I Survived the Classic Drink Package!

[panmalv]

I'm recently back from a 14 day cruise on the Eclipse, our 6th on Celebrity. On past cruises, I have experienced every variety of drink packages, including no package at all, a purchased drink package, and the "complimentary" (123Go/Go Big) Classic package, both upgraded to Premium and used as is. I've seen numerous posts about upgrading to Premium, but I haven't seen much information for people who have decided to stick with Classic.

 

First, a request before I begin: let's not turn this post into one of those "it's a no brainer, just upgrade to Premium" threads. It is NOT a no-brainer -- I choose to upgrade on some cruises and not others, depending on the length of the cruise, the people I'm with, etc. My hope is that this post will be helpful to others who don't plan to upgrade, for whatever reason. So let's get started...

 

When we first boarded the ship, there were constant efforts to upgrade people to premium, so you should brace yourself if you want to stay on Classic. Not only were there desks set up to sell and upgrade drink packages, but virtually every waiter, bartender, and sommelier asked. Each one was anxious to explain the features of the upgrade -- clearly they are "encouraged," through whatever means, to sell them. I responded that I understood all about the drink plans, but I'm going to stick with Classic for now and might upgrade later in the cruise. Note that if you change your mind and want to upgrade later, you can do so until there are at least three or four days left (depending on who you talk to - there seems to be no clear rule on this) in the sailing. You will only pay for the number of days left when you upgrade.

 

After a couple of days of cruising, the constant pressure to upgrade evaporated, and in fact it was never mentioned again. Our waiter and sommelier in the main dining room adapted quickly to our Classic plan, and we got to know several bartenders that we liked -- all of them were happy to keep our glasses filled. By the end of the cruise, our sommelier knew that we liked to start each dinner with a glass of Prosecco before moving on to other wines, and was ready to suggest options in our plan that matched well with our food.

 

For beer and wine, understanding the rules of the Classic Package is relatively simple -- just look at the beer and/or wine list, and order something that is at or below the relevant price limit. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I ordered Heineken and Corona on my recent cruise, along with a couple of different British brews that were available on my most recent UK-originated cruise. For wine, here are the wines by the glass offered in the main dining room on my sailing:

 

Please note that as a UK-based cruise, gratuities were included in both the menu prices and the price limit for the Classic Package. So the wine price limit for Classic was $11, which gave us a quite a few options for both white and red wines. I'm a wine nut, and while there were a few things missing (like a Pinot Noir), overall the wines were just fine.

 

For cocktails, things get complicated. Theoretically there is also a price limit ($8 per serving for non-UK cruises, $10 for UK cruises, I think), but it doesn't matter since virtually every cocktail shown on a bar menu is above the limit (please see my rant on this below). But really, the Package is supposed to be based on brands of liquor, which can be found here: https://secure.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/media/celebrity/shared_assets/pdf/Classic-Premium-Bev-Pckgs.pdf

 

I know, many people wish that Celebrity would simply give us a list of cocktails, but the problem is that the universe of cocktails is infinite. If you don't believe me, just Google "cocktail recipies" and see what you find. For me, one of the fun things about cruising is that you can try all kinds of cocktails and see what you like! I often like to do a little looking around the web and make a little list of new cocktails to try in advance of the cruise, to mix it up a bit.

 

On our cruise (again, UK-based Eclipse in July), they actually handed out this document.

Front Side:

 

Back Side:

 

 

It is a strange combination of brands of alcohol and a list of drinks (look at the end of the list on the back). I'm not sure why, but the brands of alcohol didn't even match Celebrity Web site -- for example, Ketel One vodka is included on the Classic list, but is listed as Premium on the Celebrity Web site. As all experienced Celebrity cruisers know, this is typical. I'm a huge Celebrity fan, but when it comes to details like this, don't expect precision. The bottom line is this: if you're not sure whether your desired drink, or brand, is on your drink package, just ask, and don't be surprised if you get different answers from different people. One of the reasons I love Celebrity is that the staff really want to be helpful -- so even if the answer is no, they will almost always find a way to make you happy.

 

When you order a cocktail, make sure to tell them brand you want, IF you care. If you don't tell them, they will typically use a "well" or house brand. I like watching the bartender make my drink, and it is amazing how much variation in brands you'll see if you don't specify. In my experience, they will often use a Well brand even if you are on the Premium package. If you don't care, just hand them your SeaPass and say, "Could I have a ______?" For example, I don't care what kind of rum is used to make my Mojito, but I do care what kind of gin or vodka is used for my martini -- so I ask, e.g., "I'll have a Ketel One Martini, please.".

