Is Celebrity Cruise Line All Inclusive What You Need to Know

Celebrity Cruise Line is not fully all-inclusive, but it offers a premium experience with many inclusions like dining, entertainment, and select beverages. Key extras like alcohol, specialty dining, and gratuities often cost extra, so budgeting for add-ons is essential to avoid surprises. Choose a package like “Always Included” for a more inclusive fare with perks like Wi-Fi, drinks, and tips covered.

Key Takeaways

• Not fully all-inclusive: Celebrity Cruises offers premium packages, but base fares exclude extras like alcohol and specialty dining.
• Choose an all-inclusive package: Opt for the “Always Included” add-on for drinks, tips, and Wi-Fi.
• Specialty dining costs extra: Book in advance or pay à la carte for premium restaurants onboard.
• Gratuities are automatic: Daily service charges apply unless you pre-purchase an all-inclusive fare.
• Wi-Fi pricing varies: Select packages include internet; others require hourly or daily rates.
• Kids’ programs are free: Complimentary youth activities make it family-friendly despite partial inclusions.

Is Celebrity Cruise Line All Inclusive? What You Need to Know

When planning a cruise vacation, the term all-inclusive often conjures images of luxury, convenience, and worry-free travel. For many, the appeal of a cruise lies in its ability to bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment, and activities into a single price tag. But when it comes to Celebrity Cruises, one of the most celebrated names in the premium cruise industry, the question remains: Is Celebrity Cruise Line all inclusive? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Instead, it’s a nuanced blend of inclusive amenities, optional upgrades, and tiered pricing that caters to a wide range of travelers.

Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, is renowned for its modern luxury, innovative ship designs, and elevated guest experiences. With a fleet of over 15 ships—including the revolutionary Edge-class vessels—Celebrity targets travelers who seek sophistication, gourmet dining, and immersive destinations. However, unlike some of its competitors that market themselves as fully all-inclusive (like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea), Celebrity operates on a mostly inclusive model with a la carte options. This means that while many core services are included in the base fare, additional premium experiences, beverages, and services often come at an extra cost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unpack exactly what’s included, what’s not, and how to get the most value from your Celebrity cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, understanding the inclusions and exclusions will help you plan a trip that matches your expectations and budget.

What’s Included in a Celebrity Cruise Base Fare?

The foundation of a Celebrity cruise experience lies in the base fare, which covers a wide array of essential amenities and services. While not every luxury comes standard, the included offerings are extensive and designed to provide a high-end experience right from the start. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to be included without additional charges.

Accommodations and Staterooms

All guests receive a private stateroom or suite, ranging from interior cabins to spacious suites with private balconies. Celebrity emphasizes modern design, plush bedding (including the Celebrity eXhale® bedding), and smart room technology. Even the most basic interior rooms are equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs, climate control, and premium toiletries. Balcony and suite guests enjoy additional perks such as priority embarkation, concierge service, and access to exclusive lounges.

Main Dining and Buffet Options

Meals are a cornerstone of the Celebrity experience, and the base fare includes access to multiple complimentary dining venues:

• Main Dining Room (MDR): Offers rotating menus with globally inspired cuisine, served in an elegant setting. Guests can choose fixed or flexible dining times.
• The Oceanview Café: A large, open buffet with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including made-to-order stations and healthy eating zones.
• The Spa Café: Located near the fitness center, this casual spot serves light, nutritious meals and snacks.
• Room Service (limited hours): Available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a small delivery fee (typically $7.95 per order).

For example, on a 7-night Caribbean cruise, you’ll enjoy over 20 complimentary meals across these venues—no need to worry about food costs during your stay.

Entertainment and Onboard Activities

Celebrity invests heavily in entertainment, and all guests have access to:

• Broadway-style shows in the Theatre (e.g., “Kinky Boots” on Celebrity Edge).
• Live music in lounges like The Club and The Sky Lounge.
• Interactive game shows, trivia, and dance classes.
• Enrichment programs such as art auctions, wine tastings (basic versions), and guest lecturers.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the complimentary access to the Fitness Center, which includes cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as group classes like yoga and Pilates (some specialty classes may require a fee).

