Celebrity Ascent Premium Drink Package Worth It? Our Honest Review
Fresh off a sailing on the Celebrity Ascent from February 16th–23rd, 2025, we wanted to share our experience with the Premium Drink Package—whether it was worth the cost and what future cruisers should consider before purchasing. This was our second-ever cruise, with our first being on Disney Cruise Line, which does not offer a drink package. So, this was our first time experiencing an all-inclusive beverage package at sea.
Leading up to embarkation, we debated whether or not to purchase the drink package. The upfront cost was significant, and we wanted to ensure it made financial sense. After doing some quick calculations, we decided to go for it—and here’s how it played out
Celebrity’s Drink Package Options
Celebrity Cruises currently offers three drink packages, with pricing varying depending on the ship and length of sailing. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Zero Proof Drink Package – Includes juices, premium coffees, teas, and bottled water.
- Classic Drink Package – Covers alcoholic drinks and cocktails up to $10 but does not include premium coffees or premium bottled water.
- Premium Drink Package – Covers alcoholic drinks up to $17, specialty coffees, and premium bottled water such as San Pellegrino, Evian, or Perrier.
What We Paid
We opted for the Premium Drink Package since we primarily enjoy cocktails rather than beer. The cost was $79.99 per person per day, plus an automatic 18% gratuity, bringing our total to $1,321.43 for the two of us.
Onboard, most cocktails were priced at $17 before gratuity, meaning that each drink actually cost about $20 after the automatic service charge.
So, we wanted to break down the numbers:
- Total package cost = $1,321.43 (for two people, seven days).
- Daily cost per couple = ~$189.
- Cost per cocktail (with gratuity included) = ~$20.
- Daily drinks needed to break even = 9.45 total (4.725 per person per day).
Essentially, to make the package worth it, each of us would need to drink about 4–5 cocktails per day. Since we enjoy a nice cocktail (or a few), this seemed like an easy threshold to meet.
Pros of the Premium Drink Package
- No Worries About Cost – Once onboard, we never had to think about drink prices or track our spending. Simply handing over the SeaPass card made it hassle-free.
- Freedom to Try New Drinks – If we didn’t like a cocktail, we didn’t feel pressured to finish it. We could just order something else without hesitation.
- Premium Bottled Water – Having access to high-quality bottled water (San Pellegrino, Evian, Perrier) was a great perk, especially on warm days.
- Extensive Cocktail Options – The majority of cocktails were at or below the $17 price point, maximizing the package value.
- Specialty Coffees Included – A great bonus for those who enjoy a morning latte or an afternoon espresso.
Cons of the Premium Drink Package
- The Price – The only real downside is the upfront cost. If you’re not sure you’ll drink enough to break even, it may not be the best investment.
Final Thoughts: Was it Worth it?
For us, the Premium Drink Package was absolutely worth it. Even if we hadn’t purchased it, we would have likely consumed 4–5 drinks per day, meaning we would have spent more if we had paid per drink. Beyond the financial savings, the biggest perk was not having to worry about accumulating a large bill by the end of the cruise.
That said, the package isn’t for everyone. If you’re a light drinker or prefer beer (which is generally cheaper), you may be better off paying as you go or opting for the Classic Drink Package. However, if you enjoy premium cocktails, specialty coffee, and premium bottled water, and plan to have at least 4–5 drinks per day, the Premium Drink Package is a great value.
Would we purchase it again? Absolutely.
Have you tried Celebrity’s drink packages? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
See our review of our sailing HERE
