Unlike many cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises sells two different drink packages.
The Classic Drink Package is for the passenger who wants alcohol but isn't all that discriminate about what he or she drinks.
"Enjoy the drinks you want, when you want them, morning, noon, and night from bottled water, premium coffees, and teas, plus an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass for up to $10 per serving," the cruise line shared on its website.
That package actually sort of makes sense. It's basically for the person happy to drink well liquor (lower-cost alcohol), and low-end beer and wine. It also includes basic fancy coffee drinks and soda, and for people just looking to drink without worrying about the bill.
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The Premium Drink Package, however, raises a lot more questions. On the surface, it seems like a simple offer.
"This elevated drink package lets you start your morning with a premium coffee, enjoy a frozen cocktail by the pool, and then a glass of wine with dinner. Enjoy all the beverages listed in our Classic Package, plus drinks up to $17," the cruise line posted on its website.
The problem is that the $17 limit is not as all-inclusive as you might think.
Image source: Dennis Post/ComeCruiseWith.com
Celebrity Cruises has a beverage pricing problem
Celebrity Cruises President Laura Hodges Bethge informally answered questions from Cruise Critic members in July. Many expressed frustration at the drink package pricing and what is included.
"If you want to purchase the classic drink package there is a charge. If you want to upgrade to a premium drink package there is an additional charge. If you want to purchase most of the specialty cocktails at Eden or World Class bar there is yet another charge. If you want to get a nicer glass of wine or spirit, you guessed it an additional charge," shared D1000.
To be fair, the problem is exacerbated on Edge-class ships. On older ships, there is no Eden and only two of the drinks on the World Class Bar menu are over the $17 limit. On ships with Eden, however, the majority of the menu comes with an upcharge,
"Drink prices on Celebrity are already amongst the highest and yet the inclusions continue to be eliminated. Why not have a truly great premium drink package that actually includes your premium offerings rather than even more upcharges once onboard?" added D1000.
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Celebrity responds (sort of) to drink pricing complaints
While Hodges Bethge was candid and open on many questions, she used the same answer on any question that involved drink package pricing.
Thank you for sharing your feedback on our beverage package options. Our Classic Beverage Package covers all alcoholic drinks up to $10, and includes a selection of non-alcoholic, non-premium beverages such as club soda. Our Premium Beverage Package covers all alcoholic drinks up to $17, and includes a selection of non-alcoholic, premium beverages such as San Pellegrino and fresh-squeezed juices.
While we try to make as many people as possible happy, we recognize there are some guests whose preferences fall outside of these two categories. We are constantly evaluating our beverage offerings to make sure they are in lockstep with what our guests want on a sailing. We will definitely take your feedback on the complexity of the packages back to the team.
That's a non-answer that does not acknowledge that this issue isn't just some passengers wanting top-shelf liquors. It's the cruise line's printed menu in multiple bars having prices that exceed the $17 premium limit.
"This is the repeated answer no matter the question when it pertains to the drink package. Copy and paste is not suitable and somewhat insulting to the posters. Costs per drink and preferred choices are set up in such a way there's always a chit to sign even when one has a package. I, as many others are reporting, will not be purchasing a package which defeats X marketing aim," OceanGoer2 shared.
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D1000 felt the same way.
"Exactly the answer I expected. Copy and Paste and avoid answering the actual question," they added.
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