The prices of the NCL Drink Packages depend on the one you choose and how you book it. If you purchase the standard unlimited open bar package upfront, it costs about $109 per person per day plus a 20% service charge. However, most travelers get this package practically free through Norwegian’s special booking offers, meaning you only pay the daily gratuities of about $28 per person. To upgrade to premium liquors, bottled water, and specialty coffees for about $138 per day, choose the Premium Plus package. If you don’t want any alcohol, you are looking at about $12 per day for a soda package or about $16 for a Starbucks coffee package. Note: all persons sharing a room need the same package.
What are the Types of Beverage Packages Available?
Norwegian Cruise Line flies a wide range of drink packages that you can choose from to best accommodate your needs. Whether it’s open bar coffee, quality spirits, specialty coffee or just simple soft drinks, there is at least one of these packages for every passenger on board the cruise ship.
Popular NCL Drink Packages:
- Unlimited Open Bar: Includes cocktails, spirits, beer, wine and sodas one glass for up to $15.
- Premium Plus Package: Includes top shelf liquors, bottles of wine, Starbucks coffee, energy drinks, bottled water
- Unlimited Soda Package: Great for kids, or those who don’t drink as the package still includes unlimited fountain sodas and juices all day.
Can You Buy a Drink Package Before the Cruise?
You can buy a Norwegian drink package before your cruise departure, and it’s the best thing you can do. Buying it online through your Norwegian account or mobile app before setting sail helps you save time and money. Pre-paying means you will not have to spend time filling out forms on day one, and you avoid any extra onboard price increases. Plus, having everything paid for in advance means you can step onto the ship, grab a cold drink right away, and relax without worrying about your onboard spending bill at the end of the holiday!
What Is Included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package?
The Norwegian Unlimited Open Bar Package covers almost all your basic drinks while sailing on the ship and during visits to Norwegian’s private island. They’re designed so you can order your favorite alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks whenever you want, without the need to pay out of pocket, repeatedly.
- Liquors and Spirits: Brand name spirit, vodka, rum, tequila, gin, whiskey by the glass.
- Cocktails & Mixed Drinks: Hundreds of classic cocktails and tropical drinks ordered directly from the bar.
- Beers & Ciders: Draft beers, canned beers and bottled popular beers.
- Wines by the Glass: White wine, red wine, sparkling and rosé.
- Fountain Sodas & Juices: Unlimited soft drinks Pepsi products, tonic water, fruit juices all day.
What are the Tips to Save Money on Norwegian Drink Packages?
Becoming a master at buying a drink package on a Norwegian cruise can be quite pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. Throw a few small eggshells, and you can save a buck, or even six, without forgoing the drinks you love. You can start early or take advantage of a great deal, but plan ahead. Here are some of the simplest ways you can keep your drink bill down while on your next holiday.
- Book with the More at Sea deal: Pick this promo when booking your cruise to get deeply discounted drink packages included with your cabin.
- Buy before you board: Ordering your drink package online before your trip starts saves you money compared to buying it onboard.
- Calculate your daily intake: Check if you actually drink four to five paid beverages daily to see if the package is worth it.
- Pay per drink instead: If you only enjoy a couple of sodas or beers a day, paying individually saves you much more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, figuring out the cost of a Norwegian drink package really depends on how you book your trip. Buying the standard open unlimited bar package on the ship will cost about $109 per day plus a service tip fee, which can combine with other major expenses. Non-alcoholic packages such as soda or Starbucks packages are far less expensive if you abstain. Still, most people make huge savings courtesy of Norwegian’s famed booking discounts, where the main drink package is included in your cabin.
Also Read: How Cruise Drink Packages Work: A Simple Guide
FAQ
Q.1 Are Drink Packages Worth It on Norwegian Cruises?
Ans: NCL Drink Packages are generally worth it if you consume around six or seven alcoholic drinks per day or enough cocktails, specialty coffees, soft drinks, and other beverages to total approximately $109 per day, plus the 20% automatic gratuity.
Q.2 Is the Norwegian Drink Package Unlimited?
Ans: Yes. The standard Unlimited Open Bar Package on Norwegian Cruise Line does not have a daily drink limit. However, guests may order only one drink at a time, and individual drinks must not exceed $15 in value.
Q.3 How Can I Get the NCL Drink Package for Free?
Ans: You may receive the drink package as part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s promotional offers, such as the Free at Sea promotion, when booking an eligible cruise and selecting the applicable offer.
Q.4 How Much Does a Drink Cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Ans: On Norwegian Cruise Line, cocktails typically cost $10–$15, beer costs around $10, and soft drinks are approximately $3.50. A 20% automatic gratuity is generally added to beverage purchases.
Q.5 Can Two People Share One Cruise Drink Package?
Ans: No. Drink packages are non-transferable. Norwegian Cruise Line generally requires all guests aged 21 and over staying in the same stateroom to purchase the same eligible beverage package.
