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Celebrity Cruises Guide

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Your guide to

Celebrity Cruises

Your complete client hub — everything you need to prepare, pack, dine, spend, and set sail with confidence. Bookmark it and come back any time you have a question.

📖 View the Full Guide

What's inside

Your Celebrity Cruises Hub

Three ways to use this page: follow the step-by-step countdown, browse the deep-dive guide on dining, spending, The Retreat & kids, or jump to the FAQ for quick answers.

📅

Countdown Timeline

8 stages from booking to boarding.

🌴

Port Guides

Each port + shore excursions to book.

📚

Deep-Dive Guide

Dining, spending, The Retreat & kids.

Master FAQ

Passports, alcohol, Wi-Fi, day one.

Your countdown, step by step

Cruise Preparation Timeline

Nine milestones that take the guesswork out of getting ready, organized by exactly when each one matters.

1

Right After Booking

You're Officially Booked! 🎉

Everything is confirmed and secured — you're all set for an amazing getaway. Keep your booking details handy; you'll reference them at each step below.

Where to find your booking

CelebrityCruises.com → "Manage Reservation"

Reservation ID

On your confirmation email

💡 What's next?

I'll be in touch at each milestone below — from travel documents and final payment to dining, excursions, and packing. This page is your home base for all of it. Reach out any time with questions!

2

~120 Days Before

Travel Documents Checklist 📋

Now's the perfect time to get every document in order — so there are zero surprises at the port.

  • 1
    Valid PassportMust be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date. If yours is expiring, renew now — processing can take 10–13 weeks.
  • 2
    Birth Certificate + Government Photo IDRequired for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port).
  • 3
    Visas (if applicable)Some itineraries and citizenships require a visa for certain ports. I'll flag anything specific to your sailing.
  • 4
    Travel Insurance DocumentsKeep a digital and printed copy. Don't have insurance yet? Let me know — I can help.
  • 5
    Celebrity Cruises Booking ConfirmationAccess your booking any time at CelebrityCruises.com.

🔐 Pro tip

Make digital copies of every document and store them in a secure cloud folder. Share access with a trusted contact at home, and keep a printed backup too.

3

Final Payment Window

Final Payment Reminder 💳

Your balance is typically due about 90 days before sailing (5–14 night sailings are a bit earlier; 1–4 night a bit later). I'll send you your exact due date — here's exactly how to pay.

⚠️ Important

Missing your final payment deadline can result in automatic cancellation of your reservation. Please submit payment before the due date — and if you have any concerns, reach out to me right away.

How to make your payment

  • 1
    Have your cruise reservation number readyYou'll need your Celebrity Cruises reservation (booking) number to make a payment. It's on your confirmation email and in your account under "My Cruises."
  • 2
    Pay securely on my payments pageAll payments are made through my secure payments page: polkadotsnwishestravel.com/payments. Enter your reservation number and follow the prompts.
  • 3
    Questions? Reach out firstNot sure about your balance or due date? Message me before you pay and I'll walk you through it.

💳 One place for payments

Please make all cruise payments through my payments page above — not directly on the cruise line's site. That keeps your booking and payments correctly tied to me as your travel advisor.

💳 Make a Payment

You'll need your cruise reservation number.

4

~60 Days Before

Dining & Drink Packages 🍽️

Pre-booking saves money and locks in the best tables. Prices are usually at their best 60–90 days out — this is the sweet spot. (For the full dining breakdown, see the deep-dive guide below.)

🍷 Drink packages

  • Classic Drinks PackageIncluded in most "All Included" fares — cocktails, wines by the glass, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks up to a set per-drink value.
  • Premium Drinks PackageAn upgrade covering top-shelf spirits, premium wines, and higher-value cocktails. Included free in The Retreat.
  • Zero Proof / Classic Non-AlcMocktails, specialty coffees, juices, and premium waters for non-drinkers.

⚠️ The "all adults" rule

If one adult (21+) in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in that same cabin must buy it too. As of August 2025, Celebrity Cruises no longer grants exceptions to this — including for medical or non-drinking reasons. The non-alcoholic Refreshment and Soda packages can still be bought individually.