 

Which leads me to the much-discussed Martini Bar. This is just one bar, it makes specialty Martinis in "special" large glasses, and those martinis are just not available to us poor Classic drinkers. However, you can order a non-martini cocktail at the Martini Bar on the Classic Package -- same process applies. You can also order a martini at the other bars on the ship -- no problem! They will be in a smaller glass - tragic!- but they are very good. On one prior cruise, they offered discounted, specific martinis during "happy hour" that were available on Classic, but on my most recent sailing, there was no happy hour at the Martini Bar that I could see. I've also heard legends of special small-glass Martinis offered to Classic drinkers there, but I've never actually seen it in practice. For me, if I'm on the Classic Package, I just drink elsewhere -- there are plenty of options.

 

The smaller martini glass brings to mind another tip -- don't worry about quantity. If I'm not mistaken, bartenders are tipped automatically as a % of the value of the drinks served, so they are happy to serve you as many drinks as you like (within reason I guess). They just can't serve you more than one in a single transaction on a single SeaPass. In my experience, bartenders like regular customers. So don't worry about the small martini glasses -- just enjoy one, and then order another!

 

Before I close, a couple of comments for Celebrity. First, I think Celebrity has done itself a great disservice by its handling of cocktail menus at the bars lately. In many cases they have simply removed the menus, or the menus only list drinks that are available on the Premium plan, and the menus have not changed for years. Here's a suggestion: why not structure the cocktail menu to show some ideas for Classic Package holders, and then an offering of enticing fancy Premium drinks? To me, this would make the Classic Package people happier, because of many of them just want a manageable list of things to choose from. But for Celebrity, it would serve as a constant reminder of the option to upgrade to Premium.

 

Second comment for Celebrity: what is up with the "World Class Bar?" I was always intrigued by the idea of the Molecular Bar, but it was gone by the time of my first S-Class cruise. And now, I totally don't get it -- I am a sucker for exotic cocktails, and in fact I probably would have upgraded to get access to some unusual drinks. But the World Class Bar is right in the middle of the ship, with no windows, and instead you look right into the art auction gallery and a major hallway. The menu was cryptic, with no prices shown, and the cocktails look pretty straightforward to me -- not very exotic except for their "rituals." To top it off, one day I passed by a table set up with a bartender from the World Class Bar, offering a large taste of a bright red cocktail. Of course I never pass up a free drink, so I took a sip and nearly spat it out -- it tasted like a warm mix of cough medicine and straight vodka. I actually couldn't drink it (and believe me, I'll drink anything). The bartender looked at my face and said, "normally it's served on the rocks." Um, so why are you serving it straight, at room temp? There were very few people making use of this venue on my sailing, and I could see why. I think a cutting-edge bar is a great idea, but this is terrible execution.

 

But enough of my soapbox. Overall, my view is that, despite a few tweaks to the program over the past couple of years, the Classic Drink Package is plenty generous, and has more than enough options for the average cruiser. So if you're thinking about resisting the urge to upgrade to Premium, I'd encourage you to give it a try -- you can always change your mind later. Cheers and happy cruising, everyone!

[flames9]

nice review.... We were quite happy with the Classic pkg. Great being a rum/coke and a cold beer type of guy,lol

[Hlitner]

Ok, so hear is our Eclipse Tale. Last December we did a 14 night on the Eclipse which was the first time we ever cruised with a drink package (we are Elite Plus so never saw a pressing need). Our intention was to upgrade to Premium after we boarded. Within 30 seconds of getting on the ship we ran into one of our favorite bar tenders (from the UK) and we asked him if he wanted the credit for doing our upgrade. He immediately suggested WE NOT UPGRADE because he know our drink habits and did not think it was necessary. His advice was let it to a day and see if we really felt it was necessary. It turned out that we never did upgrade and were fine with the Classic Package. That being said, we are on the same cruise again this year and plan on upgrading since I am thinking I want to increase my Scotch and Cognac selections as well as our wine options.

 

Hank

[Nanatravel]

Thank you so much for your detailed Classic Drink Package review. I have a small group (28) going with us whom have never had a "drink package". I want them to be able to get the most of the perk that is being given to them. Some don't drink alcohol but love their bottled water and good coffee. I am going to share your views and hints of what to do. I learned on our last cruise to ask for the Brand's of alcohol to my favorite drinks. I'll probably only ask for my Cosmo at any other bar than the Martini or World Bar. Good Job!

[Perthguy]

Thanks panmalv! We are sailing for the first time in 3 weeks with Classic Packages (that we purchased) and this is the most comprehensive post Ive read on the topic.

[Grandmaanne7]

Very well rounded review.

 

We, too, have had the included Classic package on both of our previous Celebrity cruises and have never felt the need to upgrade. We were able to find wines that we liked with dinner and anything we wanted to drink during the day or night was available within the package. It definitely fits our needs.

[BunnyLebowski]

Nicely put- agree 100%.

[texasgirl29]

We were on the Eclipse in July and DH and I had the classic package. We were never once asked/suggested to upgrade. We had lattes and OJ every morning. Wine with dinner. Mimosas, Irish whiskey, screwdriver, mojito, specialty coffees, Bloody Mary, 7 & 7, mudslide, Colorado bulldog

 

I loved the ease of the package!

