Celebrity Cruises Premium Access Pass Still Delivers Big Wins For Tourists Despite Losing Two Popular Perks

Published on September 7, 2025

Celebrity Cruises has fine-tuned its premium access pass, streamlining the offering by dropping two once-popular perks while reiterating several core advantages granted to guests arriving at and departing from embarkation and disembarkation terminals.

Top-tier Changes to Premium Access Pass

Celebrity Cruises has eliminated the special welcome or embarkation-day lunch served in the main dining room, as well as reserved theatre seating for Premium Access guests. Both offerings were phased out due to capacity constraints affecting the availability of premium services to all eligible travellers.

However, the cruise line assures passengers that Premium Access still includes a robust suite of amenities, including:

• Premium Wi-Fi for two devices
• Unlimited complimentary room service (delivery fee and gratuities waived)
• Priority luggage delivery to staterooms
• Priority departure to ship-to-shore tenders
• Express baggage service at disembarkation terminals
• Premium drinks package, covering an upgraded range of beverages

Importantly, Premium Access must be purchased before sailing, it cannot be acquired onboard and may not be available on all sailings. Specific perks can vary by ship and itinerary and remain subject to change without notice.

Royal Seas of Value: Passengers’ Reactions and Perspectives

Cruise community discussions, especially on Cruise Critic highlight mixed reactions to the changes. While some regret the loss of the embarkation-day lunch and theatre seating, many continue to praise the overall value of the package.

One member suggested that it’s still a better deal than purchasing Wi-Fi alone, calling it a win-win. Another buyer was unfazed, noting they purchased the package solely for Wi-Fi and weren’t concerned by the lunch removal. A third passenger expressed disappointment, saying they had especially been looking forward to the embarkation day lunch, which had factored into their decision to buy the package.

These views align with broader feedback, some guests say that, even though certain perks have disappeared, the convenience of faster boarding, seamless room service, and comprehensive Wi-Fi keeps the Premium Access Pass well worth it.

What the Official Celebrity Site Says

Celebrity Cruises’ official On Board a Cruise FAQs page confirms the remaining benefits of Premium Access include premium Wi-Fi for two devices, unlimited room service, early access at the terminal, priority baggage handling, priority tender disembarkation, express luggage service at debarkation, and previously included lunch and theatre seating, though the latter two have now been removed from the offering.

The site emphasises that the package must be purchased via My Celebrity Cruise or the Cruise Planner before departure, and cannot be purchased onboard. Guests are also reminded that availability and specific inclusions vary across ships and itineraries and can be adjusted without notice.

Tourist Benefits Still Strong

For passengers, particularly those embarking at busy ports, such as Fort Lauderdale, the remaining perks continue to offer tangible advantages:

• Reliable Premium Wi-Fi for two devices ensures families or groups can stay connected, stream content, or work remotely, keeping pace with land-based services.
• Unlimited room service eliminates the need to grab a lunch elsewhere, especially appreciated on sea days or early mornings.
• Priority baggage delivery and express terminal service speeds up embarkation and disembarkation, enhancing the overall journey experience.
• Priority tender services reduce wait times at ports requiring tenders, saving time and effort in destinations with busy shore-side operations.
• Premium drink packages cover a broader range of beverages, sodas, bottled water, cocktails and more adding value without per-drink charges.

These continued benefits make Premium Access especially appealing for travellers who value convenience and comfort. The retention of core features means that even without the lunch and theatre seating, the package still delivers elevated experiences.

What Next?

Ultimately, Celebrity Cruises has trimmed two visible extras from its Premium Access Pass but the heart of the package remains intact. Passengers continue to enjoy enhanced connectivity, streamlined arrivals and departures, and elevated in-cabin conveniences. These benefits preserve the overall value and ease of travel, especially for those eager to relax from the moment they step aboard.

This evolution encourages guests to reflect on what they value most on board, 208 Aqua Class complimentary meals or 413 theatre seats. For some this results in an easy re-evaluation; for others the other included benefits still prove a compelling reason to choose a cabin.

In the end, every journey is punctuated by signature moments, the gentle rush of stepping on for the first time; last night’s table aglow with laughter. No benefit is identical, yet the Premium Access Pass is still an exercise in keeping the seamless indulgence we are known for.

Image Credit: Celebrity Cruises