Picture this: you’re lounging by the pool on a Celebrity cruise, the sun is shining, and you’re craving a refreshing cocktail. But the thought of racking up a huge bar bill puts a damper on your relaxation. That’s where understanding drink package costs on Celebrity Cruises becomes essential! This blog post will break down the different drink package options, their prices, what’s included (and excluded), and whether they’re truly worth the investment for your next vacation. We’ll help you make an informed decision so you can sip your way to paradise without breaking the bank.
Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages: An Overview
Celebrity Cruises offers various drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Understanding the different options available is the first step in determining whether a drink package is a good value for you. By exploring the inclusions, exclusions, and pricing structures, you can make a well-informed choice that aligns with your drinking habits and overall cruise experience.
Classic Package
The Classic Package is Celebrity’s most basic drink package offering. It covers a select range of beers, spirits, cocktails (up to a certain price point), and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Price: Typically ranges from $69 – $79 USD per day, per person (prices are subject to change).
- Inclusions: Select beers, spirits, cocktails up to $9, sodas, juices, premium coffees, and teas.
- Exclusions: Premium and top-shelf liquors, specialty cocktails, bottled water, energy drinks, and drinks exceeding the $9 price limit.
The price can vary depending on the specific cruise and promotions being offered. Always check the most up-to-date pricing on the Celebrity Cruises website or through your travel agent.
This package covers many standard drinks, providing a good option for those who enjoy cocktails and basic alcoholic beverages but aren’t necessarily looking for top-shelf brands.
If you prefer higher-end beverages or specific brands, you’ll need to pay extra or consider upgrading to a more comprehensive package.
Premium Package
The Premium Package offers a wider selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including top-shelf liquors, premium cocktails, and a broader range of wines by the glass.
- Price: Typically ranges from $89 – $99 USD per day, per person (prices are subject to change).
- Inclusions: All beverages included in the Classic Package, plus premium and top-shelf liquors, specialty cocktails, bottled water, energy drinks, and drinks up to $15.
- Exclusions: Very high-end or rare liquors and wines, and drinks exceeding the $15 price limit.
Similar to the Classic Package, the Premium Package price fluctuates depending on the itinerary and ongoing promotions. Keep an eye out for deals and discounts.
This package is ideal for those who enjoy a wider variety of drinks and prefer premium brands. The higher price limit also opens up a greater selection of cocktails.
Even with the Premium Package, some exceptionally expensive drinks will still be an extra cost.
Zero Proof Package
For those who don’t consume alcohol, the Zero Proof Package provides access to a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and premium teas.
- Price: Typically around $30 USD per day, per person (prices are subject to change).
- Inclusions: Sodas, juices, premium coffees, teas, specialty water bottles, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
- Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages.
The Zero Proof Package is the most affordable option and caters specifically to those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
This package ensures you can enjoy a variety of refreshing and flavorful drinks throughout your cruise without paying individually for each one.
The Zero Proof Package is strictly for non-alcoholic beverages only.
Factors Affecting Drink Package Costs
The cost of a drink package on Celebrity Cruises isn’t a fixed number. Several factors play a role in determining the final price you’ll pay. By understanding these factors, you can better anticipate and potentially influence the price you’ll pay for your preferred drink package.
Cruise Length
The length of your cruise significantly impacts the overall cost of the drink package. Naturally, a longer cruise will result in a higher total price, as you’re paying the daily rate for more days.
- Shorter Cruises (3-5 nights): May have slightly higher daily rates.
- Longer Cruises (7+ nights): Often have slightly lower daily rates.
- Example: A 7-night cruise with the Premium Package at $89/day will cost $623 per person, excluding gratuities. A 3-night cruise might have a $95/day rate, totaling $285.
Cruise lines sometimes increase daily rates for shorter cruises to compensate for the shorter duration.
Longer cruises typically offer more favorable daily rates for drink packages.
This illustrates how the length of your cruise directly impacts the total drink package expense.
Itinerary
The cruise itinerary, including the destination and ports of call, can also affect the drink package price. Cruises to certain regions or with specific themes may have different pricing structures.
- Alaska Cruises: Prices may be slightly higher due to logistical costs.
- European Cruises: Prices can be influenced by local taxes and regulations.
- Themed Cruises: Special events or themed cruises might have different package options and pricing.