Port Taxes and Basic Gratuities

The base fare includes all mandatory port fees and taxes, which can add up to hundreds of dollars on other lines. Additionally, basic gratuities (also known as service charges) are automatically added to your account at a standard rate—typically $16–$20 per person, per day for standard staterooms, and higher for suites. These cover the crew’s service, including room stewards and dining staff.

Kids’ and Teen Programs

Celebrity’s Camp@Sea program offers complimentary activities for children aged 3–12, including themed games, crafts, and outdoor play. Teens (13–17) have access to the Teen Lounge with video games, movies, and social events. Babysitting services (for a fee) are also available.

What’s Not Included in the Base Fare?

While the base fare covers a lot, Celebrity Cruises operates on a premium a la carte model, meaning many high-end experiences require extra payment. Understanding these exclusions is key to avoiding surprise charges and planning your budget effectively.

Alcoholic and Specialty Beverages

One of the biggest differences between Celebrity and fully all-inclusive lines is the beverage policy. The base fare includes:

• Non-alcoholic drinks: coffee, tea, juice, soda, and bottled water (available in staterooms and public areas).
• Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits at select events (e.g., welcome parties).

However, alcoholic drinks are not included. This includes:

• Beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits at bars and restaurants.
• Specialty coffees (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos).
• Premium bottled water (e.g., Perrier, San Pellegrino).

For example, a glass of house wine costs $12–$18, while a craft cocktail can reach $16. To manage costs, Celebrity offers beverage packages (discussed later).

Specialty Dining Restaurants

While the main dining rooms and buffets are included, Celebrity’s specialty restaurants—renowned for their culinary excellence—require reservations and a cover charge. These include:

• Le Petit Chef: A 4D immersive dining experience (from $49 per person).
• Raw on 5: Upscale seafood and sushi (from $35 per person).
• Tuscan Grille: Italian fine dining (from $45 per person).
• Murano: French haute cuisine (from $59 per person).

These restaurants often require advance booking, and availability can be limited—especially on shorter cruises.

Spa and Salon Services

The Celebrity Spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, but all services are à la carte. Prices start at $129 for a 50-minute massage. The spa also features a thermal suite (sauna, steam room, heated loungers), which requires a daily or cruise-long pass (from $35/day).

Shore Excursions and Private Tours

While Celebrity offers complimentary port talks and basic walking tours, most shore excursions—especially those involving transportation, guides, or unique experiences (e.g., snorkeling, cooking classes)—are sold separately. Prices range from $50 to $500+ per person, depending on the destination and activity.

Wi-Fi and Internet Access

Basic Wi-Fi (for email and messaging) is available, but high-speed internet for streaming, video calls, or social media requires a paid plan. Celebrity offers several tiers:

• Social Wi-Fi: $20/day (limited to social apps).
• Surf Wi-Fi: $30/day (browsing, email, light streaming).
• Stream Wi-Fi: $40/day (HD streaming, video calls).

Multi-device packages and cruise-long deals are also available.

Understanding Celebrity’s Beverage and Dining Packages

To bridge the gap between base inclusions and premium add-ons, Celebrity offers several package options that can significantly enhance your cruise experience—and potentially save you money if you plan to indulge.

Beverage Packages: Which One Is Right for You?

Celebrity provides multiple beverage packages, each tailored to different drinking preferences:

• Classic Drinks Package: $70/day (includes beer, wine by the glass, cocktails up to $17, soda, bottled water, and specialty coffee).
• Premium Drinks Package: $85/day (adds premium spirits, top-shelf wine, and premium cocktails up to $20).
• Zero-Proof Package: $30/day (non-alcoholic drinks, including mocktails and premium sodas).

