ailetoile

You must be proud of all of your hard work. It was exactly what I was looking for too, along with SO many others. This still going for almost a year. Good Job and Thank You.

Thanks! I'm working on transferring this information to a website so that I can move away from this thread thing where the most recent update is often buried.

does anyone know if a drink package chosen as one of the 4 OBC options can be transferred to someone in a different cabin ?

I do not believe that it can be.

Can you order a double scotch ? Or would that be classified a 2 drinks ?

As others have said, I believe that it depends on both the beverage package that you have and on the bartender. Since I've seen both "yes" and "no" answers to this question over the years, the best way to get the answer for your particular cruise is to ask while on board.

Also, and I hope this isn't off topic,

I read a review which mentioned that drink service was not available in the Solarium Pool, is this correct ? I like the idea of having drinks serviced to me without getting up going to the bar. Traveling on Solstice. Thanks

Beverage service in the Solarium Pool seems to be pretty hit or miss. I frequently swim there while on my limited number of cruises, and I've seen the occasional person taking drink orders but those have been few and far between. You are probably better off going to the bar or bringing your own if you would like to enjoy a drink by this particular poolside.

I did see Tito's vodka on a recent list but not on this list. Does anyone know if Tito's is being served on board now?

 

Thank you to the Priesman's for such a wonderful wealth of information

I recall my father drinking Tito's vodka on our last cruise in March of 2015. I don't know if it is still available.

I'd also like to clarify that while I've linked to the Priesman's website, I am not affiliated with that family in any way :)

Another question. I booked my cruise with the Classic Drink Package and $300USD OBC included. My question is can I use my $300 OBC to upgrade my drink package to the Premium package before I embark ? Or can OBC on only be used onboard ?

Onboard credit can only be used while on the ship. You can upgrade your packages beforehand with a credit card, or you can wait until you set foot on the ship to upgrade with onboard credit.

This info has been amazing and a great help for first time cruisers. Thank you so much for putting it together. It answered all but 1 of our questions.We are sailing on the Reflection doing the Weastern Caribbean out of Miami. We have the premium alcoholic package. So our last stop is CocoCay Bahamas. On another thread I was reading, it stated that drinks on the island are included with us having the premium alcoholic package Is this correct?

 

Thanks in Advance Darlene.

If it's a private island like Labadee, then yes, your package will work. I've never been to CocoCay, but it sounds like it's another privately owned area so you should be able to use your package. Enjoy!

I booked a sky suite and it comes with the premium drink package. We don't drink alcohol. I read over the drinks included in the package. It does not say that canned soda and smoothies are included however the premium non alcoholic package specifically states these are included.

 

Do I need to ask once onboard to be switched to the premium non alcoholic package in order to get canned soda and smoothies included?

 

If we order room service can I order a specialty coffee or soda or juice with my meal or do I need to get only from a bar or restaurant in order for it to be no extra charge? Thanks

As others have said, the Premium Package includes all of the non-alcoholic beverages you have named. No beverage package covers room service or the mini-fridge in your room, so you will still need to pay extra for those services.

You will, however, find that since you are in a suite your room service menu for breakfast should include smoothies and "fresh squeezed" orange juice. Putting aside the debate about whether or not the juice is indeed freshly squeezed, these are examples of premium beverages that you can get for free in your room under certain circumstances (room service breakfast) because of the TYPE of room you are in, which has nothing to do with your beverage package.

Wow that is very informative.

 

My question is you all seem to be talking about the Classic and Premium package but when I log on to my planner for my up coming cruise it also gave me the Standard package but with a brief description that's say nothing.

 

Do you know what is included in the Standard package at $49 compare to classic.

 

Sorry first cruise back on Celebrity since 2002.

 

Thanks again for all the work

 

Sea ya

Eric

You can find information about the Standard package in the most recently updated PDF of this FAQ here.

(Purchasing Beverage Packages) Will I have to pay tax on the purchase or upgrade of a beverage package?

If you purchase a beverage package prior to sailing or while you are not docked in a port, you do not have to pay taxes.

 

There are some reports that drink package purchases and upgrades can be subject to tax while the ship is docked in port, so you may wish to confirm that this will not be the case or wait until the ship has sailed before you decide to buy. Please note that this seems to be up to the discretion of the individual employee that handles the sale.