🍽️ Specialty dining

  • Specialty Dining PackageBundle multiple dinners at venues like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Raw on 5, and Le Petit Chef for a set price.
  • Blu & LuminaeAquaClass guests dine at the exclusive Blu; Retreat suite guests get the suites-only Luminae with dishes by Daniel Boulud.

💡 Kelsey's tip

Check whether your fare is 'All Included' before buying anything — you may already have the Classic drinks package, Wi-Fi, and tips. Upgrading Classic to Premium onboard is often just a small per-day difference.

5

~60 Days Before

Excursions & Experiences 🏝️

Exploring each port is one of the best parts of cruising. Plan now, before the most popular tours sell out.

⚓ Your options

  • 1
    Book Through Celebrity CruisesThe safest option — these are ship-guaranteed, so if your tour runs late, the ship waits for you. Browse under "Shore Excursions."
  • 2
    Independent ToursThird-party operators often offer unique experiences at lower prices. Just leave plenty of buffer to get back before all-aboard.
  • 3
    Explore on Your OwnSome ports are very walkable. I'm happy to share recommendations for each of yours.

🌟 Popular excursion types

Beach & snorkeling, zip-lining & jungle tours, cultural city & historical tours, catamaran sailing, swimming with stingrays or dolphins, and foodie tours. Think about what excites your group most.

💡 Kelsey's tips

  • Book early — swim-with-dolphins and similar tours sell out weeks ahead.
  • Check all-aboard time for each port and keep a 1–2 hour buffer.
  • Traveling with kids or seniors? Look for "easy" or "leisure-paced" tours.
  • Bring small-denomination local cash for tips and market purchases.
6

~46 Days Before

Online Check-In Is Open! ✅

Completing check-in early means faster boarding, your SetSail Pass ready to go, and less time in line at the terminal.

  • 1
    Log In to CelebrityUse RoyalCaribbean.com or the app, signing in with the email tied to your booking.
  • 2
    Go to "Check In"Under "My Cruises," find your sailing and click "Online Check-In."
  • 3
    Complete Passenger InfoEnter each guest's full legal name (as on their ID/passport), date of birth, nationality, and passport or ID details.
  • 4
    Upload a PhotoEach guest needs a clear, recent headshot — no sunglasses or hats — for facial-recognition boarding.
  • 5
    Add a Credit Card on FileThis sets up your SeaPass card onboard account for any purchases.
  • 6
    Select Your Arrival TimeEarlier slots go fast, so check in as soon as possible.
  • 7
    Download Your SetSail PassSave it to your phone or print it — this is your boarding document!

📱 Pro tip

Do this in the Celebrity Cruises app — it's faster and keeps everything in one place. Download it ahead of time if you haven't already.

7

~25 Days Before

Final Planning Consultation 📅

Let's connect for a quick check-in so every detail is in place and you feel completely prepared and excited.

📋 What we'll cover

  • Document Review — confirm passports, IDs, and required documents are ready.
  • Check-In Status — make sure your SetSail Pass is downloaded and arrival window selected.
  • Dining & Activities — review any specialty dining or onboard experiences you've booked.
  • Excursion Confirmation — go over your plans for each port stop.
  • Port Arrival & Logistics — parking, transportation, and terminal arrival tips.
  • Last-Minute Questions — your chance to ask anything. No question is too small.

📅 Schedule your consultation

Pick a time that works for you and I'll confirm a 20–30 minute call. I want you stepping onto that ship feeling like a total pro.

📅 Book Your Call

Opens my booking calendar — pick any open slot.

8

~7 Days Before

Ultimate Packing & Luggage Prep 🧺

One week to go — time to pack smart. Here's how to handle luggage, tags, dress codes, and what to leave at home.

🛑 Crucial: carry-on vs. checked

At the pier you'll hand your large bags to porters and won't see them again until they're delivered to your stateroom (often hours later). Keep your passport/IDs, all medication, phones, chargers, and valuables in your carry-on — never in checked luggage. Also pack your swimsuit in the carry-on so you can hit the pool while you wait.

