Do you debate between an all-inclusive resort and a cruise?
The debate may be over with the launch of Celebrity Cruises Always Included, their new luxury brand approach. The new program launches on November 17, 2020, and will put an end to the frustrating “limited time offers”.
This new approach from Celebrity includes items commonly added to cruise experiences: drink packages, WiFi, and onboard tips.
Update: Celebrity Cruise Line walked away from this initiative in late 2023. To read more up-to-date information on Celebrity here.
According to their November 10, 2020, press release, Always Included becomes the new standard rate for the luxurious experience offered on Celebrity’s award-winning ships and includes:
- Unlimited Drinks – Classic cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, sodas, specialty coffees and teas, juices, and bottled water can be fully enjoyed without worrying about the tab.
- Unlimited WiFi – Free, always-on connection to social media, email, and the web, allows guests to surf the net to their heart’s desire. (more about streaming later)
- Daily Gratuity – Tips are taken care of, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the warm service delivered by Celebrity’s exceptional crew, knowing that the crew behind the superior service is also being taken care of.
Is this the all-inclusive cruise experience you’ve been wanting?
Let’s break down why this is a win for Celebrity Cruises and most likely, you!
Unlimited drinks – Do you typically add a drink package to your cruise? Obviously, this is a personal choice. My husband loves his drink package. He wants to relax and not worry about the tab each time he orders a cocktail or grabs a bottle of water. When we splurge on the drink package, I indulge a little more by sipping a Bloody Mary or Mimosa at the sea day brunch or by the pool with a refreshing beer. Why not? You’re on vacation.
I’m sure there will be some sticking points with those cruisers who simply do not drink any alcohol. We will have to wait and see how this plays out with their customer base, as Celebrity Cruises is not known as a budget cruise line.
Related Posts – MSC Easy Drink Package
Staying Connected Onboard
WiFi – This is a huge win, in my opinion, for Celebrity. Once they’ve made the investment to have the technology on board, why limit it to just those who have purchased an internet package?
By making this inclusion, they are earning from every guest. For cruisers, I know there are still those who want to completely unplug while cruising. There is certainly a beauty and a calm in that choice. However, connectivity is now such a part of our daily lives. Even if you aren’t posting regular selfies to Facebook or Instagram, you may want to be reach a friend or loved one. We have young adult children and elderly parents. For us, connectivity provides peace of mind.
Do you like staying connected on board? Let me know below by joining our community on Facebook.
Related Post: Can You Bring Wine on a Cruise ship
Gratuities
Tips! – OK, I can’t believe there is still a debate about tips, but it’s true. There are people that auto pay their gratuities and then add a great deal more. Those who remove the tips but tip certain staff individually and personally. And still those that feel that they have paid enough for their cruise and feel that it’s the cruise line’s responsibility to adequately pay their staff. Why not just remove the issue? That is what Celebrity Cruises is doing now by just including it in the price.
But wait…there is more to this new all-inclusive cruise experience.
If you’re used to already purchasing the drink package, a suite or other specialty perks, fear not. There are certainly more options that you can purchase for an additional cost. Celebrity is offering the option to upgrade your booking package.
ELEVATE – takes the package to new heights with unlimited premium drinks and adds shore excursions up to $200 per person.
INDULGE – includes everything in the ELEVATE package and adds to it with unlimited streaming WiFi and up to $400 per person in onboard credit to spend almost any way desired.
For those who like it extra fancy, all guests who book in The Retreat will receive the same amenities as the INDULGE package. The Retreat is an all-suite, all-inclusive experience which includes a private restaurant, lounge, and sundeck. It also includes a dedicated team of butlers and concierge staff.
Related Post: Planning a Cruise and Planning Your Excursions.
Can you pick and choose?
At this time, it is unclear whether there will be à la carte options, such as upgrading just your WiFi to the streaming level or the drink package to unlimited premium. However, it is clear that Celebrity Cruises is fully embracing the luxury customer and the all-inclusive environment.
The pause in cruising has us all anxiously awaiting our next ocean adventure. Are you ready for an all-inclusive cruise? I know, I am!
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