 

Searched this thread and did not find my answer. Sailing out of Southampton. We have classic as perk but want to upgrade. Should we wait until we leave port? I will definitely ask once on board but wanted some heads up. Only unsure because there is a lot of talk on European port boards about Spanish VAT being charged on everything that leaves from Spain. Not sure about England. Lots of talk about EU ports vs non EU ports. Was hoping someone with recent experience can shed some light on this. Thanks,

Your best bet is to ask once on board. I don't want to steer you wrong, and if there's one thing Celebrity excels at it is being consistently inconsistent. Even if someone who answers here has one experience, there's no guarantee that you will have the same experience, if that makes sense.

The Preisman family link only shows reviews broken down by ship and general tips for cruising. Is there a trick to finding thie recent drink price list? Also, is there a list of which liquors are included with which drink package?

Has anyone seen a list of the prices of the various drinks on the Solstice.

 

I saw one from a few years ago, but am wondering what the prices are now. Knowing this will help us to decide whether to get the drinks package or not.

Sometimes individuals that have cruised more recently than the Preisman family will post this information, but it is not available in any official capacity from Celebrity. This is because it can vary by ship and even by sailing or region. Unfortunately, posts such as the Preisman family's pictures of the menus themselves are typically the best you will get. If there was a better resource out there I would link to it! :)

We are on Reflection in May and will have the Premium alcohol package. Will it include freshly squeezed OJ if we request it for breakfast via room service? Thanks for any advice.

It will only be included if you are in a Concierge room or above. Basically, it might be included as a room perk but not as a beverage package perk.

You may, however, go to the buffet or MDR and order it. Then it would be covered. Confused yet? :p

Ailtoile... One correction to your PDF. The sparkling wine that you get when boarding (concierge/aqua/suites(?)) often can be exchanged for a credit of $28 (seems to vary occasionally) towards another bottle of wine...it does not have to be similar, it's just a credit. Ask your somelier the first night..and if they say OK, bring the sparkling wine with you the next time you want to order wine so they can do the exchange against that higher priced bottle.

Good point :) I'm actually attaching an updated PDF to reflect that and to get a little more specific in the bit about Aqua class since I see a post on the boards about that...

Bev Package FAQ.pdf

How long do you have to wait after you order a drink before you can get another? Sometimes I like to get a glass of wine but also get a Coke at the same time of a bottle of sparkling water.

It really depends on the person that's running your card. I've been able to do it immediately for say a bottle of water and a glass of wine (the only double drinks I want involve water...) but I've heard others say you have to wait a few minutes.

I read some of the information on this thread. We got the classic package for onboard booking. I don't really drink alcohol, so hoping I can just non alcoholic versions of the cocktails (Nojito, Virgin Pina colada, etc). Has anyone done this successfully?

 

Stefani

You should be able to get mocktail versions of anything that your package covers the alcoholic version of.

I'm sorry for the delay, guys. I switched computers and forgot to transfer the document to the new setup. This definitely became a case of "out of sight, out of mind."

I've made the following updates to the document....

• Added the Standard beverage package pricing and contents to the list and checked to update the rest of the document with references to it where necessary (please let me know if you find something I missed).
   
  
• Added a link to QE2_Fan's beverage calculator.
   
  
• Updated "Where is my beverage package valid" to explicitly state that you can use it in specialty restaurants.
   
  
• Clarified that "small glasses" from the Martini Bar are the same as standard-sized martinis from elsewhere on the ship.
   
  
• Added a very specific statement to "Where can I find the most updated prices for beverages" to say that there is no such thing as a detailed price list for beverages on Celebrity.
   
  
• Added a question to the A La Carte Drinking section:
   
  Do I need to specify the brand of alcohol that I want while I’m ordering a la carte?
  Generally, if you have a brand of alcohol in mind you should specify that when ordering. Although most of the bartenders will ask you your preference if there are multiple options (for example, Absolute vs Gray Goose), you cannot count on this happening all of the time. Depending on the brand, this may make a difference in the price that you pay for your beverage.
   
  
• Added a question to the Using Beverage Packages section:
   
  Do I need to specify the brand of alcohol that I want while I’m ordering through a beverage package?
  Generally, if you have a brand of alcohol in mind you should specify that when ordering. Keep in mind, however, that not all brands of alcohol are covered by all beverage packages. If you do not specify the brand of alcohol while ordering, you can assume that the bartender will choose one that is covered by your beverage package but that the brand may not be the most expensive option that could be covered by your package.
   
  
• Added a question to the Using Beverage Packages section:
   
  Does my beverage package cover the drink of the day?
  It is only covered by the Premium package. The drink of the day is not covered by the Standard or Classic beverage packages even if the drink falls below the package’s stated limit unless it is otherwise stated in Celebrity Today.
  

