Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is famous for its “Freestyle Cruising” philosophy, which allows passengers to travel at their own pace — dining when and where they want, dressing casually, and enjoying flexible entertainment options. A big part of that freedom extends to drinks — from morning coffees to sunset cocktails.

However, figuring out which Norwegian Cruise beverage package is right for you can be confusing. Between the Premium, Premium Plus, and Soft Drink Packages, there are numerous inclusions, exclusions, and pricing tiers to understand.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages in 2025 — including what’s included, how much they cost, age restrictions, and insider tips to make the most of your onboard drinking experience.

What Is a Norwegian Cruise Beverage Package?

A beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line is a pre-paid plan that allows you to enjoy unlimited drinks during your cruise for a daily flat rate. Rather than paying per drink (which can add up quickly), you can sip freely throughout your vacation without worrying about the final bill.

These packages are often included in NCL’s popular “Free at Sea” promotion, which bundles perks like shore excursion credits, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi — but if you’re not eligible, you can purchase them separately.

Beverage packages cover various drinks such as:

Cocktails, beer, and wine
Non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and mocktails
Specialty coffees, juices, and bottled water (depending on the package level)

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Options

As of 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line offers three main beverage packages for guests:

A. Premium Beverage Package (a.k.a. “Unlimited Open Bar”)

This is the most popular option and is often included in the “Free at Sea” promotion.

What’s included:

All spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15 per drink.
Unlimited soft drinks and juices.
20% discount on bottles of wine and champagne purchased onboard.
Applicable in all bars, lounges, and restaurants across the ship.

What’s not included:

Drinks priced over $15 per glass (you pay the difference plus gratuity).
Premium bottled water brands, Starbucks beverages, and energy drinks.
Mini-bar, room service, and vending machine drinks.

Cost:

If not part of “Free at Sea,” the Premium Beverage Package costs approximately $109 USD per person, per day (plus a 20% gratuity, bringing the total to about $130/day).

Eligibility:

Must be 21 or older (or 18+ if sailing from Europe, Australia, or Asia, where local laws apply).

B. Premium Plus Beverage Package

This is the top-tier beverage package available on NCL, perfect for travelers who enjoy premium liquors, bottled water, and specialty coffee.

What’s included:

All beverages available in the Premium Package plus:
- Premium spirits and top-shelf liquors (e.g., Patron Añejo, Macallan, Hendrick’s Gin).
- All wines by the glass, regardless of price.
- All bottled or draft beers, including craft selections.
- Unlimited bottles of still and sparkling water (like Evian, San Pellegrino, and Perrier).
- Starbucks coffee and espresso drinks at all onboard Starbucks locations.
- Energy drinks (e.g., Red Bull).
- Fresh juices and bottled sodas.

What’s not included:

Drinks from mini-bars, room service, or vending machines.

Cost:
The Premium Plus Beverage Package costs around $138 USD per person, per day, plus 20% gratuity — totaling about $165/day.

Who it’s for:
Ideal for travelers who prefer high-end drinks, enjoy specialty coffees, or want to avoid any per-drink limitations.

C. Soda Program (Non-Alcoholic Package)

Perfect for kids, teens, or adults who don’t drink alcohol but still want unlimited soft drinks.

What’s included:

Unlimited fountain sodas and soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and ginger ale.

Cost:

Adults (18+): $9.95 per person, per day (plus gratuity)
Children (3–17): $7.95 per person, per day (plus gratuity)

What’s not included:

Bottled water, juices, energy drinks, and specialty coffee.

Can You Drink at 18 on Norwegian Cruise Line?

This is one of the most common questions among younger travelers.

The drinking age policy on NCL varies depending on the itinerary:

Sailings from the U.S. (e.g., Miami, New York, Los Angeles): Guests must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol.
Sailings from Europe, Australia, or Asia: Guests aged 18–20 may consume beer or wine with parental consent.
On private islands owned by Norwegian (like Great Stirrup Cay), U.S. drinking laws generally apply — meaning 21+ only.

