How To Pay For Drinks On Crystal Cruises: What Crystal Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Here's the straight answer on paying for drinks onboard, based on Crystal Cruises's current published policies.
Drinks outside a package post to your onboard account, and if you're weighing whether to prepay instead, here's the package structure: Gratuities are included in Crystal's fare, consistent with the line's all-inclusive, ultra-luxury positioning.
If paying for drinks onboard affects an upcoming trip, call +1-800-406-8495 and we'll walk through it with you. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Crystal?
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. If dietary restrictions are a factor, flagging them with the cruise line ahead of time usually gets a better result than asking once onboard. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
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. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. 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. This can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
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. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
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. 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.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Crystal before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. 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. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Crystal 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.