Pro Tip: The Classic package is ideal for moderate drinkers, while the Premium package is best for cocktail lovers or those who enjoy fine wine. To determine if a package is worth it, calculate your average daily alcohol spending. For example, if you typically spend $60/day on drinks, the Classic package ($70/day) is a small premium for added convenience and unlimited access.

Dining Packages: Elevate Your Culinary Experience

For food enthusiasts, Celebrity’s Dining Packages offer a cost-effective way to enjoy multiple specialty restaurants:

• 3-Restaurant Package: $129 (choose any three specialty restaurants).
• 4-Restaurant Package: $169 (includes four restaurants).
• Unlimited Dining Package: $299 (unlimited visits to all specialty restaurants).

For instance, if you plan to dine at Murano ($59), Tuscan Grille ($45), and Le Petit Chef ($49), the 3-Restaurant Package saves you $24. The Unlimited package is ideal for gourmet travelers on longer cruises (7+ nights).

Wi-Fi and Internet Packages

As mentioned earlier, Wi-Fi packages vary by speed and duration. For families or remote workers, a multi-device plan (e.g., Surf for 2 devices: $50/day) may be more economical than individual purchases.

Combining Packages: The “Always Included” Option

Celebrity’s Always Included pricing model (launched in 2021) bundles the Classic Drinks Package, basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities into the base fare for most sailings. This means you’ll pay a slightly higher upfront price but avoid daily add-ons. For example, a 7-night cruise with Always Included might cost $1,800 per person instead of $1,600, but you save $350 in beverage and Wi-Fi fees. This option is highly recommended for budget-conscious travelers who want predictability.

Suite Perks and The Retreat: The Closest Thing to All-Inclusive

If you’re seeking a truly all-inclusive experience on Celebrity, suite guests and those staying in The Retreat come closest to the premium, worry-free model.

The Retreat: A Private Oasis

The Retreat is Celebrity’s exclusive suite complex, available on Edge-class and newer ships. It includes:

• Private sundeck with a pool, hot tubs, and cabanas.
• Luminae at The Retreat: A private restaurant with complimentary gourmet dining (no cover charge).
• The Retreat Lounge: All-day snacks, premium beverages, and concierge service.
• Priority boarding and disembarkation.
• Dedicated butler service.

Suite guests also receive:

• Complimentary access to the Thermal Suite (normally $35/day).
• Priority reservations for specialty dining and shore excursions.
• Welcome bottle of wine or champagne.

For example, a 7-night cruise in a Sky Suite with The Retreat access can cost $6,000–$8,000 per person, but the inclusions are extensive—akin to a luxury all-inclusive resort.

Savings vs. Value

While The Retreat is expensive, it offers significant value. On a 10-night cruise, the included amenities (e.g., $1,000+ in specialty dining, $350 in spa access, $500 in beverages) can offset the higher price. For luxury travelers, this tier delivers a seamless, all-inclusive feel without sacrificing Celebrity’s signature service.

How to Maximize Value on a Celebrity Cruise

Whether you’re booking a standard stateroom or a suite, strategic planning can help you enjoy a near-all-inclusive experience without overspending.

Book Early and Choose the Right Sailing

Early booking (6–12 months in advance) often unlocks promotions like:

• Free upgrades (e.g., from oceanview to balcony).
• Onboard credit ($100–$500 per cabin).
• Reduced deposits (as low as $100 per person).

Additionally, off-season sailings (e.g., late fall in the Caribbean, early spring in Europe) offer lower prices and fewer crowds.

Opt for the “Always Included” Pricing

As mentioned, this bundle eliminates daily add-ons for drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. It’s especially valuable for families or groups who plan to drink and use the internet daily.

Take Advantage of Complimentary Experiences

Many high-quality activities are included:

• Attend free cooking demonstrations by Celebrity chefs.
• Join complimentary wine tastings (basic versions).
• Use the Fitness Center for free group classes.

