How to pay for drinks on a Costa Cruises?

One of the highlights of a Costa Cruises vacation is enjoying drinks onboard, from refreshing sodas by the pool to signature cocktails in lounges or wine with dinner. Understanding how to pay for drinks on Costa Cruises is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience without surprise charges.Costa Cruises offers multiple payment methods, from traditional cash and credit cards to all-inclusive beverage packages. Passengers can choose the best method based on their travel style, budget, and drinking habits.

• All available methods to pay for drinks

• Beverage packages and their benefits

• Using onboard accounts and cashless systems

• Tips to save money and avoid confusion

• Rules, restrictions, and exceptions

• Real-world passenger experiences

• Frequently asked questions and expert advice

By the end, you’ll understand all options for paying for drinks and how to get the best value from your Costa Cruises experience.

Payment Methods for Drinks on Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises allows passengers to pay for drinks in multiple ways:

1. Beverage Packages

Purchasing a beverage package is the most popular and convenient method. Costa offers:

• My Drinks Package: Standard cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee.

• My Drinks Plus Package: Includes premium spirits, branded cocktails, specialty coffee, and energy drinks.

• Soft Drinks Package: Non-alcoholic drinks for children or non-drinkers.

• Water Package: Bottled water packs.

Payment Details:

• Charged per person, per night, for the entire cruise.

• Can be added during booking, online check-in, or onboard.

• Gratuities and service charges are included.

Advantages:

• Predictable cost

• Unlimited drinks (within package limits)

• Convenience—no need to pay for each drink individually

Disadvantages:

• Upfront cost may be high

• Everyone in the cabin must purchase the same package for adults

• Not cost-effective for light drinkers

2. Cash Payments

Although less common, passengers can pay for individual drinks with cash at bars, restaurants, and lounges.

Considerations:

• Requires carrying euros (or USD on select ships) onboard

• May involve frequent handling of cash

• No automatic tracking of spending for budgeting

Cash payments are ideal for passengers who consume very few drinks or want flexibility without committing to a package.

3. Credit/Debit Card Payments

Costa Cruises allows passengers to link a credit or debit card to their onboard account during check-in.

How It Works:

1. Present your card at the reception or during embarkation.

2. Your account is set up for cashless payments.

3. Charges for drinks are automatically applied to your account.

4. Final billing occurs at the end of the cruise.

Advantages:

• Convenient cashless system

• Tracks your daily spending

• Works for both individual drinks and packages

Disadvantages:

• Must ensure sufficient credit limit

• Cards may incur foreign transaction fees

• Responsibility to monitor spending to avoid surprises

4. Onboard Cruise Card / Account

Every passenger receives a Costa Cruises cruise card (key card) for cabin access, purchases, and onboard transactions.

Using the Cruise Card:

• Link to your credit/debit card at check-in

• Use the card to pay for drinks, meals, and onboard shopping

• Track your spending through daily statements

• Add packages or pay-per-drink charges directly to the card

This system is secure, convenient, and eliminates the need to carry cash.

5. Pay-As-You-Go (Individual Drinks)

Passengers who do not purchase packages can pay for each drink individually.

How It Works:

• Order drinks at bars, lounges, or restaurants

• Pay using cash or linked cruise card

• Charges reflect standard menu prices

Advantages:

• Flexibility to try only specific drinks

• No upfront commitment

• Ideal for light or occasional drinkers

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost for multiple drinks

• Can become inconvenient with frequent purchases

How Beverage Packages Simplify Payment

Beverage packages are the easiest way to pay for drinks. Key benefits include:

• Unlimited Drinks: Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee throughout the day without paying per item.

• Convenient Billing: Paid once upfront; no need to calculate costs for each drink.

• Predictable Budget: Helps travelers plan daily expenses in advance.

• Accessibility: Packages work in multiple onboard locations, including bars, restaurants, buffets, and lounges.

Tip: Consider your daily drink habits to ensure a package is cost-effective.

Rules and Restrictions

When paying for drinks, passengers must follow Costa Cruises’ policies:

1. Cabin Policy: All adults in the same cabin must purchase the same beverage package if chosen.

2. Responsible Service: Crew may refuse service if intoxication is suspected.

3. Package Coverage: Packages generally do not cover minibar items, bottled wine, or drinks on shore excursions.

4. Non-Transferable: Beverage packages and accounts cannot be shared between passengers.

5. Payment Authorization: A credit/debit card must be linked to your cruise card for cashless purchases.

Tips to Maximize Payment Convenience

1. Link a Credit Card to Your Cruise Card: Simplifies transactions and tracks spending.

2. Purchase Beverage Packages in Advance: Save time and ensure availability.

3. Monitor Your Daily Spending: Even with packages, track extras to avoid surprises.

4. Understand Inclusions: Know which drinks are included in your package to avoid extra charges.

5. Plan According to Cruise Length: Longer cruises maximize the value of packages.

Real Passenger Experiences

• Family Traveler: Purchased Soft Drinks Package for children and My Drinks Package for adults. Reported convenience and savings of €400 over a 7-night cruise.

• Young Couple: Bought My Drinks Plus; enjoyed premium cocktails and specialty coffees. Found cashless system highly convenient.

• Solo Traveler: Opted for pay-as-you-go for 3–4 drinks daily. Cost-effective for light drinking habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I pay for drinks with multiple payment methods?

Yes, you can split between packages, onboard card, and cash if desired.

Q2: Are gratuities included in beverage package prices?

Yes, standard service charges are included.

Q3: Can I add a beverage package mid-cruise?

Yes, purchase is available at bars, reception, or via the app onboard.

Q4: Is cash accepted everywhere on board?

Cash is accepted at most bars and restaurants, but cruise cards are preferred for convenience.

Q5: Do children pay full price for beverage packages?

6Children purchase age-appropriate packages (Soft Drinks or Water) at reduced rates.