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Planning a cruise with Costa Cruises is exciting, but many travelers are surprised to learn that drinks are handled differently than on some other cruise lines. Whether you want a morning cappuccino, a glass of wine with dinner, bottled water during shore excursions, or cocktails by the pool, understanding how Costa Cruises charges for beverages can help you avoid unexpected expenses and choose the most cost-effective option.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to pay for drinks on Costa Cruises, how onboard charging works, whether cash is accepted, which drink packages are available, and how to decide between paying per drink or purchasing a beverage package.
Costa Cruises operates a largely cashless onboard system. Instead of paying cash every time you order a drink, purchases are typically charged to your onboard account using your Costa Card. This card functions as your cabin key, identification card, and onboard payment method.
When you board the ship, you'll receive your personal Costa Card. Every drink purchased during your voyage is linked to this card and automatically charged to your onboard account.
The Costa Card serves several purposes:
Rather than carrying cash or credit cards around the ship, you'll simply present your Costa Card whenever ordering a drink.
There are two primary ways to pay for drinks onboard:
Under this method, every beverage you order is individually charged to your onboard account.
Examples include:
At the end of your cruise, the accumulated charges are settled through the payment method linked to your onboard account.
Costa Cruises offers beverage packages that allow guests to enjoy selected drinks without paying separately for each order.
The most popular packages include:
These packages cover numerous alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and can significantly reduce costs for guests who consume several drinks daily.
Before making onboard purchases, Costa requires passengers to establish a payment guarantee.
Passengers generally can:
Costa states that guests typically need to register a credit card or provide a cash deposit within the first 24 hours after embarkation. The deposit requirement is generally €150/USD 150 per adult, depending on the ship's operating currency.
After embarkation, your Costa Card is delivered to your cabin.
Visit:
Link your preferred payment method.
Check that your account information is accurate.
Once activated, your Costa Card becomes your onboard payment method for drinks and other purchases.
This is one of the most common questions among first-time cruisers.
Generally, drinks are not purchased directly with cash at bars.
Instead:
This cashless system improves transaction speed and security throughout the cruise.
Many travelers assume all beverages are included in their cruise fare. That's not always the case.
According to Costa's beverage policies, complimentary drinks are relatively limited. Available free beverages generally include:
Availability may depend on venue and operating hours. Outside buffet service periods, many beverages require separate purchase or a drink package.
Costa's beverage packages are often the easiest way to pay for drinks.
This package includes:
It is frequently included with certain fare categories.
The premium option includes:
This package is commonly associated with suite bookings.
| Feature | My Drinks | My Drinks Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee & Tea | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Drinks | Yes | Yes |
| Water by Glass | Yes | Yes |
| Draft Beer | Yes | Yes |
| Standard Cocktails | Yes | Yes |
| Wine by Glass | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Cocktails | No | Yes |
| Premium Spirits | Limited | Yes |
| Bottled Water | Limited | Unlimited |
| Mini-Bar Drinks | No | Yes |
| Premium Brands | No | Yes |
Source: Costa Cruises beverage package descriptions.
The answer depends on your drinking habits.
Consider a passenger consuming:
each day.
Over a seven-night cruise, the cumulative cost of individual purchases can approach or exceed the cost of a beverage package, depending on the itinerary and onboard pricing.
However, a traveler who only drinks one cocktail and one coffee daily may spend considerably less by paying individually.
This is why estimating your average daily consumption before sailing is important.
Yes.
Costa allows guests to purchase beverage packages:
Purchasing before embarkation is often less expensive than waiting until you're onboard.
Yes.
Costa indicates that beverage packages can generally be purchased onboard, often through:
This typically must be done within a specified period after embarkation.
Before purchasing, understand the restrictions.
Costa states that beverage packages generally must be purchased by all guests sharing the same reservation number or cabin.
Guests aged 3–17 receive non-alcoholic versions of beverage packages.
Certain specialty restaurants and venues may not fully honor beverage packages. Costa specifically notes exclusions for some specialty dining locations.
One advantage of Costa's cashless system is transparency.
Passengers can generally review their onboard spending through:
Monitoring your account regularly helps avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.
Pre-cruise prices are often lower than onboard rates.
Some fares already include beverage packages, potentially offering better value than purchasing them separately.
Take advantage of included beverages whenever available.
Calculate:
before deciding on a package.
Costa frequently bundles drinks into promotional fares, creating significant savings opportunities.
Cruises can encourage increased alcohol consumption due to vacation settings and all-inclusive options.
The World Health Organization emphasizes moderation in alcohol consumption and awareness of alcohol-related risks, particularly in travel environments. Responsible drinking contributes to passenger safety and enjoyment throughout the voyage.
Travelers should also remain hydrated, especially in warm-weather itineraries, by consuming sufficient water throughout the day.
For official health guidance, consult reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization and national public health authorities.
Many first-time Costa passengers are surprised to discover that beverages beyond limited complimentary offerings may incur charges.
Purchasing onboard may cost more than buying in advance.
Package participation requirements for cabin occupants can affect overall costs.
Regular account reviews help identify unexpected charges early.
Drinks are usually charged to your Costa Card, which is linked to your onboard account. Charges are settled through the payment method registered to that account.
Costa primarily uses a cashless onboard system. Purchases are generally made through the Costa Card and charged to your account.
Not necessarily. Costa generally allows passengers to secure their onboard account through a credit card or a cash deposit.
They can be valuable for guests who regularly consume cocktails, wine, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and bottled water. Occasional drinkers may save money by paying individually.
Yes. Costa typically allows beverage package purchases onboard during the early part of the voyage.
Generally yes. Costa states that beverage packages must usually be purchased by all guests sharing the same reservation or cabin.
Coverage depends on the package selected. My Drinks Plus includes broader bottled-water benefits than the standard package.
Yes. Costa offers non-alcoholic package options for younger guests.
Costa indicates that beverage packages include a service charge.
No. Beverage packages are intended for the individual passenger who purchased them, and sharing is prohibited under cruise line policies.
Not always. Certain specialty venues may have exclusions or limited package coverage.
Yes. Costa provides ways for passengers to review onboard account activity during the voyage.
Paying for drinks on Costa Cruises is straightforward once you understand the system. Nearly all beverage purchases are handled through your Costa Card and onboard account, eliminating the need to carry cash around the ship. Travelers can either pay for drinks individually or choose one of Costa's beverage packages for predictable vacation spending.
For light drinkers, pay-as-you-go pricing often makes sense. For guests who enjoy multiple beverages throughout the day—including coffee, soda, bottled water, wine, beer, and cocktails—a beverage package may provide significant value and convenience.
Before your cruise, estimate your expected beverage consumption, compare package costs against likely spending, and review the latest Costa Cruises beverage policies. Taking these steps will help you enjoy your vacation without worrying about unexpected drink charges at the end of your voyage.
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