Imagine yourself lounging by the pool on a luxurious Celebrity Cruises ship, a refreshing drink in hand. The sun is shining, the ocean breeze is blowing, and you don’t have to worry about the cost of each individual beverage. Sounds appealing, right? Many cruisers find that a drinks package can significantly enhance their vacation experience by providing convenience and cost savings. But what exactly does it cost to upgrade your cruise with a drinks package? This post will break down the details of how much is a classic drinks package on Celebrity Cruises, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your next voyage. We’ll cover pricing, inclusions, and factors that can influence the overall cost.
Understanding Celebrity Cruises Drinks Packages
Celebrity Cruises offers several drinks packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Each package offers a varying selection of beverages, from basic beers and wines to premium spirits and cocktails. Understanding the different options available is the first step in determining which package best suits your needs and calculating the overall cost. The “Classic” package, in particular, is a popular choice offering a balanced selection without the premium price tag.
Classic Package Inclusions
The Classic Package generally includes a wide selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass up to a certain price point (typically around $9 per drink). It also includes non-alcoholic options like soda, juices, and premium coffee. Knowing exactly what’s included will help you determine if it aligns with your drinking habits. Check the Celebrity Cruises website for the most up-to-date list of included beverages.
- Beers: A variety of domestic and imported beers are usually included, offering a range of styles and brands to choose from. This allows you to enjoy a casual beer by the pool without incurring extra charges.
- Spirits and Cocktails: Many well-known brands of spirits are part of the package, along with a selection of classic cocktails. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy your favorite mixed drinks without watching the costs add up.
- Wines by the Glass: A selection of red, white, and rosé wines is also usually offered. These are typically wines priced at or below the designated threshold per glass, giving you a decent selection of options.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: In addition to alcoholic options, the Classic Package includes unlimited soda, juices, and premium coffee. This is a great benefit for those who also enjoy non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
For example, a selection of popular beers such as Bud Light, Miller Lite, Heineken, and Corona may be included in the Classic Package. The specific brands may vary depending on the itinerary and availability.
Imagine ordering a gin and tonic or a rum and coke without worrying about the price. The Classic Package provides access to a range of these staple drinks, enhancing your overall cruise experience.
The wine selections often include popular varietals like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio. While higher-end wines may not be included, the Classic Package provides a sufficient choice for casual wine drinkers.
Staying hydrated on a cruise is essential, and the inclusion of soda and juice in the package allows you to do so without incurring extra charges. The availability of premium coffee also ensures you can enjoy a quality cup of joe each morning.
Factors Affecting the Price
Several factors can influence the price of the Classic Drinks Package. These can include the length of your cruise, the specific itinerary, and any promotions that Celebrity Cruises may be running. It’s essential to consider these elements when budgeting for your cruise vacation. Keep an eye out for special offers to maximize your savings.
- Cruise Length: The longer your cruise, the higher the overall cost of the drinks package will be. However, the daily cost may decrease slightly for longer itineraries.
- Itinerary: Some itineraries, particularly those in more remote or exotic destinations, may have higher package prices due to increased operational costs.
- Promotions: Celebrity Cruises frequently offers promotions that include discounted or complimentary drinks packages. These promotions can significantly reduce the overall cost of your cruise.
- Time of Year: Similar to airfare and hotel rates, cruise prices, including drink packages, fluctuate depending on the time of year. Peak seasons often see higher prices.
For example, a 7-night cruise will naturally have a higher package cost than a 3-night cruise. Longer cruises often come with discounted rates per day, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Cruises to Alaska or the Galapagos Islands may have slightly different pricing structures compared to those in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
Keep an eye out for promotions like “Sail Your Way” or “All Included,” which often include drinks packages as part of the deal. Booking during these periods can result in substantial savings.
Cruises during school holidays or popular vacation periods, such as summer and winter breaks, tend to have higher prices compared to shoulder seasons like spring and fall.
Estimating the Cost of the Classic Drinks Package
Pinpointing the exact cost of the Classic Drinks Package requires a bit of research. Pricing can vary, but we can provide a general estimate and guidance on how to find the specific price for your cruise. Understanding the typical cost range will help you budget effectively and determine if the package is a worthwhile investment.
Current Pricing Trends
As of late 2024, the Classic Drinks Package on Celebrity Cruises typically ranges from $69 to $79 per person, per day, excluding gratuities. However, prices are subject to change and can vary based on the factors mentioned above. It’s always best to check directly with Celebrity Cruises or your travel agent for the most accurate pricing.
