How To Pay For Drinks On Holland America Line: What Holland America Line Guests Should Know for 2026
Short answer first on paying for drinks onboard, then the details that actually matter for Holland America Line guests.
Drinks outside a package post to your onboard account, and if you're weighing whether to prepay instead, here's the package structure: A daily hotel service charge is added automatically to your onboard account, similar in structure to other premium lines, and can be adjusted or removed at Guest Services if you prefer to tip crew members individually instead.
Our advisors can confirm the current details on paying for drinks onboard for your exact sailing - call +1-800-406-8495 anytime. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Holland America?
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. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. 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. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
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. 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.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Holland America 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. Good to know before you finalize anything.
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. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Holland America 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. 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.
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. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. 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. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.