When you sail with Princess Cruises, traditional cash and credit card transactions are replaced by a streamlined onboard account system. This system ensures that purchasing drinks—from cocktails to specialty coffees—is simple and hassle-free throughout your trip. Every guest receives a personalized cruise card or Medallion (depending on the ship), which serves as your stateroom key, onboard ID, and payment method. Understanding how this digital wallet works is the first step in knowing how to pay for beverages while cruising.
Most Princess ships now operate using the innovative OceanMedallion system. This small wearable device automatically links to your onboard account and allows you to purchase drinks with a simple tap or by being recognized by staff through the Medallion network. It eliminates the need to take out a card and makes drink service incredibly fast and convenient.
When you check in online before your cruise, Princess requests a credit or debit card to secure your onboard account. All drink purchases, dining upgrades, excursions, and retail items are charged to this account. At the end of your cruise, you receive a full statement, and the total amount is automatically billed to your chosen payment method.
Princess Cruises operates on a cashless system onboard, which means you cannot directly hand cash to purchase drinks at bars, lounges, or restaurants. Tips for bartenders are automatically included when you buy a beverage or are covered by drink packages.
One of the most common ways to pay for drinks on Princess Cruises is by purchasing a beverage package. These packages allow guests to enjoy various types of drinks without worrying about individual charges each time.
Princess Cruises offers several drink packages tailored for different preferences and budgets. While these packages are optional, many travelers choose them for convenience and overall savings.
The Plus Beverage Package includes a wide range of drinks such as cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, sodas, specialty coffees, mocktails, smoothies, and bottled water up to a certain price limit. For guests who expect to order several drinks per day, this package simplifies spending and often results in cost savings compared to paying per drink.
The Premium Beverage Package expands the selection further, offering higher-end spirits, premium wines, craft cocktails, and enhanced non-alcoholic beverages. It carries a higher daily rate than the Plus Package but includes more luxurious options. This package is preferred by guests who are particular about brands or who plan to indulge in top-shelf drinks.
Guests who prefer not to consume alcohol can opt for the Zero Alcohol Package. This package includes mocktails, sodas, specialty coffees, teas, juices, and bottled water. It provides excellent value for non-drinkers who enjoy a variety of refreshments.
If you purchase a drink package, the total cost is billed upfront for the entire duration of the cruise. This means you won’t need to think about drink charges throughout your vacation. In most cases, service charges are included in the package cost, so there are no surprises at the end of your trip.
Princess Cruises requires all adults sharing a stateroom to purchase the same alcohol-inclusive drink package. This policy prevents drink-sharing and ensures consistent service. Additionally, there is usually a daily limit per drink price, though the number of beverages you can order each day is typically unlimited within reasonable consumption guidelines.
Drink packages work at almost every onboard venue, including bars, restaurants, lounges, poolside bars, and cafés. They also apply at Princess Cay, the cruise line’s private island, making them especially valuable on beach days.
Guests who prefer flexibility or know they won’t consume many beverages can choose to pay for drinks individually. This approach is ideal for light drinkers, occasional cocktail lovers, or those who plan to spend most days exploring ports rather than staying onboard.
Understanding the typical cost of drinks helps you estimate your onboard spending. Pricing may vary by ship and itinerary, but most Princess Cruises drink menus follow general pricing trends.
Cocktails often range from moderate to premium pricing depending on ingredients and presentation. Beer and cider are usually more budget-friendly, while wine by the glass can vary significantly depending on the brand. Top-shelf spirits and craft cocktails fall on the higher end of the pricing spectrum and may approach or exceed the per-drink limit on the Plus beverage package.
Specialty coffees, smoothies, and mocktails are priced higher than many passengers expect. Bottled water and soda can add up quickly, especially on hot-weather cruises where guests may purchase several drinks throughout the day. These prices are worth considering if you are debating between a drink package and paying per drink.
Whether you order alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages individually, Princess Cruises typically adds an automatic gratuity to each drink purchase. This tip goes to your bartenders and beverage staff. The percentage is standard across the fleet and is built into the final price shown on your onboard account.
One particularly convenient feature is the ability to order drinks using the MedallionClass app or stateroom TV. The app allows you to browse drink menus, view pricing, and place an order from anywhere on the ship. Crew members locate you using the Medallion and deliver your drink directly to your location—whether you're lounging on the pool deck or relaxing in a lounge.
This feature feels like a luxury service and is especially popular on sea days. Even guests without drink packages appreciate the ability to order beverages without waiting in line at crowded bars.
The MedallionClass app also lets you monitor your onboard account in real time. If you’re paying per drink, you can keep an eye on your expenses and adjust your consumption accordingly to stay within budget.
Some Princess ships feature specialty bars or unique drink experiences such as wine dispensers in the Vines Wine Bar or exclusive cocktails at themed lounges. Drinks purchased at these venues follow the same Medallion-based payment system, and may or may not be included in certain drink packages depending on price.
If you order drinks through room service, the charges are applied directly to your onboard account. Guests with drink packages typically enjoy included beverages at no extra charge unless ordering items outside the package limits.
When visiting ports, any drinks you buy off the ship must be paid using local currency or credit cards. These purchases do not connect to your onboard account. If you purchase alcohol ashore, Princess often holds it until the end of the cruise, depending on local regulations and onboard policies.
Paying for drinks on a Princess Cruises sailing is designed to be effortless, thanks to the Medallion system and your onboard account. Whether you choose a drink package or opt to pay per beverage, the process remains convenient, transparent, and tailored to your preferences. Drink packages offer predictable budgeting and added freedom for guests who enjoy multiple beverages each day, while paying à la carte works best for light drinkers and those frequently off the ship during port visits. By understanding how charges are applied, what each drink option includes, and how Princess’ technology enhances service, you can confidently choose the method that best matches your travel style. With the right approach, enjoying your favorite drinks becomes an easy, stress-free part of your cruise experience.
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