A helpful tip is to compare prices across different sailing dates and itineraries. You might find that shifting your cruise by a week or two can significantly impact the overall cost, including the drinks package.
Adding Gratuities
It’s important to note that the listed price of the drinks package typically does not include gratuities. Celebrity Cruises automatically adds a daily gratuity to drinks packages, which can increase the overall cost by around 20%. Be sure to factor this into your budget when considering the package.
For example, if the Classic Drinks Package is priced at $70 per day, the addition of a 20% gratuity would bring the total daily cost to $84 per person. Over a 7-night cruise, this would add an extra $98.00 to your bill.
How to Find Exact Pricing
The most accurate way to determine the exact cost of the Classic Drinks Package for your specific cruise is to visit the Celebrity Cruises website or contact a travel agent. You can usually find pricing information during the booking process or by logging into your reservation. Make sure to check for any available promotions or discounts that may apply.
- Visit the Celebrity Cruises Website: Navigate to the Celebrity Cruises website and search for your desired cruise itinerary.
- Start the Booking Process: Begin the booking process and look for the option to add a drinks package.
- View Pricing: The price of the Classic Drinks Package, including any applicable gratuities, will be displayed.
- Contact a Travel Agent: Alternatively, you can contact a travel agent who can provide you with pricing information and help you find any available discounts.
Is the Classic Drinks Package Worth It?
Deciding whether the Classic Drinks Package is worth the investment depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Consider how many drinks you typically consume per day and compare that to the cost of purchasing individual beverages. If you plan to enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks each day, the package is likely to be a good value. However, if you only have a drink or two, you may be better off paying as you go.
Calculating Your Break-Even Point
To determine if the Classic Drinks Package is worth it, calculate your break-even point. This involves dividing the daily cost of the package (including gratuities) by the average price of a drink included in the package. The resulting number is the number of drinks you would need to consume each day to break even.
For instance, if the Classic Drinks Package costs $84 per day (including gratuities) and the average price of a drink is $9, you would need to consume approximately 9 drinks per day to break even. If you anticipate drinking more than that, the package is likely a good value.
Factors to Consider
In addition to your drinking habits, consider other factors such as the length of your cruise, the itinerary, and any special events or activities you plan to participate in. If you plan to spend a lot of time ashore on excursions, you may not get as much use out of the drinks package. However, if you plan to relax by the pool or enjoy the ship’s nightlife, the package could be a worthwhile investment.
- Excursions: If you plan to spend a significant amount of time on shore excursions, you may not have as many opportunities to utilize the drinks package.
- Special Events: If you plan to attend special events or themed parties on board, the drinks package can be a great way to enjoy a variety of cocktails and beverages without worrying about the cost.
- Sharing Policies: Keep in mind that Celebrity Cruises requires all adults staying in the same stateroom to purchase the same drinks package. This is an important consideration if one person drinks more than the other.
Consider the number of port days versus sea days on your itinerary. More port days mean less time spent on the ship, potentially reducing the value of the drinks package.
Celebrity Cruises often hosts themed parties and special events that are perfect for enjoying a few drinks. The Classic Drinks Package can enhance these experiences by providing access to a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
If one person in the stateroom does not drink or only drinks occasionally, the cost of the drinks package for both individuals may not be worthwhile. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to purchase drinks individually.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s consider a few scenarios to illustrate whether the Classic Drinks Package is a good value.
- Scenario 1: The Frequent Drinker – John enjoys having several cocktails, beers, and glasses of wine throughout the day. He estimates that he typically consumes 10 drinks per day on vacation. In this case, the Classic Drinks Package would likely be a good value for John.
- Scenario 2: The Occasional Sipper – Mary prefers to have just a glass of wine with dinner and maybe a cocktail in the evening. She estimates that she only consumes 2-3 drinks per day. In this case, the Classic Drinks Package may not be worth it for Mary, as she would likely save money by purchasing drinks individually.
Alternatives to the Classic Drinks Package
If the Classic Drinks Package doesn’t quite fit your needs or budget, there are several alternatives to consider. These include the Premium Drinks Package, purchasing drinks individually, or taking advantage of happy hour specials. Exploring these options can help you find the most cost-effective way to enjoy beverages on your cruise.
Premium Drinks Package
Celebrity Cruises also offers a Premium Drinks Package, which includes a wider selection of beverages, including higher-end spirits, wines, and cocktails. While the Premium Drinks Package is more expensive than the Classic Drinks Package, it may be a better value for those who prefer premium brands and top-shelf liquors. Consider your beverage preferences when deciding between the two packages.
