The Exclusive Celebrity Cruises Premium Access Package: Our Thoughts
DISCLOSURE: Stylish Cruising contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as affiliate programs with other companies. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
Beginning February 12, 2024, the Celebrity Cruises Premium Access Package is in force, an add-on announced last summer that was previously marketed as the Celebrity Pass (Xpass). Designed to provide an upgraded cruise experience, the Premium Access Package includes premium Wi-Fi in addition to several other enticing perks.
What Is Included In The Celebrity Cruises Premium Access Package
For about $28.99 per person per day (the price varies) if purchased before your cruise, you will receive the following benefits:
- Premium Wi-Fi (available only on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent)
- Unlimited complimentary room service (waived delivery fee & gratuities)
- Early access at the terminal on Embarkation Day
- Priority luggage delivery to staterooms on Embarkation Day
- Welcome lunch in the main dining room served from 12:00 pm to 1:30 p.m. on Embarkation Day
- Priority departure from ship to shore in ports that require tender service
- Reserved seating at shows in the theater
- Express luggage service in the terminal on Debarkation Day
Note that the two most valuable benefits offered are premium Wi-Fi and complimentary room service.
If purchased onboard, the cost of the package is about $32.99 per person per day, but again, the price varies.
What You Need To Know
Most importantly, you need to know that you may already have access to most if not all of these benefits through your Celebrity loyalty tier, your Blue Chip Club loyalty tier, or by booking a cabin above balcony class.
Also, all guests ages 6 or older in the same cabin must purchase the package.
Is The Priority Access Package A Good Deal
If you were going to purchase the premium Wi-Fi package anyway, which costs about $35 per person per day (the price varies), then the package might be a bargain for you.
But there are other things to consider. Read on.
Who Would Benefit Most From Purchasing The Priority Access Package
The package might be a good deal for you if you:
- Have booked a balcony cabin or below
- Have a basic Wi-Fi package and plan to upgrade to premium anyway
- Are sailing on the Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, or a newer ship
- Do not have a high loyalty tier with Celebrity or with the Blue Chip Club
- Enjoy ordering room service
- Would place value on priority embarkation, tendering, debarkation, and reserved theater seating
If you do not fit into several of the above categories, then the Premium Access package would probably not be a good fit for you.
If you are staying in a concierge class cabin, an aqua class cabin, or in The Retreat, you will already receive many or all of the benefits that come with the Premium Access package.
How Do You Access The Benefits Offered With The Priority Access Package
Your room keycards will have a special symbol on them that indicates you have purchased the package, allowing you the benefits.
Are The Benefits Offered Worthwhile
As repeat Retreat guests, we would not be candidates for the Premium Access package because we already receive those benefits. But we can attest that the benefits are worthwhile.
Being able to board the ship quickly without waiting for long periods in the port building is wonderful, giving you more time to enjoy your cruise.
Priority luggage delivery means you will have your luggage long before dinner, giving you time to get settled in and change your clothing for the evening.
Having the option of the welcome lunch in the main dining room provides a relaxed first meal onboard, avoiding the throng in the buffet on embarkation day.
Knowing you have reserved seating in the theater means not having to worry about whether seats are available, or having to wait in line. Up until a few minutes before the curtain rises, there will be seats available for you.
Priority tendering is helpful if you want to be one of the first off the ship to enjoy the port on your own with less crowding.
It’s nice to be able to order room service and not worry about the $9.95 charge and gratuities. When you have an early excursion, room-service breakfast is the best!
All of the above benefits help make your cruise experience more enjoyable and special. And we all want to feel special, right?
Final Thoughts on the Celebrity Cruises Premium Access Package
The Celebrity Cruises Premium Access is a great deal for certain cruisers on Celebrity, but not all. Before purchasing, ensure you don’t already qualify for the benefits offered.
If you would like to have more information about the Premium Access Package, contact Celebrity Cruises. Only a limited number of these packages are available per cruise, so act fast if you are certain you want to purchase the package.
Happy cruising!
LET’S BE SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Planning to book a cruise? We have some tips for you.
