Let’s be honest: nothing kills a vacation buzz faster than staring at a $16 cocktail receipt while you’re trying to relax poolside. When you’re sailing with Celebrity Cruises, the “Classic” vs. “Premium” drink package debate is basically a rite of passage. It’s not just about how much you can physically drink; it’s about that mental shift where you stop doing “vacation math” every time you want a latte, a craft beer, or a glass of decent Pinot Grigio. Whether you’re someone who lives for a morning mimosa and a sunset martini, or you just want the predictability of a fixed bill at the end of the week, these packages are designed to make the ship feel like a true all-inclusive. Deciding if it’s “worth it” usually comes down to your personal rhythm—are you a social butterfly at the Martini Bar, or are you happy with a simple beer by the Solarium?
What is included in a Celebrity Drinks Package?
Whether you’re lounging by the Solarium or catching a show, having a drink package on Celebrity Cruises is all about removing the “price tag friction” from your vacation. It transforms the ship into an all-inclusive playground where you don’t have to think twice about ordering a second latte at Cafe al Bacio or trying a funky new cocktail at the Martini Bar. Instead of meticulously tracking your spending, you simply tap your SeaPass card and carry on. For many, the real value isn’t just in the volume of alcohol, but in the freedom to stay hydrated with premium bottled water all day and wind down with a nice glass of wine at dinner without a surprise bill at the end of the week.
Here is a breakdown of what is actually included in the different tiers for 2026:
The Classic Package
This is the standard choice, often bundled into “All Included” fares. It covers your everyday needs for drinks priced up to $12.
- Alcohol: Standard spirits (Tito’s, Jack Daniel’s, Bacardi), popular beers (Corona, Heineken, Bud Light), and a solid selection of wines by the glass.
- Non-Alcoholic: Specialty coffees and teas, sodas, juices, and non-premium bottled water.
- Perk: A 15% discount on any bottle of wine purchased onboard.
The Premium Package
For those who want top-shelf variety, this package covers drinks up to $19 (formerly $17 in previous years).
- Alcohol: Everything in Classic plus craft beers (Guinness, Stella Artois), premium spirits (Grey Goose, Hendrick’s, Casamigos), and higher-end wines and Champagnes.
- Non-Alcoholic: Premium bottled waters (Evian, San Pellegrino), Red Bull, and fresh-squeezed juices or smoothies from the Spa Cafe.
- Perk: A 20% discount on any bottle of wine purchased onboard.
The Zero Proof (Non-Alcoholic) Package
Perfect for staying refreshed without the buzz.
- Included: Specialty coffees (lattes, espressos), organic teas, sparkling water, fresh juices, smoothies, and complex non-alcoholic “mocktails.”
What are the Additional Beverage Packages?
If the Classic and Premium options feel like overkill for your habits, Celebrity offers a few “Additional” packages that cater to specific cravings without the high price tag of an alcohol-inclusive plan. These are perfect if you’re a hydration hero or a caffeine addict who doesn’t care for spirits. The Zero Proof (or Non-Alcoholic) package is the most popular “extra,” effectively giving you the run of the ship’s specialty coffee bars, smoothie stations, and premium water brands like Evian and San Pellegrino. For those with even simpler tastes, there are hyper-focused options like the Soda Package for the fizzy-drink fans or even dedicated Bottled Water Packages. These smaller plans ensure you aren’t stuck drinking basic tap water or paying $5 for a Diet Coke every time you’re thirsty.
Are Drink Packages Included in Your Fare?
It depends on how you book. The “All Included” option bundles Wi-Fi and drinks so you can kick back without a final bill to worry about. It’s a great way to avoid “bill shock” on the final morning. However, if you opt for the “No Carefree” or “Cruise Only” rate, you’ll be paying for every latte and cocktail individually—unless you buy a package later through the app.
How Much Do Celebrity Drink Packages Cost?
Pinning down an exact cost can be tricky because Celebrity uses “dynamic pricing”—basically, the price fluctuates based on your specific ship, itinerary, and how far in advance you book. On average, expect to pay around $90 per day for the Classic package and roughly $105–$120 per day for Premium. While those numbers might give you pause, remember that booking an “All-Inclusive” fare or snagging a pre-cruise sale in the app can slash those daily rates significantly.
Here is the general price range you’ll see in 2026 (per person, per day):
- Classic Package: ~$89 – $99
- Premium Package: ~$109 – $129
- Zero Proof (Non-Alcoholic): ~$35 – $45
- Soda Package: ~$15 – $20
- The “Gratuity Factor”: A mandatory 20% service charge is added to the base price at checkout, so a $100 package actually costs $120.
- Upgrade Cost: If you already have the Classic package (via an All-Included fare), upgrading to Premium usually costs between $20 and $25 per day.
