Premium beverage packages), or if you'd like specialty coffees and teas or bottled water (non-alcoholic beverage package options). If you enjoy a drink or two during your cruise, but don't think you'll need a beverage package, feel free to use your onboard cruise credit toward any ? la carte drinks.

Yes, you can absolutely use Onboard Credit (OBC) to pay for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on a cruise in 2026. OBC is essentially "funny money" or a spending balance added to your stateroom account, which can be provided as a booking incentive by the cruise line or a travel agent. When you purchase a cocktail, soda, or specialty coffee at any shipboard bar, the charge is first deducted from your available credit before your credit card on file is billed. On lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, you can also use OBC toward the purchase of a pre-paid drink package if you buy it through the cruise planner before you sail (or at the guest services desk once on board). Be aware that "promotional" OBC is typically non-refundable; if you don't spend it on drinks, excursions, or spa treatments by the end of the cruise, the remaining balance usually disappears, so using it for a daily "sunset toast" is a popular strategy.