Everything Included in the Celebrity Cruises Premium Drink Package

Choosing the right beverage package is a pivotal decision for any traveler booking a Celebrity Cruises vacation. For those who prioritize high-quality spirits, craft cocktails, and premium non-alcoholic options, the Premium Drink Package stands as the most comprehensive offering available. In 2025, Celebrity Cruises updated its pricing and inclusions to ensure that guests have access to an even wider array of global brands and artisanal choices.

The Celebrity Cruises Premium Drink Package covers nearly every beverage available at the ship's bars and restaurants, provided the price per serving does not exceed $19. For sailings departing from the United Kingdom or Australia, this limit is adjusted to $23 to account for regional pricing structures. This package is designed to provide a "no-worry" experience, allowing guests to explore the extensive menus at venues like the Martini Bar, Eden, and World Class Bar without constantly checking the price list.

Quick Overview of the Premium Drink Package Benefits

The Premium Drink Package is an upgrade from the entry-level Classic Package. While the Classic Package covers drinks up to $12, the Premium version extends that threshold to $19. This difference is crucial because many of the most popular craft cocktails and top-shelf liquors on Celebrity's modern fleet fall into the $13 to $17 range.

Key inclusions of the Premium Package include:

Unlimited spirits and cocktails priced up to $19 per serving.
A vast selection of craft, specialty, and international beers.
Large Martinis and signature drinks at specialized bars.
Wines by the glass up to $19.
Premium bottled waters such as Evian, San Pellegrino, and Acqua Panna.
Specialty coffees and teas at Café al Bacio and the Main Dining Room.
Fresh-pressed juices from the Spa Café.
Red Bull energy drinks and Vitamin Water.
A 20% discount on all bottles of wine purchased on board.

Comprehensive List of Included Spirits and Alcohol Brands

The true value of the Premium Drink Package lies in the quality of the spirits. If you have a specific preference for vodka, gin, or scotch, the step up from the Classic Package becomes immediately apparent.

Premium Vodka and Gin Selections

In the world of vodka, the Premium Package moves beyond standard labels to include ultra-premium options. Many travelers find that the "cleaner" taste of these high-end vodkas significantly enhances their martini experience.

Belvedere: Known for its rye-based smoothness.
Chopin: A premier potato vodka that is a staple for purists.
Grey Goose: Perhaps the most requested premium vodka on board, available in various flavors.
Ketel One and Ketel One Botanicals: Ideal for refreshing sodas or light cocktails.
Cîroc Snap Frost: Including its popular fruit-infused variants.

For gin enthusiasts, the package unlocks botanically rich brands that define modern mixology:

Hendrick’s: Famous for its cucumber and rose infusions.
Bombay Sapphire: A versatile gin for the perfect G&T.
Tanqueray and Tanqueray No. Ten: Providing a bolder juniper profile.
Gunpowder Irish Gin: A unique, citrus-forward choice that pairs perfectly with premium tonic.

Top-Shelf Tequila and Rum

Tequila has seen a massive surge in popularity on cruise ships, particularly with the rise of artisanal margaritas. The Premium Package includes:

Patrón Silver and Reposado: The gold standard for many tequila drinkers.
Don Julio Blanco and Reposado: Exceptional quality for sipping or mixing.
Cazadores Reposado: Offering a subtle oak flavor.
Ghost Tequila: For those who enjoy a spicy kick in their cocktails.

Rum lovers are also well-served with aged selections that provide deep, complex flavors:

Zacapa 23: A sophisticated sipping rum from Guatemala.
Pyrat XO: Known for its citrusy notes and unique bottle shape.
Brugal: A staple for high-end Caribbean cocktails.
Bacardi 8 Años: An aged rum that elevates a simple Rum and Coke to a luxury experience.

Luxury Whiskies and Bourbons

Whiskey drinkers often find the most financial benefit in the Premium Package. Standard packages usually limit guests to entry-level blends, but the Premium tier opens up the cabinet to single malts and small-batch bourbons.

The Macallan Lumina and Quest: Highly sought-after single malts that often sit right at the package's price limit.
The Glenlivet: A classic Speyside single malt.
Johnnie Walker Black Label and Double Black: Iconic blends that are significantly more refined than the Red Label found in the Classic tier.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel: A more robust and unique profile than the standard No. 7.
Woodford Reserve and Maker’s Mark: Premium bourbons that are essential for a high-quality Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Chivas Regal 12: A smooth, reliable blend for evening relaxation.