How Many Drinks Make It Worth It?
To really get your money’s worth, you’re looking at hitting a “break-even” point of about 6 to 9 drinks per day. If that sounds like a lot, remember that Celebrity counts everything—that double espresso in the morning, the bottled water you grab before hitting a hot port, and the mid-afternoon soda all chip away at the cost. If you’re someone who only enjoys two glasses of wine at dinner, you’re better off paying as you go. But if your day includes a latte, a couple of poolside beers, a sunset cocktail, and wine with dinner, the package pays for itself while giving you the peace of mind to try new drinks without fearing a wasted $15.
What Drinks Are Not Included?
While these packages are incredibly broad, they aren’t “catch-alls,” and there are a few places where you’ll still need to reach for your wallet. The biggest “gotcha” for most people is the stateroom minibar and room service; even if you have the top-tier Premium package, that soda or beer from your cabin fridge will be charged at full price to your account. Similarly, if you’re a fan of high-end souvenirs, drinks served in souvenir glassware or with “perks” like light-up ice cubes are excluded. You’re also restricted by price caps—$12 for Classic and $19 for Premium. If you eye a rare vintage or a massive “Martini Flight,” you’ll only be responsible for the cost difference, but it won’t be “free.”
- Mini-Bar & Room Service: Every drink delivered to your room or taken from the fridge is a separate charge.
- Starbucks (On Select Ships): While specialty coffee at Café al Bacio is included, standalone Starbucks kiosks on ships like Celebrity Reflection or Silhouette often require cash or app payments.
- Bottled Wine & Spirits: You get a discount (15–20%), but the packages only cover wine by the glass. You can’t use it to grab a full bottle for the table.
- Ultra-Premium Liquors: Anything over the $19 cap (like certain high-end Cognacs or rare Scotches) will require you to pay the “overage.”
- Gift Shop Purchases: Any bottles of alcohol bought in the onboard shops to take home are not part of the deal.
Is a Drink Package Worth It for Short Cruises?
Short cruises, like those quick three or four-night hops to the Bahamas, are notorious for their high-energy “party” atmosphere where a drink package almost always pays for itself. Because you’re only onboard for a few days, you’re more likely to spend your afternoons by the pool bar and your nights at the club, making it remarkably easy to hit that seven-drink break-even point. When the itinerary is packed with social events, the last thing you want is a mounting tab slowing down your weekend.
What are the Tips for Maximizing Value?
To truly get your money’s worth, you have to think beyond just the alcohol. Maximizing the package is all about making it part of your daily routine—from that first high-end latte at Café al Bacio to the premium bottled water you tuck into your bag before heading out on a hot shore excursion. It’s about leaning into the “freedom” of the package, allowing yourself to try that expensive-looking cocktail at the Martini Bar or a glass of wine you’ve never heard of, knowing that if you don’t like it, you haven’t lost a cent.
- The “Water Hack”: Always ask for a bottle of water (Evian or San Pellegrino) whenever you order a drink. Stockpile them in your room’s fridge so you have plenty for port days or late-night hydration.
- Coffee is Key: Use the package for premium espressos, lattes, and specialty teas. If you’re a two-coffee-a-day person, you’re already knocking $12–$15 off your daily “break-even” total.
- Go Top-Shelf: If you have the Premium package, don’t just order a “gin and tonic.” Ask for Hendrick’s or Bombay Sapphire. The package costs more, so drink the spirits that actually reflect that price.
- Watch for App Sales: Never buy your package on the ship. Celebrity frequently runs “30% to 40% off” sales in the Cruise Planner app months before sailing. If the price drops further after you buy, you can cancel and re-book at the lower rate.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a Celebrity Cruises drink package isn’t just a purchase; it’s a commitment to a specific kind of vacation vibe. If your idea of a perfect trip involves the total mental freedom of ordering whatever you want, whenever you want, without ever glancing at a price tag, the package is a no-brainer. It effectively “pre-pays” the stress of a final bill, letting you focus on the sunset rather than the cost of your second glass of Chardonnay. While the daily cost can feel steep, the convenience of an all-inclusive experience usually outweighs the raw “break-even” math for most social cruisers.
FAQ
Q.1 Does Celebrity come with a drink package?
Ans: All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package.
Q.2 How much is the drink package on a cruise?
Ans: The main drink packages that include all types of drinks cost about $60 to $90 per person, per day.
Q.3 Can two people use one drink package on a cruise?
Ans: No. As this is a personal package, only one beverage per guest will be served. Packages can be purchased by individual guests.
Q.4 Is all-inclusive worth it on celebrity cruises?
Ans: For many travelers, yes. If you enjoy drinks and plan to use Wi-Fi, Celebrity Cruises’ all-inclusive package is often worth the added cost.
