We’ve all been there, staring at the long list of amenities and trying to decipher what’s truly worth adding to our perfect cruise vacation. One of the biggest decisions, especially for those embarking on a Celebrity Ascent adventure, revolves around the drink package. Is it a clever way to budget your sips, or a lavish expense that outweighs the benefits? We’re here to help you navigate this bubbly conundrum, drawing on our extensive experience and countless hours spent at sea.
Let’s start by understanding what Celebrity Ascent offers when it comes to keeping your thirst quenched. Celebrity Cruises, in general, provides a few different tiers for their drink packages, and the Ascent follows this established pattern. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, which is great because it allows for a little customization.
The Basic Refreshment Package
This is the entry-level package, and it’s often included as a perk with certain cruise booking promotions, like the “All Included” fare. It’s perfect for those who aren’t big drinkers of alcohol but still appreciate having a wide variety of non-alcoholic options readily available.
What’s Included in the Refreshment Package?
- Specialty Coffees and Teas: Think lattes, cappuccinos, and a robust selection of herbal and black teas. No more plain drip coffee if you don’t want it!
- Bottled Water: Essential for staying hydrated, especially on sunny deck days or during a strenuous shore excursion.
- Premium Juices: Freshly squeezed orange juice, cranberry, apple, and more. A step up from the concentrated stuff.
- Soft Drinks: All your favorite sodas – Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.
- Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Mocktails that are just as fun and flavorful as their alcoholic counterparts, without the buzz.
Who is the Refreshment Package For?
This package is ideal for designated drivers (even on a cruise ship, someone has to be the responsible one!), health-conscious travelers, families with teenagers, or anyone who simply prefers non-alcoholic beverages. It removes the worry of individual drink charges for these items, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
The Premium Drink Package
This is where the alcoholic beverages come into play. The Premium Drink Package is by far the most popular option for many cruisers, and it’s also frequently part of the “All Included” fare. It offers a substantial upgrade from the Refreshment Package, opening up a world of spirits, wines, and beers.
What’s Included in the Premium Drink Package?
- All items from the Refreshment Package: That’s right, you don’t lose anything you gained!
- Extensive Beer Selection: Domestic, international, and craft beers.
- Wines by the Glass: A wide array of red, white, and rosé wines. The specific selection will vary but generally includes several options in each category.
- Spirits: From your basic gin and tonic to a well-made vodka soda, most standard spirits are included.
- Cocktails: A huge selection of classic and specialty cocktails, prepared by skilled bartenders.
Understanding the Price Cap on Drinks
It’s important to note that the Premium Drink Package usually comes with a price cap per drink. On Celebrity, this is typically around $10-$13. Most standard drinks fall within this limit, but if you’re a connoisseur of high-end single malt Scotch or a very specific craft cocktail with premium ingredients, you might find yourself paying a small upcharge. We always recommend checking the current price cap with Celebrity directly or on your cruise booking details, as it can occasionally fluctuate.
Who is the Premium Drink Package For?
This package is perfect for guests who enjoy a few alcoholic drinks each day – whether it’s a mimosa with breakfast, a beer by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, or a cocktail at a show. It offers excellent value if you anticipate having 4-6 alcoholic beverages per day, plus your specialty coffees and bottled water.
The Zero Proof Package
This is a newer offering from Celebrity, designed for those who want all the fun of crafted beverages without the alcohol. It’s an elevated version of the Refreshment Package, focusing on sophisticated non-alcoholic options.
What’s Included in the Zero Proof Package?
- All items from the Refreshment Package.
- Premium non-alcoholic cocktails: These aren’t just mocktails; they are carefully crafted, often using unique ingredients and mixers. Think artisanal sodas, shrub-based drinks, and complex non-alcoholic spirits.
- Specialty non-alcoholic wines and beers: As the market for non-alcoholic options grows, so does the variety available on board.
Who is the Zero Proof Package For?
This package is for the discerning non-drinker who appreciates quality and variety beyond standard soft drinks and basic mocktails. It’s ideal for guests who enjoy the social aspect of cocktail hour but prefer to abstain from alcohol, or those who are taking a break from drinking.
The Premium WI-FI and Drink Package (Known as “All Included”)
This is Celebrity’s most popular offering and often the default for many cruise booking promotions. It bundles the Premium Drink Package with basic Wi-Fi, offering what they market as a more all-inclusive experience.
What’s Included in “All Included”?
- Premium Drink Package: All the benefits mentioned above.
- Basic Wi-Fi: Allows for web browsing, email, and social media. It’s not typically for heavy streaming, but good enough to stay connected.
Is “All Included” Worth It?
For many, this is the sweet spot. If you were already considering the Premium Drink Package and know you’ll want some internet access, the combined package often represents a better value than purchasing them separately. It simplifies your onboard spending and allows for a more worry-free experience.
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The Cost Factor: Doing the Math for Your Celebrity Ascent Cruise
Now for the crucial question: how much do these packages actually cost, and what does that mean for your budget? The daily price of drink packages can vary slightly based on the itinerary, the length of the cruise, and any current promotions. However, we can provide a general idea.
Typical Daily Costs (Subject to Change)
- Refreshment Package: Often around $20-$25 per person, per day.
- Premium Drink Package: Typically in the range of $80-$100 per person, per day.