Bev Package FAQ.pdf

Hi all,

I am a complete newbie. I just booked a trip for September 2016 on the Celebrity Solstice (in Concierge Class) for an Alaska cruise. I have put down a deposit and was positive I had added a classic beverage package but can't seem to find it listed anywhere in the description of of my reservation. I also Chose the Select Dining and Cruise Insurance and they seem to show up fine in the description. I can't figure out how to add the beverage package or at least check on it. Any help would be appreciated. I must be missing something.

 

Thanks

Meredith

Hi Meredith,

It sounds like you're in pretty good hands with regards to your questions, so I'll leave the others to that. I think that you MUST be on the same cruise as us since we're also booked on the last Solstice cruise in September of 2016. Please consider joining our roll call:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls/celebrity-solstice-september-2-2016/

You can ask cruise-specific questions and meet others who'll be sharing your sailing. We'd love to have you :)

Thanks for the reply AtleeH. I may not have been very clear. I meant without any drink package. Would I be charged more if I ordered a cocktail and specified a branded (but not premium) spirit, rather than simply ordered the cocktail and said nothing about what should be in it?

Honestly, the answer is "maybe." It depends on whether the brand that you ordered is the same as (or equivalent to) the brand they would have used anyway. :cool:

"We will pack and bring along with us two jars of peanut butter and one jar of jelly!!!!!!"

 

Better make sure it is low-fat peanut butter and jelly with no added sugar!!

 

OD

Oh, and you should probably avoid the bread, too. Never can be too sure about gluten. ;)

There is so much to love about this article. I especially like the part where it inexplicably switches from foods to avoid to foods to consume and then BACK AGAIN to foods you should avoid. :cool:

ROYAL suites and up get premium beverages.

 

 

 

I think there may have been a rule back in 2012/2013 about all having same package, but that was pre 123. I swear I read this when I booked first cruise, but later it wasn't there. Other cruise lines have the policy though. But in any case, on X, it's not a rule at all at this time.

Thanks for the clarification, Cle-guy. I've never been fortunate enough to travel in a suite of any flavor so to me it's all basically hearsay. :o

I have the premium package which I paid the upgrade, I am a bit confused and maybe someone can help me. I went from Aqua Class to Sky Suite recently and did this change my drink package at all? Did I pay for something that now I would get free changing to the Sky Suite.

You did not pay for anything that you would now get for free :) Only Celebrity suites and higher, I believe, get the free beverage package.

My TA tells me passengers in the state room cannot have different beverage packages. I am wondering if that is accurate? I would be grateful for views. I will be looking to purchase these packages (they are not part of perks)

From what I have been told, if it is done before the sail date of the cruise - then everyone in the cabin has to have the same package. If done at a bar onboard - just one person in a cabin can do it no problem. And there is no price difference on drink packages beforehand or on-board.

Your TA is informing you incorrectly or incompletely. The only situation under which you must have the same beverage package as another passenger in your cabin is if you are selecting the package as a perk for a deal such as Go Big.

This is also the case for upgrading: One of you can upgrade and the other can choose not to regardless of how the beverage packages were acquired unless you acquired them as part of a deal that explicitly stated otherwise in its terms and conditions. You do not have to wait until you are on board to upgrade just a single person.

QE2_Fan, I am getting ready to post another updated PDF in the next few days here. Do you mind if I include a link to your drink calculator in that PDF? Figured it doesn't hurt to ask.

Also, to those who have been posting recently: I appreciate that the beverage packages are HUGELY expensive and potentially not worth it if you are buying them out of pocket. I truly do. I even agree with you.

With that being said, this thread is about trying to collect questions and information about beverages and beverages packages and to try to keep that information up to date within the last page or two of recent posts so that people don't have to click through dozens of pages of replies to find what they're looking for. The problem with many previous threads about beverage packages is that they started off informative and then devolved into either complaining or extraneous conversation, which made the information they contained hard to find. I'm trying to avoid that here, so I would like to ask kindly that you please start a new thread if you wish to comment on the price of the packages. Thank you :o

Repeating my question-- answered originally in the affirmative earlier in this thread, then this week saw the spreadsheet where it shows only for premium.

Dena, there are two ways that the alcoholic coffees are "included" in the Classic Package:

1) You buy the coffee, wait a few minutes, and then buy the shot and combine them yourself; or

2) Whoever is in charge at Cafe Al Bacio has decided to include them for that particular ship at that particular time.

