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Celebrity Cruises Always Included: Worth It in 2026?

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-03 · 12 min read

Passengers enjoying drinks on Celebrity Edge as part of Always Included package

Is Celebrity Cruises' 'Always Included' value-for-money in 2026? We break down costs, inclusions, ship examples and savings compared to P&O, Cunard and Marella, with practical, research-based tips.

If you’re searching for “celebrity cruises always included worth it” you’ve landed in the right place. We’ll explain exactly what Celebrity Cruises’ Always Included proposition is in 2026, show real cost comparisons in £, and give practical advice for UK cruisers deciding whether to choose an Always Included fare or buy add-ons a la carte.

Before choosing a package, our Virgin Voyages versus Celebrity comparison shows how each line structures dining, Wi-Fi, drinks and onboard spending.

What is Celebrity Cruises 'Always Included'?

Celebrity Cruises' 'Always Included' concept in 2026 bundles core onboard extras into either the cruise fare or an easy upgrade so passengers don’t have to add multiple packages. The key items typically included are: drinks (selected beers, wines by the glass and cocktails), gratuities/tips, basic Wi‑Fi and sometimes one speciality dining experience. Celebrity has positioned this to compete with lines offering 'all-inclusive-ish' fares while keeping the brand’s premium feel. Always Included is available on many 2026 sailings on ships including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Silhouette.

Unlike the old-style beverage packages that were add-ons costing a daily flat rate, Always Included is often available as a fare type option at booking. So rather than buying, say, the 'Premium Drinks Package' for around £55‑£75 per person per day, guests may book an Always Included fare where the equivalent value is folded into the headline price. That said, Celebrity still lets you buy beverage packages a la carte on a per-person per-day basis if you prefer.

Exactly what drinks are included in 2026?

The included drinks menu in Always Included varies but in 2026 typically covers: • House wines by the glass (and some mid-range wines) • Selected cocktails (house menu) • Beer (standard lagers and local draughts) • Soft drinks, coffee and tea • Selected spirits. Celebrity tends to exclude high-end spirits, premium wines by the bottle and top-shelf champagnes. On Celebrity Edge class ships you’ll often see craft cocktails from the bar menu included up to a certain price cap (for example, cocktails up to £12 equivalent). If a cocktail exceeds the cap, you pay the difference.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Always Included (Fare)</th><th>Premium Beverage Package (Add-on)</th><th>Pay-as-you-go</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Price visibility</td><td>Included in fare or upgrade — predictable</td><td>Fixed daily cost (approx. £55–£75pp/day)</td><td>Variable — depends on consumption</td></tr><tr><td>Drinks range</td><td>Mid-range wines, cocktails, beers, soft drinks</td><td>Wider selection, premium spirits & wines</td><td>All drinks available, pay per item</td></tr><tr><td>Wi‑Fi & Gratuities</td><td>Often included</td><td>Sometimes bundled in promotions</td><td>Not included</td></tr><tr><td>Best for</td><td>Frequent drinkers who want simplicity</td><td>Heavy drinkers wanting premium labels</td><td>Light drinkers, non-drinkers</td></tr></tbody></table>

Alcoholic drinks specifics and limits

Practical detail: Celebrity usually places a per-drink cap on included cocktails (for example, UK equivalent of £10–£12); shots of premium spirits, top-shelf tequilas and wines from the reserve list are excluded. You’ll find local beers and craft options on many menus — and bartenders are happy to suggest included options.

In 2026 Always Included fares often include a basic Wi‑Fi package (enough for messages and light browsing) and gratuities. For heavy streaming or multiple devices you’ll still want a higher-tier Wi‑Fi plan (priced from around £12–£18 per day depending on ship and promotion). Celebrity usually covers service charges on bills included in the fare, but specialty dining or spa treatments still incur separate charges.

Is Always Included worth it? Real cost examples

Deciding worth depends on how much you drink, your party size and sailing length. Here are worked examples using typical 2026 Celebrity fares and published package costs.