🏷️ Luggage tags

  • 1
    Print your tags after check-inOnce online check-in is done, Celebrity Cruises generates your personalized luggage tags with your name, stateroom, and sailing. Print them at home.
  • 2
    Fold and attach securelyFold along the lines and attach to each checked bag. Paper tags can tear off in handling.
  • Pro tip: plastic tag holdersGrab a set of clear plastic cruise luggage tag holders on Amazon (a few dollars for 4–8). They loop through your bag handle and keep tags from ripping off. A tiny purchase that saves a lot of stress.

👗 Dress codes

Daytime — Casual

Shorts, swimwear (cover-ups off the pool deck), sundresses, tees. Comfortable and relaxed.

Dinner — Smart Casual

Main Dining Room evenings: collared shirts, blouses, sundresses, nice pants. No swimwear or tank tops.

Formal Night

1–2 per sailing. Cocktail dresses, suits, or a shirt and slacks. Tuxedos welcome but never required.

🚫 What NOT to bring (prohibited)

  • Irons & steamers — a fire hazard and not allowed; laundry/pressing is available onboard.
  • Surge protectors & extension cords — banned. Bring a non-surge power strip or USB block instead.
  • Candles & incense — anything with an open flame is prohibited.
  • Beer, liquor & hard seltzer — see the wine allowance in the FAQ below.
  • Drones, hoverboards & weapons of any kind.

✅ Don't-forget essentials

📄 Documents (carry-on) 💊 Medications (carry-on) ☀️ Reef-Safe Sunscreen 👗 Formal Night Outfit 🦵 Flip Flops 👞 Walking Shoes 👙 Swimsuit (2+) 🔌 Non-Surge Power Strip 📱 Phone & Chargers 💧 Refillable Water Bottle 🌊 Motion Sickness Meds 🎒 Day Bag for Port 🌟 Magnetic Hooks (walls are steel!) 👑 Lanyard for SeaPass card

🌟 Kelsey's final note

You are about to have the most amazing time, and I'm so excited for you! If anything comes up before your sail date, don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels — enjoy every single moment. 🚢✨

Know before you go ashore

Port Guides & Shore Excursions

Tap any port for the honest rundown — what to do, how to spend your time, all-aboard buffers, and my picks. Then book a tour right from the guide.

💡 How I recommend booking excursions

Independent tours are often more personal and cheaper than the ship's — just always leave a 1–2 hour buffer before all-aboard, since only ship-sponsored tours guarantee the ship waits for you. The tours in each guide come from Viator with free cancellation on most, so you can lock in early and change plans if needed. Booking through my links is at no extra cost to you and helps support this guide. 💙

Everything, explained

The Celebrity Cruises Deep-Dive

The details that turn a good cruise into a great one — how dining works, how spending works, what to expect on your sailing, and how the kids' program runs.

🍴

Dining & Drinks, Explained

Celebrity is a premium line, so a lot is bundled into 'All Included' fares. Here's what's complimentary, how the drink tiers work, and the suite/AquaClass dining perks.

Included in your fare (complimentary)

Main Restaurant

Refined, multi-course dining. Celebrity uses flexible Anytime Dining on Edge-class ships with four distinct main restaurants.

  • Four main restaurants: each with a different ambiance (Edge-class).
  • Forbes-recognized dining: a genuine premium-food reputation.

Casual & Included

  • Oceanview Café: an upscale buffet, a cut above the norm.
  • Spa Café & Mast Grill: lighter and poolside bites.
  • Room service: available (fee may apply off-peak).

Specialty dining (extra cost)

Fine Cut — steakhouseRaw on 5 — sushiLe Petit Chef — experienceLuminae — suites only

⚠️ It's usually already included

Most Celebrity fares are sold as "All Included", bundling the Classic Drinks Package, Wi-Fi, and tips. The Retreat (suites) includes the Premium package automatically. If you booked a cruise-only 'Simply Sail' fare, you can add a package separately.

💳

Onboard Spending & Your SeaPass Card

Celebrity's SeaPass card is your stateroom key, boarding ID, and onboard charge account. The ship is cashless — everything posts to your SeaPass and settles to your card at the end. Set it up during online check-in.

💳 One account

Every purchase — drinks, specialty dining, shops, spa — charges to the card linked to your onboard account, settled at the end.