Alcoholic coffees from the Cafe's menu are not included in the Classic Package. Could you please tell me the post number in this thread where it says that they are included? If it was me saying it, then I would be the first to admit that I mistyped.

I see some of these have been answered and some have not but I'm going to acknowledge them all with the best answers I can give (mostly) anyway :)

On my upcoming 9 night cruise I'd like to upgrade my Premium Non Booze to Premium Booze with only 4 days left, maybe 3 days if allowed. Here is my question. If I upgrade at say 7AM at the coffee bar, with say an Irish Coffee (YUM!), do they charge me for the last day too, disembarkation day?

Pat, as others have chimed in you will be charged for the number of NIGHTS remaining in the cruise. The cutoff is determined by staff on the ship, so as others have said please make sure that you are aware of what that date is as you near the end of your cruise. And have a lovely time!

===

Going on the Eclipse on the 30th this month, both my wife and I have the premium package.

 

We've just found out the wife is pregnant (woohoo!), so looking at downgrading her package (booo! :) )

 

I don't know if I'm being picky but the non-alcoholic packages list fresh/bottled juices (for the classic) and then non-alcoholic frozen drinks and smoothies (for the premium).

 

Is this inclusive of all form of non-alcoholic cocktails as well? Or purely juices on their own and frozen drinks/smoothies. Celebrity has made quite detailed lists of what you can have in your packages, and as the alcoholic packages mention cocktails specifcially I'm a bit unsure if my wife will be able to have the things she wants.

Well, first congratulations :D

Just so you're aware, you may have a rough time downgrading from the Classic Package, and even if you do manage to downgrade you will likely only receive the Classic Non-Alcoholic package. This whole mess seems to be entirely at the discretion of whoever you speak with on the phone before your cruise, or whoever you speak with at Guest Services after your cruise.

On to your question: I believe most mocktails are included in the Classic Non-Alcoholic package. The only real benefit that upgrading seems to get you is specialty canned beverages like Red Bull and sparkling bottled water (as opposed to still).

===

Can some one tell me what are the brands of water that are Premium and Non Premium. if we did not have them in a package what would they cost per bottle?

I don't know this off-hand but it appears that your question was already answered by one of the awesome people that are still watching this thread.

===

Can you use the beverage package (classic) in the specialty restaurants

Yep, you can use any beverage package in the specialty restaurants.

Just keep in mind that there have been some reports on some ships that some of the specialty restaurants have "forgotten" to include a red and/or white wine in the stated range of the Classic Package. If this happens, you will have to pay the full cost of the wine because it has gone over the Classic Package limit. You might be able to speak with the head sommelier if this happens to you and possibly have that cost reimbursed since as of the last I've heard ALL restaurants, including specialty restaurants, must offer something within the limits of both the Classic and Premium Packages.

===

I drink a lot of bottled water, is it easy to pick up around the ship on a package?

Bottled water is available at all of the bars and restaurants. This includes Cafe Al Bacio. In other words, it's very easy to find and grab throughout the ship :)

===

I thought you had to have the same package if you're over 21 and in the same cabin...is that not true?

 

so has that changed? I can choose to buy the classic alcoholic package and he can go a la carte?

You can each have the package (or none) that suits your taste if you are buying them out of your own pocket. You can have a package, and he can go a la carte. Other cruise lines have rules about this, but Celebrity does not.

If you are receiving the package as a perk, then you must both pick the package since you must both receive the same perk. I believe that is where the confusion may be coming from.

===

I would want to know whether I can have speciality coffees only at Bacio or someplace else as well? (E.g. MDR or buffet).

You should be able to order specialty coffees from the buffet, the MDR, and specialty restaurants. Keep in mind that they may have to run to Cafe Al Bacio to fulfill your order if they do not have the equipment to make what you've ordered. Also please keep in mind that they may tell you "no" if you've ordered something too complicated.

Please keep in mind that this answer is based on my experiences on S-class ships. I'm not sure how it works on Connie since I haven't sailed on her.

If memory serves me, Freshly Squeezed OJ and smoothies are not complimentary for non-suite cabins, including CC. Or has this changed since October 2014?

Smoothies and orange juice have been complimentary for Concierge and Aqua cabins for I believe several years (fiveish) at least. I can only comment on that time period since that's when we started sailing in them :)

REgarding the Classic package. DH drinks Tequilla Sunrises and Gin and Tonics .... this is OK for Classic, right?

 

I like a Manhattan. Is this in the same category as a martini? Meaning if I order one, it wil come in a *small* glass?