- Zero Proof Package: Usually around $30-$35 per person, per day.
- “All Included” (Premium Drink + Basic Wi-Fi): The cost here is effectively bundled, but if you were to buy the Premium Drink Package separately, this is the price point to consider.
The “All Included” Advantage
Often, the “All Included” fare, which includes the Premium Drink Package and basic Wi-Fi, offers the best value from the outset. When comparing the base cruise fare with the “All Included” fare, you’ll often find that the difference is less than what you would pay for the drink package alone if purchased on board. This is where the cruise booking decision really comes into play. If you book a “cruise only” fare and then add the drink package later, it almost always costs more.
Calculating Your Break-Even Point
Let’s take the Premium Drink Package as an example, assuming a cost of $90 per day. To break even, you’d need to consume approximately:
- 5-6 Beers/Wines/Spirits: At an average cost of $12-$15 per drink.
- 3 Specialty Coffees and 2 Bottled Waters: Which would add another $15-$20 to your daily tab if purchased individually.
If you anticipate enjoying that many beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic combined), then the package starts to look very appealing.
Factors to Consider Beyond Just Cost
While the financial aspect is a major determinant, several other factors should influence your decision on the Celebrity Ascent drink package.
Your Drinking Habits and Preferences
Be honest with yourselves. Are you someone who enjoys a morning mimosa, a couple of beers by the pool, a glass of wine with lunch, and a cocktail before dinner? Or are you content with water and a soda occasionally?
For the Moderate Drinker
If you enjoy a few drinks throughout the day, the Premium Drink Package or the “All Included” option is likely a fantastic investment. It removes the stress of constantly checking prices and allows you to enjoy your cruise vacation freely.
For the Occasional Drinker
If you only plan on having one or two alcoholic beverages a day, and mostly stick to water or standard sodas, purchasing drinks à la carte might be more cost-effective. However, remember to factor in specialty coffees, bottled water, and juices, as those can add up quickly.
Your Itinerary and Shore Excursions
Consider your itinerary. Will you be spending many full days on the cruise ship, or do you have a port-intensive itinerary with lots of shore excursion days?
Port-Intensive Itineraries
If you’re off the ship most days exploring new destinations, you might not be consuming as many drinks on board. You’ll likely be purchasing drinks in the cruise port or during your excursions. This could reduce the value of a comprehensive drink package.
Sea Days and Relaxation
Conversely, if your itinerary features several sea days, you’ll have ample opportunity to enjoy the ship’s bars and lounges, making a drink package more valuable.
The “All Included” Factor – Wi-Fi and Gratuities
Remember that Celebrity’s “All Included” fare bundles in not just the Premium Drink Package and basic Wi-Fi, but also your gratuities. This is a significant consideration, as gratuities are an unavoidable part of your cruise vacation budget. Having them pre-paid and included in your fare simplifies your onboard spending considerably and enhances that feeling of an all-inclusive experience.
The Mental Freedom: The Hidden Value of Drink Packages
Beyond the sheer numbers, there’s an intangible benefit to having a drink package: mental freedom.
No Sticker Shock
One of the biggest advantages is eliminating the “sticker shock” that can come with individual drink prices on a cruise ship. Each time you order, you’re not mentally calculating the cost, which can detract from the relaxation of your cruise vacation.
Encourages Exploration
A drink package can encourage you to try new things. Ever wanted to try a specialty cocktail you’ve never heard of? Now’s your chance, without the risk of paying for something you might not like. It allows for a more experimental approach to your beverage choices.
Budgeting Made Easy
For many, having the drink costs pre-paid makes budgeting for the entire cruise vacation much simpler. You know upfront what a significant portion of your daily expenses will be, allowing you to allocate funds elsewhere without constantly monitoring your onboard account.
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Our Final Verdict: Is It Worth It for Your Celebrity Ascent Cruise?
So, after all this deliberation, what’s our conclusion on the Celebrity Ascent drink package?
For the vast majority of cruisers, especially those who enjoy a few alcoholic beverages a day, and particularly if you are considering the “All Included” fare during your cruise booking, yes, the Premium Drink Package (or “All Included”) is absolutely worth the cost.
Here’s why:
- Value in Bundling: The “All Included” package often offers the best value, combining drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities at a price that’s usually less than buying them separately.
- Convenience and Simplicity: It simplifies your onboard spending and removes the stress of tracking individual drink costs.
- Hydration and Variety: Even if you don’t drink alcohol heavily, the included specialty coffees, bottled water, and premium juices add significant value and keep you hydrated.
- Mental Freedom: The ability to order what you want, when you want, without a second thought, truly enhances the feeling of a carefree cruise vacation.
However, if you are a very light drinker (one alcoholic drink or less per day) and primarily stick to tap water, or if you plan to spend most of your time off the cruise ship during a very port-intensive itinerary, then purchasing drinks à la carte might make more sense. In this specific scenario, the Refreshment Package or the Zero Proof Package could be a worthwhile consideration if you want premium non-alcoholic options.
Ultimately, the decision is personal. We encourage you to honestly assess your own drinking habits, review the current pricing during your cruise booking process, and consider the benefits of a truly worry-free Celebrity Ascent experience. Cheers to making the best choice for your next adventure at sea!