 

I agree about the World Class Bar. Waste of space.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Thanks for the information! It's really appreciated. We're lowly Classic Pkg. people too. It's good enough for us. I don't really drink so Diet Coke and water are all I want and DH just wants vodka or whiskey. Just wondering though - can you order a double vodka or is that considered two drinks?

[Gig103]

That flyer is helpful, I have no problem with any of those liquors. In 2013, cocktails were by price like the rest of the drinks, which was much easier. Annoying that they keep on making it more complicated to not upgrade. Even back then every bartender on the first few nights was pushing for upgrades.

[floralscent]

Thank you for the great and very informative review panmalv!

[Maui Girl]

Very helpful post thank you! I already upgraded specifically for Ketel One, now rethinking that since it was on your classic list. We are sailing from Istanbul to Barcelona very soon, maybe I should wait and see.

[cruisequeen4ever]

Can you get piña coladas, Mai Tais, and strawberry daiquiris with the classic package?

[Iamcruzin]

Nice review. Thanks for the tips. We purchased the classic package in the past and were fine with it. At the time they even provided a nice selection of drinks on the menu. I'm sorry to hear that they don't provide them any more. I learned years ago to ask for my preferred brand of liquor even at land based restaurants and clubs. I would never order a drink by generic name like vodka or scotch with whatever mixer. I may upgrade my wife's classic package as she enjoys the more expensive wines and Grey Goose Martini's. As long as I can get a shot of Bailey's in my coffee and a decent mixed drink that's not too sweet then I'm good to go. I actually prefer the smaller martini glasses they don't seem to get in the way.

[Iamcruzin]

Can you get piña coladas, Mai Tais, and strawberry daiquiris with the classic package?

 

Yes. They will use the well brand liquor which really doesn't matter for mixed drinks like those.

[cruisequeen4ever]

Ok, cool; thank you!

[wally_bushy]

Another happy with "only" the Classic

[B1G]

Funny thing is that everybody would upgrade if it was free hahaha

[steamboats]

Very well done review, panmalv!

 

We had the Classic package in January on the Eclipse and never felt a need to upgrade. We had two drinks at the then still Molecular Bar and paid extra for them - no big business!

 

BTW we "received" a similar flyer listing all the included stuff. I picked it up at embarkation day at one of the desks they are featuring the packages. Unfortunately it went into my "paper collection" and I didn´t even read it until I was back home :rolleyes::eek:.

 

The wines seem to be pretty much the same ones we had in January. Our wine steward at dinner didn´t mess around and brought up bottles every night.

 

Nice experience: In Murano we were immediately asked whether we do have a package and which one. When we replied "Classic" he said that he will suggest a matching wine for our dinner which is included in our package. Never were urged to buy anything that night.

 

steamboats

[karpela]

Great review.

 

We were very happy with the Classic Package last year on the Eclipse TA and have it again free on our TA next month.

 

I found if I asked the bar tenders to make me a cocktail on the classic package, I could have almost anything.

 

Adele :)

[Keith1010]

Very nice review.

 

Keith

[POA1]

On behalf of the team, thanks for taking one for us.** I applaud your original research!

 

**I hope "Taking one for the team" translates into English English. ;) If not, it means "on our behalf," which - quite frankly - lacks something.

[spearmint]

We have not bought a package, as I never know whether it is for us or not. We buy a bottle of wine for dinner most nights, with an occasional beer for me or drink for my wife at other times. Probably will have a glass of wine with lunch.

 

At $11 per glass, if we have 3 or 4 glasses between us at dinner, we are up to $33-$44 anyway which is close to the cost of the entire bottle. With a bucket of beer (5 for cost of 4) taken to our room, I can have more than I probably want in the room for a few days.

 

Am I correct in assuming that we are just as well off not having the Classic Package?

 

Thanks for your great review on the subject.

 

Bill

[Solon]

We too survived the classic package recently on the Eclipse.

As wine buffs though, we spent extra on various wine tastings rather than upgrade to premium.

We felt this actually gave us more variety and the chance to drink better wines, as well.

[bogofman]

 

 

 

Front Side:

 

Back Side:

 

 

 

This looks to be the same list given out on our recent Equinox cruise.

 

Only asked to upgrade once on day one.

 

There was a classic package Pinot Noir in the dining room.

There was at leat one type of white/red on the menu for classic packages.

 

The sommelier gets to know you are on the classic package. I never had to ask for a second or third glass, and found i should never turn my back on the half empty or empty glass as it would keep filling up without me noticing :-)

 

As we are not big spirit /cocktail drinkers it would have been nice to have a cocktail menu with the ingredients on them when experimenting with new drinks.

 

The long island iced tea is loopy juice :-) 5 shots of different spirits but tastes like fruit juice.