Norwegian’s drink packages are all about giving you that “all-inclusive” feeling so you can really lean into vacation mode. Most people opt for the Unlimited Open Bar, which covers everything from poolside margaritas to your favorite evening glass of wine without having to check the price every time. It’s super convenient, especially since it’s often bundled into their “More at Sea” deals. Just keep in mind it doesn’t usually cover things like Starbucks or bottled water unless you upgrade, but for most, it’s the best way to keep the bill predictable and the vibes high.

What Included In NCL Drinks Package?

NCL does things a bit differently than Carnival, mainly through their “Free at Sea” promotion. Most people don’t actually buy a standalone package; instead, they select the “Unlimited Open Bar” as a perk when booking. The biggest perk here is that, unlike Carnival, there is no daily limit on how many alcoholic drinks you can have. It covers almost any cocktail, spirit, or glass of wine up to $15, plus unlimited soda and juice. If you want the ultra-fancy stuff like Starbucks or bottled water, you’ll usually need to upgrade to the “Plus” version.

Alcohol, soda, specialty coffees and drinks and other premium beverages cost extra. Norwegian Cruise Line offers four drink packages that let passengers pay a flat daily fee and get an unlimited amount of the included beverages.

• The $15 Cap: Most drinks on the ship fall under this. If you order a $20 glass of champagne, you just pay the $5 difference (plus tip on that $5).
• Unlimited Means Unlimited: There is no “15-drink rule” here. As long as you’re drinking responsibly, the bar stays open for you all day and night.
• The “Free” Catch: Even if the package is “free” through a promotion, you still have to pay the daily gratuities upfront (usually around $22–$28 per person, per day).
• Two-Drink Rule: You can order up to two drinks at a time per person, which is great if you want a water or soda alongside your cocktail.
• Exclusions: The standard package usually excludes Starbucks, bottled water, energy drinks, and freshly squeezed juices unless you have the “Plus” upgrade.
• Great Stirrup Cay: Your drink package typically works at NCL private island in the Bahamas, so you don’t have to pay for those island mojitos.

How Much Do Norwegian Drink Packages Cost?

NCL pricing is a bit of a mixed bag because it depends on whether you’re buying the package outright or getting it as a “perk.” For 2026, most passengers use the Free at Sea promotion, where the package itself is technically free, but you still have to pay a daily service charge of about $28.50 per person. If you’re buying the Unlimited Open Bar package on its own, it’s much steeper usually around $109 per day plus a 20% gratuity.

NCL Drink Package Pricing (2026):

• Unlimited Open Bar (Free at Sea Perk): ~$28.50/day (This is just the mandatory 20% gratuity on the package’s value).
• Unlimited Open Bar (Standalone): ~$109/day + 20% gratuity (Totaling ~$130.80/day).
• Free at Sea Plus (The Upgrade): ~$49.99/day. This adds Starbucks, energy drinks, and bottled water to your existing Open Bar perk.
• Unlimited Soda Package: ~$12.50/day + 20% gratuity. Covers all your fountain favorites and juices.
• Hawaii Beverage Package: ~$109/day (Specifically for Pride of America sailings due to local tax laws).

What About NCL Free At Sea Program?

NCL Free at Sea program is basically their version of an “all-inclusive” bundle, and it’s how most people book their cruise. Instead of buying everything separately, you get a package of perks like an open bar, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi included in your initial fare. It’s a great deal for people who want to know their big costs are covered before they even step on the ship, though you still have to pay the daily gratuities for the “free” drinks upfront.

Is There A Limit On How Many Drinks You Can Have Per Day On Norwegian Cruise Line?

Unlike some other cruise brands, Norwegian Cruise Line does not put a daily limit on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order when you have a drink package. Bartenders, however, are trained not to serve passengers who appear visibly intoxicated and have the right to cut anyone off who has over-indulged.

Still, don’t try to order five drinks at once. To prevent people from sneaking drinks to friends who don’t have the package or ordering more than they can drink, Norwegian puts a limit of two beverages per person, per transaction, for anyone signed up for its drink package. Guests with the Starbucks package are entitled to just one beverage per person, per transaction.

What Is An Unlimited Soda Package?

An Unlimited Soda Package is the perfect middle ground for cruisers who don’t want a massive bar bill but still want something better than plain water. On Carnival, it’s known as “Bottomless Bubbles,” and it gives you endless fountain sodas and juices throughout your entire trip. It’s a huge hit for families because it keeps the kids happy with sprites and Shirley Temples, while adults can grab a ginger ale or tonic whenever they want without thinking about the price.

