# **How to Pay for Drinks on a Holland America Line Cruise?**

To pay for drinks **[phone]** on a Holland America Line cruise, use your keycard or choose convenient beverage packages for seamless, cashless, and worry-free onboard enjoyment.

When you step aboard a Holland America Line cruise, you’re welcomed into an atmosphere of luxury, comfort, and exceptional service. Among the many pleasures of cruising is enjoying your favorite drinks—whether it’s a freshly brewed cappuccino in the morning, a refreshing soda by the pool, or a glass of wine at dinner. Understanding how to pay for drinks on a Holland America Line cruise helps you manage your budget and enjoy your vacation without worrying about unexpected charges.

Cruising with Holland America Line is designed to be seamless and stress-free, and this includes the way guests purchase beverages. The cruise line offers several convenient payment options, ranging from individual drink purchases to pre-paid beverage packages that can make the entire experience easier and potentially more cost-effective.

### The Basics of Paying for Drinks on Board

Unlike some all-inclusive cruise lines, Holland America Line does not automatically include most alcoholic and specialty beverages in the base cruise fare. While some non-alcoholic drinks such as water, tea, and coffee are complimentary, other beverages—including alcohol, specialty coffees, and sodas—come with an extra charge.

Every passenger receives a cruise keycard known as the **stateroom card** or **keycard**, which serves multiple purposes—it’s your room key, onboard identification, and payment method. All drink purchases made on the ship are charged directly to this keycard, and the total is settled at the end of your cruise.

This cashless system ensures convenience, allowing guests to enjoy drinks anywhere on board—from the lounges and restaurants to the pool deck—without the need to carry cash or credit cards.

### Options for Paying for Drinks

Holland America Line offers two primary ways to pay for drinks:

1. **Pay-As-You-Go (A la Carte)**
2. **Prepaid Beverage Packages**

Both methods have their advantages depending on your drinking habits, preferences, and budget.

### 1. Pay-As-You-Go (A la Carte)

If you prefer flexibility or do not consume many beverages, the pay-as-you-go option may be ideal. With this method, you simply order any drink you like and have it charged to your onboard account.

Each drink is priced individually. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

* **Beer:** $6–$9 per bottle or draft
* **Wine by the glass:** $8–$14
* **Cocktails:** $10–$14 depending on ingredients
* **Soda:** $2.50–$3.50 per can or glass
* **Specialty coffee:** $4–$6 per cup
* **Bottled water:** $2–$4 each

A 15–18% service charge is automatically added to each beverage purchase.

This option is perfect for travelers who enjoy an occasional drink but do not plan to consume multiple beverages daily. You maintain full control over what you spend while still having access to an extensive selection of drinks.

At the end of the voyage, your total drink expenses will appear on your final onboard account statement, which can be settled via the credit card you placed on file or paid in cash before disembarking.

### 2. Prepaid Beverage Packages

For those who want more convenience and possibly better value, Holland America Line offers several beverage packages. These allow you to enjoy a variety of drinks without paying for each one individually.

#### Signature Beverage Package

This package includes a wide range of beverages such as cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, sodas, bottled water, and specialty coffees. The package covers drinks priced up to a specific limit per glass—usually around $11.

You can enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, along with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. The package typically costs around $55–$65 per person per day, plus service charge.

#### Elite Beverage Package

For guests who prefer premium brands and high-end selections, the Elite Beverage Package offers expanded options. It includes top-shelf spirits, high-quality wines, and cocktails priced up to around $15 per serving.

This package is ideal for guests who want to enjoy premium drinks throughout their cruise without worrying about exceeding limits. The price usually ranges between $70–$85 per person per day, plus service charges.

#### Quench Beverage Package

This package is designed for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. It includes unlimited sodas, bottled water, mocktails, juices, and specialty coffees. Priced around $18–$25 per person per day, it’s perfect for those who want variety without alcohol.

#### Coca-Cola Package

For soda lovers, the Coca-Cola package offers unlimited fountain drinks throughout the cruise. It’s the most affordable option, usually costing around $8–$10 per person per day.

### How to Purchase Drinks or Packages

Guests can easily purchase drinks or beverage packages in several ways:

* **Before the cruise:** You can pre-purchase a drink package through Holland America’s official website or by calling their customer service at **[phone]**. Buying in advance ensures your package is ready when you board.
* **Onboard:** Drink packages can also be purchased on the first or second day of your cruise at any bar or through guest services.
* **During dining:** You can also order drinks directly from your waiter or sommelier during meals, and they will charge them to your stateroom card.

Pre-purchasing a package is often recommended because it can sometimes save money compared to onboard prices.

### How Billing Works

When you purchase drinks individually, the cost is added to your onboard account. You can view your account balance anytime through your cabin television or the Holland America Navigator app.

At the end of your cruise, the total amount—including drinks, spa services, and any onboard purchases—will be charged to your credit card or settled at the guest services desk.

If you purchased a beverage package, you won’t see individual charges for included drinks; only excluded beverages or upgrades beyond the price limit would appear on your statement.

### What’s Included Without Extra Cost

Even without a beverage package, Holland America Line offers several complimentary drinks, including:

* Tap water (available throughout the ship)
* Regular coffee and tea (served at breakfast and in the buffet area)
* Iced tea and lemonade (available in dining areas)
* Fruit juices during breakfast hours

These free options are available to all guests and ensure you can stay hydrated even without paying extra.

### Tips for Managing Drink Costs

1. **Evaluate your habits:** Estimate how many beverages you typically drink per day. If it’s more than four or five paid drinks, a beverage package might save you money.
2. **Consider port days:** On days when you’ll spend most of your time ashore, you may not use your package enough to justify the daily cost.
3. **Look for promotions:** Sometimes, Holland America Line offers promotions that include a free or discounted beverage package when booking select cruises.
4. **Check the drink menus:** Review onboard drink prices to see whether the package makes sense for you.
5. **Monitor your account:** Keep track of your onboard spending through the Navigator app or your stateroom TV.

### Benefits of Using the Beverage Package

* **Convenience:** No need to sign checks or worry about each purchase.
* **Variety:** Try different wines, cocktails, or specialty drinks without extra cost.
* **Peace of mind:** You won’t have to worry about a surprise bill at the end of your trip.
* **All-day enjoyment:** Drink packages allow you to enjoy beverages anytime, anywhere on board.

### Common Questions

**Can I share my drink package with another guest?**
No. Beverage packages are non-transferable, and sharing is not permitted.

**Do all guests in a cabin need to purchase the same package?**
Yes, in most cases all adults sharing a stateroom must purchase the same alcoholic beverage package to prevent sharing.

**Can I upgrade or cancel my package?**
You can upgrade your package during your cruise by visiting guest services. Refunds are typically not given once a package has been activated.

**What happens if I exceed the drink limit?**
If you exceed your daily limit of alcoholic beverages (usually 15), you’ll need to pay individually for any additional drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages remain unlimited.

### Conclusion

Knowing how to pay for drinks on a Holland America Line cruise allows you to plan your budget and enjoy your voyage with ease. Whether you choose to pay as you go or invest in a beverage package, the cruise line ensures your experience is smooth and stress-free.

For guests who enjoy multiple drinks daily or prefer convenience, a beverage package offers great value and enhances the onboard experience. For lighter drinkers, paying per drink might make more financial sense.

To learn more about beverage options or to purchase a drink package, you can contact **Holland America Line customer service at [phone]**. Their team can help you select the best package and ensure your cruise experience is perfectly tailored to your preferences.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal lifestyle and travel habits—but whichever way you choose, Holland America Line ensures every sip adds to the joy of your unforgettable voyage.