Cruise bars have a way of making the onboard account grow rather quickly.
But there are a few things worth asking for that don’t necessarily add anything to the bill.
Some are small extras. Others are proper food or drinks that passengers overlook because they assume everything near a bar costs money.
The catch? These aren’t universal perks. Some depend on the venue, an event, or your loyalty status.
And when an extra comes with a purchased drink, the drink itself still costs money.
With that cleared up, here are seven requests worth knowing about.
1. Savory Bar Snacks That Aren’t Sitting Out
A little something salty with a drink is easy to miss when there’s nothing on the counter.
Some shipboard bars offer complimentary nibbles, but the selection and serving times vary.
It might be a small bowl of nuts, olives, or another simple snack rather than anything listed on a food menu.
Passengers have reported complimentary snack plates at Carnival’s Alchemy Bar, for example. That’s something to ask about on your sailing, rather than a fleetwide promise.
The useful question is simple: “Are there any complimentary bar snacks available?”
That wording matters. Ordering something from a pub’s paid food menu is a different arrangement entirely. And if there’s a food allergy involved, remember to ask about ingredients.
2. Extra Cocktail Cherries, Olives, or Other Garnishes
For some people, the cherry at the bottom of the glass is practically the main event.
When ordering a drink, it’s worth asking whether the bartender can add an extra cherry, a couple of olives, or another garnish already used at that bar.
A modest request may be accommodated without an additional charge.
Small things, but they can make the drink a little more enjoyable.
Just remember that it’s a courtesy request, not an unlimited snack order. Premium garnishes or elaborate additions may be treated differently, so ask before assuming they’re included.
3. A Cocktail Adjusted to Your Taste
An expensive cocktail isn’t much of a treat if it tastes like liquid candy and you dislike sweet drinks.
Before ordering, ask whether it can be made less sweet, more citrusy, or without an ingredient you don’t enjoy.
A straightforward adjustment may cost nothing beyond the usual drink price.
Carnival’s Alchemy Bar specifically offers custom cocktail creations, including options without alcohol.
That makes it a useful place to explain what you like instead of choosing a name and hoping for the best.
Try: “Something refreshing and not too sweet. What can you make at the regular price?”
There’s an important limit here. An extra shot, a premium spirit, or a more expensive ingredient can change the price.
If using a beverage package, confirm that the finished drink stays within its coverage.
4. The Recipe for a Drink You Actually Loved
A cocktail recipe makes a surprisingly good cruise souvenir. It also takes up considerably less room than another souvenir glass 😀
If a particular drink hits the spot, ask whether the bartender can share the ingredients and measurements.
They may explain the method or, when time allows, write it down.
Not every recipe can be shared, and a bartender working through a crowded poolside queue may not have time for a detailed explanation. Ask during a quieter moment.
The most useful details aren’t always the obvious ones. The syrup brand, the type of juice, and the proportions can explain why a homemade version never tastes quite the same.
And if you prefer a souvenir you can pack, check which items you’re actually allowed to take home from your cruise cabin.
5. A Glass of Sparkling Wine at Certain Events
Some of the easiest complimentary drinks to miss are attached to an event rather than a bar menu.
On Princess, for example, sparkling wine has been offered at events such as the Champagne Waterfall and certain welcome or loyalty gatherings.
The exact offering depends on the sailing and event.
Bar staff or servers may distribute the glasses in the event area. Walking up to an unrelated bar afterward and requesting free sparkling wine won’t necessarily get the same result.
Check the daily schedule, the event description, and any invitation. Ask which drinks are complimentary before ordering something different.
For a few more opportunities worth checking, take a look at these ways to enjoy free drinks on a cruise without buying a beverage package.
6. A Proper Drink Through Your Loyalty Benefits
Some cruise loyalty programs include complimentary drinks for eligible members, and the bartender can help redeem them.
These are earned benefits, so they aren’t available to every passenger.
Royal Caribbean, for example, lists daily drink vouchers for Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members: four, five, and six, respectively.
Before ordering, say that you want to use a loyalty voucher and confirm the drink qualifies. That avoids using a voucher differently from how you intended or choosing something outside the allowance.
Check when the benefits reset, too. Don’t assume unused daily drinks accumulate for later in the cruise.
It’s also worth checking these free cruise perks passengers often miss out on before sailing.
7. Dutch Treats From a Counter That Also Sells Drinks
Here’s a less obvious one, though it applies to a specific venue rather than every shipboard bartender.
On Holland America ships with a Grand Dutch Café, the counter serves drinks alongside complimentary Dutch food.
The line specifically highlights stroopwafels and pea soup among its free offerings.
Ask the café staff which complimentary foods are available at that time.
It’s an excellent little reminder for cruise bars and cafés generally: check the menu before assuming. Sometimes the extra worth asking for is already included.
These free food items most cruisers walk right past are worth keeping in mind, too.
A Quick Question Can Save a Surprise Charge
“Is that complimentary, or is there an extra charge?” is probably the most useful sentence on this list.
Ask before the item is prepared, make requests when staff has a moment, and accept that a courtesy offered at one bar may not be available at another.
There are worthwhile extras out there. Finding them usually takes a little patience and some clear questions.
And the bar isn’t the only place to ask. There are also useful extras you can request for free at Guest Services.
