Planning your vacation on a Celebrity Cruise means stepping into a world of modern luxury, exceptional cuisine, and unforgettable destinations. But one question that often pops up before setting sail is: How do you pay for drinks on a Celebrity Cruise?
Cruising with Celebrity offers a wide range of options when it comes to beverages — from fresh juices and specialty coffees to fine wines, cocktails, and premium spirits. Understanding how payments work for drinks onboard can help you manage your budget, choose the right drink package, and make the most of your cruise without unexpected expenses.
This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about paying for drinks on a Celebrity Cruise — how the system works, what your options are, and how to save money while enjoying your favorite beverages throughout your voyage.
When you board a Celebrity Cruise ship, you don’t carry cash or credit cards around. Instead, you’re given a SeaPass card, which acts as your onboard ID, room key, and payment method. Every purchase you make — including drinks, excursions, spa treatments, and onboard shopping — is charged to your SeaPass account.
The SeaPass system is linked to a credit or debit card you register during check-in. If you prefer, you can also choose to settle your balance in cash near the end of the cruise.
At the end of your voyage, Celebrity Cruises provides a detailed statement showing every purchase you made, including all drink transactions. This cashless system is convenient and makes it easy to track your onboard spending.
There are three main ways to pay for drinks on Celebrity Cruises:
Pay-as-you-go
Purchase a beverage package
Use onboard credit (OBC) or promotional inclusions
Let’s look at each in detail.
If you prefer not to buy a drink package, you can pay for individual drinks as you consume them. Every bar, restaurant, and lounge onboard offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, each priced according to the drink menu.
Here’s a general idea of average drink prices on Celebrity Cruises:
Soft drinks and sodas: $3–$4
Specialty coffee (Café al Bacio): $5–$7
Bottled water: $2–$4
Beer: $6–$8
Wine by the glass: $9–$15
Cocktails: $10–$15
Premium spirits: $12–$18
When you order, simply present your SeaPass card. The bartender or waiter will swipe it, and the charge will automatically be added to your onboard account.
For each drink purchased, a 20% service charge (gratuity) is automatically added to the bill. This means if a cocktail costs $12, you’ll actually pay $14.40 after gratuity.
Paying as you go works best for passengers who don’t drink frequently or prefer specific premium brands not covered under drink packages. However, costs can add up quickly if you enjoy several drinks per day.
Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of beverage packages that allow you to enjoy unlimited drinks for a fixed daily rate. These packages cover everything from bottled water and sodas to cocktails, beers, and fine wines — depending on the tier you choose.
The main advantage of purchasing a beverage package is convenience and potential cost savings. You won’t have to worry about tracking every drink or signing receipts. Plus, the 20% service charge is already included in the package price.
The Classic Beverage Package includes most popular drinks, such as:
Beers up to $7
Wines by the glass up to $10
Cocktails, liqueurs, and spirits up to $10
Sodas, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water
If you order a drink that costs more than the limit, you only pay the difference.
This package is ideal for travelers who enjoy casual drinks throughout the day, including wine with meals or cocktails by the pool.
The Premium Beverage Package includes everything in the Classic Package plus:
Premium spirits, wines, and cocktails up to $17
Specialty coffees, bottled water (Evian, San Pellegrino), and fresh juices
Energy drinks and smoothies
This is the most popular option for those who enjoy top-shelf liquor, fine wines, and luxury coffee beverages. It offers greater flexibility and access to a broader range of premium selections.
Perfect for guests who don’t drink alcohol, this package includes:
Sodas and sparkling water
Specialty coffees and teas
Fresh juices and smoothies
Bottled water
It’s also great for families or health-conscious travelers who want hydration and refreshments without the alcohol.
Celebrity offers bottled water packages that let you pre-purchase multiple bottles of still or sparkling water at a discounted price. These are convenient for excursions or for keeping your stateroom stocked.
If you’re a wine lover, Celebrity Cruises also sells wine-by-the-bottle packages, available in sets of 3, 5, or 7 bottles. You can choose from curated collections featuring reds, whites, or sparkling wines, often at a lower price than buying bottles individually onboard.
If your cruise booking includes Onboard Credit (OBC) — often offered as part of promotions like “Always Included” or “Go Big, Go Better, Go Best” — you can use this credit to pay for drinks, beverage packages, or any onboard purchase.
Onboard Credit is automatically applied to your SeaPass account. Each time you make a purchase, it deducts from your available balance. Once you’ve used up the credit, further purchases are charged to your registered card.
Many guests use OBC to offset the cost of a beverage package or special cocktails, making it an excellent way to enhance your cruise experience without extra expenses.
Celebrity Cruises introduced the Always Included program to simplify pricing and add more value to your vacation. Under this offer, select fares include:
Classic Beverage Package
Wi-Fi
Tips (gratuities)
This means many guests already have a drink package included in their fare. You can upgrade from the Classic to the Premium Beverage Package by paying the difference per day.
If you booked before the program or chose a lower-cost fare without inclusions, you can still add a drink package later via the Celebrity Cruises website or onboard after embarkation.
You can buy a beverage package:
Before your cruise – through the Celebrity Cruises “Manage My Booking” portal, often at discounted rates compared to onboard prices.
