquors, premium cocktails, higher-end wines by the glass, and specialty coffees. This package is ideal for those who prefer premium brands and want access to a wider variety of drinks.
- Price: The Premium Package usually costs around $89-$99 per person per day, plus an 20% gratuity.
- Inclusions: Includes everything in the Classic Package, plus premium liquors, specialty cocktails, and higher-end wines.
- Benefits: Caters to those who enjoy premium drinks and want the widest possible selection.
The higher daily price of the Premium Package reflects the increased value and selection of beverages included, catering to guests who appreciate top-shelf liquors and premium brands.
The addition of premium liquors, specialty cocktails, and higher-end wines to the Premium Package ensures that guests have access to a wider range of sophisticated and high-quality beverage options throughout their cruise.
The Premium Package allows guests to indulge in their favorite top-shelf drinks and explore new and exciting beverage options without incurring additional costs, enhancing their overall cruise experience.
Other Beverage Options
Besides the Classic and Premium packages, Celebrity Cruises also offers other beverage packages, such as the Zero Proof Package (for non-alcoholic beverages) and individual drink purchases. Consider these options if you or someone in your travel group does not consume alcohol or only drinks occasionally.
- Zero Proof Package: Includes unlimited sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and premium teas. A great choice for non-drinkers or those who want to stay hydrated.
- Individual Drink Purchases: If you only plan to have a few drinks, purchasing them individually might be more cost-effective. Monitor your spending to avoid exceeding the cost of a package.
- Elite Beverage Package: Available for guests staying in certain suite categories, this package includes top-shelf liquors, premium wines, and other exclusive benefits.
The Zero Proof Package provides excellent value for non-drinkers, offering a wide range of refreshing and flavorful beverages beyond just water. It ensures that everyone can enjoy a variety of options throughout the cruise.
Purchasing individual drinks allows for greater control over spending, making it a suitable option for those who prefer to limit their alcohol consumption or want to sample different beverages without committing to a full package.
The Elite Beverage Package elevates the beverage experience with access to an even wider selection of premium and exclusive drinks, enhancing the luxury and exclusivity of staying in a suite.
Is a Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Worth It?
Deciding whether a Celebrity Cruises drink package is worth the investment depends heavily on your drinking habits and preferences. To make an informed decision, compare the cost of the package against your estimated individual drink consumption. Consider the convenience factor and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your beverage costs are covered.
Calculating Your Potential Drink Consumption
To determine if a drink package is cost-effective, estimate how many alcoholic drinks you typically consume per day. Factor in the cost of individual drinks and compare it to the daily cost of the package. Consider any non-alcoholic beverages you might purchase as well.
- Estimate daily consumption: Calculate how many beers, cocktails, or glasses of wine you’re likely to drink each day.
- Factor in non-alcoholic drinks: Remember to include sodas, juices, and specialty coffees in your calculation.
- Compare costs: Multiply your estimated daily drink cost by the number of cruise days and compare it to the total cost of the drink package.
Accurately estimating your daily consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is crucial for determining whether a drink package is a worthwhile investment. Consider your usual habits and preferences when making this calculation.
Including non-alcoholic beverages in your calculation ensures a comprehensive assessment of your overall beverage consumption, providing a more accurate comparison between the cost of a drink package and individual purchases.
Comparing the total cost of your estimated beverage consumption over the entire cruise to the price of the drink package will reveal whether the package offers significant savings and convenience.
Benefits of a Drink Package
A drink package offers several benefits beyond cost savings. It provides convenience, allows you to try different drinks without worrying about the cost, and simplifies budgeting for your cruise. The predictability of having a fixed beverage cost can enhance your overall cruise experience.
- Convenience: Enjoy unlimited drinks without having to sign a bill each time.
- Variety: Experiment with different cocktails and wines without the pressure of paying full price for something you might not like.
- Budgeting: Know your beverage costs upfront, making it easier to plan your overall cruise budget.
The convenience of a drink package eliminates the need to constantly monitor your spending and sign individual bills, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy your cruise experience.
A drink package encourages exploration and experimentation with a wider range of beverages, as you can try new cocktails and wines without the risk of wasting money on something you don’t enjoy.
The predictability of a drink package simplifies budgeting for your cruise, as you can accurately estimate your total beverage expenses and avoid unexpected costs at the end of the voyage.
Drawbacks of a Drink Package
While drink packages offer many benefits, they also have potential drawbacks. If you are a light drinker, the cost of the package might exceed your actual consumption. Additionally, some packages have restrictions or exclusions that could limit your choices. Evaluate these factors before committing to a package.
- Cost: If you don’t drink much, the package might be more expensive than paying for individual drinks.
- Restrictions: Some packages have exclusions or limitations on certain drinks or venues.
- Wasted Value: If you don’t fully utilize the package, you might end up paying for drinks you don’t consume.
If you are a light drinker or plan to spend most of your time on shore excursions, the cost of a drink package may outweigh the benefits, making it more economical to pay for individual drinks as you go.
Certain drink packages may have limitations on specific beverages, such as top-shelf liquors or premium wines, or restrictions on where the package can be used, potentially limiting your choices and overall value.
If your daily beverage consumption falls significantly below the value of the drink package, you may end up paying for drinks you don’t consume, diminishing the package’s overall cost-effectiveness.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks on Celebrity Cruises
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, there are several ways to save money on drinks during your Celebrity Cruise. Taking advantage of happy hour specials, purchasing wine by the bottle, and bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages can help reduce your overall expenses.
