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When embarking on an Aurora Expeditions journey, every detail of your experience is carefully designed to ensure comfort, convenience, and adventure—from the moment you step onboard to your final toast beneath the polar skies. One question many travelers ask before setting sail is: How do I pay for drinks on an Aurora Expeditions cruise?
Unlike large resort-style cruise lines, Aurora Expeditions operates as a premium expedition company, focusing on small-group exploration, sustainability, and immersive experiences. While the focus of these voyages is on adventure and education rather than luxury indulgence, guests can still enjoy an impressive selection of beverages—from fine wines and craft beers to specialty coffees and cocktails.
In this detailed 3000-word article, we’ll explore exactly how to pay for drinks on Aurora Expeditions, what beverages are included, the shipboard payment systems, bar pricing, tipping etiquette, and expert strategies to manage your onboard spending efficiently.
Aurora Expeditions prioritizes comfort and hospitality, but in keeping with its expedition-style ethos, it maintains a balanced beverage policy. Rather than overwhelming guests with endless options or high-priced drink packages, Aurora focuses on quality and moderation.
Each voyage offers complimentary beverages at mealtimes, such as house wines, beers, and soft drinks, while premium drinks and cocktails are available for an additional charge. The approach is designed to create an inclusive yet flexible experience, ensuring all travelers can enjoy a drink suited to their taste and budget.
Aurora Expeditions’ beverage service is available across its fleet, including the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, both modern expedition vessels equipped with comfortable bars and lounges offering panoramic ocean views.
Before understanding how to pay for extra drinks, it’s important to know what beverages are already included in your cruise fare.
Aurora Expeditions includes a selection of beverages free of charge, which vary slightly depending on the voyage and destination. Typically, complimentary drinks include:
Tea and coffee (available 24 hours a day)
Filtered water (still and sparkling, available from dispensers and in your cabin)
Soft drinks and juices during meals
House wines and beers served with lunch and dinner
Welcome and farewell cocktails, which may include a glass of sparkling wine or a signature mixed drink
Beverages not included in the fare are considered premium options, and you’ll need to pay separately for these. They may include:
Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, latte) from the onboard café
Premium wines, craft beers, and imported spirits
Cocktails and liqueurs
Champagne or fine vintage bottles
Mini-bar items (available in some cabin categories)
This setup allows guests to enjoy an elevated experience without committing to an expensive package they might not fully use.
Aurora Expeditions operates a cashless onboard payment system for guest convenience. Instead of handling cash for every transaction, you’ll use your cabin keycard (also known as your onboard account card) to charge drinks and other incidental expenses.
Credit Card Registration:Upon embarkation, you’ll be asked to register a credit or debit card at the reception desk. This card will be linked to your onboard account.
Onboard Purchases:Whenever you order a premium beverage from the bar or lounge, simply present your keycard. The staff will charge the drink to your onboard account.
End-of-Voyage Settlement:At the end of the cruise, you’ll receive a detailed statement outlining all your onboard purchases—including bar tabs, souvenir shop items, and optional excursions. You can review the statement, query any discrepancies, and then authorize the final payment using your registered card.
Aurora Expeditions accepts the following payment options:
Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Debit cards (with international transaction capability)
Some voyages may also allow onboard payment in major currencies, though this is rare
It’s worth noting that Aurora Expeditions typically does not accept cash for individual bar transactions, to streamline operations and reduce handling risks during remote voyages.
Aurora Expeditions ships feature inviting lounges and bars that serve as social hubs after a day of adventure. While the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, the service and drink quality are exceptional.
This spacious, glass-walled lounge offers panoramic views, perfect for sipping wine while watching icebergs drift past or the midnight sun glow over the horizon.
On some vessels, the science center doubles as a casual meeting spot where guests can enjoy drinks while discussing the day’s discoveries with expedition staff and scientists.
In warmer regions or during fair-weather days in the polar zones, the outdoor bar becomes a favorite gathering place for sunset toasts and celebratory drinks.
Each bar offers a well-curated menu including local specialties and international favorites, often with a focus on sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging.
Aurora Expeditions maintains reasonable and transparent pricing for premium beverages. While exact prices can vary by region, typical rates are as follows:
Drink TypeAverage Price (USD)
Soft drink$3–$4
Espresso/Cappuccino$4–$5
Local beer$5–$7
Imported beer$7–$9
Glass of house wineIncluded (with meals)
Premium wine (by glass)$8–$15
Cocktails$10–$15
Spirits or liqueurs$8–$14
Champagne (bottle)$60–$120+
These rates are comparable to upscale hotel pricing rather than mainstream cruise line markups.
Unlike large cruise companies that sell fixed-price beverage packages, Aurora Expeditions does not offer traditional all-inclusive drink packages. This decision aligns with its expedition ethos—guests spend most of their time exploring onshore or participating in adventure activities rather than drinking heavily onboard.
Instead, Aurora’s model provides complimentary essentials and allows you to purchase premium beverages as desired. This approach ensures fairness and transparency—guests pay only for what they actually consume.
Because Aurora Expeditions voyages can last from one to three weeks, keeping track of your beverage spending is wise. Here are a few expert tips:
Determine your comfort budget for premium beverages and stick to it.
You can request a mid-voyage statement from reception to monitor spending.
