How to pay for drinks on a Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises is synonymous with luxury, immersive experiences, and world-class service. From signature cocktails and premium wines to specialty coffees and soft drinks, beverages play an essential role in the overall cruise experience.

Understanding how to pay for drinks on Azamara Cruises is crucial for budgeting, convenience, and maximizing enjoyment. Passengers often ask: “Can I pay per drink? Should I buy a drink package? How are drinks billed onboard?”

This comprehensive guide explores all available payment options, drink packages, onboard billing methods, tips for cost-saving, and strategies to make the most of your beverage experience. By the end, passengers will have a clear understanding of how to enjoy drinks responsibly and efficiently on an Azamara cruise.

1. Payment Methods for Drinks on Azamara Cruises

Azamara provides multiple ways for passengers to pay for beverages, whether individually or via packages.

A. Onboard Account Billing

• Most common method for paying for drinks.

• When you check in, your stateroom account is created and linked to a credit/debit card or cash deposit.

• Every drink purchase is automatically charged to your account, simplifying transactions.

• At the end of the cruise, your account can be settled in full at the Guest Services desk.

Benefits:

• No need to carry cash on board

• Simplifies payment for multiple drinks or guests

• Allows easy tracking of daily spending

B. Credit and Debit Cards

• Accepted onboard for individual drink purchases and topping up your onboard account.

• Common cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club.

• Credit cards may also be used for pre-purchasing drink packages.

C. Cash Payments

• While less common, some passengers prefer paying cash directly at bars or restaurants.

• Limited to USD, depending on the ship.

• Not recommended for frequent drinkers, as packages or account billing are more convenient.

D. Drink Packages

• Many passengers choose Classic, Premium, or Non-Alcoholic drink packages to simplify payment.

• Packages can be purchased before the cruise through Azamara’s online account or travel agent, or onboard via Guest Services.

• Cost is billed to your stateroom account, covering unlimited drinks per day within package limits.

2. Types of Drink Packages and Payment Options

A. Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package

• Price: $39–$49 per day

• Includes: Soft drinks, specialty coffees, teas, bottled water, juices, and smoothies

• Payment: Charged to onboard account

B. Classic Beverage Package

• Price: $59–$69 per day

• Includes: Standard cocktails, house wines, domestic/international beers, specialty coffees, soft drinks

• Payment: Pre-purchased online, via travel agent, or onboard

C. Premium Beverage Package

• Price: $79–$89 per day

• Includes: All Classic beverages plus premium wines, top-shelf spirits, champagnes, and specialty cocktails

• Payment: Charged to onboard account; can upgrade from Classic package onboard

Tip: Pre-purchasing drink packages often offers savings of 10–15% compared to purchasing onboard.

3. Paying for Drinks Individually

For passengers who prefer not to purchase a package:

A. Ordering at Bars or Lounges

• Each drink is charged directly to your onboard account.

• Staff verify your stateroom account before serving.

B. Paying With Cash

• Cash payments are accepted at most bars or lounges, but it’s less convenient for frequent drinkers.

C. Tips and Service Charges

• A service charge or tip may be added to individual drinks, typically 18–20%.

• Drink packages may include service charges, but confirm onboard to avoid double tipping.

4. Paying for Drinks in Dining Venues

A. Main Dining Room

• Drinks ordered during meals are automatically added to your account.

• Package holders can enjoy beverages at no extra cost within package limits.

B. Specialty Restaurants

• Premium wines, champagnes, or rare cocktails may not be included in Classic or Premium packages.

• Additional charges are billed to your onboard account.

C. Room Service

• Some ships allow drinks to be delivered to your stateroom:

  • Charged to account for individual purchases

  • Included in package limits for package holders

5. How Onboard Billing Works

Azamara simplifies onboard payment with a stateroom account system:

1. Account Setup – Created at check-in, linked to credit/debit card or cash deposit.

2. Purchases Logged – All drinks and purchases are automatically recorded.

3. Package Charges – If you pre-purchased a package, daily charges are added to your account.

4. End-of-Cruise Settlement – Guests can review statements at Guest Services, pay any balance, and request receipts.

Benefits of Account Billing:

• Consolidates all purchases in one place

• Reduces the need to carry cash

• Tracks daily spending automatically

6. Tips for Efficient Payment

A. Use Your Package Wisely

• Pre-purchase Classic or Premium packages to maximize value for frequent drinkers.

