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Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises?

One of the most common questions travelers ask before sailing is, “Is it worth buying the Celebrity Cruises drink package?” For many, the thought of sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying fine wine at dinner, and having endless coffee refills sounds perfect — but is the added cost justified?

Understanding whether the Celebrity Cruises drink package value matches your drinking habits can make all the difference between saving money and overspending. This detailed guide breaks down the pros, cons, and real-world numbers to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next cruise.

Overview of Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages

Celebrity Cruises offers a range of beverage plans to suit different preferences and budgets. Each package is designed to simplify onboard spending by covering most drinks you’ll consume during your voyage.

The main options include:

  1. Classic Drink Package – Includes beer, wine, cocktails up to around $12, plus soft drinks and specialty coffees.

  2. Premium Drink Package – Expands access to top-shelf spirits, fine wines up to $17 per glass, and premium bottled water.

  3. Non-Alcoholic Packages – Includes sodas, juices, mocktails, bottled water, and coffee beverages.

The Celebrity Cruises drink package cost vs benefit depends largely on how much and what you drink daily.

Average Daily Cost of a Drink Package

Before determining value, it’s important to understand what you’ll pay.

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

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

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

Each price includes a 20% gratuity and applies for the entire cruise duration. Both adults in a stateroom must purchase the same alcohol-inclusive package.

Now let’s weigh the Celebrity Cruises drink package benefits against the potential drawbacks.

Pros of Buying a Celebrity Cruises Drink Package

1. Convenience and Simplicity

The biggest advantage of purchasing a beverage package is convenience. With your drinks prepaid, there’s no need to sign receipts or worry about running up your bill. You can freely enjoy cocktails, coffee, or wine anywhere on the ship — bars, restaurants, or lounges — without hassle.

2. Potential Cost Savings

If you regularly enjoy several drinks per day, the Celebrity Cruises drink package value quickly adds up.

For example, without a package, you might spend:

  • 2 Cocktails ($15 each) = $30

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

  • 2 Coffees or Sodas ($5 each) = $10

  • Bottled Water and Juice ($10)

That’s roughly $74 daily — nearly matching the Classic Package cost and well within the range where it becomes worth it.

3. Premium Variety

With a drink package, you can explore an extensive menu of wines, beers, and craft cocktails. The Celebrity Cruises drink package review often highlights how much guests appreciate trying new beverages without worrying about the cost of each one.

4. Works Across the Ship

Your package is valid in all restaurants, bars, and lounges — including specialty dining venues and poolside bars. You can order drinks almost anywhere, making it seamless and flexible.

5. Peace of Mind

For many cruisers, budgeting is easier when drinks are prepaid. The should you buy the beverage package on Celebrity Cruises question often comes down to financial comfort — and the peace of mind of not worrying about surprise expenses is priceless for many guests.

Cons of Buying a Celebrity Cruises Drink Package

1. High Upfront Cost

The most significant drawback is the Celebrity Cruises drink package cost itself. Spending over $600 per person for a weeklong cruise may seem excessive if you’re not a regular drinker.

2. Sharing Not Allowed

Packages are non-transferable, so you can’t share your drinks with others. Each adult in your cabin must have the same package if one person buys it.

3. Limited Value for Light Drinkers

If you only drink one or two alcoholic beverages daily, the package probably won’t pay for itself. In that case, purchasing drinks individually is often more economical.

4. Port Days May Reduce Usage

On days when you’re off the ship for excursions, you may not consume enough to make the package worth it. This lowers the Celebrity Cruises drink package value unless you make up for it later in the evening.

5. Restrictions on Certain Items

While generous, packages don’t include room service drinks, minibar items, or certain premium wines and champagnes that exceed your per-drink limit.

Who Should Buy the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

The Celebrity Cruises drink package worth it factor depends on your habits:

  • It’s worth it if you:

    • Enjoy 5–8 beverages daily (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

    • Like to try different cocktails, wines, or specialty coffees.

    • Prefer a hassle-free vacation without keeping tabs on spending.

    • Value the “all-inclusive” experience.

  • It’s not worth it if you:

    • Rarely drink alcohol.

    • Spend most of your days ashore.

    • Prefer bringing limited beverages onboard or sticking to water and coffee.

Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Cost vs Benefit Example

Let’s say you purchase the Classic Package at $89 per day for a 7-night cruise. That’s roughly $623 total.

If you average:

  • 2 Cocktails = $30

  • 2 Glasses of Wine = $24

  • 2 Coffees = $10

  • Bottled Water = $6Total = $70/day × 7 days = $490

In this case, you’d need to consume a bit more (about 1–2 extra drinks daily) for the package to break even. However, if you upgrade to Premium, you gain access to better brands and can reach the breakeven point faster.

Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Reviews: Real Guest Insights

Guest reviews of the Celebrity Cruises drink package tend to be positive, especially from those who value convenience and variety. Common feedback includes:

  • Ease of use: “Loved not worrying about individual drink prices.”

  • Great variety: “Tried cocktails and wines I normally wouldn’t order.”

  • Cost concerns: “Expensive if you don’t drink enough, but still convenient.”

These real experiences underline that while it’s not for everyone, the Celebrity Cruises drinks package benefit is significant for frequent drinkers and those who enjoy a premium cruise experience.

Tips for Maximizing Value

To get the most out of your Celebrity Cruises drink package worth it purchase, follow these tips:

  1. Pre-purchase online: Discounts of up to 10% are common before sailing.

  2. Use it early and often: Start with coffee or juice in the morning and keep hydrated all day.

  3. Try new drinks: Explore the full menu — premium cocktails, smoothies, or mocktails.

  4. Take advantage of specialty dining: Your package works in specialty restaurants.

  5. Upgrade strategically: If you prefer top-shelf spirits, consider upgrading to Premium for full access.

Final Verdict: Is the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Worth It?

So, should you buy a drink package on Celebrity Cruises?In most cases — yes, it’s worth it if you plan to enjoy several beverages a day and value convenience. The Celebrity Cruises drink package benefits extend beyond cost savings — it’s about enhancing your onboard experience.

However, if you’re a light drinker or prefer spending more time exploring ports, the package may not deliver full value.

Ultimately, the Celebrity Cruises drink package review shows that the decision depends on your drinking habits, cruise length, and personal preferences. For many, the freedom and ease it offers make it a highlight of the trip.

FAQs

1. Is the Celebrity Cruises drink package worth buying?

Yes, if you enjoy several drinks daily and prefer convenience over tracking costs.

2. How much is the Celebrity Cruises drink package?

Prices range from around $89 per day for Classic to $109 for Premium, per person.

3. Are drinks unlimited with the package?

Yes, you can order unlimited drinks within your package’s price limit.

4. Can I upgrade my package during the cruise?

Yes, you can upgrade from Classic to Premium anytime, paying only the difference.

5. Do I need to buy the package for the whole cruise?

Yes, it must be purchased for the full duration, not for select days.

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