Celebrity All Included: Is It Worth It? (2025 Cost Breakdown)
Imagine embarking on a Celebrity cruise knowing that your drinks, internet, and even some gratuities are already taken care of. That’s the promise of **Celebrity All Included**, a popular fare option designed to offer a more convenient and seemingly worry-free vacation experience. But with cruising costs constantly evolving, especially for 2025, the big question remains: Is “All Included” truly worth the added expense, or are you better off paying for amenities à la carte?
This comprehensive guide will break down what Celebrity’s “All Included” package entails for 2025, provide an estimated cost analysis, detail exactly what’s covered (and what’s not!), and help you determine if this popular bundled offering aligns with your cruising style and budget.
What is Celebrity “All Included” for 2025?
Celebrity Cruises’ “All Included” fare is a premium booking option that bundles three popular amenities into your cruise fare: the **Classic Drink Package**, **Basic Wi-Fi**, and **gratuities for the beverage package**. This is offered for Inside, Ocean View, Veranda, Concierge Class, and AquaClass staterooms.
It’s important to note a significant change for bookings made on or after October 4, 2023 (which affects most 2025 cruises): while “All Included” covers the gratuities specifically associated with the included Classic Drink Package, **it no longer includes the daily onboard staff gratuities** (for your stateroom attendant, dining staff, etc.). These will be charged separately to your SeaPass account or can be prepaid as usual.
This differs from Celebrity’s previous “Always Included” model, which did cover these daily service charges. Understanding this distinction is crucial when evaluating the overall value for your 2025 cruise.
Celebrity “All Included” 2025 Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
The price of “All Included” varies based on itinerary, ship, and booking promotions. However, to give you an idea of the cost and value, let’s look at typical estimated prices for a 2025 sailing:
“All Included” Package Price (Estimated)
While the exact cost is bundled into your cruise fare, purchasing the “All Included” package typically adds approximately **$85 to $100 per person, per day**, to the “cruise only” fare. This is the premium you pay for the included drinks and basic Wi-Fi.
Breakdown of Individual Costs (if purchased separately)
To assess if the “All Included” package is truly a saving, let’s consider the cost of its components if you were to purchase them individually for a standard 2025 sailing:
- Classic Drink Package: Typically ranges from **$89 to $99 per person, per day**, plus an automatic 20% service charge. This means an individual Classic Drink Package would cost roughly **$106.80 to $118.80 per person, per day**, if purchased separately.
- Basic Wi-Fi: This tier of Wi-Fi (for Browse, email, messaging) is not easily purchasable as a standalone package for non-All Included guests. Celebrity encourages upgrading to Premium Wi-Fi if greater connectivity is needed. Its value is often bundled and difficult to isolate.
- Daily Onboard Staff Gratuities: As mentioned, these are now *separate* from “All Included” for 2025 bookings. The daily rates are:
- Inside, Ocean View, Veranda: **$18.00** per guest, per day
- Concierge Class & AquaClass: **$19.00** per guest, per day
- The Retreat: **$23.00** per guest, per day
Total “All Included” Effective Cost: When you select “All Included,” your overall trip cost will be the “All Included” fare + the separate daily onboard staff gratuities. This is the true price you pay for the bundle.
Total “Cruise Only” + Add-ons Effective Cost: If you choose “cruise only,” your overall trip cost will be the “cruise only” fare + Classic Drink Package + Basic Wi-Fi (if purchased) + all daily onboard staff gratuities.
What’s Covered: Details of the “All Included” Perks
Understanding the specifics of each inclusion helps in your value assessment:
Classic Drink Package
This package is quite comprehensive, covering a wide array of beverages. It includes:
- Beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, and wines by the glass priced up to **$10 (or $12 on UK/AU departures)** per serving.
- Fountain sodas, juices, and basic bottled water.
- Specialty coffees and teas (like espresso, cappuccino) from venues like Café al Bacio.
The 20% beverage gratuity is **included** for drinks consumed under this package.
Basic Wi-Fi
The Basic Wi-Fi package is designed for essential connectivity. It allows you to:
- Browse the web.
- Send and receive emails.
- Use messaging apps for text (e.g., WhatsApp, iMessage).
It is **not** designed for streaming movies/music, video calls, or uploading large files. For higher-speed internet, you would need to upgrade to Premium Wi-Fi for an additional daily fee.
Tips (Gratuities)
To reiterate, for 2025 bookings made after October 4, 2023, the “All Included” fare only covers the gratuities on the Classic Drink Package itself. **It does NOT cover the daily service charge** for your stateroom attendant, dining staff, and other hotel services teams. You will still need to account for these daily gratuities, either by pre-paying them or having them charged to your onboard account.
Is “All Included” Worth It for You? A Value Calculation
To determine if “All Included” is a good value, consider your typical habits:
Calculate Your Daily Drink & Wi-Fi Usage
Think about how many paid drinks you typically consume per day. If the Classic Drink Package costs ~$107-$119/day (including gratuity), and drinks are generally $8-$12 each, you’d need to consume approximately 9-15 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic specialty drinks) per day to break even on just the drink package. If you also value basic Wi-Fi for messaging and checking emails, that adds to the overall value.
