If you’re sailing with Celebrity Cruises and have reached Elite loyalty status or higher, one of the most valuable perks you’ll receive is access to the nightly Elite Cocktail Hour.
This benefit allows loyal guests to enjoy complimentary drinks each evening without needing to purchase a Celebrity Cruises drink package, which can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a cruise.
However, Celebrity’s Elite Cocktail Hour isn’t quite as straightforward as it sounds. While drinks are unlimited during the designated time, they’re limited to a specific menu and only available at select bars onboard. Understanding exactly what’s included can help you make the most of the perk and decide whether you really need a drink package.
Here’s everything you need to know about Celebrity’s Elite Cocktail Hour menu for 2026.
Note: This menu was last updated in March 2026 and is current as of publication, though offerings may vary by ship and itinerary.
What is Celebrity’s Elite Cocktail Hour?
Celebrity’s Elite Cocktail Hour is a daily loyalty perk available to Elite, Elite Plus, and Zenith members of the Captain’s Club.
The happy hour typically runs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each evening and is offered at select bars throughout the ship, although most venues participate.
During Celebrity’s Elite Cocktail House, guests can order drinks from a designated menu at no additional cost.
There is no set limit on how many drinks you can order during the two-hour window, but you must choose from the included menu and request drinks one at a time.
One recent improvement is that the Elite Cocktail Hour is now available on embarkation day, which makes the perk more valuable, especially on shorter cruises.
Celebrity Elite Cocktail Hour Menu (2026)
The Elite Cocktail Hour menu includes a mix of basic spirits, classic cocktails, wine, beer, and a few non-alcoholic options. Only beverages on this menu are complimentary, and anything outside of this list will be charged to your onboard account.
While there’s a decent variety to choose from, the selections are limited to specific brands and drinks, so it’s helpful to know exactly what’s included before you head to the bar.
SPIRITS
- Absolut Vodka
- Wheatley Vodka
- Johnnie Walker Red Label
- Beefeater Gin
- Bacardi Rum
- Jim Beam
- Dewar’s White Label
- Cognac
BEERS
- Heineken
- Bud Light
NON-ALCOHOLIC
- Gin Tonic
- Tanqueray 0.0 Gin and Tonic
- Peach Mule
- Peach Iced Tea, Ginger Beer
- Heineken 0.0
- Non-alcoholic wines
- Non-premium bottled water and soft drinks, including sodas and juices, are also available upon request.
WINES
- Sparkling wine
- Gris Blanc rosé
- Beringer White Zinfandel
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Moscato
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir
- Merlot
COCKTAILS
- Kir Royale
- Mimosa
- Vodka or gin martini
- Apple martini
- Cosmopolitan
- Manhattan
- Screwdriver
- Sidecar
What kind of drinks are included?
Overall, the Elite Cocktail Hour menu offers a decent range of standard drinks, but it’s more limited than the full bar menu available onboard.
The Elite Cocktail Hour menu focuses on basic spirits, classic cocktails, and widely available brands. You can order simple mixed drinks like a vodka soda, rum and coke, or gin and tonic using the included liquors.
There’s also a selection of wines by the glass, standard beers, and a handful of classic cocktails like a Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, or Mimosa. Non-alcoholic options are available as well, including sodas, bottled water, and zero-proof drinks.
What’s not included in Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour?
Frozen drinks like piña coladas or daiquiris are not included in Celebrity’s Elite Happy Hour. Additionally, more elaborate cocktails or specialty drinks typically won’t be available unless they appear on the official menu.
Premium spirits and top-shelf liquors are also excluded, along with drinks from specialty venues like Magic Carpet and World Class Bar. Participating bars are typically listed in the welcome letter in your cabin, which outlines your loyalty perks on embarkation day.
If you prefer more elevated cocktails or specific brands, you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket or consider a drink package.
Which bars are included for the Elite Cocktail Hour?
This perk is only available during the 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. window and must be used at participating bars.
While most bars onboard take part, you generally cannot use the benefit in restaurants or specialty dining venues. This means you’ll need to plan around the timing, whether that’s grabbing a drink before dinner or stopping by a bar on your way to a show.
For instance, during my recent cruise on Celebrity Edge, the following bars were excluded from Elite Cocktail Hour: Magic Carpet, World Class Bar, Craft Social, The Theatre, mini bar, restaurants, and room service.
Is Celebrity’s Elite Cocktail Hour worth it?
For many cruisers, this perk provides excellent value, as drinks can be upwards of $20 each on a cruise with gratuity. If you typically enjoy a few drinks in the evening, the Elite Cocktail Hour can significantly reduce your onboard spending and may even eliminate the need for a drink package.
In addition, many cruisers appreciate the social aspect of Elite Cocktail Hour, along with being able to order as many drinks as they want.
However, the value depends on your preferences. If you’re happy with simple cocktails, beer, or wine and don’t mind drinking during a set time window, the loyalty benefit works very well. But if you prefer more premium drinks or want the flexibility to order throughout the day, you may find it limiting.