Enjoy house wines and beers during meals and complimentary teas and coffees throughout the day.
Aurora provides water refill stations—this not only saves money but supports the ship’s zero-waste policy.
Some voyages feature happy hour promotions or regional tastings (like Tasmanian wine samplings) that offer great value.
Aurora Expeditions has a strict alcohol policy consistent with most small-ship operators. Passengers generally cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption in public areas.
However, exceptions may apply:
Guests celebrating a special occasion may bring one bottle of wine or champagne, subject to corkage fees (typically around $20–$25).
Alcohol purchased ashore is usually held by the ship’s crew until the end of the voyage to comply with onboard licensing laws.
Always confirm the specific rules in your pre-departure documentation, as policies can vary by region and ship.
A standout aspect of Aurora Expeditions’ beverage program is its commitment to environmental sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Elimination of single-use plastics: Refillable glass bottles and recyclable cans are prioritized.
Local and sustainable suppliers: Wines and beers are often sourced from regional producers who practice organic farming.
Reduced carbon footprint: Bar ingredients are chosen with shipping efficiency in mind.
Australian and New Zealand vineyards that prioritize low-impact viticulture.
Craft breweries supporting marine conservation initiatives.
Coffee suppliers certified by the Rainforest Alliance or Fair Trade organizations.
By choosing these partners, Aurora ensures every drink aligns with its broader environmental mission.
Aurora Expeditions emphasizes responsible drinking. With early-morning landings, kayaking adventures, and safety briefings on the schedule, moderation is key.
The expedition staff and bar team encourage guests to enjoy beverages in a relaxed, social context while maintaining respect for the expedition environment. Overconsumption is discouraged, and safety protocols are always prioritized.
Unlike on resort-style cruises, the focus is on celebration, not excess—toasting milestones such as crossing the Antarctic Circle or witnessing a rare wildlife encounter.
Part of the fun of paying for drinks on Aurora Expeditions lies in the social atmosphere. After a day of exploration, guests gather to share stories, review photographs, and enjoy evening recaps with the crew.
Captain’s Welcome Reception: Enjoy complimentary champagne or wine while meeting your expedition leaders.
Farewell Celebration: A final toast marking the journey’s end.
Themed Cocktail Nights: Occasionally, the bar may host region-inspired drinks (like Arctic gin or Antarctic ice cocktails).
These gatherings are designed to enhance camaraderie, creating friendships that often last long after disembarkation.
For guests who prefer not to drink alcohol, Aurora offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring everyone can enjoy the same convivial spirit.
Options include:
Fresh juices and smoothies
Herbal and specialty teas
Mocktails and alcohol-free beers
Premium sodas and tonics
Infused sparkling water
These beverages are attractively priced and served with the same attention to detail as alcoholic drinks.
Aurora Expeditions prices onboard purchases in Australian dollars (AUD) or U.S. dollars (USD), depending on the voyage region. Your credit card will automatically process the payment in the appropriate currency at the current exchange rate.
Guests are advised to notify their banks before travel to avoid foreign transaction blocks or unexpected fees.
Aurora Expeditions includes crew gratuities in the cruise fare, meaning you’re not expected to tip separately for each drink purchase.
However, if a particular bartender or server provides outstanding service, you may choose to leave a small discretionary tip at the voyage’s end. This is entirely optional and appreciated but never required.
To appreciate Aurora’s approach, it helps to compare it with traditional cruise lines:
FeatureAurora ExpeditionsLarge Cruise Lines
Drink PackagesNot offeredMultiple tiers available
Included AlcoholBeer and wine with mealsRarely included
FocusAdventure and sustainabilityEntertainment and leisure
Payment SystemCashless, keycard linkedCashless, similar
Price LevelFair and transparentOften marked up
Bar ExperienceRelaxed, scenic loungesLarge, themed bars
Aurora’s model favors authenticity and simplicity, allowing guests to focus on exploration rather than extravagant consumption.
Q1. Are drinks free on Aurora Expeditions?
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, and house wines/beers with meals are free. Premium beverages are extra.
Q2. Do I need cash for the bar?
No. All purchases are charged to your onboard account via your keycard.
Q3. Is tipping required for bartenders?
No mandatory tipping; gratuities are already included.
Q4. Can I bring my own alcohol?
Usually not, but exceptions for special occasions may apply with corkage fees.
Q5. Is bottled water available?
Yes, but refillable bottles and dispensers are encouraged to reduce plastic waste.
Attend welcome receptions and farewell drinks for complimentary beverages.
Sample regional specialties (like Tasmanian wines or Antarctic gin).
Use downtime between excursions to relax in the lounge with a scenic view.
Ask bartenders about eco-friendly cocktail options—many are made with organic ingredients.
Paying for drinks aboard Aurora Expeditions is a seamless and transparent process—built around simplicity, sustainability, and enjoyment. Instead of complex drink packages or inflated pricing, Aurora offers a balanced approach: complimentary essentials for everyone and high-quality extras for those who wish to indulge.
Every sip—whether it’s a morning espresso before a Zodiac landing or a celebratory glass of champagne under the midnight sun—becomes part of your story.
Ultimately, the beverage experience on Aurora Expeditions isn’t just about refreshment—it’s about connection. Connection to your fellow travelers, to the natural world, and to the spirit of exploration that defines every voyage.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