Onboard – at any bar or guest relations desk, usually on embarkation day or within the first two days of sailing.
Once purchased, your package will be active immediately and valid until the end of the cruise. All you need to do is present your SeaPass card when ordering, and it will automatically register your drink under the package.
Gratuities on Celebrity Cruises are generally included in the price of your beverage package. However, if you’re paying for individual drinks, expect a 20% service charge on every transaction.
For example:
A $10 cocktail = $12 after gratuity
A $15 glass of wine = $18 after gratuity
The service charge goes to the bartenders and waitstaff who serve you, so tipping extra is optional but appreciated for exceptional service.
Celebrity Cruises allows passengers to bring a limited amount of personal beverages onboard:
Up to two bottles (750 ml each) of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day.
These can be enjoyed in your cabin for free or at restaurants with a $25 corkage fee per bottle.
Bringing beer, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages is prohibited. If found in your luggage, these will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise.
You can also bring non-alcoholic beverages like water or soda in reasonable quantities, especially if you have dietary needs or small children.
Celebrity’s specialty restaurants and themed bars — such as The Martini Bar, Café al Bacio, World Class Bar, or Sunset Bar — offer unique drink menus and signature cocktails.
If you have a beverage package, most drinks within the package limit are included, even in specialty venues. However, rare wines, ultra-premium spirits, or limited-edition cocktails may cost extra. In those cases, you only pay the price difference above your package allowance.
For example:If your Premium Package covers drinks up to $17 and you order a $20 cocktail, you’ll pay only $3 plus tax.
Celebrity Cruises occasionally hosts Happy Hour specials or themed events where certain drinks are discounted or free for a limited time. These are often announced in the Celebrity Today daily newsletter or via the Celebrity Cruises app.
Examples include:
Wine tastings and mixology classes
Captain’s cocktail receptions
Sailaway parties with discounted drinks
These events are perfect opportunities to try new drinks while saving money.
For frequent cruisers, Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program provides benefits that include drink-related perks. Depending on your membership tier, you can enjoy free or discounted drinks during exclusive events, cocktail hours, or through beverage coupons.
Members at higher levels (Elite, Elite Plus, Zenith) often receive complimentary drinks at the Captain’s Club Lounge during designated hours.
Additionally, Celebrity sometimes sells drink cards onboard, offering a set number of drinks (like 10 cocktails or 12 beers) for a discounted bundle price — a flexible alternative to full drink packages.
While luxury comes naturally aboard a Celebrity Cruise, it’s still wise to budget smartly. Here are some tips to keep your drink spending under control:
Buy your package before boarding – Pre-purchase discounts can save up to 20%.
Use onboard credit – Apply any promotional OBC to cover your beverage expenses.
Stick to house wines or daily specials – These are often cheaper and just as enjoyable.
Share water or wine packages – If allowed, you and your cabin partner can split bottled water packs or wine collections.
Take advantage of loyalty benefits – Use Captain’s Club perks for free drinks.
Skip duplicate coffee purchases – Specialty coffees are included in Premium packages, so there’s no need to buy them separately.
Enjoy embarkation and farewell receptions – Complimentary drinks are often served.
1. Do drink packages include gratuity?Yes, the 20% service charge is already included in all Celebrity beverage package prices.
2. Can one person in a cabin buy a drink package?Generally, all adults sharing the same stateroom must purchase the same package if one person buys it. Exceptions are made for non-drinkers or medical reasons — contact guest services before sailing.
3. Are mocktails included in the Classic Beverage Package?Yes, non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails) are fully covered under both Classic and Premium Beverage Packages.
4. Can I upgrade from Classic to Premium during the cruise?Yes, you can upgrade anytime by paying the daily difference. The upgrade applies for the remainder of the voyage.
5. What happens if I lose my SeaPass card?Report it immediately to Guest Relations. They’ll issue a new one and transfer your account balance.
Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its sophisticated atmosphere and exceptional hospitality, and beverages are a key part of that experience. Whether it’s a cappuccino at sunrise, a chilled rosé at lunch, or a crafted martini before dinner, the onboard bars and lounges cater to every mood and moment.
Knowing how to pay for drinks — and choosing the best payment option — allows you to fully enjoy this luxury without stress. If you’re a light drinker, pay-as-you-go might be your best bet. If you enjoy regular cocktails or wines, a beverage package will likely save money and simplify your vacation.
Remember, it’s not just about the cost — it’s about convenience, peace of mind, and enhancing your time at sea.
Understanding how to pay for drinks on a Celebrity Cruise is key to enjoying your vacation with ease and confidence. The system is designed for convenience, whether you prefer to pay per drink, buy a beverage package, or use onboard credits.
The SeaPass card makes all transactions effortless, and with options like Classic and Premium Beverage Packages, you can tailor your cruise experience to match your preferences and budget. Combine that with promotional offers, loyalty benefits, and smart money-saving tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy every sip without worry.
So as you prepare to set sail, relax and raise your glass — because on a Celebrity Cruise, every drink is an invitation to savor the moment, explore new flavors, and create lasting memories on the open sea.
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