Celebrity Cruises announced a number of changes in conjunction with their shift to Always Included fares on November 17, 2020.
Always Included fares are meant to align more closely to an all-inclusive cruising experience. Always Included fares feature:
- classic drink package (all drinks priced at $9 or less included)
- Surf Internet package (slower unlimited browsing which does not support streaming)
- gratuities (for cabin and dining room staff)
You can also upgrade an Always Included fare for fancier beverages, faster Internet, and additional credit:
| Fare / Package Type | Beverage Package | Internet / Wi-Fi Package | Gratuities | Onboard Credit (OBC) Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always Included Base Fare | Classic | Surf (slower) | Included | None |
| Elevate Package AI + $30/person/day | Premium | Surf (slower) | Included | $100 (1-5 nights) $150 (6-9 nights) $200 (10+ nights) |
| Indulge Package AI + $60/person/day | Premium | Stream (faster) | Included | $200 (1-5 nights) $300 (6-9 nights) $400 (10+ nights) |
Technically, all of the OBC for the Elevate package, and 50% of the OBC for the Indulge package, is limited shore excursions. It is unclear if/how this will actually be enforced, since there does not appear to be a mechanism right now to separate OBC into separate categories beyond refundable and non-refundable.
Retreat guests automatically receive the Indulge package if they book an Always Included fare.
It technically remains possible to book a lower-cost non-inclusive Simply Sail fare with Celebrity, but availability of such fares may be extremely limited and are not made available until 90 days before departure.
Always Included: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Celebrity Cruises’s transition to Always Included fares.
Always Included fares represents a permanent shift in pricing structure for Celebrity Cruises.
It seems unlikely that Celebrity will continue to promote add-on “perks” to base fares given the transition.
Yes, sort of. Celebrity still plans to offer “Simply Sail” fares that do not include drinks, Internet, or gratuities in the base fare. However, these fares are not available until 90 days before sailing and their availability is not guaranteed and may be extremely limited.
No, although any perks that were included with your original booking remain. Common perks include a beverage package, Internet, prepaid gratuities, and OBC.
You remain responsible for gratuities if they were not included as perk in your fare. You can continue to prepay gratuities if you wish.
Yes, you can choose to update your booking to an Always Included fare by calling Celebrity or your travel agent, but your fare will be repriced accordingly. Always Included fares are usually noticeably higher, especially if your current booking includes two or less perks.
You may also have to pay an additional amount in fare in order to avoid a non-refundable deposit under an Always Included fare, instead of a refundable deposit.
Yes, you can continue to pay à la carte for drinks and Internet access, or buy corresponding packages, if there were not already included as perks in your booking.
You’ll also receive any applicable Captain’s Club discounts, which were changed during the transition to Always Included.
All guests staying in the Retreat (suites) receive the top-tier Indulge package if booking an Always Included fare.
Indulge includes a premium drink package, Stream Internet (faster), gratuities, and $400/person in OBC credit ($200 of which is allocated to shore excursions).
Kind of. You can upgrade an Always Included fare to an Elevate or Indulge Package after initial booking but your Always Included fare will be repriced to current prevailing rates, which could be more expensive. You then pay the new fare plus the cost of the of package.
If you are sure you want the Elevate or Indulge package, it is best to include those with your initial booking.
Yes.
Yes. Single guests will receive double the OBC (to equal the amount that two guests would receive). They will not, however, receive an additional drink or Internet package.
Yes.
No, senior rates were eliminated/indefinitely suspended as part of the introduction of Always Included fares.
No, resident rates were eliminated/indefinitely suspended as part of the introduction of Always Included fares.
Yes.
Yes. The upgrade cost is $12/person/day, inclusive of gratuity. You cannot upgrade before final payment.
You’ll also receive any applicable Captain’s Club discounts, which were changed during the transition to Always Included.
Yes. The total upgrade cost will vary depending on the length of the cruise and number of simultaneous devices.
You’ll also receive any applicable Captain’s Club discounts, which were changed during the transition to Always Included.
Yes, you won’t be charged a gratuity if you use the classic drink package to get a drink covered under the classic drink package.
Drinks that are $9 or less are covered by the classic drinks package.
You will be charged the difference between the drink and $9, plus a 20% gratuity on the difference.
For instance, if you have the classic drink package and purchase a drink that costs $14, you will be charged a total of $6, which equals the $5 difference plus $1 for the 20% gratuity on the difference.
Yes, you won’t be charged a gratuity if you use the premium drink package to get a drink covered under the premium drink package.
Drinks that are $14 or less are covered by the premium drink package.
You will be charged the difference between the drink and $14, plus a 20% gratuity on the difference.
For instance, if you have the premium drink package and purchase a drink that costs $19, you will be charged a total of $6, which equals the $5 difference plus $1 for the 20% gratuity on the difference.
No, although most non-alcoholic beverages are included in the classic drink package. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to underage guests.
No. Any unused OBC from the Elevate and Indulge packages is forfeited if unused by the end of the cruise.
