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Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

When planning your dream vacation aboard a Celebrity Cruises ship, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether purchasing a drink package is truly worth it. With so many dining and entertainment experiences available onboard, guests often want to know if the additional cost of a beverage package provides real value or if they can manage without it.

Celebrity Cruises is known for its luxurious service, gourmet dining, and premium experiences, and their drink packages are designed to make your time onboard as smooth and indulgent as possible. However, understanding the inclusions, benefits, and costs is key to determining whether a drink package is the right choice for your cruise style.

What Is a Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

A drink package on Celebrity Cruises allows you to enjoy unlimited beverages throughout your voyage for a flat daily rate. It eliminates the need to sign receipts or pay for each drink individually. Instead, you pay one price upfront and can enjoy everything from cocktails and beer to specialty coffees, water, and soft drinks.

Celebrity Cruises offers multiple drink packages catering to different preferences and budgets. The most popular options are:

  • Classic Beverage Package

  • Premium Beverage Package

  • Non-Alcoholic Drink Package

  • Soda Package

  • Premium Water Package

Each package offers a different range of beverages and price points, so understanding the differences is essential before deciding whether to buy one.

What’s Included in the Drink Packages?

1. Classic Beverage Package:This package includes beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, and spirits up to a certain price limit per drink. It also covers bottled water, sodas, and specialty coffees.

2. Premium Beverage Package:The premium plan includes everything from the Classic tier plus top-shelf spirits, craft cocktails, fine wines, energy drinks, and premium bottled waters. It’s designed for guests who enjoy high-end labels and variety.

3. Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package:Perfect for guests who don’t drink alcohol but still want unlimited access to mocktails, specialty coffees, juices, bottled water, and sodas.

4. Soda Package:A basic package for unlimited fountain sodas and soft drinks throughout the cruise.

5. Premium Water Package:Provides unlimited premium bottled still and sparkling water, great for those who prefer branded hydration.

How Much Do the Packages Cost?

The prices of Celebrity Cruises drink packages typically range as follows:

  • Classic Beverage Package: Around $89 per person, per day

  • Premium Beverage Package: Around $109 per person, per day

  • Non-Alcoholic Package: Around $30–$40 per person, per day

  • Soda Package: Around $10–$15 per person, per day

  • Premium Water Package: Around $20 per person, per day

Note that prices can vary based on the ship, sailing length, and destination. An automatic 20% gratuity is added to each package at purchase.

Why Buying a Drink Package Might Be Worth It

There are several reasons why investing in a Celebrity Cruises drink package can be an excellent decision for many guests.

1. Convenience and Ease

A drink package allows you to enjoy beverages anywhere onboard without worrying about cost each time you order. There’s no need to carry cash or sign receipts. You simply show your SeaPass card, and your drink is served instantly.

2. Value for Frequent Drinkers

If you typically enjoy several drinks a day — whether that’s morning cappuccinos, afternoon beers, or evening cocktails — the package offers real value. Without a package, a single cocktail can cost $15, and wines by the glass may reach $12 or more.

If you average four to six drinks daily, the package easily pays for itself.

3. Luxury and Variety

Celebrity Cruises prides itself on offering premium brands and exquisite drink selections. With a drink package, you can explore new wines, craft cocktails, and high-end liquors without worrying about the cost of trying something unfamiliar.

4. Stress-Free Budgeting

By prepaying for your drinks, you’ll know exactly what your onboard expenses are before sailing. There are no surprise bar bills at the end of the cruise, making budgeting much simpler.

5. Enhanced Experience

Having a drink package adds to the feeling of indulgence and relaxation. You can order drinks freely at any time, enjoy socializing at bars, and make the most of every moment without hesitation.

Why It Might Not Be Worth It

While many travelers find drink packages valuable, they aren’t ideal for everyone.

1. Light Drinkers

If you only plan to have one or two alcoholic beverages a day, it may not justify the cost. You might save more by paying for drinks individually.

2. Port-Intensive Cruises

If your itinerary includes several port stops where you’ll spend most of the day off the ship, you won’t be using your drink package as much. Paying for individual drinks could be more economical.

3. Included Drink Packages in Promotions

Celebrity Cruises often runs “All Included” promotions that bundle a Classic Drink Package, Wi-Fi, and gratuities into your fare. If you already have this included, upgrading to Premium may not always be necessary unless you prefer top-tier beverages.

4. Non-Drinkers

If you rarely drink alcohol, investing in a beverage package won’t make sense. Non-alcoholic or soda packages are better options for you.

Realistic Example of Value

Let’s say you choose the Premium Beverage Package for $109 per day. Here’s how quickly you might reach that value:

  • 3 Cocktails ($15 each) = $45

  • 2 Glasses of Wine ($12 each) = $24

  • 1 Specialty Coffee = $6

  • 2 Bottled Waters = $8

  • 1 Beer = $9Total: $92

Add gratuities and potential price variations, and you’ve already matched or exceeded the daily cost. Plus, the package offers unlimited options, so you don’t need to keep track of spending.

Can You Upgrade or Cancel a Drink Package?

Yes. You can upgrade your package anytime during the cruise by paying the price difference between your current package and the one you want. For example, if you start with the Classic Package but decide you want premium spirits, you can upgrade mid-sailing.

You can also cancel the package before your cruise departs for a full refund. Once onboard, cancellations are usually not permitted after the first day of sailing.

Where Can You Use the Drink Package?

Celebrity Cruises drink packages are accepted at nearly all onboard venues, including:

  • Main dining rooms

  • Specialty restaurants

  • Pool bars and lounges

  • Theaters and entertainment areas

  • Cafés and buffets

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you might also be able to use the package at Celebrity’s private destinations, though coverage may vary.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Drink Package

  1. Purchase in Advance:Buying your drink package before boarding can save up to 20%.

  2. Take Advantage of Promotions:Look for “All Included” offers or pre-cruise sales.

  3. Use It Everywhere:Remember, your package is valid at nearly all ship venues — use it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

  4. Stay Hydrated:Use your package to grab bottled water frequently, especially if you’re exploring sunny destinations.

  5. Try New Drinks:Since it’s prepaid, experiment with new cocktails or wines you wouldn’t normally order.

The Experience Factor

Beyond the financial benefits, the drink package adds an element of relaxation and enjoyment. You can sip a mimosa in the morning, enjoy a frozen cocktail by the pool, and toast with champagne at dinner — all without a second thought.

It enhances the all-inclusive nature of a Celebrity Cruise, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the luxury experience the brand is known for.

Conclusion

So, is it worth buying a drink package on Celebrity Cruises?

For most guests, the answer is yes — especially those who enjoy multiple beverages each day and want a seamless, stress-free experience. The packages offer excellent value, luxury, and convenience, ensuring you can indulge in top-tier drinks without worrying about costs.

However, if you drink lightly, prefer port excursions over shipboard time, or already have a package included in your fare, it might be more economical to skip or downgrade the package.

Ultimately, the worth of a drink package comes down to your personal preferences and cruise habits. For many travelers, though, the ability to relax, sip, and savor every moment makes the Celebrity Cruises drink package one of the best investments for an unforgettable vacation.

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