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Celebrity Drinks Packages 2026: Price List Explained
Deciphering Celebrity Cruise drink packages for 2026 can be complex, but this guide breaks down costs, inclusions, and value, helping you decide if they're right for your holiday.
Celebrity Cruises is known for its modern luxury and elevated experience, and their drink packages are a significant part of that. If you're planning a Celebrity cruise in 2026, understanding the nuances of their drink packages is crucial for budgeting and maximising your holiday enjoyment. Let's dive in and demystify the options so you can make an informed decision for your next sailing.
What Are Celebrity Cruise Drink Packages: Everything You Need to Know
Celebrity Cruises offers a streamlined approach to drink packages, designed to enhance your onboard experience without the constant worry of individual drink costs. Unlike some other lines that have a multitude of options, Celebrity typically focuses on two main alcoholic packages: the Classic and the Premium. These packages cover a wide range of beverages, from soft drinks and bottled water to cocktails, wines, and specialty coffees, ensuring there's something for every taste.
It's not just about the alcohol; it's about the convenience and the freedom to indulge in whatever takes your fancy throughout the day.
Key Things to Know About Celebrity's Drink Packages
- 'Always Included' Fare: Many Celebrity bookings in 2026 come with the 'Always Included' fare, which bundles the Classic Drink Package, basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities. This is a major differentiator from other cruise lines and often makes a Celebrity cruise excellent value.
- Two Main Tiers: Celebrity offers the Classic Drink Package and the Premium Drink Package. The Classic covers drinks up to £8-£9, while the Premium extends this to around £15-£17, including a wider selection of spirits, wines, and craft beers.
- Zero Proof Package: For non-drinkers, there's a dedicated Zero Proof Package that includes premium bottled water, specialty coffees, fresh juices, and mocktails, usually priced roughly £25-£30 per day as of June 2026.
- All Adults in Cabin Rule: Typically, if one adult purchases an alcoholic drink package, all other adults (aged 18+ in UK/Europe, 21+ in US) in the same stateroom must also purchase a package, or a non-alcoholic equivalent. This is to prevent sharing.
- Pre-Cruise Discounts: You can often find discounts on drink packages if you purchase them through Celebrity's Cruise Planner before your sailing. These can range from 10-25% off the onboard price, making them more attractive.
- Gratuities Included: Unlike some other cruise lines, the daily gratuities for the drink package itself are included in the upfront price you pay, so there are no surprises on your final bill.
Celebrity Cruise Drink Package Prices 2026: What to Expect
Understanding the pricing structure for Celebrity Cruise drink packages in 2026 is key to smart budgeting. Remember that these are 'per person, per day' costs and are usually charged for the entire duration of your cruise. Purchasing pre-cruise often offers a discount compared to buying onboard.
It's also important to remember that if your fare includes the 'Always Included' Classic package, the upgrade cost to Premium will be significantly less than buying the Premium package from scratch.
| Package Option | Typical Daily Price (as of June 2026) | Drink Price Cap | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Drink Package | £60-£70 pp | Up to £8-£9 | Guests enjoying standard beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. |
| Premium Drink Package | £75-£85 pp | Up to £15-£17 | Guests who prefer premium spirits, craft beers, higher-end wines, and specialty cocktails. |
| Zero Proof Package | £25-£30 pp | N/A | Non-alcoholic drinkers wanting unlimited premium coffees, juices, and mocktails. |
| Classic to Premium Upgrade | £15-£20 pp (if Classic included) | Up to £15-£17 | Guests with 'Always Included' fare who want a wider selection of premium drinks. |
The prices listed above are general guidelines for 2026 and can vary slightly by itinerary and ship. The 'Best For' column gives you an idea of who each package is most suited to. Generally, purchasing your package through the Cruise Planner online before embarkation will secure you the best price, often with a 10-25% discount off the onboard rate.
