How To Pay For Drinks On Ponant: What Ponant Guests Should Know for 2026
Let's clear this up with what Ponant actually publishes, not guesswork.
Gratuities are generally included in Ponant's fare, consistent with French hospitality norms and the line's more all-inclusive luxury positioning.
Rules can shift by ship and season, so it's worth a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 before you finalize plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Ponant?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Ponant before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing.
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.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Ponant 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.
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.
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.