The biggest spending decision you'll make after booking your Celebrity cruise is often whether to purchase a beverage package. The answer isn't a simple yes or no—it depends entirely on how you drink and how you booked your cruise.
Here is a breakdown of Celebrity's main beverage packages, their typical costs, and the math you need to do to decide if it's worth the extra expense.
Celebrity's Beverage Packages: Classic vs. Premium
Celebrity Cruises offers two main alcoholic drink packages, both of which must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise and include a mandatory 20% gratuity added to the daily price.
Do the Math: Breaking Even on Your Package
To determine the value, you need to calculate your approximate break-even point. Remember, the key advantage of the package is that it also covers specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas, which often range from $4 to $7 each.
1. Classic Drink Package (CBP)
At an estimated cost of $107.99 per day (assuming a $89.99 package price plus 20% gratuity), your break-even point is roughly 8-9 drinks per day valued at $12 each.
Verdict on Classic: You generally need at least 5-6 alcoholic beverages plus a few specialty non-alcoholic drinks (coffees, sodas, water) to break even on the Classic Package. If you prefer standard brands (like Tito's vodka, basic cocktails), and you booked the "All Included" fare, which gives you the Classic Package, it's a great value. However, many specialty cocktails on menus are priced above the $12 limit, meaning you'll pay the difference plus a 20% gratuity on that difference for every higher-priced drink.
2. Premium Drink Package (PBP)
At an estimated cost of $125.99 per day (assuming a $104.99 package price plus 20% gratuity), your break-even point is roughly 6-7 drinks per day valued at $17 each.
Verdict on Premium: The Premium Package is usually worth the upgrade if you booked the "All Included" fare and find the Classic Package's $12 limit too restrictive. It covers most items on the menu, including high-end spirits (like Grey Goose and Tanqueray No. Ten), craft cocktails, and premium waters. The upgrade cost from Classic to Premium is often a small daily fee ($15–$20 pre-gratuity), which is easier to justify than buying the full package outright.
How You Booked is Everything: The "All Included" Factor
Celebrity's standard pricing model includes an "All Included" option, which bundles the Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi into your base cruise fare.
• If you booked "All Included": You already have the Classic Package. Your only decision is whether to upgrade to Premium for better alcohol and non-alcoholic brands. This upgrade is usually the best value proposition.
• If you booked a "Cruise Only" fare: You are starting from zero. Buying the Classic or Premium package separately means you are paying full retail price, which can be expensive, especially if you also want Wi-Fi.
Keep an eye on the Celebrity Cruise Planner in the months leading up to your sailing, as prices are dynamic and packages are often offered at a significant discount during sale periods.
You can learn more about maximizing your value from the packages by watching this detailed Celebrity Drink Package Review With Tricks.