Is a Celebrity Cruise Drink Package Worth It? Independent Verdict
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? With Celebrity's 'Always Included' fare, the Classic Drink Package is often a non-issue as it's already part of your booking. However, if you're deciding whether to upgrade to Premium, or if your fare doesn't include a package, a bit of maths is in order.
The break-even point is approximately 4-5 alcoholic drinks per day, coupled with a few non-alcoholic premium beverages. Consider the convenience factor too; not having to sign a receipt for every single drink adds to the relaxed holiday atmosphere. However, if you're a light drinker or prefer to stick to complimentary options like water, iced tea, and basic coffee, then a package might be an unnecessary expense.
When a Celebrity Drink Package IS Worth It
- You enjoy 4+ alcoholic drinks per day: This is the most common benchmark. If you anticipate having a few cocktails, a couple of glasses of wine, or several beers daily, you'll likely hit the break-even point quickly.
- You love specialty coffees and fresh juices: These can add up quickly. A latte might be usually £4-£5, and a fresh orange juice £3-£4. If you have 2-3 of these daily, plus bottled water, the non-alcoholic value alone is significant.
- You prefer premium brands: If you're particular about your gin, whisky, or wine, the Premium package offers a much wider selection of higher-quality brands that would be very expensive à la carte.
- You want to budget and relax: Having a package means no surprises on your bill and no hesitation when ordering a drink. It contributes significantly to a worry-free holiday experience, which for many, is priceless.
- Your fare includes the Classic Package: If you have 'Always Included,' the upgrade to Premium is usually a small daily fee (typically £15-£20 pp). For this marginal cost, the expanded selection makes it a very attractive proposition for most drinkers.
When a Celebrity Drink Package Is NOT Worth It
- You are a very light drinker: If you only have one or two alcoholic drinks per day, or only drink with dinner, paying à la carte will almost certainly be cheaper.
- You prefer complimentary beverages: Celebrity offers complimentary water, basic coffee, tea, and some juices. If these suffice for you, a package isn't necessary.
- You have many port days: If your itinerary is port-intensive, you might spend less time on the ship consuming drinks, thus reducing the value of a daily package.
- You are on a budget: While packages offer value for heavy drinkers, the upfront cost can be substantial. If every penny counts, paying as you go might be more manageable.
How to Get the Best Deal on Celebrity Cruise Drink Packages
Securing the best price for your Celebrity Cruise drink package in 2026 requires a bit of strategy.
- Book a 'Always Included' Fare: This is often the easiest way to get the Classic Drink Package effectively 'free' (as part of your base fare). Compare the price of an 'Always Included' fare versus a 'Cruise Only' fare; the difference might be less than the cost of buying the package separately.
- Purchase Pre-Cruise via Cruise Planner: Celebrity frequently offers discounts of in the region of 10-25% on drink packages when purchased through their online Cruise Planner before your sailing. The price onboard will almost always be higher, so buy in advance if you're sure you want one.
- Look for Flash Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Celebrity's promotional campaigns. They occasionally run limited-time offers that include free drink packages or significant discounts on upgrades. Sign up for their newsletters!
- Consider the Upgrade Option: If your 'Always Included' fare gives you the Classic package, the upgrade to Premium is usually a much better deal than buying the Premium package from scratch. Calculate the daily difference and see if it's worth the expanded selection for you.
- Check Third-Party Booking Sites: Sometimes, travel agents or third-party booking sites (like Iglu Cruise) offer their own incentives or bundles that might include drink packages or onboard credit that can be used towards them. Always compare these offers.
- Don't Wait Until Embarkation Day: The prices onboard are almost always the highest. Avoid the temptation to wait until you're on the ship to decide, as you'll likely pay more. Make your decision beforehand.
- Factor in Currency Exchange: If you're booking from the UK, remember that Celebrity's onboard prices are often in USD. When purchasing in advance through the UK site, you'll pay in GBP, which can sometimes work out more favourably depending on the exchange rate.
