Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will introduce several modifications to its All-In packages. These changes are anticipated to influence how vacationers plan their trips and what they experience during them.
Historically, the All-In package was a combination of cruise fares and select amenities. The forthcoming changes will result in significant savings per person if the package is purchased in advance, compared to the prices onboard the cruise.
Notably, it appears that Celebrity Cruises is moving towards a fully all-inclusive model, by incorporating gratuities into the all-inclusive rates.
Celebrity Cruises has declared it will be introducing multiple adjustments to its all-inclusive packages, as announced on August 29. This is in line with our previous report on the cruise line making some reductions for AquaClass.
Starting October 4, 2023, newly bought All-In packages will include Classic Drinks and Basic Wi-Fi for every guest in the cabin. These enhancements provide a more comprehensive package for guests, offering more choices and amenities than the previous model.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, The Retreat cabins have their own improvements. New bookings in The Retreat, made after the October 4 cut-off, will now offer Premium Drinks, Premium Wi-Fi, and exclusive access to The Retreat amenities for all guests in the cabin.
The revamp also includes AquaClass cabins. From October 4, those booking AquaClass rooms will have two options: the All-inclusive rate or the no-perks rate.
The All-inclusive rate offers the Classic Drinks and Basic Wi-Fi package, similar to other cabins. Conversely, the No Perk rate offers guests the flexibility to personalize their cruise experience by adding amenities as they wish.
According to Celebrity Cruises, guests could save between $200 and $800 compared to booking different amenities during their cruise. This is in addition to how the changes to the new All-Inclusive packages will affect how gratuities are managed after October 4.
The new packages will only be available for cruises departing on or after October 4, and will not be available for guests with existing bookings sailing before October 2023.
Under the new All-Inclusive model, the way the cruise line handles gratuities will change significantly. As per the documentation released by Celebrity Cruises, any guest who books the all-in rate will not be charged gratuities onboard. Instead, these are already included in the all-in rate.
The adjustment to the gratuity structure impacts guests who booked the all-in package for their cabin, guests who booked in The Retreat, and those who have booked an AquaClass cabin with the All-Inclusive perk activated. Guests who do not choose the all-inclusive rates will still be charged gratuities.
The Classic Beverage Package offers guests a wide selection of standard liquors, cocktails, beers, and wines priced under $10 on the onboard menu. The package also includes specialty coffees, basic bottled water, and juices.
The Premium Beverage Package provides guests access to a variety of premium brands of liquors, cocktails, beers, and wines, all listed under $17 on the onboard menu. Beyond alcohol, this package also includes premium bottled water and smoothies, specialty coffees, and juices.
Guests can upgrade from the Classic Drinks package to the premium package for $20 per day, including gratuities.
Group bookings will also shift what’s offered. Starting on the same October date, newly formed groups will be eligible for the updated All-Included package, featuring Classic Drinks and Basic Wi-Fi. Existing groups have until October 31, 2023, to secure the original three amenities (Drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities).
Celebrity Cruises has also clarified that the All-In packages are available on all sailings, excluding those to the Galapagos. The cruise line also established a static exchange rate for each per-day price, protecting guests from potential currency fluctuations.