Happy Hour Specials
Many bars and lounges on Celebrity Cruises offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Take advantage of these promotions to enjoy your favorite beverages at a lower price. Check the daily cruise schedule for specific times and locations.
- Check the daily schedule: Cruise schedules often list happy hour times and locations.
- Plan accordingly: Arrange your schedule to take advantage of happy hour discounts.
- Be aware of exclusions: Some happy hour specials might exclude certain drinks or venues.
The daily cruise schedule is your go-to resource for identifying happy hour specials, providing you with valuable information on discounted drink prices and locations throughout the ship.
By strategically planning your schedule around happy hour times, you can maximize your savings on alcoholic beverages and enjoy your favorite drinks at a lower cost.
Always be mindful of any exclusions or limitations associated with happy hour specials, such as restricted venues or specific beverages that are not included in the discount.
Purchasing Wine by the Bottle
If you plan to drink wine regularly, purchasing a bottle instead of individual glasses can often be more cost-effective. Many restaurants and bars offer discounts on bottles of wine, and you can usually store any unfinished wine for later.
- Compare prices: Calculate the cost per glass versus the cost of a bottle.
- Store unfinished wine: Ask the staff to store any unfinished bottles for you to enjoy later.
- Share with friends: Splitting a bottle with friends can make it even more affordable.
Carefully compare the cost per glass of wine to the price of a full bottle to determine if purchasing a bottle offers better value for your overall wine consumption.
The ship’s staff will gladly store any unfinished bottles of wine and bring them to you at a later time, allowing you to savor your favorite wine without worrying about it going to waste.
Sharing a bottle of wine with friends not only enhances the social aspect of your cruise but also makes it a more budget-friendly option for everyone involved.
Bringing Your Own Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Celebrity Cruises allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as water, soda, and juice. This can help you save money on drinks throughout your cruise, especially if you prefer certain brands or flavors.
- Check the policy: Review Celebrity Cruises’ policy on bringing beverages onboard.
- Pack strategically: Bring enough for your needs but stay within the allowed limits.
- Enjoy onboard or ashore: You can consume these beverages in your stateroom or take them with you on shore excursions.
Before packing your beverages, carefully review Celebrity Cruises’ policy regarding the quantity and type of non-alcoholic drinks allowed onboard to avoid any surprises or issues during embarkation.
Pack a sufficient quantity of your favorite non-alcoholic beverages to meet your needs, while adhering to the cruise line’s limitations on the amount you can bring onboard.
Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages provides you with the flexibility to enjoy them in the comfort of your stateroom or stay hydrated while exploring various destinations during shore excursions.
Debunking Common Myths About Cruise Drink Packages
Cruise drink packages are often shrouded in misconceptions. It’s essential to separate fact from fiction to make an informed decision. Here are a few common myths debunked.
Myth: Drink Packages Always Save You Money
This is not always true. If you’re not a heavy drinker, the cost of the package could easily exceed what you’d spend on individual drinks. It depends on your drinking habits.
Visual: Insert a graph here comparing the cost of a drink package to individual drink purchases for different consumption levels.
Myth: All Drinks Are Included in Every Package
This is often false. Most packages have price limits or exclude certain premium brands. Always check the inclusions and exclusions before purchasing a package.
Myth: You Can Share Your Drink Package
Absolutely not. Drink packages are typically non-transferable and can only be used by the person who purchased them. Sharing a drink package can result in its cancellation.
Real-Life Examples of Drink Package Value
To illustrate the potential value of drink packages, consider these real-life examples:
- Scenario 1: A couple enjoys two cocktails each during dinner, a glass of wine at lunch, and a few beers by the pool. Their daily drink bill averages $80-$100. A drink package would likely be worth it for them.
- Scenario 2: A solo traveler only drinks one or two alcoholic beverages per day and mainly consumes water or soda. A drink package would probably not be cost-effective for this person.
- Scenario 3: A group of friends likes to sample various cocktails and premium liquors throughout the cruise. They would likely benefit from the Premium Package to enjoy the widest selection of drinks.
FAQ
Are drink packages mandatory on Celebrity Cruises?
No, drink packages are not mandatory. You can choose to purchase drinks individually if you prefer. However, all guests staying in the same stateroom must purchase the same drink package.
What is the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol on Celebrity Cruises?
The minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol on Celebrity Cruises varies depending on the region where the cruise is sailing. Typically, it’s 21 years old for cruises in North American waters and 18 years old for cruises in European and South American waters.
Can I upgrade my drink package after purchasing it?
Yes, you can usually upgrade your drink package after purchasing it. However, you might not be able to downgrade. Check with Celebrity Cruises directly for their specific policies.
What happens if I don’t use all the value of my drink package?
Unfortunately, any unused value from your drink package is non-refundable. It’s essential to estimate your drink consumption accurately to make the most of the package.
Do drink packages include specialty dining restaurants?
Yes, drink packages are typically valid at specialty dining restaurants. However, some premium wines or liquors might not be included, even with the Premium Package. Always clarify with the staff when ordering.
Are gratuities included in the price of Celebrity Cruises drink packages?
No, gratuities are not typically included in the advertised price of Celebrity Cruises drink packages. An automatic gratuity (usually around 20%) is added to the cost of the package.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much are alcoholic drinks on Celebrity Cruises and the various beverage package options empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your budget and preferences. Whether you opt for a Classic or Premium package or choose to pay individually, consider your drinking habits and the potential cost savings. Planning ahead will ensure you have a fantastic and financially sound cruise experience. Cheers to smooth sailing and informed choices!