If you’re 18–20 and your cruise departs from an international port, it’s best to check directly with NCL before sailing to confirm the specific policy for your itinerary.

How Much Are Drink Packages on Cruise Ships (General Comparison)

To give you context, here’s how Norwegian compares to other major cruise lines when it comes to beverage package pricing:

Cruise Line	Standard Drink Package (per day)	Premium Drink Package (per day)	Notes
Norwegian (NCL)	$109	$138	Includes gratuity of 20%
Royal Caribbean	$75–$95	N/A	Price varies by sailing
Carnival Cruise Line	$64.95	N/A	Includes most drinks under $20
Celebrity Cruises	$89	$109	Includes gratuity
MSC Cruises	$70	$110	Different packages for spirits, wine, and coffee

Overall, NCL’s prices are on the higher side, but the variety of venues, cocktail quality, and flexibility make it worthwhile for many travelers.

How Much Is the Drink Package on NCL When Included in “Free at Sea”?

Norwegian’s popular “Free at Sea” promotion allows you to pick up to five perks depending on your cabin type — and one of the most chosen perks is the Unlimited Open Bar (Premium Beverage Package).

However, even when this package is included as a “free” perk, passengers must still pay a 20% gratuity on the retail value of the package.

Example Calculation:

Retail value: $109/day × 7-day cruise = $763
Gratuity (20%): $152.60
Total due: $152.60 per person

So while the package itself is complimentary, you’re still responsible for the gratuity charge, which is automatically added before sailing.

Norwegian Premium Plus Beverage Package — Worth It?

The Premium Plus upgrade is designed for guests who don’t want any limits. But is it worth the extra $30–$35 per day compared to the Premium Package?

Let’s compare with real-world examples:

Beverage Type	Premium Package	Premium Plus Package
Cocktails up to $15	✅ Included	✅ Included
Cocktails over $15	❌ Pay the difference	✅ Included
Premium wines/champagnes	❌ Pay the difference	✅ Included
Bottled water	❌ Not included	✅ Unlimited
Starbucks drinks	❌ Not included	✅ Included
Energy drinks	❌ Not included	✅ Included

If you frequently drink bottled water, order Starbucks coffee daily, or prefer top-shelf liquor (like Grey Goose, Patron, or Macallan), the Premium Plus upgrade can quickly pay for itself.

For instance:

Two Starbucks coffees: ~$10
Two bottles of water: ~$6
Two premium cocktails: ~$30

That’s nearly $50 in extras per day — easily justifying the upgrade for heavy drinkers or beverage enthusiasts.

Rules and Fine Print You Should Know

Before purchasing or upgrading your NCL beverage package, it’s important to understand the fine print:

Both guests in the same stateroom (21+) must purchase the same package.
This rule prevents “sharing” between passengers.
Gratuity is mandatory and charged upfront.
You cannot opt out of the 20% service fee.
Not valid for mini-bar or room service.
You’ll be charged separately for in-room beverages.
Excludes private islands.
Drink packages typically work on Great Stirrup Cay, but availability can vary.
Daily limits may apply for responsible service.
Bartenders can refuse service if a guest appears intoxicated.

Tips to Maximize Your Norwegian Cruise Drink Package

Here are some insider tips to get the most out of your beverage package:

A. Use it Everywhere

Drink packages work across all venues — bars, lounges, dining rooms, pool decks, and even entertainment areas. Don’t forget to use it at restaurants with specialty dining, where drinks are also included.

B. Try the Daily Drink Specials

Each day, bartenders create daily featured cocktails or signature drinks. Even if you’re on the Premium plan, these often come in under the $15 limit.

C. Order Two at a Time

You can order one drink per card swipe, but bartenders often allow two drinks if both guests are present — perfect for couples.

