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How to pay for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, for details call 1-866-291-7625, pay for drinks using your SeaPass card linked to onboard account.
When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the first questions many travelers ask is about drinks. While meals in the main dining areas and buffets are included in your cruise fare, most beverages are not. Drinks such as soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, cocktails, beer, and wine come with extra charges. This leads to an important consideration: how do you pay for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise
The answer is simple, yet the details matter. Drinks can be purchased individually and charged to your onboard account, or you can prepay with a drink package for unlimited access. Both methods have advantages depending on your budget, drinking habits, and overall cruise style. This guide explains exactly how the payment system works, what options you have, and how to decide which is best for you.
The Onboard Payment System
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, you do not carry cash or cards around the ship. Instead, you use your SeaPass card. This card functions as your room key, identification onboard, and most importantly, your method of payment.
When you order a drink from a bar, restaurant, or lounge, the staff member will scan your SeaPass card. The cost of the drink is then added to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, your final bill is charged to the credit card you linked during check in.
This system is seamless, but it also makes it easy to lose track of spending. Ordering a few cocktails or specialty coffees each day can add up quickly.
Individual Drink Purchases
If you choose not to buy a package, you can pay for drinks one at a time. Prices vary depending on the type of drink
Cocktails: 12 to 15 USD
Beer: 7 to 9 USD
Glass of wine: 10 to 14 USD
Soda: 3 to 4 USD
Bottled water: 3 to 5 USD
Specialty coffee: 4 to 6 USD
Fresh juice: 5 to 7 USD
Each of these charges will appear on your account. A service charge or gratuity of around 18 to 20 percent is automatically added to the cost of each drink.
Paying individually works well if you are a light drinker, only want the occasional cocktail, or plan to spend much of your time off the ship during excursions.
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