How To Pay For Drinks On Scenic Luxury Cruises: What Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Guests Should Know for 2026
Here's what Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours 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 included in your fare, one of several all-inclusive touches Scenic is known for, alongside included drinks, Wi-Fi, and most excursions - including helicopter and submarine excursions on select sailings.
If paying for drinks onboard affects an upcoming trip, call +1-800-406-8495 and we'll walk through it with you. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Scenic?
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. That's the short version, at least.
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. 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.
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 is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. 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. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
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. 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.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Scenic before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing. 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.
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. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Scenic 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. 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.
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. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
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. 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.