Are you considering booking a cruise with Celebrity Cruises but wondering if they are truly all-inclusive? As a travel enthusiast, I understand the importance of getting the best value for your money without sacrificing quality.
After researching and experiencing Celebrity Cruises firsthand, I can confidently say that while they used to be marketed as all-inclusive, their fare structure has changed. However, there are still options to upgrade to an All Included fare that includes some amenities, and there are also tips to help you save money while enjoying your Celebrity Cruise.
In this article, we will explore the fare structure of Celebrity Cruises and what is included in each fare option. We will also discuss additional costs and ways to save money while onboard. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the fare structure and options can help you make the best decision for your budget and preferences.
So, let’s dive in and discover the facts and tips about Celebrity Cruises’ all-inclusive options.
- Celebrity Cruises used to be marketed as all-inclusive, but now offers a Simply Sail fare.
- Passengers can upgrade to an All Included fare, which includes a Classic Drinks Package, Basic WiFi, and tips.
- Meals in specialty dining restaurants, WiFi upgrades, room service between 11 pm and 6 am, shore excursions, onboard store purchases, and medical treatments require additional payment.
- The cost to upgrade to All Included varies but is around $80 per person, per night.
Fare Structure
I learned from my research that while Celebrity Cruises used to be marketed as all-inclusive, they now offer a Simply Sail fare and passengers can upgrade to an All Included fare, which includes a Classic Drinks Package, Basic WiFi, and tips.
However, other amenities such as meals in specialty dining restaurants, WiFi upgrades, room service between 11 pm and 6 am, shore excursions, onboard store purchases, and medical treatments require additional payment.
So, is it worth upgrading to the All Included fare? It depends on your preferences and how much you plan on consuming drinks and using WiFi. The cost to upgrade varies, but it’s around $80 per person, per night.
AquaClass staterooms and above come with the All Included fare as standard, while guests who book a suite in The Retreat get a Premium version of the All Included package, which includes a Premium Drinks Package, Premium WiFi, gratuities, and onboard credit.
It’s recommended that if you plan on indulging in a lot of drinks and using WiFi, it’s best to choose the All Included fare. However, if you don’t plan on using these amenities as much, the Simply Sail fare may be a better option.
When comparing Celebrity Cruises’ fare structure to other cruise lines, it’s important to note that many other cruise lines charge for alcoholic drinks, WiFi, and gratuities, so Celebrity Cruises’ All Included fare may still be a good deal for some passengers.
Upgrade Options
Interestingly, upgrading to the All Included fare on a Celebrity Cruise can give you access to a Classic Drinks Package, Basic WiFi, and gratuities, making it a great option for those who plan on enjoying the onboard amenities.
But that’s not all, here are four additional benefits of upgrading to the All Included fare:
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AquaClass staterooms and above come with the All Included fare as standard, so if you book one of these staterooms, you won’t have to pay extra for the upgrade.
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Guests who book a suite in The Retreat get a Premium version of the All Included package, which includes a Premium Drinks Package, Premium WiFi, gratuities, and onboard credit. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the best amenities available on the ship.
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The Premium Drinks Package includes drinks up to $15 in value, so you can enjoy premium cocktails, wines, and spirits during your cruise.
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Premium WiFi allows for high-bandwidth activities like video calling and streaming services, so you can stay connected with your friends and family back home while enjoying your cruise.
Overall, upgrading to the All Included fare can provide you with a range of benefits and make your Celebrity Cruise experience even more enjoyable. Plus, with the added perks of AquaClass and the Premium Retreat package, you can enjoy even more luxury and comfort during your trip.
What’s Included
When considering a Celebrity Cruise, it’s important to know what comes with your fare. While Celebrity Cruises used to be marketed as all-inclusive, they now offer a Simply Sail fare, with the option to upgrade to an All Included fare.
The All Included fare includes a Classic Drinks Package, Basic WiFi, and tips. However, meals in specialty dining restaurants, WiFi upgrades, room service between 11 pm and 6 am, shore excursions, onboard store purchases, and medical treatments require additional payment.
Comparing all inclusive options from different cruise lines, Celebrity Cruises offer a good balance between value and luxury. The All Included fares provide an excellent value for those who want to enjoy alcoholic drinks, sodas, specialty coffees, and WiFi.
It’s recommended to choose an All Included fare if you plan on consuming a lot of drinks and using WiFi. However, if you don’t plan on drinking or using much WiFi, the Simply Sail fare may be a better option for you. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the options and choose the fare that best suits your needs and budget.