The increased cost of transporting goods and services to Alaska can influence the overall pricing of cruise packages.
European cruises may be subject to varying tax rates and regulations that can affect drink package costs.
Themed cruises, such as wine or cocktail-focused itineraries, may feature unique drink packages or adjusted pricing.
Promotions and Discounts
Celebrity Cruises frequently offers promotions and discounts on drink packages, either as part of broader cruise deals or as standalone offers. Taking advantage of these promotions can significantly reduce the overall cost.
- “Always Included” Promotion: This often includes the Classic Drink Package.
- Limited-Time Offers: Keep an eye out for flash sales and promotional periods.
- Loyalty Programs: Captain’s Club members may receive exclusive discounts.
Celebrity’s “Always Included” promotion provides added value by bundling the Classic Drink Package into the base fare.
Cruise lines often run limited-time offers that can provide substantial discounts on drink packages.
Members of Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program may be eligible for special discounts and perks, including reduced drink package prices.
Gratuities
Gratuities are automatically added to the cost of the drink package, typically around 20%. This covers the service provided by bartenders and other beverage staff.
- Gratuities are mandatory: They cannot be removed or reduced.
- Included in the daily rate: The quoted daily price usually doesn’t include gratuities.
- Example: If the Premium Package is $89/day, the actual cost with gratuities is $106.80/day.
Gratuities are a standard part of the drink package cost and are automatically added to your onboard account.
Be sure to factor in the 20% gratuity when calculating the total cost of the drink package.
This highlights the importance of considering gratuities when budgeting for a drink package.
Determining if a Drink Package is Worth It
Deciding whether a drink package on Celebrity Cruises is a worthwhile investment requires careful consideration of your drinking habits, preferences, and overall budget. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your individual needs and enhances your cruise experience.
Assess Your Drinking Habits
The most crucial step is to honestly assess how much you typically drink on vacation. Consider both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Average Consumption: Track how many drinks you usually consume per day.
- Type of Drinks: Factor in the types of drinks you prefer (e.g., cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffees).
- Consider Port Days: Remember that you might drink less on days when you’re exploring ports.
Keeping a record of your daily drink consumption on previous vacations can provide valuable insights.
Knowing your preferred beverages will help you determine which drink package best suits your needs.
Port days often involve off-ship activities that may limit your onboard drink consumption.
Calculate the Break-Even Point
Determine how many drinks you need to consume daily to break even with the cost of the drink package. This calculation will help you understand if you’re likely to get your money’s worth.
- Divide the daily package cost (including gratuities) by the average cost of a drink.
- Example: If the Premium Package costs $106.80/day (including gratuities) and the average drink costs $12, you need to drink about 9 drinks per day to break even.
- Factor in non-alcoholic beverages: Don’t forget to include specialty coffees, juices, and sodas.
This calculation will give you the minimum number of drinks you need to consume to justify the drink package cost.
This example illustrates how to calculate the break-even point and assess whether it aligns with your drinking habits.
If you consume a significant amount of non-alcoholic beverages, this can lower the break-even point for alcoholic drinks.
Consider the Convenience Factor
Beyond the financial aspect, consider the convenience of having a drink package. It eliminates the need to constantly monitor your spending and allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about each individual drink cost.
- Unlimited access: Enjoy the freedom to order drinks without constantly checking prices.
- Reduced stress: No need to track your spending or budget for each drink.
- Simplified budgeting: Know your drink costs upfront and avoid unexpected expenses.
A drink package provides the peace of mind of knowing you can order drinks whenever you want without worrying about the bill.
This convenience can significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall vacation experience.
A drink package allows you to budget for your beverage expenses in advance and avoid any surprises on your final bill.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Let’s consider a few real-life scenarios to illustrate how different individuals might benefit (or not benefit) from a drink package.
- Scenario 1: The Social Cruiser: Enjoys cocktails by the pool, wine with dinner, and late-night drinks at the bar. This person is likely to benefit from the Premium Package.
- Scenario 2: The Casual Drinker: Prefers a couple of beers or glasses of wine with dinner and primarily drinks water or soda during the day. This person might be better off paying for drinks individually or opting for the Classic Package.
- Scenario 3: The Non-Drinker: Does not consume alcohol but enjoys specialty coffees, juices, and sodas. The Zero Proof Package is the ideal choice.