This package includes unlimited fountain soda throughout the cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line serves Coca-Cola products, so expect to find Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Fanta. Ginger ale, tonic water and soda water are also included in this package. Soda packages are available to guests 3 years old and up.

What Is An Unlimited Starbucks Package?

For the true coffee addict, the Unlimited Starbucks Package is NCL way of making sure you never have to go without your favorite brew. It basically turns the onboard Starbucks into your personal open bar for caffeine, covering everything from basic iced coffees and hot teas to those fancy Frappuccinos and seasonal lattes. In 2026, it costs about $16.50 per day (plus tip), and while it’s a dream for some, it doesn’t include bottled water or energy drinks you’re strictly paying for that Starbucks menu.

• The Menu: Includes all handcrafted espresso drinks, Frappuccinos, Tazo teas, and “Refreshers.”
• Cabin Rule: Just like the alcohol packages, NCL usually requires all adults in the same room to buy the Starbucks package if one person does.
• Exclusions: It does not cover bottled Starbucks drinks, canned beverages, food, or merchandise (like those souvenir mugs).
• Where it works: You can use it at the main Starbucks storefront on the ship and at NCL private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

What Is The Unlimited Open Bar Package On NCL?

The Unlimited Open Bar is NCL signature drink package, and in 2026, it’s almost always bundled into the “More at Sea” (formerly Free at Sea) promotion. It basically turns the ship into an all-you-can-drink venue, covering a massive variety of spirits, cocktails, and wines. The best part is that, unlike some other cruise lines, there is no daily limit on how many alcoholic drinks you can order, making it the ultimate “vacation mode” perk.

• The $15 Rule: It covers almost any cocktail, spirit, or glass of wine priced up to $15. If you want something pricier, you just pay the difference.
• Top-Shelf Brands: You get big names like Grey Goose, Casamigos, and Woodford Reserve included at no extra cost.
• Unlimited Everything: There is zero cap on daily alcoholic drinks. It also includes unlimited fountain sodas and juices.
• Where it Works: You can use your package at every bar on the ship and even at NCL private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
• The “Free” Catch: Even if you get the package “free” with your booking, you’ll still pay about $28–$30 per day in mandatory gratuities upfront.

Are Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Worth It?

Whether Norwegian drink package is “worth it” really comes down to how you book. For 90% of people, the answer is a resounding yes, because you aren’t usually buying it at the full $109/day price. Instead, you get it through the Free at Sea (or the new More at Sea) promotion. In this case, the package is “free,” and you only pay the daily gratuities, which work out to about $28.50 per day. At that price, you only need to drink about two cocktails or three beers a day to break even.

However, there are a few 2026 “gotchas” to watch out for. Starting in March 2026, NCL is stopping drink package access on their private island, Great Stirrup Cay, unless you have the “Plus” upgrade. Also, remember that the basic package doesn’t include Starbucks or bottled water, so if you’re a caffeine-junkie or hate ship water, you might still find yourself reaching for your wallet.

Conclusion

Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages are a game-changer for those who want to leave their wallet in the cabin and just enjoy the ride. The shift to the “Free at Sea” (and briefly “More at Sea”) model means you aren’t just buying a drink; you’re buying the freedom to try a new cocktail or grab a poolside beer without a second thought. While the mandatory gratuities are a bit of a hidden cost, the sheer variety of brands and the lack of a daily drink limit make it a standout choice for 2026.

FAQ

Q.1 How Much Is A Norwegian Cruise Drink Package?

Ans: NCL drink package prices vary based on whether they are pre-purchased or part of a “Free at Sea” promotion. The standard “Unlimited Open Bar Package” is roughly $109 per person/day

Q.2 What Is Included In The NCL Free At Sea Drink Package?

Ans: The NCL Free at Sea Beverage Package includes an unlimited open bar featuring premium spirits (such as Grey Goose, Casamigos, Woodford Reserve), cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, and soft drinks (soda) priced up to $15 USD, along with fountain sodas and juices.

Q.3 How Do Drink Packages Work On Norwegian Cruises?

Ans: Put simply, the packages make it easy to enjoy drinks on the cruise ship without worrying about a bill. You sign up for the package and pay one set daily amount.

Q.4 How Many Drinks Can You Have In Norwegian?

Ans: There is no limit to the amount of drinks consumed; however, guests who choose to consume alcohol must do so responsibly.

Also Read: Norwegian Cruise Deals – Free at Sea & Last-Minute Offers