Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages

Understanding Celebrity Cruises’s Drink Packages

Ah, Celebrity Cruises, where the allure of the high seas meets the temptation of high tabs. If you’re pondering over whether to indulge in one of their drink packages, buckle up, because we’re about to break down the good, the bad, and the boozy of Celebrity Cruises’s offerings. For those looking to skip the fluff and get straight to the nitty-gritty numbers, you can always dive into the Celebrity Cruises Dossier for more insights.

Package Types and Pricing

Celebrity Cruises serves up three main drink packages: the Classic Package, the Premium Package, and the Zero-Proof Package. Let’s pop the cork on these details:

• Classic Package: Priced at roughly $89 per day, this package includes drinks up to $10. Think basic cocktails, wines, and beers.
• Premium Package: For $109 per day, you’ll access drinks up to $17. This unlocks premium spirits, craft cocktails, and a better selection of wines and beers.
• Zero-Proof Package: At around $30 per day, this non-alcoholic option covers specialty coffees, bottled water, energy drinks, and mocktails.

Keep in mind, these prices are subject to a mandatory 20% gratuity, so don’t let that sneak up on you like a rogue wave.

What’s Included vs. Excluded

The classic bait-and-switch. Drink packages are a cruise line’s way of scooting around those hidden costs. Here’s what you’ll find:

Included:

• Basic spirits, beers, and wines (Classic tops at $10, Premium at $17)
• Soft drinks, juices, water (bottled and sparkling for Premium)
• Specialty coffees and teas

Excluded:

• Drinks exceeding your package’s price cap
• In-room minibar items and room service
• Souvenir glasses (Aren’t those always the catch?)

When Does the Package Pay for Itself?

Let’s do some napkin math. Assuming you’ll indulge in three cocktails at $10 each, two specialty coffees at $5 each, a bottle of water at $4, and maybe a glass of wine at dinner for $9, you’re already shelling out $53 sans gratuity. Opting for the Classic Package means you’re breaking even with an added safety net for that extra drink or two.

With the Premium Package, swap some drinks for the pricier ones or indulge in a craft cocktail, and you’ll find value if you plan to consume around five or more premium beverages a day. And remember, it’s not just about alcohol—those gourmet lattes add up too!

Specialty Drink Markups

Ah, the fine art of markup. Onboard, your $7 cocktail on land can magically become $12. Why? Because you’re on a floating palace, and that paper umbrella is apparently gold-plated. Premium packages help cushion this blow, allowing for more variety without the sticker shock.

Non-Alcoholic Options

For teetotalers or those giving their liver a holiday, the Zero-Proof Package is a sanity saver. With daily costs around $30, it covers not only gourmet coffees and fresh juices but also mocktails that make you *feel* like you’re sipping the real deal.

Sharing Rules

Sorry, folks, no sharing the liquid love. Celebrity Cruises enforces a strict one-package-per-passenger policy. This means if one adult in a cabin buys a package, every adult must purchase one. It’s their way of preventing you from gaming the system, which is a bummer for couples with differing drink habits.

Hacks and Tips

Book in Advance: Sometimes Celebrity cruises offer discounts on drink packages when booked ahead of your sail date. Check periodically for any specials.

Know Your Ports: If you’re planning shore excursions in ports where local drinks are too enticing to pass up, consider your onboard drinking habits. You might not need a package for the full cruise duration.

BYOB: Celebrity lets you bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom on embarkation day. Use this to your advantage!

Happy Hours: Look out for promotions or happy hours on board where you can snag a discounted drink without a package.