The Premium Drinks Package typically includes everything in the Classic Drinks Package, plus access to more expensive wines, spirits, and cocktails. If you enjoy high-end brands like Grey Goose vodka or premium single-malt scotch, the Premium Drinks Package may be worth the extra cost.
Pay-As-You-Go
Another option is to simply pay for drinks individually as you go. This allows you to control your spending and only pay for the beverages you actually consume. However, it can be more difficult to track your spending and may end up being more expensive if you plan to enjoy multiple drinks each day. Keep track of your spending and compare it to the cost of the drinks package to see which option is more cost-effective.
Paying as you go requires careful monitoring of your spending. It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending on drinks, especially when you’re relaxing and enjoying your vacation. To help manage your expenses, consider setting a daily budget for drinks and tracking your purchases throughout the day.
Happy Hour Specials
Celebrity Cruises often offers happy hour specials at various bars and lounges on board. Taking advantage of these specials can be a great way to save money on drinks without committing to a full drinks package. Check the daily schedule for happy hour times and locations.
Happy hour specials often include discounted prices on select beers, wines, and cocktails. By strategically planning your drinking around these specials, you can significantly reduce your overall beverage costs. Be sure to check the daily cruise schedule for details on happy hour times and locations.
Debunking Common Myths About Cruise Drinks Packages
There are several common myths surrounding cruise drinks packages that can lead to confusion and misinformation. Let’s debunk some of these myths to provide a clearer understanding of what to expect.
Myth: You Can Share Your Drinks Package
Fact: Celebrity Cruises strictly prohibits sharing drinks packages. The package is intended for individual use only, and sharing with other guests can result in the package being revoked. Each adult in the stateroom is required to purchase their own package if they wish to participate. This policy helps to prevent abuse of the system and ensures that everyone is paying their fair share.
Myth: Drinks Packages Cover Everything
Fact: While drinks packages offer a wide selection of beverages, they typically do not cover everything. Certain high-end wines, spirits, and cocktails may be excluded from the package and will need to be purchased separately. Be sure to check the specific inclusions of the package to avoid any surprises.
Myth: You Must Drink a Lot to Make It Worth It
Fact: While it’s true that you need to consume a certain number of drinks to break even, the value of the drinks package extends beyond just the cost savings. The convenience of having unlimited drinks at your fingertips and not having to worry about the cost of each individual beverage can significantly enhance your cruise experience. The “peace of mind” factor has real value.
FAQ
How much does the Classic Drinks Package on Celebrity Cruises cost per day?
The Classic Drinks Package typically costs between $69 and $79 per person, per day, plus gratuities. The exact price depends on the cruise itinerary, length, and any ongoing promotions. Remember to factor in the 20% gratuity charge, which will increase the daily cost.
What drinks are included in the Classic Drinks Package?
The Classic Drinks Package includes a variety of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass up to a certain price point (usually around $9). It also includes non-alcoholic options like soda, juices, and premium coffee. The specific brands and selections may vary, so it’s best to check with Celebrity Cruises for the most up-to-date list.
Is it mandatory to purchase a drinks package on Celebrity Cruises?
No, purchasing a drinks package is not mandatory. You can choose to purchase drinks individually as you go. However, if you plan to consume multiple drinks each day, a drinks package may be more cost-effective. Consider your drinking habits and preferences to determine the best option for you.
Do I have to buy a drinks package for everyone in my cabin?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises requires all adults (over 21 in the USA, may vary in other regions) staying in the same stateroom to purchase the same drinks package. This policy is in place to prevent sharing of the package benefits. If one person doesn’t drink, this can be a significant factor in deciding whether to purchase a package at all.
How can I find the current price of the Classic Drinks Package for my specific cruise?
The best way to find the current price of the Classic Drinks Package for your specific cruise is to visit the Celebrity Cruises website and start the booking process or log into your existing reservation. You can also contact a travel agent who can provide you with pricing information and help you find any available discounts or promotions.
What happens if I purchase a drink that costs more than the Classic Drinks Package allowance?
If you order a drink that costs more than the price limit covered by the Classic Drinks Package (e.g., a cocktail that costs $12 when your limit is $9), you will be charged the difference. In this case, you would pay $3 for that particular drink. This allows you to still enjoy premium beverages without being fully excluded from the package benefits.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, deciding how much is a classic drinks package on Celebrity Cruises and if it’s worth the investment requires careful consideration of your personal drinking habits, preferences, and overall cruise plans. Weigh the cost of the package against the potential savings and convenience it offers. By thoroughly researching your options and calculating your break-even point, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your cruise experience and help you stay within your budget. Happy cruising!