How to Pay for Drinks on a Celebrity Cruises?

A Celebrity Cruises vacation is all about relaxation, indulgence, and enjoying luxury at sea. One of the most enjoyable parts of your journey is savoring your favorite beverages — from refreshing cocktails and wines to specialty coffees and soft drinks. However, understanding how to pay for drinks on a Celebrity Cruises ship is essential for managing your onboard budget and making the most of your experience.

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about paying for drinks on Celebrity Cruises, including payment methods, drink package options, and helpful tips for maximizing value during your voyage.

Understanding How Drinks Work on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises operates as a cashless environment, meaning you don’t use physical cash or credit cards for onboard purchases. Instead, all charges — including drinks — are billed to your SeaPass account, which is linked to your credit card or preloaded funds.

When you order a drink from any bar, restaurant, or lounge, the cost is automatically added to your onboard account. You can then settle the bill at the end of your cruise.

This system ensures that you can enjoy your vacation freely without worrying about carrying money or signing receipts constantly.

Payment Methods for Drinks

There are two main ways to pay for drinks on Celebrity Cruises:

1. Pay-As-You-Go System

2. Drink Packages

Each option offers flexibility depending on your budget, drinking preferences, and travel style.

1. Pay-As-You-Go

If you choose not to purchase a drink package, you can pay for beverages individually throughout your cruise. This is a good option for guests who drink occasionally or prefer total control over their spending.

Each time you order a drink, the cost is added to your SeaPass account. Prices vary depending on the type of beverage:

• Cocktails: Around $12 to $17 each

• Beer: Around $8 to $10 each

• Wine by the Glass: Around $10 to $20

• Specialty Coffee: Around $5 to $7

• Soft Drinks: Around $3 to $5

• Bottled Water: Around $3 to $6

At the end of your voyage, all charges are totaled, and your payment method on file (credit card or prepaid balance) is used to settle your account.

If you prefer more flexibility and don’t drink heavily, the pay-as-you-go option may be ideal.

2. Drink Packages

For guests who enjoy multiple beverages daily or want a more carefree experience, Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of drink packages that allow unlimited consumption for a flat daily fee.

Drink packages eliminate the need to pay per drink and are automatically charged once at the start of your cruise. These packages can be purchased before sailing through the Cruise Planner or onboard during embarkation.

Let’s explore the main drink packages and their inclusions.

Classic Beverage Package

The Classic Beverage Package offers a wide selection of beverages, including:

• Spirits, cocktails, and liquors up to a certain price limit per serving

• Domestic and imported beers

• Wines by the glass within the classic range

• Soft drinks and juices

• Specialty coffees and bottled water

The cost of this package is approximately $89 per person, per day before gratuities.

This option is best for guests who enjoy moderate drinking and prefer well-known brands rather than premium liquors.

Premium Beverage Package

The Premium Beverage Package is ideal for travelers who appreciate high-end drinks and a broader variety. It includes:

• Top-shelf spirits and liquors

• Craft cocktails and champagne by the glass

• Premium wines by the glass

• Energy drinks and fresh juices

• Bottled still and sparkling water

This package costs around $109 per person, per day before gratuities.

The Premium Package gives you access to Celebrity Cruises’ finest selection of beverages, making it perfect for those who want a luxury drinking experience.

Non-Alcoholic Packages

If you prefer not to consume alcohol, there are excellent non-alcoholic drink packages available:

• Classic Non-Alcoholic Package: Includes juices, premium coffees, bottled water, smoothies, and soft drinks.

• Soda Package: Offers unlimited fountain sodas throughout the voyage.

• Premium Water Package: Provides unlimited premium bottled still and sparkling waters.

These packages range from $10 to $40 per person, per day, depending on the selection.

3. The “All Included” Fare Option

Many Celebrity Cruises itineraries now offer an All Included fare, which automatically bundles a Classic Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into your cruise price.

If you book this fare, you won’t need to pay separately for drinks, as most beverages are already covered. You can upgrade to a Premium Beverage Package for an additional daily fee if you prefer more luxurious options.

The All Included option is ideal for travelers who want a seamless, all-inclusive experience and don’t want to think about onboard spending.

How to Purchase a Drink Package

You can buy a drink package in several convenient ways:

1. Before Your Cruise:Log into your Celebrity Cruises account and navigate to the “Cruise Planner.” Pre-purchasing a package often offers discounts of up to 20%.

2. During Check-In:You can add a drink package while checking in at the terminal before boarding.

3. Once Onboard:Visit Guest Services or any onboard bar on the first day of sailing to purchase a package.

Once activated, your SeaPass card will display a symbol indicating your package type, allowing bartenders to serve you without charge each time.

How to Track Your Spending

Even with a drink package, it’s good to monitor your onboard spending. You can:

• Check your balance via the Celebrity Cruises app

• Visit the Guest Services desk

• Use your stateroom TV to view account activity

Monitoring ensures accuracy and helps you avoid surprise charges, especially for items not covered by your package (like wine bottles or minibar drinks).

Important Policies to Know

1. Per Person Requirement:If one adult in a stateroom buys an alcoholic beverage package, all adults (21+) in the same room must also purchase one.

2. Non-Transferable:Packages cannot be shared or transferred to another guest.

3. Responsible Drinking:Celebrity Cruises enforces a responsible service policy. Bartenders may refuse service if a guest appears intoxicated.

4. Gratuities:A 20% service charge is automatically added to the package price.

5. Port-Day Usage:Drink packages are valid on the ship and sometimes on private islands (depending on the itinerary), but not at bars in local ports.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks

1. Book During Promotions:Celebrity Cruises frequently runs special offers that include free or discounted drink packages.

2. Bring Allowed Beverages:Guests can bring up to two bottles of wine (750 ml each) per stateroom at embarkation. This can save money on bar purchases.

3. Look for Happy Hours:Some bars offer discounted drinks during special times, even if you don’t have a package.

4. Upgrade Smartly:If you already have a Classic Package included in your fare, upgrade to Premium only if you plan to enjoy top-shelf options.

5. Stay Hydrated:Use your drink package for water bottles and non-alcoholic beverages too — they’re included and help you get maximum value.

Example of Daily Drink Costs Without a Package

Here’s a typical day’s drink spending for one guest without a package:

• Morning Latte: $6

• Poolside Beer: $9

• Afternoon Cocktail: $15

• Wine at Dinner: $12

• Nightcap Whiskey: $17

• Bottled Water and Soft Drinks: $8Total: $67 (before gratuity)

Over a 7-day cruise, that adds up to more than $450. With a drink package, you pay a set rate and can enjoy unlimited beverages without tracking every expense.

Is a Drink Package the Best Way to Pay?

If you plan to drink frequently, a beverage package offers convenience, value, and peace of mind. However, if you’re a light drinker, paying per drink may be more cost-effective.

The key is to estimate your average daily consumption. If you expect to order four or more alcoholic drinks daily, the package likely saves you money. If not, paying individually may be better.

Conclusion 

Paying for drinks on Celebrity Cruises is simple, flexible, and designed for convenience. Whether you prefer to pay per drink or enjoy unlimited beverages through a drink package, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s needs.

For many guests, a drink package adds freedom, value, and luxury to their journey — allowing them to focus on enjoying every cocktail, cappuccino, and toast without worrying about the bill.

If your goal is to make your cruise truly relaxing, stress-free, and indulgent, choosing the right drink payment option is the perfect way to elevate your Celebrity Cruises experience.