Seven-night Mediterranean on Celebrity Edge (Barcelona roundtrip) for departure in June 2026: lead-in fare £999pp (Always Included upgrade +£150pp) — total £1,149pp. Always Included saves if your drink spend would otherwise be >£150 across 7 nights which is ~£21.50 per night. 2. Three-night weekend on Celebrity Silhouette (UK Isles) for August 2026: fare £399pp; Always Included upgrade +£90pp — total £489pp. If you plan only a couple of drinks each evening, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper. 3. 14-night Transatlantic on Celebrity Apex for October 2026: fare £1,349pp, Always Included upgrade +£350pp — total £1,699pp. Here Always Included is a good deal if you value Wi‑Fi and gratuities being included and expect to drink moderately every evening.

Comparing Celebrity Always Included with P&O, Cunard and Marella

UK cruisers will naturally compare Celebrity with British brands. Here’s a practical look at how the offers differ in 2026.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Celebrity (Always Included)</th><th>P&O Cruises</th><th>Cunard</th><th>Marella</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Typical drinks inclusion</td><td>Mid-range wines, cocktails, beer; Wi‑Fi & tips often included</td><td>Drinks packages available (e.g. Premium Drinks from ~£40–£60pp/day); some fares include offers</td><td>More traditional; limited drinks bundles, focus on dining; drinks packages available</td><td>Often simpler packages; Marella’s 'Just Drinks' cheaper but narrower selection</td></tr><tr><td>Target passenger</td><td>Premium, contemporary adults and families</td><td>British market, family-friendly</td><td>Heritage cruise market, more formal</td><td>Budget-conscious British holidaymakers</td></tr><tr><td>Best for UK cruisers who...</td><td>Want a premium feel and predictable costs</td><td>Want British entertainment & value</td><td>Prefer traditional British liners and formal nights</td><td>Want low fares with optional add-ons</td></tr></tbody></table>

Compared to P&O, Cunard and Marella, Celebrity’s Always Included sits between traditional 'pay as you go' and full all-inclusive. It’s often more contemporary than Cunard and more premium than Marella. For UK passengers who like the Celebrity style (modern restaurants, stylish bars) the package maps well to expectations.

Which Celebrity ships in 2026 offer Always Included?

Most of Celebrity’s Edge-class and Solstice-class ships feature Always Included options on selected sailings in 2026. Examples: Celebrity Edge — Mediterranean & Caribbean itineraries Celebrity Apex — Transatlantic & Europe Celebrity Silhouette — UK & Northern Europe Celebrity Constellation — Selected Caribbean departures Availability and promotions change frequently; always check the ship’s 2026 sailing page before booking.

Celebrity Edge: 7-night Med from £999pp; Always Included upgrade +£150pp • Celebrity Apex: 14-night Transatlantic from £1,349pp; Always Included upgrade +£350pp • Celebrity Silhouette: 3-night UK Isles from £399pp; Always Included upgrade +£90pp • Celebrity Constellation: 10-night Caribbean from £1,099pp; Always Included upgrade +£250pp (promotions may reduce upgrade cost)

Bar menus differ between ships, so the range of cocktails covered by the included drinks package can vary. Check the current bar menus for your ship before you decide whether to upgrade to Premium.

When to buy Always Included: at booking, pre-cruise or onboard?

You can usually buy Always Included at booking (best for early budgeting), add it pre-cruise via 'Manage Booking' (often with small promo discounts) or ask to upgrade onboard (rare and usually pricier). Our advice: buy at booking if you know you’re a moderate/heavy drinker. Celebrity often runs short-term promotions in 2026 where pre-cruise upgrades are cut by £20–£50pp.

At booking: lock-in price and enjoy lower rates. 2. Pre-cruise within 30–60 days: watch for 'Manage Booking' promotions offering discounts. 3. Onboard: only if you’re undecided; expect limited offers and possibly less savings.

Money-saving strategies beyond the package

Even if you buy Always Included, there are ways to save more: • Use specialty dining vouchers from promotions — some fares include one free speciality meal • Book early for lower cabin fares, which reduces the relative uplift of an Always Included upgrade • Use onboard packages bundled into loyalty deals if you’re an Allure/Happy Club member • Consider splitting packages between cabin mates — sometimes second passenger discounts apply • Take advantage of shore excursion bundles that include drinks (on select shore-side events)

For more on drinks and packages see our Celebrity drinks deep-dive Celebrity drinks guide and our Best UK cruise deals roundup best UK cruise deals. These internal guides can help you pick the right sailing and timing to get the most value.