For example, on a 7-night cruise, you could attend 3–4 free events per day, saving $100+ in activity fees.

Pre-Purchase Packages Online

Buying beverage, dining, or Wi-Fi packages before your cruise (via the Celebrity app or website) often comes with a 10–15% discount. For instance, a Premium Drinks Package drops from $85/day to $72/day when pre-purchased.

Use Onboard Credit Wisely

Onboard credit (OBC) can be used for:

• Specialty dining.
• Spa services.
• Shore excursions.
• Photo packages.

Tip: Prioritize experiences you can’t easily replicate at home (e.g., a couples’ massage, a private catamaran tour).

Data Table: Inclusions Comparison (Celebrity vs. All-Inclusive Competitors)

Feature	Celebrity Cruises (Base Fare)	Regent Seven Seas	Silversea
Accommodations	Included	Included	Included
Main Dining	Included	Included	Included
Specialty Dining	À la carte ($25–$60)	Included	Included
Alcoholic Beverages	À la carte (packages available)	Included	Included
Wi-Fi	Basic (paid high-speed)	Included (unlimited)	Included (unlimited)
Gratuities	Included (base rate)	Included	Included
Shore Excursions	À la carte ($50–$500+)	Included (up to 3 per port)	Included (1–2 per port)
Spa Access	À la carte ($129+)	À la carte (discounts for suite guests)	À la carte (discounts for suite guests)

Conclusion

So, is Celebrity Cruise Line all inclusive? The answer is: mostly, but not entirely. Unlike fully all-inclusive lines like Regent Seven Seas or Silversea, Celebrity Cruises includes a robust set of core amenities in its base fare—accommodations, dining, entertainment, and gratuities—while offering premium upgrades for beverages, specialty dining, spa services, and shore excursions. The key to a satisfying Celebrity cruise lies in understanding these tiers and planning accordingly.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Always Included pricing model provides a predictable, near-all-inclusive experience by bundling drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Meanwhile, suite and Retreat guests enjoy a luxury resort-like environment with extensive complimentary perks. Whether you choose to splurge on packages or stick to the basics, Celebrity’s modern luxury, innovative ships, and exceptional service ensure a memorable voyage.

Ultimately, the “all-inclusive” experience is what you make of it. By leveraging early bookings, pre-purchased packages, and complimentary activities, you can enjoy a Celebrity cruise that feels as seamless and indulgent as any fully all-inclusive vacation—without sacrificing the flexibility to tailor your trip to your tastes. So pack your bags, raise a glass (with or without a package), and set sail on a journey where luxury and value coexist in perfect harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Celebrity Cruise Line all inclusive?

Celebrity Cruise Line offers a semi-inclusive experience. While the base fare covers accommodations, meals at select restaurants, and standard entertainment, extras like alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, and gratuities often require additional payment.

What’s included in an all-inclusive package with Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity doesn’t offer a traditional all-inclusive package, but you can upgrade to an “All Included” fare. This bundles Wi-Fi, drinks (including alcohol), and prepaid tips, simplifying your onboard budget.

Do I need to pay extra for drinks on Celebrity Cruise Line?

Unless you’ve purchased an “All Included” fare, drinks like soda, alcohol, and specialty coffee aren’t covered in the base price. You can buy drink packages or pay à la carte for these items.

Are gratuities included in the cost of a Celebrity cruise?

Gratuities aren’t automatically included in the base fare but can be prepaid or added to your onboard account. If you book the “All Included” option, tips are covered as part of the package.

Does the base fare cover specialty dining on Celebrity?

No, the base fare includes meals at the main dining room and buffet, but specialty restaurants (e.g., steakhouse, Italian) incur an extra fee unless you use a dining package or credit.

Is Wi-Fi included on Celebrity Cruise Line?

Wi-Fi isn’t included in the standard fare unless you book the “All Included” option. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a separate internet package based on your usage needs.