Drinks Package and Tips

I know you are interested in Celebrity, but here is what Princess does, or did. Seems like every time I look it changes:

"To simplify the tipping process, a discretionary gratuity of $15.50 per person per day for Suites, $14.50 per person, per day for Mini-suites and Club Class, and $13.50 per person per day for all other staterooms (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. This gratuity will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including all wait staff, stateroom stewards, buffet stewards, and housekeeping staff across the fleet."

In addition, a 18% gratuity is added to bar charges, dining room wine accounts, Lotus Spa® services and a service charge is included in the price of beverages delivered to your cabin.

A 18% gratuity is added to bar charges and dining room wine accounts.

Princess has a beverage package too:

· Premier Beverage Package.

· The Premier Beverage Package is US $59.99 per day plus 18% service charge (totaling $70.79 per day) for all itineraries except Australia. For all Australian-based vessels, the package is AUD $86.99 per day which includes a service charge. You will be charged the full amount for the complete voyage at the time of purchase. The package is not available for pre-purchase for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.

· The Premier Beverage Package must be purchased for every day a passenger is sailing. Partial / pro-rated packages or purchase for segments of a guest’s voyage are NOT accepted.

· The package may be pre-purchased up to four days prior to boarding the vessel.

· The package is offered onboard on embarkation day, and is NOT sold after embarkation day.

· The package is NOT available for pre-purchase within three days of sailing.

· The package is NOT available for voyages under seven nights for Australian-based itineraries, or voyages two nights or under for all other itineraries.

· The package is NOT refundable or transferable once purchased onboard, and for advance purchased packages, NOT refundable or transferable

· The package includes all beer, wine by the glass and cocktails $12.00 USD and under as listed on our menu(s), or $16.00 AUD and under for voyages departing from and returning to Australia and New Zealand.

· The package includes all bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, Gong Cha items, Frappés at Coffee & Cones, milk shakes (if available) and Red Bull energy drinks.

· The package provides a 25% discount on the following excluded items: all bottles of wine, one liter bottles of water, canned soda and bottled juices.

· The package may be used on our private islands, all food and beverage venues, and other areas such as the theater or public spaces that offer beverage service. Selections and service are limited to each venue’s menu offerings and operating hours.

· If dining at a specialty dining venue, a large bottle of water (one liter) of still or sparkling is covered by the package.

Exclusions and Limitations

The premium package is $10 per day more than the classic package. It would include the larger drinks (martini bar area, which by the way is excellent) and the premium alcohol. In my opinion, it is worth the upgrade. I am not sure what the exact prices are, but should be able to find it on the website, if it is working. I believe it is $55 - 65 per person per day. Also, most of the time they offer the classic package inclusive with the fare.

The auto "gratuities" will probably range between $12 - 15 per person, per day -- pretty standard in the industry.