Additional Costs
It can be disappointing to realize that meals in specialty dining restaurants, shore excursions, and other activities come at an additional cost on a Celebrity Cruise. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget planning to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Keep in mind that even with the upgrade to the All Included fare, some additional expenses may still apply, such as premium dining options, WiFi upgrades, and medical treatments.
It’s also important to be aware of any hidden fees that may arise. For example, room service between 11 pm and 6 am incurs an additional charge, and purchases made at the onboard store will be added to your onboard account.
To avoid overspending, it’s recommended to keep track of your expenses and set a budget for each day of your cruise. Celebrity Cruises offers a clear breakdown of all charges on their website, so be sure to familiarize yourself with this information before embarking on your journey.
Benefits of All Included
Personally, I find the All Included fare to be worth the extra cost for the convenience of having drinks and basic WiFi included in my cruise package. Here are the top three reasons why I think the All Included fare is beneficial:
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Time-saving: With the All Included fare, I don’t have to worry about constantly pulling out my wallet to pay for drinks or WiFi upgrades. This saves me time and hassle, allowing me to fully enjoy my vacation without any interruptions.
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Cost-effective: While the All Included fare does come with an extra cost, it can actually be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you plan on consuming a lot of drinks and using WiFi frequently. Without the All Included fare, these expenses can add up quickly and end up costing you more in the end.
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Peace of mind: Knowing that I have everything I need included in my cruise package gives me peace of mind and allows me to relax and fully enjoy my vacation without any worries.
Of course, there are also some cons to consider when comparing the All Included fare to the Simply Sail fare. For instance, the All Included fare doesn’t cover specialty dining restaurants, shore excursions, or room service between 11 pm and 6 am. However, when weighing the pros and cons and making comparisons between the two fares, I personally find the All Included fare to be the better option for my needs.
When to Choose All Included
Based on my experience, I recommend choosing the All Included fare if you plan on drinking a lot or using WiFi frequently during your Celebrity Cruise.
The Classic Drinks Package that comes with the All Included fare includes alcoholic beverages, sodas, and specialty coffees, which can add up quickly if purchased separately. The Basic WiFi is also included, which is suitable for browsing the internet and checking emails. If you need higher bandwidth for video calls or streaming services, you can upgrade to the Premium WiFi for an additional fee.
One of the benefits of all inclusive is that you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses during your cruise. When you choose the All Included fare, you know upfront what you will be paying for and can budget accordingly. Plus, the gratuities are included, so you don’t have to worry about tipping on top of everything else.
Overall, upgrading to the All Included fare can make your Celebrity Cruise experience more enjoyable and stress-free.
Lowest Price tips
To snag the best deal on my upcoming Celebrity Cruise, I searched for promotions and discounts on the cruise line’s website and signed up for email alerts. I also looked for travel agents who specialize in cruise bookings and compared prices.
Here are some booking strategies that helped me save money:
- Book early: Celebrity Cruises offers Early Booking Rates for those who book six to 18 months in advance. These rates come with perks like onboard credit and reduced deposits.
- Choose a less popular sailing date: Peak season for cruising is during school holidays and summer months, so consider sailing during off-peak times to save money.
- Be flexible with your itinerary: If you’re not set on a specific destination, look for sailings that offer lower rates. For example, a Caribbean cruise might be more expensive during the winter months, but a Mediterranean cruise might be cheaper during that time.
Another way to save money on a Celebrity Cruise is to choose budget-friendly excursions. Instead of booking shore excursions through the cruise line, look for independent tour operators who offer similar experiences at a lower cost. You can also explore the port on your own or book a walking tour. Just make sure to plan ahead and research the options available.
With these tips, you can enjoy a Celebrity Cruise without breaking the bank.
Drink Packages
When it comes to drink packages on my upcoming Celebrity Cruise, I’ve done some research to determine which one is right for me. Celebrity Cruises offers three drink packages: Classic, Premium, and Premium Plus. The Classic package includes beer, wine, and spirits up to $9 per serving, while the Premium package includes drinks up to $15 per serving and adds in specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. The Premium Plus package includes all of the above plus top-shelf spirits and Champagne.
To help make the decision easier, I’ve created a comparison table of the Celebrity Cruises drink specials. The table includes the price per person, per day for each package, as well as what is included in each package. This table will be helpful in determining how much I plan on drinking and what my budget is for the trip. Overall, I’m excited to try out the drink packages and indulge in some delicious cocktails and beverages while on board.
| Drink Package | Price Per Person, Per Day | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | $59 | Beer, wine, spirits up to $9 per serving |
| Premium | $69 | Beer, wine, spirits up to $15 per serving, specialty coffees, teas, bottled water |
| Premium Plus | $89 | All of the above plus top-shelf spirits and Champagne |
Ship Information
Now that we’ve covered the drink packages available on Celebrity Cruises, let’s talk about the ships themselves. Celebrity Cruises has a fleet of 14 ships, ranging in age from the brand new Celebrity Apex to the older Celebrity Millennium.