Wine and Champagne Choices Under the $19 Limit

For wine enthusiasts, the Premium Drink Package is a game-changer. While the Classic Package offers a "standard" selection of house wines, the Premium tier provides access to the "Reserve" wine list. This includes varietals from renowned regions like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Tuscany.

One of the most significant perks is the inclusion of higher-quality sparkling wines and Champagnes. On most ships, you can enjoy a glass of genuine French Champagne or a high-end Prosecco Superiore without paying extra. If you are dining in a specialty restaurant like Murano or Tuscan Grille, the sommelier can suggest pairings from the $19-and-under list that are vastly superior to the basic options.

Furthermore, if you fall in love with a specific bottle that isn't available by the glass, the 20% discount for Premium Package holders provides a noticeable saving on the total bill.

Beyond Alcohol: Premium Non-Alcoholic Beverages

A common mistake is evaluating the drink package solely based on alcohol consumption. For many, the non-alcoholic perks are what truly tip the scale toward the Premium Package.

Specialty Coffees and Teas

Celebrity Cruises is famous for Café al Bacio, its European-style coffee house. While basic espresso drinks are included in the Classic Package, the Premium Package covers the most elaborate specialty coffees, including those with premium liqueurs or oversized preparations. Starting your morning with a double-shot latte and ending your evening with an organic herbal tea becomes a seamless part of the routine.

Hydration and Energy

On a cruise, staying hydrated is essential, especially in tropical climates. The Premium Package includes unlimited large bottles of Evian and Acqua Panna, as well as sparkling San Pellegrino or Perrier. In contrast, the Classic Package usually provides smaller, non-branded plastic bottles of water.

For those who need an afternoon boost, Red Bull (including Sugar-Free and flavored editions) is fully covered. Additionally, Vitamin Water and bottled iced teas (like Honest Tea) are available for a refreshing change of pace.

Spa Café and Fresh Juices

If you are health-conscious, the Spa Café offers fresh-pressed juices and smoothies. These are often excluded or limited in lower-tier packages but are fully included in the Premium Drink Package. A morning green juice or a post-workout protein smoothie can easily cost $9 to $12 individually, making this a high-value inclusion.

Understanding the Math: Pricing and Service Charges

The cost of the Premium Drink Package generally hovers around $109 USD per person per day plus a 20% service charge (gratuity). This brings the total daily cost to approximately $130.80.

It is important to understand how the gratuity works. When you purchase the package, you pay the 20% service fee upfront for the entire duration of the cruise. This means you do not need to tip the bartender or server every time you order a drink. However, if you order a drink that exceeds the $19 limit (for example, a $25 glass of rare Scotch), you will be charged the $6 difference plus a 20% gratuity on that $6 difference.

The Daily Consumption Scenario

To see if the package is worth $130.80 a day, consider this typical "sea day" consumption:

Morning: Two specialty lattes at Café al Bacio ($12).
Mid-morning: One fresh-pressed juice at the Spa Café ($10).
Lunch: Two craft beers by the pool ($20).
Afternoon: Two large bottles of Evian and one Red Bull ($22).
Pre-dinner: Two premium cocktails at the Martini Bar ($34).
Dinner: Two glasses of premium wine ($38).
Late Night: One late-night cocktail or liqueur ($17).

Total individual cost: $153.00. In this scenario, the traveler saves over $22 per day by having the Premium Package. If you are a social drinker who enjoys high-quality ingredients, reaching the "break-even" point is surprisingly easy.

Key Policies and Fine Print You Need to Know

Before clicking "purchase" in the Celebrity Cruise Planner, there are several rules you must be aware of to avoid surprises.

The Stateroom Rule

Celebrity Cruises requires all adults of legal drinking age sharing a stateroom to purchase the same drink package. If you want the Premium Package, your spouse or roommate must also purchase the Premium Package. This is designed to prevent "sharing" of drinks. However, if one guest has a documented medical reason or is a recovering alcoholic, Celebrity may allow them to purchase the Non-Alcoholic (Zero Proof) package instead—though this usually requires a phone call to their customer service department.

