When you book a vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), one of the most popular add-ons is their drink package. The idea of sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying fine wines with dinner, or tasting premium liquors sounds appealing. But many travelers wonder — is there a limit to how many drinks you can get per day with a Norwegian Cruise drink package?
The short answer is that there’s no official daily drink limit under Norwegian’s standard beverage plans, but there are important NCL drink package rules and policies you should know about before setting sail. Understanding the NCL drink limit, what’s covered, and the fine print of the Norwegian Cruise Line alcohol policy can help you make the most of your cruise experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage plans to fit different drinking habits and budgets. The most popular options include:
Premium Beverage Package
Premium Plus Beverage Package
Hawaii Beverage Package (for Pride of America sailings)
Unlimited Soda Package (non-alcoholic)
Each package comes with its own inclusions, price, and beverage limits based on drink value — not drink quantity. This means your access depends on the drink’s price per serving rather than how many you consume daily.
Many cruisers are surprised to learn that Norwegian Cruise Line does not impose a strict daily drink limit for passengers who purchase a drink package. Guests can typically order as many drinks as they wish throughout the day, provided they follow the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package rules.
However, there are important conditions:
You may only order one drink at a time per person.
You cannot share drinks with other passengers, even those in the same stateroom.
The maximum drink value covered under most packages is $15 per drink (Premium Beverage Package).
You must be 21 years or older to purchase or consume alcohol on U.S.-based sailings (18+ on international voyages).
In other words, while there’s no official Norwegian drink package daily limit, moderation and compliance with NCL’s responsible drinking policy are enforced.
When you purchase the NCL open bar package, you can enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your cruise. Norwegian’s bar staff and onboard systems automatically recognize your package when you present your cruise card.
The NCL open bar policy allows you to:
Order any drink covered under your package limit (usually up to $15).
Get beverages at restaurants, bars, lounges, and the private island Great Stirrup Cay.
Enjoy drinks at any time during operating hours, from morning mimosas to late-night cocktails.
Even though the cruise line doesn’t set a number-based cap, bar staff are trained to monitor alcohol consumption and may decline service if a guest appears overly intoxicated.
To make the most of your package, it’s essential to understand the NCL beverage rules:
One drink per order rule: Guests can only order one drink at a time per person. If you want another, you’ll need to finish the current one first.
No sharing allowed: Norwegian enforces a strict no-sharing policy for all drink packages. If caught sharing, your package could be revoked without refund.
Drink price limits: The standard Premium Beverage Package includes drinks priced up to $15. Anything above that incurs a small difference charge.
Age restrictions: Alcohol consumption is limited to guests aged 21+ in the U.S. and 18+ for cruises departing outside the U.S.
Service hours: Alcohol service typically runs from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., though it may vary by ship and itinerary.
These Norwegian Cruise Line drink package rules and restrictions ensure all guests can enjoy responsibly while keeping service fair and efficient.
Technically, there’s no set NCL drink cap per day, but Norwegian reserves the right to stop serving a guest who is visibly intoxicated or behaving irresponsibly. The cruise line prioritizes passenger safety and compliance with maritime alcohol laws.
If a bartender feels you’ve had too much, they may refuse service temporarily. In rare cases of excessive behavior, security could become involved. While this doesn’t happen often, it’s a good reminder to pace yourself and drink responsibly.
So while you can enjoy multiple drinks across the day — whether it’s champagne at brunch, wine at dinner, or cocktails on deck — there’s an unspoken rule of moderation.
The Norwegian Cruise Line daily beverage allowance is not about a number but rather access. Guests can order as many drinks as they want as long as:
They adhere to the one-drink-at-a-time rule.
They don’t exceed the per-drink value covered by their package.
They remain respectful of NCL’s responsible service policy.
For example, if you have the Premium Beverage Package, you can enjoy unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine up to $15 each. The Premium Plus Package removes the drink price ceiling entirely, giving access to high-end liquors, fine wines, and bottled water.
Sharing drink packages is strictly not allowed on Norwegian Cruise Line. Each guest aged 21+ in a stateroom must purchase the same alcohol package if one person buys it. This rule prevents sharing and ensures fairness across passengers.
If you’re traveling with a companion who doesn’t drink alcohol, they may be required to purchase the Unlimited Soda Package instead.
To maximize your NCL drink allowance, follow these practical tips:
Start early but pace yourself. Spread drinks throughout the day rather than consuming several at once.
Mix it up. Try different cocktails, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages to experience the full range.
Hydrate regularly. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to stay refreshed.
Order within your package limits. If a drink costs more than your plan’s cap, pay only the difference.
Use the package everywhere. Don’t forget you can use it in restaurants, bars, and on private islands like Great Stirrup Cay.
By following these habits, you can make the most of your Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package without overstepping boundaries.
If you’ve purchased a non-alcoholic beverage package, such as the Unlimited Soda Package, you can also enjoy unlimited fountain sodas throughout the cruise. There’s no drink count limit, but similar one-at-a-time and sharing restrictions apply.
So, how many drinks are allowed daily on a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package? The answer is simple — there’s no official daily limit. Guests can order unlimited beverages as long as they follow Norwegian’s rules regarding responsible service, one-drink-at-a-time policy, and drink pricing caps.
This flexibility makes the NCL open bar policy a favorite among cruisers, especially when bundled with promotions like “Free at Sea.” Whether you enjoy cocktails, wines, or beers, Norwegian ensures a relaxed, all-inclusive experience that complements your vacation vibe.
Remember: the key to making the most of your Norwegian drink package is moderation, respect for crew guidelines, and an appreciation of the many unique beverages available onboard.
1. Is there a daily drink limit on Norwegian Cruise Line?
No, there’s no set limit. You can order unlimited drinks within package rules and responsible service policies.
2. Can I order multiple drinks at once on NCL?
No, you can only order one drink at a time per person under the NCL beverage policy.
3. What’s the drink price limit on the NCL Premium Beverage Package?
The Premium Beverage Package covers drinks priced up to $15 each. Anything above costs the difference.
4. Can I share my NCL drink package with another guest?
No, sharing is prohibited. Each adult in the same cabin must purchase the same drink package.
5. What happens if I drink too much on a Norwegian Cruise?
Bartenders may refuse service temporarily if you appear intoxicated. NCL promotes responsible alcohol consumption onboard.
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