When you step aboard a Celebrity Cruises ship, one of the first questions you might have is: how do you pay for drinks on Celebrity Cruises? Whether you prefer cocktails by the pool, fine wines with dinner, or a morning cappuccino, knowing how Celebrity Cruises drink payment works can help you budget and enjoy your trip without surprises.
From pre-purchased drink packages to onboard card charges, Celebrity Cruises offers several ways to manage your drink expenses smoothly. This guide explains every detail about how to pay for drinks on Celebrity Cruises, including onboard payments, bar charges, and smart budgeting tips.
Celebrity Cruises operates on a cashless onboard system, meaning you won’t need to carry physical money while cruising. When you check in, you’ll receive a SeaPass card, which functions as your onboard ID, stateroom key, and payment method.
Every time you order a drink, shop, or dine at a specialty restaurant, the charge goes directly to your SeaPass account, which is linked to your credit or debit card. This system simplifies the Celebrity Cruises drink payment process, ensuring all expenses are conveniently billed to your account for settlement at the end of the voyage.
If you haven’t purchased a beverage package, you can still order drinks individually at any bar, restaurant, or lounge. The Celebrity Cruises bar charges are simply added to your SeaPass balance each time you make a purchase.
Here’s how it works:
You order your drink.
The bartender or server swipes your SeaPass card.
The amount (plus a 20% service gratuity) is added to your account.
At the end of your cruise, you’ll receive a summary of all your purchases, including your Celebrity Cruises drink cost. You can then review and settle your bill automatically through the card you placed on file or by visiting Guest Relations.
To understand what you might spend, it helps to know average drink prices onboard:
Beer: $7–$9
Cocktails: $12–$17
Wine (per glass): $9–$15
Specialty Coffee: $4–$6
Soft Drinks: $3–$5
Bottled Water: $3–$6
These prices can vary slightly by ship and itinerary, but they give a realistic sense of what to expect. If you’re planning to enjoy multiple drinks each day, you may want to consider the convenience of a drink package to simplify your Celebrity Cruises drink payment process.
One of the most convenient ways to handle Celebrity Cruises onboard payment for drinks is through a beverage package. You can prepay for a package before your cruise or purchase it once onboard.
Here’s a quick look at your options:
Classic Beverage Package: Covers cocktails, wine, beer, soda, and coffee up to around $12 per drink.
Premium Beverage Package: Includes top-shelf liquors, premium wines (up to $17 per glass), and specialty water.
Non-Alcoholic Packages: For mocktails, sodas, juices, and specialty coffees.
When you buy a beverage package, your SeaPass card is marked accordingly. From then on, when you order a drink, there’s no need to pay — your package covers it automatically. This makes the Celebrity Cruises drink payment experience completely seamless.
During check-in, you’ll link a credit or debit card to your account. Every Celebrity Cruises card payment for drinks and other purchases is automatically charged to this card.
Accepted cards typically include:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
If you prefer not to link a card, you can place a cash deposit at Guest Relations. Once your onboard spending exceeds the deposit amount, you’ll need to top it up to continue making purchases.
This process ensures flexibility and convenience for all guests — whether you rely on card transactions or prefer to keep spending in check with cash limits.
To keep track of your spending, you can monitor your Celebrity Cruises onboard payment details anytime through the Celebrity Cruises app or by checking your TV in your stateroom. You’ll see an updated list of all drink and service charges made using your SeaPass card.
It’s a good habit to review your balance daily, ensuring there are no surprises at checkout. If you notice any discrepancies, the Guest Relations desk can quickly resolve them.
Every time you purchase a drink individually, Celebrity Cruises automatically adds a 20% gratuity to your bill. This service charge goes to the bartenders and servers who prepare your beverages.
If you have a beverage package, gratuities are included in your prepayment, so there are no additional fees when ordering drinks. This makes the Celebrity Cruises drink payment methods even more straightforward — no tipping required for each transaction.
Celebrity Cruises operates on a cashless system, meaning you cannot use cash directly at bars or restaurants. All payments must go through your SeaPass card. However, you can make a cash deposit at Guest Relations to fund your onboard account.
This is a practical option if you want to limit your total spending or avoid linking a credit card. Your Celebrity Cruises drink cost will then be deducted from your deposit until it’s used up.
The Celebrity Cruises onboard drink payment process is incredibly simple:
Present your SeaPass card when ordering.
The bartender verifies your drink package or charges the amount to your account.
You enjoy your drink — no receipts or signatures required unless you request them.
This easy process ensures every purchase is tracked and recorded without requiring you to handle any money.
At the end of your cruise, Celebrity automatically finalizes your Celebrity Cruises drink payment and other charges. If you linked a credit card, the total is billed directly to it. You’ll receive an itemized statement for review before disembarkation.
If you used a cash deposit, any remaining balance is refunded to you before you leave the ship. This ensures a smooth, transparent process with no last-minute confusion.
Here are a few ways to keep your Celebrity Cruises bar charges manageable:
Buy packages in advance: Pre-cruise purchases often come with discounts.
Track spending daily: Use the Celebrity app to monitor your tab.
Avoid double tipping: Gratuities are already included.
Stay hydrated: Complimentary drinks like water, tea, and coffee are available in buffet areas.
Set a budget: Know your spending limits before boarding.
Following these tips helps ensure your Celebrity Cruises drink cost stays within budget and your vacation remains stress-free.
So, how do you pay for drinks on Celebrity Cruises? The answer is simple: through your SeaPass card, which handles all onboard transactions. Whether you choose to buy drinks individually, prepay for a beverage package, or fund your account with cash, the process is designed for convenience and flexibility.
Understanding the Celebrity Cruises drink payment methods before sailing lets you enjoy your trip without financial surprises. Whether you’re sipping champagne at sunset or grabbing a morning latte, knowing how Celebrity Cruises bar charges work ensures smooth sailing — from embarkation to your final toast at sea.
1. How do you pay for drinks on Celebrity Cruises?
All drink purchases are charged to your SeaPass card, which is linked to your onboard account.
2. Can I use cash to pay for drinks?
No, Celebrity Cruises operates cash-free, but you can deposit cash into your onboard account to cover drink costs.
3. Are gratuities included in drink prices?
A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all drink purchases unless you have a beverage package.
4. Can I use a debit card for Celebrity Cruises drink payment?
Yes, you can link a debit or credit card to your SeaPass account during check-in.
5. How do I track my drink spending on board?
You can view your current balance anytime through the Celebrity Cruises app or your stateroom TV.
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