D. Stay Hydrated

If you don’t have the Premium Plus package, consider buying a small bottle water package before sailing (NCL sells these in advance at discounted rates).

E. Don’t Forget Morning Beverages

Bloody Marys, mimosas, and specialty coffees are all covered — so don’t limit your drink package use to evenings.

Non-Alcoholic Options for Teens and Adults

If you’re traveling with family, not everyone may want alcohol. Norwegian Cruise Line offers some great non-alcoholic packages as well:

Soda Package: Unlimited fountain sodas.
Starbucks Coffee Card: Available separately for frequent coffee drinkers.
Mocktails: Non-alcoholic cocktails are available for around $8–$10 — included in Premium and Premium Plus Packages.

Are Norwegian Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?

Let’s break it down with a cost comparison.

Without a drink package:

Cocktails: ~$12–$15 each
Wine (by the glass): ~$10–$14
Beer: ~$8–$10
Soda: ~$3
Specialty coffee: ~$5

If you typically have:

4 cocktails/day ($60)
2 glasses of wine ($24)
2 sodas ($6)
1 coffee ($5)
= ~$95/day

With gratuities and tax, you’d easily reach over $110/day — which means the Premium Beverage Package is a good deal for anyone who drinks at least 5–6 alcoholic beverages daily.

If you’re a light drinker (1–2 drinks/day), it may be more economical to skip the package and pay à la carte.

How to Buy a Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package

You can purchase your package:

Before your cruise via the “My NCL” portal (recommended to avoid onboard price increases).
Onboard, on the first or second day of your cruise (usually at the Guest Services Desk or any bar).

Note: You cannot purchase for only part of your cruise — it must cover the entire sailing duration.

FAQs About Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages

Q1. Are drink packages available on private islands like Great Stirrup Cay?

Yes, but availability can vary depending on local liquor laws and bar operations. Most of the time, your package will work normally on Great Stirrup Cay.

Q2. Can one person buy a package and share it with another guest?

No. All adults in a stateroom must purchase the same beverage package to prevent sharing.

Q3. Can I upgrade from Premium to Premium Plus after booking?

Yes! You can upgrade before sailing (via the NCL portal) or onboard by visiting Guest Services.

Q4. Are gratuities included in the package price?

No. You must pay a 20% gratuity on the retail value when purchasing the package.

Q5. Do drink packages work at specialty restaurants?

Yes, and that’s a great value — your drinks during dinner are included.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Beverage Package for You

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the most flexible beverage programs at sea. Whether you prefer a casual soda, a frozen margarita by the pool, or a fine wine with dinner, there’s a package that fits your lifestyle.

Budget Travelers: Soda Package or à la carte drinks.
Social Drinkers: Premium Beverage Package (included in Free at Sea).
Luxury Drinkers: Premium Plus Beverage Package for the ultimate freedom.

Choosing the right package depends on your habits, itinerary, and drink preferences. If you plan to indulge daily, the beverage package not only saves money but also adds convenience — you can simply relax and enjoy your cruise without constantly signing bar tabs.

Summary Table: Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages (2025)

Package	Includes Alcohol?	Daily Price (USD)	Key Features
Soda Program	No	$7.95–$9.95	Unlimited soft drinks
Premium Beverage Package	Yes	$109 + 20% gratuity	Drinks up to $15, juices, soda, 20% wine discount
Premium Plus Beverage Package	Yes	$138 + 20% gratuity	Unlimited premium drinks, bottled water, Starbucks, energy drinks

Conclusion

The Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages are designed to enhance your cruise experience by providing unlimited enjoyment and convenience. Whether you’re sipping champagne at sunset, relaxing with a cappuccino at sea, or enjoying a cold beer by the pool, NCL ensures every guest can find a package that suits their taste and budget.

Before booking, assess your drinking habits, check the itinerary’s drinking age rules, and decide whether the Premium or Premium Plus package makes sense for you. With smart planning, you can cruise confidently — and toast to an unforgettable vacation at sea.

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