Single Drink Policy

You may only order one drink at a time per SeaPass card. You cannot go to the bar and order three drinks for your friends using your card. There is usually a short waiting period (often 5 to 15 minutes) between transactions to prevent abuse.

Exclusions: Minibar and Room Service

It is a common misconception that drink packages cover everything on the ship. Minibar items and Room Service beverages are almost never included in the Premium Drink Package. If you pull a beer from the fridge in your cabin, it will be charged to your onboard account at the full price.

Private Islands

If your itinerary includes a stop at Labadee, Haiti, or Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, your Premium Drink Package will work exactly as it does on the ship. This provides excellent value for a full day of refreshments on the beach.

Is the Premium Upgrade Worth It Compared to the Classic Package?

Many guests receive the Classic Drink Package as part of an "All Included" fare promotion. The question then becomes: "Is it worth paying $20–$30 more per day to upgrade to Premium?"

The upgrade is worth it if:

You Love the Martini Bar: Most of the famous "Martini Bar" cocktails cost more than $12. With the Classic Package, you'll be paying a few dollars extra for every single drink. With Premium, they are all covered.
You Prefer Brand Names: If you can taste the difference between "house" vodka and Grey Goose, or if you refuse to drink anything but Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, the upgrade is mandatory.
You Drink Premium Water and Coffee: If you plan on drinking several bottles of Evian and multiple specialty coffees daily, the costs of those items alone can justify the upgrade.
You Want a "Hidden Cost" Free Vacation: The Premium Package covers about 95% of the drink menu. With the Classic Package, you will frequently find yourself doing "menu math" to see if a drink is covered.

The upgrade is not worth it if:

You are a Beer Drinker: Most beers on Celebrity are under $10 and are covered by the Classic Package.
You are Happy with "Well" Spirits: If you just want a standard Gin and Tonic and don't care about the specific brand of gin, the Classic Package is perfectly fine.
You Have Elite Loyalty Status: Members of the Captain’s Club (Elite level and above) receive complimentary drinks during the evening "Elite Cocktail Hour." If you only drink during these windows, a full package might be overkill.

Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrity Drink Packages

Can I upgrade from Classic to Premium once on board?

Yes, you can upgrade on the first day of your cruise at any bar or guest relations desk. You will pay the daily price difference plus the 20% gratuity. However, it is often cheaper to upgrade during a pre-cruise sale in the online Cruise Planner.

What happens if a drink costs $21?

If you have the Premium Package ($19 limit) and order a $21 drink, you will be billed $2 plus a 20% gratuity on that $2 ($0.40), for a total of $2.40 on your SeaPass account.

Are there any daily limits on the number of drinks?

No, Celebrity Cruises does not currently have a "hard cap" on the number of drinks you can order in a 24-hour period. However, bartenders are trained to stop serving any guest who shows signs of intoxication.

Is the package available on all ships?

The Premium Drink Package is available on almost the entire fleet, including the Edge Series (Apex, Beyond, Ascent) and the Solstice and Millennium classes. The only exception is the Celebrity Flora and other Galapagos-based vessels, which have their own all-inclusive structures.

Can I cancel my package if I change my mind?

If you purchased the package before the cruise, you can generally cancel it via the Cruise Planner up to 48 hours before sailing for a full refund. Once on board, cancellations are much more difficult and usually result in onboard credit rather than a refund to your credit card.

Summary of the Celebrity Premium Experience

The Celebrity Cruises Premium Drink Package is more than just an "alcohol plan"; it is a ticket to a luxury, hassle-free lifestyle on the high seas. By covering a $19 limit, Celebrity ensures that its guests can enjoy the craftsmanship of world-class bartenders and the quality of top-tier vineyards without reaching for their wallets.

Whether you are sipping a Belvedere Martini while watching the sunset from the Sunset Bar, or rehydrating with an Evian after a day of exploring a Mediterranean port, the Premium Package provides a level of convenience and quality that aligns perfectly with Celebrity's "Modern Luxury" branding. While the daily cost is significant, the peace of mind and the ability to say "yes" to any drink on the menu often make it the most popular choice for discerning cruisers in 2025.

If you are planning to book, keep a close eye on the Celebrity Cruise Planner. Sales ranging from 20% to 35% off the drink package prices are common, especially around holidays like Black Friday or during "Wave Season" in early spring. Booking during these windows can make the Premium Drink Package one of the best values in the entire cruise industry.