How To Pay For Drinks On Silversea: What Silversea Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Plenty of Silversea Cruises guests ask about paying for drinks onboard, so here's a clear rundown of how it actually works.
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 - there's no daily per-person charge added to your onboard account, consistent with Silversea's all-inclusive pricing model.
For anything specific to your sailing regarding paying for drinks onboard, a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 beats guessing. If dietary restrictions are a factor, flagging them with the cruise line ahead of time usually gets a better result than asking once onboard. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for drinks on Silversea?
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. 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. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Good to know before you finalize anything.
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. 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.
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 can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Good to know before you finalize anything.
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. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Who can explain the drink pricing on Silversea before I sail?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can walk through current à la carte and package pricing. 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.
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. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Can I set a spending limit for drinks on my Silversea 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. This can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. 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. 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. It's worth asking whether a package needs to be purchased before boarding to lock in a lower rate versus buying it once onboard. That's the short version, at least.