<table><thead><tr><th>Itinerary</th><th>Ship</th><th>Lead-in Fare (pp)</th><th>Always Included Upgrade (pp)</th><th>Total (pp)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>7-night Med (Barcelona)</td><td>Celebrity Edge</td><td>£999</td><td>£150</td><td>£1,149</td></tr><tr><td>14-night Transatlantic</td><td>Celebrity Apex</td><td>£1,349</td><td>£350</td><td>£1,699</td></tr><tr><td>3-night UK Isles</td><td>Celebrity Silhouette</td><td>£399</td><td>£90</td><td>£489</td></tr><tr><td>10-night Caribbean</td><td>Celebrity Constellation</td><td>£1,099</td><td>£250</td><td>£1,349</td></tr></tbody></table>

How to compare with A‑la‑carte spending

Estimate your own drink spend: average cost of a beer onboard = £5–£6; house wine by the glass = £6–£8; cocktail = £8–£12. If you drink two cocktails and a glass of wine each evening on a 7-night cruise, your bill could reach £140–£170pp — making an Always Included upgrade that costs £150 feel reasonable.

If you’re travelling solo, packages charged per person may feel expensive; Always Included fares sometimes have single-supplement deals that make the upgrade more attractive. For groups, booking a cabin block and adding Always Included for everyone can secure group rates and onboard perks.

Onboard behaviour and maximising value

Once onboard, simple choices can increase value: order included drinks from menus rather than seeking premium labels, use the included specialty-dining credit (if offered) early in the cruise, and buy Wi‑Fi top-ups only if needed. Save premium purchases for special occasions.

Couples should avoid sharing a single package across two cabins — Celebrity prices packages per person and mixing packages adds admin. If one partner is a light drinker, compare buying a package for the heavier drinker vs pay-as-you-go for the other — do the maths using the per-day upgrade cost.

Upgrades, refunds and changes policy in 2026

Celebrity’s policy in 2026 allows upgrades to Always Included via Manage Booking up to a cut-off (often 24–72 hours pre-departure). Refunds after sailing begins are rare. If your cruise is cancelled or re-scheduled, Celebrity’s normal rebooking and refund terms apply — always check the latest policy at time of booking.

Cruise lines, including Celebrity, frequently tweak promotions. If you see such a deal, weigh it against the cabin location and itinerary before cancelling a previous booking.

Special occasions and celebrations

For birthdays, anniversaries or group celebrations, Always Included takes the stress out of splitting bills and makes budgeting simpler. For milestone events consider adding some upgrade cash for a premium bottle from the cellar — the staff will happily advise on reasonable choices.

Celebration add-ons to consider

Champagne or premium wine bottle on arrival (paid extra) • Cake or special dining arrangements (advance order needed) • Private shore excursion with drinks included (third-party or ship excursion)

Because gratuities are often included in Always Included fares, you’ll find fewer surprise service charges on included items. Still, discretionary tipping for exceptional service is appreciated and common practice in 2026.

Who should avoid Always Included?

If you’re a non-drinker, only sail short weekend breaks, or prefer premium spirits and wines by the bottle, Always Included may not suit you. Also avoid it if you prefer to track and control every on-bill item — some passengers prefer pay-as-you-go for transparency.

Two-day mini-cruises where total drink spend is low • Guests who drink only onboard soft drinks • Passengers who favour rare or top-shelf spirits • Those on rock-bottom fares where upgrade cost is a large percentage of total price

Celebrity and UK agents sometimes sell smaller 'limited' packages or vouchers (for example, a wine-and-dine credit) that can be more cost-effective for light drinkers. Check promotional bundles from agents before committing.

Practical booking checklist for UK cruisers (2026)

Before you book Always Included, run through this checklist: 1. How many nights is the cruise? Longer cruises favour Always Included. 2. Estimate your average nightly drink spend. 3. Check if Wi‑Fi included meets your needs. 4. Confirm gratuities are included. 5. Compare the all-in total fare vs a cheaper fare + packages bought separately. 6. Check for limited-time promotions at booking or in Manage Booking.

If one guest prefers premium vintages and another prefers moderate cocktails, consider buying an upgrade for the moderate drinker and paying for premium bottles separately. Often you’ll find a compromise that keeps satisfaction high without overspending.