Tequila sunrises, gin and tonics, and other "classical" drinks are generally covered under the Classic Package. You just won't get top-shelf liquor choices.

I'd like to clarify the "small" glasses thing about martinis and other similar drinks (and I will make a point of addressing this in the next FAQ update). When we talk about "large" and "small" glasses, this applies only to the Martini Bar.

Other bars serve martinis and similar drinks such as Manhattans in a normal-sized glass. The Martini Bar makes specialty drinks that come in larger than normal glasses. The "small" from them is the same size that you would get from a regular bar.

QE2_fan, tried to complete spreadsheet on my android phine but not working so will try on computer.

 

If we do classic package for 18 days looking at cost of approx $2500 for both of us . Were paying airfares of $6250 as we're flying from UK so we really need to weigh up whether we'll get our good value from package.

Honestly, it sounds like you will be the very happiest if you start out paying as you go. Just keep in mind that you can buy drinks a la carte to begin and then upgrade to a beverage package part of the way through your cruise if you feel that you'll get a good value after seeing what your actual drinking preferences are. This would prevent you from having to guess in advance and could potentially save you some or even a lot of money. :D

Is there sugar free hot chocolate available?, if not I will bring my own. Our British Isle cruise looks to be a bit cold in the AM Thanks

I don't recall seeing one at any point in any of our previous cruises, but that doesn't mean it wasn't there and I just didn't notice.

If someone comes along and says that it is available, I will go ahead and add that information to the beverages FAQ thread :)

Thank you for your response. Having now phoned Celebrity Uk, a very helpful operator drew my attention to the information on their UK site.

Basically the Standard package includes

 

Standard Drinks Package

 

 

Drinks Included:

 

House collection of most popular grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and other red blends

 

10% discount on wines by the bottle

 

Selected frozen drinks and cocktails up to $7 per glass

 

Selected spirits (Vodka, Gin, Blend Whiskey, White Rum, Silver Tequila)

 

Selected beers (Bud, Coors Light, Bud Light, Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel)

 

Bottled water

 

Selected (on-tap) soft drinks

 

He clarified spirits are not branded names but local versions (eg white rum instead of Bacardi). It is noticable brandy is not covered, and mixers are not canned but piped.

 

On our 14 night cruise to upgrade to the Classic package is £109 pp.

 

 

Personally we feel the standard package will suit us fine, but if necessary we will upgrade on board after a few days.

Thanks so much for the info! If it seems like it'll be permanent I will use this post for the details when I add it to the FAQ :D

Having cruised with Celebrity once previously we are aware of the two options of Alcohol drinks packages .

However when we booked recently the U.K. travel agent advised our free drinks package was a "Standard Classic." She went onto say the "Standard Classic" was the free version of the Classic, but her description of it confused me, somewhat, leaving me wondering if it is the same as the Classic, but free, or whether it is a different animal all together.

 

I have never heard mention of the "standard classic" on this forum or elsewhere and am hoping someone can clarify for us.

 

Thanks in anticipation

Hi there! The Standard Package seems to have been something that Celebrity tried in the UK only where you basically get house beers and wines, and some soft drinks. It is a stripped down version of the Classic Package from my understanding. I am still very fuzzy on the details because the package hasn't been mentioned or advertised anywhere else. It's hard to find information about it in Canada!

In addition to the lack of information, I've also held off on adding it to this FAQ because my suspicion (especially with the new Go Big stuff) is that it will not make it past a smallish test in the UK. If it turns out that it is added permanently instead of as part of a promotion for a single country, then I will add as much information about it as I can find to the FAQ.

SeeJennyCruise, where are you sailing in November that you keep talking about not being warm?

Transatlantic from Southampton to Boston. Low to high 50's F for the average air temperature will be lovely for me, I like a chill, but we won't drink as many frozen drinks :p

I super appreciate all of the responses to beverage-related questions that have been happening in this thread, but I'd like to make a gentle request that we please keep the thread on the topic of beverages. Thank you :)

A few questions:

 

Why would one wait until boarding to purchase the package?

 

Are we charged for the disembarkation day? - Due to the time of our flight we are considering staying on board and paying for the privilege.

This has been covered by other responders, but I'd like to add to it:

In addition to waiting until day two and using on board credit to purchase the package, another reason that people might wait is to just get a feel for how much the beverages that they want to drink will be and to see if the package will be a good benefit to them.

You are not charged for disembarkation day (you're charged per night) but you may use the package for specialty coffees on the morning of disembarkation. I know this is true for at least the breakfast buffet area.