Compare “All Included” vs. “Cruise Only” + Add-ons
Here’s a simplified comparison for a 7-night cruise (excluding the base cruise fare for comparison clarity):
| Item (per person, 7 nights) | “All Included” Cost | “Cruise Only” + Add-ons Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Drink Package + Bev Gratuities | Included in package price | $747.60 – $831.60 ($106.8 – $118.8/day) |
| Basic Wi-Fi | Included in package price | (Not easily available separately, but valuable) |
| Daily Onboard Staff Gratuities ($18-$19/day) | $126 – $133 (Still paid separately) | $126 – $133 |
| Estimated Total Extra Cost (beyond base fare) | ~ $595 – $700 ($85-$100/day for AI + $18-19/day gratuities) | ~ $873.60 – $964.60 (Drinks+Gratuities) |
*Note: “All Included” package price range is an estimate based on observed market rates and the value of included perks. Actual pricing varies by sailing and promotions.
The Convenience Factor
Beyond the raw numbers, there’s the convenience of “All Included.” For many, the ability to order drinks without checking prices or signing chits adds to the relaxation. It provides a sense of predictable budgeting for these specific items, avoiding “bill shock” at the end of the cruise for drinks and internet usage.
Pros and Cons of “All Included”
Pros:
- Predictable Budgeting: Eliminates much of the worry about onboard spending for drinks and basic internet.
- Convenience: Order drinks freely without constantly reviewing prices or signing receipts.
- Value for Moderate/Heavy Drinkers: If you consume 9-15 drinks (alcoholic/specialty) per day, the drink package alone often justifies a significant portion of the “All Included” cost.
- Basic Connectivity: Essential for staying in touch via text-based apps and light Browse.
- No Bill Shock (for included items): Reduces the surprise of a large bar or internet bill at the end of your cruise.
Cons:
- Upfront Cost: A significant sum added to your initial cruise fare.
- Still Pay Daily Gratuities Separately: This is a key change for 2025 bookings, meaning your “all-inclusive” experience still has an essential separate daily charge.
- Potential Overpayment: If you don’t utilize the included drinks and Wi-Fi regularly, you might be paying for more than you use.
- Basic Wi-Fi Limitations: Not suitable for streaming, video calls, or heavy internet usage, potentially requiring an upgrade.
- No Flexibility for Upgrades: You can typically upgrade the Classic Drink Package to Premium for an additional daily fee, but this adds more cost.
- All Stateroom Guests Must Participate: If one person in a stateroom chooses “All Included,” all guests in that stateroom must also select it.
Tips for Maximizing “All Included”
- Utilize the Included Drinks: Make the most of the Classic Drink Package by enjoying specialty coffees, fresh juices, and bottled water, not just alcoholic beverages.
- Budget for Separate Gratuities: Remember to factor in the daily onboard staff gratuities ($18-$23/day) that are *not* included in “All Included.”
- Assess Wi-Fi Needs: If you rely heavily on internet for streaming or video calls, factor in the cost of upgrading to Premium Wi-Fi.
- Don’t Feel Pressured to Over-Consume: Just because it’s included doesn’t mean you need to drink excessively to “get your money’s worth.” Enjoy responsibly.
- Check Promotions: Sometimes, Celebrity offers promotions where “All Included” is a greater value or even an option on certain fares.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Celebrity All Included ❓
Q: Do all guests in a stateroom need to purchase All Included?
A: Yes, if one guest in a stateroom chooses the “All Included” fare, all guests in that stateroom must also choose it.
Q: Can I upgrade my drink or Wi-Fi package with All Included?
A: Yes, you can typically upgrade your Classic Drink Package to the Premium Drink Package and your Basic Wi-Fi to Premium Wi-Fi for an additional daily fee per person, which is the difference in price between the packages.
Q: Are specialty coffees included in the Classic Drink Package?
A: Yes, the Classic Drink Package includes specialty coffees and teas like espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between “All Included” and “Cruise Only” fares for 2025?
A: For 2025 bookings (made after Oct 4, 2023), the main difference is that “All Included” bundles the Classic Drink Package and Basic Wi-Fi (with beverage gratuities included). However, the daily onboard staff gratuities are *not* included in “All Included” and must be paid separately, which is a key distinction from previous versions of the package.
Q: Is bottled water included in “All Included”?
A: Yes, basic bottled water is included as part of the Classic Drink Package within the “All Included” fare.
Conclusion: Tailor Your Cruise, Maximize Your Value
Celebrity’s “All Included” for 2025 offers a streamlined approach to cruise budgeting, bundling popular amenities like drinks and basic Wi-Fi into your upfront fare. While it simplifies some aspects of your vacation and can offer good value for those who regularly utilize these perks, it’s crucial to understand that it no longer covers the daily onboard staff gratuities for most 2025 bookings.
Before opting for “All Included,” carefully consider your consumption habits for drinks and your internet needs. Compare the bundled cost against the price of purchasing each amenity individually, and always factor in the separate daily gratuities. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that truly maximizes the value and enjoyment of your Celebrity cruise.