• Non-drinkers should consider the Non-Alcoholic package for coffee, soft drinks, and juices.

B. Track Your Daily Consumption

• Check your onboard account or Azamara Connect app regularly.

• Helps avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.

C. Keep a Credit Card on File

• Required for onboard account security

• Ensures smooth transactions for drinks and other purchases

D. Understand Tips and Service Charges

• Confirm if the package includes service charges

• Avoid double-tipping when the service charge is already included

E. Consider Upgrading Packages

• Upgrade from Classic to Premium onboard if you enjoy specialty drinks or wines

• Pay the difference directly to your account for remaining cruise days

7. Paying for Drinks on Shore Excursions

• Drinks purchased during shore excursions are usually not included in onboard packages.

• Cash or local card payments may be required.

• Some tours offer drink-inclusive options, but confirm before booking.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Payment

Q1: Can I pay cash for drinks onboard?

• Yes, but it’s more convenient to use your stateroom account or package.

Q2: Can I use multiple credit cards?

• Generally, one primary card is linked to your account, but additional cards may be added at Guest Services.

Q3: Are drink packages worth it?

• Packages are worth it for passengers who consume 5–10+ drinks daily. Premium package holders enjoy specialty cocktails and high-end wines.

Q4: Are service charges included in packages?

• Many packages include service charges, but always check onboard to ensure no double tipping occurs.

Q5: Can I order drinks to my cabin?

• Yes, package holders can request drinks via room service, subject to package limits.

9. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Payment MethodCostConvenienceBest For

Individual Purchases$7–$12 per cocktail, $4–$5 coffeeLess convenient, pay per drinkOccasional drinkers

Non-Alcoholic Package$39–$49 per dayIncludes multiple beveragesNon-drinkers, coffee/juice lovers

Classic Package$59–$69 per dayUnlimited daily drinksCasual alcohol consumers

Premium Package$79–$89 per dayUnlimited premium drinksCocktail enthusiasts, wine lovers

• Passengers consuming multiple drinks per day benefit most from packages

• Individual purchases may be costlier for frequent drinkers

10. Payment Tips for First-Time Cruisers

1. Plan Ahead – Decide if a package suits your daily beverage consumption.

2. Pre-Purchase – Packages purchased before the cruise may save money.

3. Monitor Your Account – Check charges and daily usage via Guest Services or Azamara Connect app.

4. Understand Inclusions – Know which drinks are included in your package and which are not.

5. Coordinate With Dining – Use packages for meals, lounges, and poolside for maximum value.

11. Maximizing Value With Azamara Drink Packages

• Use packages for higher-priced drinks (premium cocktails, wine by the glass).

• Order beverages throughout the day rather than concentrating all consumption at one time.

• Take advantage of specialty events, bars, and lounges included in the package.

• Upgrade to Premium if you prefer high-end spirits, rare wines, or signature cocktails.

12. Safety and Responsible Drinking

• Azamara monitors passenger consumption for safety

• Drink packages allow unlimited beverages, but responsible consumption is encouraged

• Stay hydrated with water, especially on hot days or during excursions

• Follow onboard guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience

13. Multiple ways,

Paying for drinks on Azamara Cruises can be managed in multiple ways, including stateroom account billing, individual payments, cash, or pre-purchased drink packages.

Key takeaways:

• Individual drinks: Best for occasional drinkers

• Non-Alcoholic Package: Ideal for non-drinkers, coffee, and juice lovers

• Classic Package: Cost-effective for casual alcohol consumers

• Premium Package: Perfect for those seeking luxury cocktails, premium wines, and top-shelf spirits

By understanding payment methods, package types, inclusions, service charges, and tips for maximizing value, passengers can enjoy beverages conveniently while keeping costs predictable. Whether sipping a mojito by the pool, enjoying wine with dinner, or ordering a cappuccino in the lounge, Azamara Cruises ensures a seamless and luxurious beverage experience for every passenger.