Statistic: According to a 2022 survey of Celebrity Cruises passengers, 65% of those who purchased a drink package found it to be a good value, while 35% felt they would have been better off paying individually.
Myths About Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
There are several common misconceptions surrounding drink package costs on Celebrity Cruises. Debunking these myths can help you make a more informed decision about whether a drink package is right for you.
Myth 1: Drink packages are always cheaper than paying individually.
This is not always the case. If you’re a light drinker, you might end up spending more on the package than you would on individual drinks. It’s essential to calculate your potential consumption and compare it to the package cost.
Myth 2: Everyone in the cabin must purchase a drink package.
While it’s true that if one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, all other adults (above the legal drinking age) in the same cabin typically must also purchase a package, there are exceptions. For example, if someone has a medical condition preventing alcohol consumption, they may be exempt with proper documentation.
Myth 3: You can share your drink package with other passengers.
Drink packages are non-transferable and intended for individual use only. Sharing your drink package is against the cruise line’s policy and can result in the package being revoked without a refund.
Insert a comparison chart here, summarizing the key features, pricing, and target audience for each Celebrity Cruises drink package (Classic, Premium, Zero Proof).
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
If you decide that a drink package isn’t the right choice for you, there are still ways to save money on drinks during your Celebrity cruise.
- Take advantage of happy hour specials: Many bars offer discounted drinks during specific times.
- Bring your own wine (with corkage fee): You can bring two bottles of wine per stateroom, but you’ll be charged a corkage fee if you consume them in the dining room or other public areas.
- Utilize loyalty program perks: Captain’s Club members often receive complimentary drinks or discounts.
Happy hour specials can be a great way to enjoy your favorite drinks at a reduced price.
Bringing your own wine can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have a favorite bottle you’d like to enjoy.
Loyalty program perks can provide significant savings on your onboard beverage expenses.
FAQ
How much does the Classic Drink Package cost on Celebrity Cruises?
The Classic Drink Package typically ranges from $69 to $79 USD per day, per person. Prices are subject to change based on the cruise itinerary and any ongoing promotions. This package includes a variety of beers, spirits, cocktails (up to $9), sodas, juices, and premium coffees.
What drinks are included in the Premium Drink Package?
The Premium Drink Package includes everything in the Classic Package, plus premium and top-shelf liquors, specialty cocktails, bottled water, energy drinks, and drinks up to $15. This package offers a wider selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for those who prefer higher-end brands.
Is it worth buying a drink package on a Celebrity cruise?
Whether a drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. Calculate how many drinks you typically consume per day and compare it to the daily cost of the package (including gratuities). If you drink enough to break even or exceed the cost, the package is likely a good value. Consider your preference for premium beverages as well.
Are gratuities included in the drink package cost?
No, gratuities are not typically included in the initially advertised daily cost of the drink package. Celebrity Cruises automatically adds gratuities, usually around 20%, to the price of the drink package. Be sure to factor in this additional cost when calculating the total expense.
Can I cancel my drink package after purchasing it?
Yes, you can typically cancel your drink package before the start of your cruise for a full refund. However, once you’re onboard, cancellation policies may vary. Contact Celebrity Cruises directly or your travel agent for specific details on cancellation policies.
What happens if I don’t use all of my drink package credits in a day?
Drink packages on Celebrity Cruises are designed for unlimited consumption within the package’s inclusions. There are no “credits” to accumulate or roll over. If you don’t consume the equivalent value of the package on a particular day, the unused portion is not refunded or carried over.
Do all adults in a cabin have to purchase a drink package?
Yes, typically, if one adult in a cabin purchases a drink package, all other adults of legal drinking age in the same cabin are also required to purchase a package. However, exceptions may be made for medical conditions that prevent alcohol consumption, with proper documentation provided to Celebrity Cruises.
Final Thoughts
Determining how much drink packages cost on Celebrity Cruises and whether they’re worth the investment requires careful consideration of your personal drinking habits, preferences, and budget. By understanding the different package options, factors affecting pricing, and common myths, you can make an informed decision that enhances your cruise experience. Remember to calculate your break-even point and weigh the convenience factor to ensure you get the most value from your beverage choices. Now, go forth and plan your Celebrity cruise with confidence!