Drink Prices on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises charges for most alcoholic drinks and many non-alcoholic beverages beyond what is included in your cruise fare. A beer typically costs $6 to $8, a glass of wine runs $7 to $12, and cocktails range from $10 to $16, depending on the drink and which ship you are on. Specialty drinks and premium spirits cost more. Water, coffee, tea, and basic soft drinks at meals are included; everything else you order at a bar, pool deck, or specialty venue costs extra.

The line also offers a beverage package that covers most drinks for a flat daily rate. This package costs between $15 and $20 per person per day if you purchase it before your cruise, or $17 to $22 per day if you buy it onboard. The package includes beer, wine, spirits, coffee drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages, but excludes premium wines and bottles ordered from the wine list. If you drink regularly during your cruise, the package usually saves money compared to paying per drink.

Key Takeaways

  • Individual drinks cost $6 to $16 depending on type, with beer and soft drinks on the lower end and cocktails on the higher end.
  • A beverage package costs $15 to $22 per person per day and covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, but not premium wines.
  • Water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks at meals are included in your cruise fare without a package.
  • Buying a package before your cruise is cheaper than purchasing it onboard or paying per drink if you plan to have multiple beverages daily.
  • Specialty venues like wine bars and steakhouses may charge extra even with a beverage package.

What Is Included Without a Package

Your cruise fare includes water, coffee, tea, and basic soft drinks at breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main dining room and buffet. You can also order these items at any time from room service at no extra charge. Juice at meals is included as well. However, any alcoholic drink, bottled water, specialty coffee drinks (like lattes), energy drinks, and premium sodas require payment unless you have a beverage package.

The line distinguishes between what you order at a restaurant table during a meal and what you order at a bar or pool deck. At dinner in the main dining room, your soft drink is included. At the pool bar, that same soft drink costs money. This matters because Celebrity's ships have multiple venues, and the rules differ by location.

How the Beverage Package Works

The beverage package is a daily charge that covers most drinks you order anywhere on the ship. It includes beer, wine by the glass, spirits, cocktails, coffee drinks, smoothies, bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages. You do not pay per drink when you have the package; you straightforward order and sign the bill to your cabin account.

The package does not cover bottles of wine ordered from the wine list, premium spirits, or drinks ordered in certain specialty restaurants. Some venues, such as the wine bar or specialty coffee shops, may charge an upcharge even with the package. Read the fine print when you purchase to understand what is and is not covered on your specific sailing.

You can buy the package for your entire cruise or for individual days. Buying it before you cruise is cheaper than buying it onboard. If you are unsure whether the package makes sense for you, calculate how many drinks you typically have per day and compare that to the daily rate.

Specialty Venues and Premium Options

Celebrity's specialty restaurants, wine bars, and lounges often charge extra beyond the standard beverage package. A wine tasting event or a bottle of premium wine can cost $50 to $150 or more. The Martini Bar and other themed lounges may have signature drinks that cost more than standard cocktails. If you plan to visit these venues, ask the staff what the pricing is before you order.

Some ships have a separate wine package that covers premium wines and wine tastings. This is different from the standard beverage package and costs extra. If wine is important to your cruise experience, it may be worth considering this option in advance.

Comparing Package Cost to Per-Drink Spending

Whether a beverage package saves you money depends on how much you drink. If you have two or three drinks per day, the package usually pays for itself. If you have one drink per day or fewer, paying per drink is cheaper. If you have four or more drinks per day, the package almost always saves money.

Consider your habits before your cruise. If you normally drink alcohol with lunch and dinner plus a cocktail in the evening, a package is likely worth it. If you drink only at dinner, per-drink pricing may be less expensive. The math changes if you are traveling with a group; packages are per person, so a family of four paying per drink can add up quickly.

How to Purchase a Beverage Package

You can buy a beverage package through Celebrity's website when you book your cruise or manage your reservation. Purchasing before your cruise locks in the lower price. You can also buy a package onboard at the guest services desk, but the per-day rate is higher. Some travel agents offer packages as part of a cruise package deal, so ask if you booked through an agent.

If you decide you want a package after your cruise starts, you can add it at guest services, though you will pay the onboard rate for the remaining days. Packages are non-refundable once purchased, so be certain before you commit.

Tipping and Other Drink-Related Costs

Gratuity for bartenders and drink servers is not included in the beverage package price. Celebrity automatically adds a 15% gratuity to your bar bill unless you ask to adjust it. If you have a beverage package, you still tip on individual drinks or adjust the automatic gratuity at the end of your cruise. Some passengers add an extra dollar or two per drink as a courtesy to bartenders.

Room service for drinks also includes an automatic gratuity. If you order a bottle of wine or a special drink to your cabin, expect a service charge on top of the drink price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a beverage package with someone in my cabin?

No. Beverage packages are per person and non-transferable. Each person who wants package coverage must purchase their own. If you are traveling with a group, everyone who wants the package must buy one.

What happens if I buy a package and do not use it much?

Beverage packages are non-refundable. If you purchase a package and decide you do not want many drinks, you cannot get a refund for unused days. This is why calculating your expected drink consumption before you buy is important.

Are there any free drinks on a Celebrity cruise?

Yes. Water, coffee, tea, and basic soft drinks at meals are included. Some sailings offer a complimentary beverage package for certain cabin categories or as a promotion, so check your booking confirmation and Celebrity's current offers.

Do I need to tip if I have a beverage package?

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to your bar bill whether you have a package or not. You can adjust this at the end of your cruise if you wish, but most passengers leave it as is.

Can I buy a beverage package for just part of my cruise?

Yes. You can purchase a package for individual days rather than your entire sailing. This is useful if you know you will be in port for part of the cruise and do not plan to drink onboard those days.