How To Pay For Drinks On Lindblad Expeditions: What Lindblad Expeditions Guests Should Know for 2026
Here's what Lindblad Expeditions guests need to know about paying for drinks onboard, in plain English.
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 generally not included in the fare and are left to guest discretion, following typical expedition cruise tipping norms for the crew and expedition staff.
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. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Lindblad 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. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
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 can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
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. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. That's the short version, at least.
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. That's the short version, at least.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Lindblad Expeditions before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing. 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.
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. This can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Lindblad 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.