💰 Gratuities

Daily automatic gratuities cover your room steward and dining team. Prepay with your booking or let them post daily. Drink packages add about 20% gratuity.

📱 Track it live

Watch your running balance any time in the Celebrity app so there are no surprises on the last night.

💡 Kelsey's tip

A lanyard with a card holder keeps your SeaPass Card around your neck all day — no digging through a bag every time you buy a drink or step off in port.

The Retreat & AquaClass

Celebrity's signature elevated experiences

Celebrity doesn't have a private island — instead its signature experiences are onboard. The Retreat is a ship-within-a-ship for suite guests: the private Luminae restaurant (dishes by Daniel Boulud), the Retreat Lounge, an exclusive sundeck and pool, and a personal butler.

AquaClass is a wellness-focused stateroom category with access to the exclusive Blu restaurant and the SEA Thermal Suite in the spa.

Because Celebrity leans premium and adult-oriented, a lot is bundled into 'All Included' fares — drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities — so you spend less onboard nickel-and-diming.

🧸

Camp at Sea

Celebrity's complimentary Camp at Sea program covers ages 3–17 in four groups: Shipmates (3–5), Cadets (6–9), Captains (10–12), and Teens (13–17), with art, culinary, and STEM at Sea activities.

Celebrity skews adult and couples-oriented, so kids' spaces are smaller than on the big family lines — but the programming is high quality, and the line welcomes children with special needs, including autism.

💡 Register on Day 1

Sign the kids up on embarkation day so they're ready to go from the first evening — including during adult dinner. Bring what the youth staff asks for at sign-up (contact info and any allergy details).

Quick answers

Master FAQ

The questions I'm asked most. Tap any question to expand it.

Do I need a passport? +

A passport is strongly recommended for every cruise. That said, on a closed-loop cruise (one that departs and returns to the same U.S. port), U.S. citizens can sail with an original birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID instead.

The catch: if you miss the ship or have an emergency at a foreign port, flying home requires a passport. For the peace of mind, I always recommend sailing with one. Passport books are valid for air travel; passport cards are land/sea only.

Can I bring my own alcohol or water onboard? +

Bringing your own: on embarkation day each adult (21+) may bring two 750ml bottles of wine in carry-on. A corkage fee applies if you drink them in a venue rather than your stateroom.

Most Celebrity fares are 'All Included' with the Classic drinks package, so many guests skip bringing their own entirely.

How does the Wi-Fi work? +

Celebrity Cruises's internet is called Wi-Fi. You buy it as a package — priced per day — and it's cheapest when purchased in advance through the Cruise Planner rather than onboard.

Each package covers one device at a time. To use it on a different device, log out of the first and log into the second. If everyone in the family wants to be online simultaneously, add a device to your package (discounts usually apply to additional devices). Your Wi-Fi package works throughout the ship.

What happens on the first day? +
  1. 1. Arrive in your check-in window. Head to the terminal at the arrival time you selected during online check-in — it keeps lines short.
  2. 2. Drop your checked bags. Hand tagged bags to the porters curbside (a small tip is customary); they'll be delivered to your stateroom later. Keep your carry-on with documents, meds, and swimsuit.
  3. 3. Board & grab lunch. Once onboard, the Windjammer buffet is the go-to — or find a quieter sit-down spot to start relaxed.
  4. 4. Complete the e-Muster safety drill. This is mandatory. In the app, watch the short safety video and tap in at your assigned muster station — do it right after boarding so it's done.
  5. 5. Explore. Staterooms are usually ready early-to-mid afternoon. Register the kids at Camp at Sea, book any last dining, and enjoy sail-away!
How much cash do I need onboard? +

Almost none. The ship is cashless — everything charges to your SeaPass card. The main reasons to carry a little cash are tipping porters at the pier, tips for extra-special service, and small purchases or taxis in port. Small bills are most useful.

Want the full illustrated handbook?

Everything on this page and more — laid out beautifully in your complete Celebrity Cruises handbook.

📖 Open the Celebrity Cruises Handbook

Still have questions?

I'm one message away — happy to help with anything, any time before you sail.