Each ship offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep passengers entertained throughout their voyage. Some of the ship amenities you can expect to find on a Celebrity Cruise include multiple dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, a spa and fitness center, and a variety of bars and lounges.
Onboard activities range from Broadway-style shows to cooking classes, dance parties, and even glassblowing demonstrations. There are also pools, hot tubs, and plenty of outdoor spaces to relax and soak up the sun. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, Celebrity Cruises offers The Retreat, a private enclave on select ships that includes luxury accommodations, a private pool and lounge area, and exclusive access to dining and activities.
No matter what your interests and preferences, there’s something for everyone on a Celebrity Cruise. So, whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or stay active and engaged, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation.
Meaning of ‘X’
Interestingly, the ‘X’ in Celebrity Cruises’ logo represents the Greek letter chi, which symbolizes the company’s commitment to providing a unique and innovative cruising experience. This is known as the Celebrity Cruises X Factor. The X was first introduced in the company’s design in 2007, as part of a rebranding effort. The design is inspired by modern luxury and elegance, which is reflected in the company’s ships and onboard amenities.
The Celebrity Cruises X Design is evident in the company’s fleet of ships, which are known for their sleek and modern designs. The ships feature a range of amenities, including spacious staterooms, gourmet dining options, and entertainment venues. The X Factor is also reflected in the company’s commitment to sustainability, with the use of energy-efficient technology and eco-friendly practices. Overall, the Celebrity Cruises X Factor represents the company’s dedication to providing a luxurious and innovative cruising experience for its guests.
| Celebrity Cruises X Factor | History of Celebrity Cruises X Design |
|---|---|
| Symbolizes unique and innovative cruising experience | Introduced in 2007 as part of rebranding effort |
| Inspired by modern luxury and elegance | Reflected in fleet of ships with sleek and modern designs |
| Commitment to sustainability with energy-efficient technology and eco-friendly practices | Represents dedication to providing luxurious and innovative cruising experience |
Best Honeymoon Cruises
I recommend considering these five all-inclusive honeymoon cruises for a romantic and stress-free getaway.
Celebrity Cruises offers several options for couples looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation. The first option is the Celebrity Edge, which offers 29 romantic destinations and a variety of luxury accommodations. The ship also has an adults-only solarium, a rooftop garden, and several specialty restaurants.
For a more intimate experience, couples can choose the Celebrity Apex, which has spacious staterooms with private verandas, a spa, and a rooftop garden. The ship also offers a variety of dining options, including a steakhouse and a French bistro.
Another option is the Celebrity Silhouette, which offers a variety of romantic destinations and a range of luxury accommodations, including suites with butler service. The ship also has a spa, a rooftop terrace, and several specialty restaurants.
Couples can also consider the Celebrity Solstice, which offers a range of romantic destinations and luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites with private verandas. The ship also has a spa, several specialty restaurants, and an adults-only solarium.
What are the age requirements for passengers on Celebrity Cruises?
Passengers of all ages are welcome on Celebrity Cruises, with family-friendly amenities and solo traveler accommodations available. The ships offer a variety of activities and entertainment options suitable for all ages.
What is the cancellation policy for Celebrity Cruises?
Canceling a Celebrity Cruise can be costly. I learned this the hard way when I had to cancel my trip due to unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation fees vary depending on the timing, with refunds offered based on the company’s refund policies.
What types of activities and entertainment are available onboard Celebrity Cruises?
Onboard Celebrity Cruises, there are plenty of sports and fitness options, including basketball, volleyball, and yoga. Culinary classes are also available for those interested in cooking. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and stay active while cruising.
Are there any dress codes or attire requirements for dining on Celebrity Cruises?
Did you know that Celebrity Cruises has a variety of restaurant options? From casual to formal, there are dress code expectations for each. For example, the main dining room requires smart casual attire, while specialty restaurants may have more formal expectations.
What kind of medical facilities and services are available onboard Celebrity Cruises?
Onboard medical facilities are available on Celebrity Cruises, including a medical center with a doctor and nurse. The ships also offer accessibility services for guests with disabilities, such as wheelchair-accessible staterooms and public areas.