How To Pay For Drinks On Aurora Expeditions: What Aurora Expeditions Guests Should Know for 2026
Before you plan around this, here's what Aurora Expeditions currently has on record for paying for drinks onboard.
Drinks outside a package post to your onboard account, and if you're weighing whether to prepay instead, here's the package structure: Gratuity expectations vary by voyage - confirming whether tips are included or left to guest discretion for your specific Aurora sailing is worthwhile before you travel.
Rules on paying for drinks onboard can shift by ship and season, so it's worth a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 before you finalize plans. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Aurora Expeditions?
Drinks are charged to your onboard account, which is linked to a credit card (or cash deposit) when you check in - you'll sign for each purchase and the full balance settles automatically at the end of the cruise. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I use cash to pay for drinks onboard?
Most ships are largely cashless for onboard purchases, though some allow a cash deposit to fund your onboard account instead of a credit card. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Is gratuity automatically added to drink purchases?
Yes, most lines automatically add an 18% service charge to each drink purchase in addition to any daily gratuity charge on your account. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I set a spending limit on my onboard account?
Some lines let you set alerts or limits through the app, though a hard spending cap isn't standard across all cruise lines - check your specific line's account settings. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Do drink package holders still need to pay per drink?
No, package holders simply present their card or wristband at the bar - the package covers included drinks up to the package's price ceiling, with no separate charge. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Aurora Expeditions before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing. If dietary restrictions are a factor, flagging them with the cruise line ahead of time usually gets a better result than asking once onboard. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Do I need cash onboard to pay for drinks?
No, cruise ships operate on a cashless system where drinks and other purchases are charged to your onboard account, tied to a credit card or cash deposit set up at check-in. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Aurora Expeditions onboard account?
Some lines allow you to set a spending cap or alert on your onboard account, which can help manage costs if you're not on an unlimited drink package. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. That's the short version, at least.
How do I know how much I've spent on drinks so far?
Most cruise line apps let you check your real-time onboard account balance, including itemized drink purchases, throughout the cruise. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. That's the short version, at least.
Can I split a drink tab with someone else in a different cabin?
Generally no, each onboard account is tied to an individual guest's cabin folio, so purchases are charged to whoever ordered, though some lines allow linking accounts for a shared family tab. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Worth keeping in mind either way.