Onboard examples of value: what we ordered and what was included

Items included: house Margarita, Aperol Spritz, local craft beer and house wine by the glass. Items excluded: aged single malt (£15–£20 a shot) and reserve wines by the bottle.

Frequently asked question

Question: Does Always Included include speciality dining? Answer: Sometimes — select promotions in 2026 included one speciality dining experience per person. More often speciality dining remains an add-on, and extras beyond the promotional offer are charged separately.

Is free Wi‑Fi included?

Question: What Wi‑Fi level is included? Answer: Always Included generally includes a basic Wi‑Fi package suitable for messaging and light browsing. For streaming or multiple devices upgrade options start from around £12–£18 per day depending on ship and current promotions.

Can I buy Always Included for part of the cruise?

Question: Is partial cruise coverage possible? Answer: Typically packages and fare upgrades apply for the whole booking. Some guests book different cabin types or buy drink packages only for certain passengers; partial duration upgrades are uncommon.

Are gratuities always covered?

Question: Are tips included? Answer: In most Always Included fares in 2026 gratuities are included, meaning you won’t see automatic service charges on included items. Discretionary tipping for exceptional service remains appreciated.

Can I upgrade onboard?

Question: Is it cheaper to upgrade onboard? Answer: Sometimes there are short-term offers onboard, but they are inconsistent. For predictable savings, upgrade at booking or via Manage Booking when pre-cruise promotions are running.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?

Question: Is Always Included worth it for non-drinkers? Answer: Not usually. Non-drinkers often save money by selecting a lower fare and paying a la carte for occasional soft drinks or using included water/tea/coffee options.

Will Always Included be cheaper on sale?

Question: Do Celebrity sales include Always Included? Answer: Yes — in 2026 Celebrity has periodically included Always Included in flash sales or as a limited-time bundle. Always compare the all-in total rather than assuming the sale is best.

Final verdict: Is Celebrity Always Included worth it in 2026?

For many UK cruisers the Always Included model delivers convenience and predictable costs — particularly on cruises of five nights or more, for couples and groups who drink moderately, and for tech users who appreciate included basic Wi‑Fi and gratuities. It’s less appealing for short-break guests, non-drinkers and those who prefer premium bottle wines.

For more detail on drink packages, see our deep dives: Celebrity drinks guide, P&O drinks packages explained, and ship reviews like celebrity-edge-review which include real onboard menus and prices. These will help you fine-tune your decision for 2026 sailings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Celebrity Always Included cover premium wines and top-shelf spirits?

No. Always Included generally covers house wines, selected wines by the glass, standard beers and selected cocktails up to a price cap. Premium bottles, reserve wines and top-shelf spirits are usually excluded and charged separately in 2026.

How much does the Always Included upgrade cost?

Upgrade costs vary by itinerary and length. Typical examples in 2026: £90pp for a 3-night UK Isles sailing, £150pp for a 7-night Mediterranean sailing, and £250–£350pp for longer or transatlantic sailings. Always compare the all-in total fare versus a cheaper fare plus a la carte spending.

Is Wi‑Fi included with Always Included?

Most Always Included fares in 2026 include basic Wi‑Fi suitable for messaging and light browsing. For streaming or heavier use, paid upgrades are available from roughly £12–£18 per day depending on ship and promotions.

Can I get Always Included free in promotions?

Yes. In 2026 Celebrity has occasionally run promotions where Always Included is included at no extra cost on selected sailings if booked in a limited window. These flash sales can offer excellent value, but check cabin choice and overall price before cancelling anything else.

Are gratuities included in Always Included fares?

Typically yes. Always Included fares often include gratuities, so you won’t see service charges on included items. Discretionary tipping for exceptional service remains a personal choice and is common practice in 2026.

Should couples always both buy the upgrade?

Not always. If one partner drinks heavily, buying a package for that person and paying a la carte for the lighter drinker can sometimes be cheaper. Do the mathematics using daily upgrade rates and expected nightly consumption to find the better option.

How do I decide between Celebrity Always Included and a similar package on P&O or Marella?

Compare the inclusions, price per day and the ships’ style. Celebrity leans premium and contemporary; P&O and Cunard are more traditional and British-focused, while Marella tends to be more budget-friendly. Check our comparison pages on MyCruiseAdvisor for detailed differences and sample prices.