Celebrity Cruise Drink Package Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
It's helpful to compare Celebrity's drink packages with those of other popular cruise lines to gauge their value and offerings in 2026. While Celebrity often bundles a package with its 'Always Included' fare, other lines have different strategies.
| Cruise Line | Primary Drink Package Offering | Typical Daily Price (as of June 2026) | Best For | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Cruises | Classic/Premium (often 'Always Included') | £60-£85 | Guests seeking modern luxury with good value inclusions. | 4.5/5 - Excellent value with 'Always Included' fare. |
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | £70-£90 | High-energy cruisers who enjoy a wide variety of premium drinks. | 4.0/5 - Comprehensive, but can be pricey if not on sale. |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Premium Plus Beverage Package (often 'Free at Sea') | £90-£100 | Cruisers who value flexibility and extensive drink choices. | 4.0/5 - 'Free at Sea' makes it great, but the upgrade can be costly. |
| MSC Cruises | Easy Plus/Premium Extra | £40-£70 | Budget-conscious cruisers and those who enjoy Italian flair. | 3.5/5 - Good entry-level options, but premium can be limited. |
| P&O Cruises | Ultimate Drinks Package | £45-£60 | UK cruisers looking for familiar brands and good value. | 4.0/5 - Great for UK tastes, often more affordable than US lines. |
| Princess Cruises | Plus/Premier Beverage Package (often 'Princess Plus') | £50-£70 | Guests seeking a relaxed, destination-focused experience with good value. | 4.0/5 - 'Princess Plus' bundles make it very competitive. |
As you can see from the table, Celebrity's offerings are very competitive, especially when you factor in the 'Always Included' benefit. While Royal Caribbean and NCL's top-tier packages might offer a slightly wider selection of ultra-premium drinks, Celebrity's Premium package still covers an impressive range up to £15-£17 per drink.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrity Cruise Drink Packages 2026
Are Celebrity Cruise drink packages worth the cost in 2026?
Whether Celebrity Cruise drink packages are worth it in 2026 largely depends on your drinking habits. If you typically enjoy 4-5 alcoholic beverages per day, plus specialty coffees, bottled water, and fresh juices, then the Classic or Premium package can offer good value.
What is included in the 'Always Included' fare with Celebrity Cruises in 2026?
The 'Always Included' fare with Celebrity Cruises in 2026 typically includes the Classic Drink Package, basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities. This is a fantastic baseline offering that many other cruise lines don't provide as standard. However, it's important to note that the Classic package has a price cap per drink, so if you prefer premium spirits or higher-end wines, you might consider upgrading to the Premium package for an additional daily fee.
Can I upgrade my drink package if I have 'Always Included' on Celebrity Cruises?
Yes, if your Celebrity Cruises booking includes the 'Always Included' fare with the Classic Drink Package, you can absolutely upgrade to the Premium Drink Package. This upgrade usually comes at a reduced daily cost compared to purchasing the Premium package outright.
What is the daily cost of Celebrity Cruise drink packages in 2026?
As of June 2026, the daily cost for Celebrity Cruise drink packages varies. The Classic Drink Package, if not included in your fare, typically ranges from £60-£70 per person, per day. The Premium Drink Package, offering a wider selection, is usually around £75-£85 per person, per day. These prices are subject to change and can sometimes be found at a discount when purchased pre-cruise, so always check the Celebrity website or your cruise planner.
Can one person in a cabin purchase a drink package and the other not?
Generally, Celebrity Cruises requires all adults (aged 21+ in North America, 18+ in Europe/Australia) in the same stateroom to purchase a drink package if one person does. This policy is in place to prevent sharing. However, there are exceptions; if one adult does not consume alcohol for medical reasons, they may be able to purchase a non-alcoholic package instead.
Are there non-alcoholic drink packages available on Celebrity Cruises in 2026?
Yes, Celebrity Cruises offers non-alcoholic drink packages in 2026. The Zero Proof Package includes premium bottled water, specialty coffees and teas, fresh squeezed juices, and mocktails, typically costing around £25-£30 per person, per day. This is an excellent option for those who don't drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a variety of premium beverages throughout their cruise without worrying about individual costs.
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