Paying for drinks on a Holland America Line cruise is a smooth and structured experience designed to keep transactions convenient throughout your vacation. Whether you enjoy cocktails, specialty coffees, fine wines, or refreshing non alcoholic beverages, the cruise line offers several practical ways to manage drink purchases. This guide explains all payment methods in detail, along with tips to help guests avoid confusion and keep costs predictable during their voyage.
The entire Holland America fleet uses a cashless system for almost all onboard purchases. Drinks are included in this structure, and every transaction is linked to a guest’s stateroom account.
At check in, guests create a folio account connected to a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit. Every time a drink is ordered at a bar, lounge, poolside, or dining venue, the staff simply scans the guest’s keycard. The charge instantly appears on the onboard account, which can be reviewed at any time through the Navigator app or interactive kiosks.
Holland America accepts major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Debit cards can also be used, though guests should be aware that temporary holds may be placed during the cruise. Those who prefer cash can make a deposit at embarkation, and drink charges will be deducted as the cruise progresses. If the deposit is used up, another payment is required before additional purchases can be made.
On the final night, the cruise line automatically processes the account balance through the registered payment method. Guests using cash must visit guest services to pay any remaining amount. A final detailed statement is provided to ensure clarity for all onboard drink purchases.
Holland America Line offers several drink packages that allow guests to pay a flat daily rate for beverages. These packages can be purchased before sailing or during the cruise, though pre-cruise purchases may come with promotional pricing.
The Signature Beverage Package is the most popular option, covering a wide range of wines, beers, cocktails, sodas, and specialty coffees priced up to a preset limit per drink. Guests can order beverages at any bar, lounge, or restaurant without extra charges as long as they remain within the package rules.
The Elite Beverage Package expands the drink value limit, offering higher-priced wines, craft cocktails, and premium liquors. This option is ideal for guests who appreciate top shelf spirits or enjoy exploring the ship’s more exclusive beverage selections.
Holland America also offers non alcoholic beverage packages such as Quench, which includes specialty coffees, juices, mocktails, and bottled water. A dedicated Coca Cola package provides unlimited fountain soda, making it suitable for guests who prefer simple soft drinks.
All beverage packages are charged per day for the full duration of the cruise and must be purchased for every adult in the same stateroom. Packages cannot be shared between guests, and ordering multiple drinks at once for others is not allowed. Gratuities are usually included in the package price, eliminating additional service charges per drink.
Not all guests want a drink package, especially those who only plan to enjoy a few beverages per day. In such cases, à la carte pricing is an efficient alternative.
Bars and lounges share the same general pricing structure, though specialty venues may offer exclusive cocktails at slightly higher prices. Beer typically has a lower cost, mixed drinks and wines fall in the mid range, and premium spirits or signature cocktails are priced at the higher end.
A service charge is added to every drink purchased without a package. This percentage is automatically included, so guests do not need to calculate tips when ordering. Additional tipping is optional but appreciated, especially when receiving personalized service.
Holland America frequently hosts happy hour events, offering discounted second drinks or themed cocktail evenings. Purchasing drinks during these periods is an excellent way to enjoy beverages without a package while keeping costs manageable.
The Holland America Navigator app streamlines drink payments by providing account tracking and package management tools.
The app allows guests to monitor every posted drink charge, ensuring transparency throughout the voyage. Changes appear instantly, helping guests keep a clear overview of their spending habits.
Guests can purchase or upgrade beverage packages directly through the app. This is particularly convenient during promotions or after reviewing onboard drink costs for the first day.
If guests need to adjust their payment method, they can do so through the app and then confirm at guest services. This feature ensures that drink purchases continue smoothly without interruption.
To help make drink expenses easier to manage, several strategies can be used throughout the cruise.
Reviewing drink menus available online and estimating average daily consumption can help guests decide whether a package is worthwhile. Some travelers benefit from prepaid packages, while others save more by purchasing drinks individually.
Holland America occasionally offers promotional bundles, combining drink packages with Wi Fi, specialty dining, or gratuities. These bundles can significantly reduce overall vacation costs and make drink payments simpler.
Holland America allows guests to bring a limited number of wine bottles onboard on embarkation day. This policy helps reduce bar expenses, especially for guests who enjoy wine with meals. Additional bottles may incur a corkage fee if consumed outside the stateroom.
Guests using à la carte pricing should check their onboard account frequently to stay aware of drink spending. The Navigator app makes this process quick and convenient.
Many bartenders are happy to suggest drinks that match a guest’s taste preferences while staying within a desired price range. This helps avoid surprises on the final bill.
Each bar features a unique menu, and prices may vary slightly depending on the venue. Poolside bars might offer simpler options, while lounges can provide more complex cocktails. Reviewing menus helps guests make cost conscious choices.
While the beverage packages provide convenience, ordering extra drinks for someone else or exceeding price limits can result in additional charges.
Guests with drink packages should be mindful of the per drink price cap. If a beverage exceeds the limit, the difference is added to the onboard account.
Guests should ensure that crew members scan their keycard only once per drink. Checking receipts or reviewing charges on the app ensures accuracy.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 CruiseRegal.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
