How much is the Norwegian Cruise drink package?

When planning your next Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, one of the key add-ons to consider is the NCL drink package. Norwegian’s beverage options allow passengers to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the cruise — from refreshing cocktails and fine wines to premium coffees and soft drinks.

But how much does the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package cost, and what’s included in each plan? Understanding the details helps you decide whether it’s worth adding to your cruise fare or if paying per drink is a better option.

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages

Norwegian offers several drink and beverage plans to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you want unlimited cocktails, soft drinks, or specialty coffees, there’s a plan for everyone.

The most popular plans include:

1. Premium Beverage Package

2. Premium Plus Beverage Package

3. Hawaii Beverage Package (for Pride of America sailings only)

4. Unlimited Soda Package (non-alcoholic)

Each package has a different NCL beverage plan price and list of inclusions, allowing passengers to choose based on their drinking habits and itinerary.

1. NCL Premium Beverage Package

The Premium Beverage Package is the most commonly selected drink plan on Norwegian cruises. It’s often included in promotions like “Free at Sea,” but passengers are still responsible for paying gratuities on the package value.

Price: Around $109 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity).

What’s Included:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and mixed drinks priced up to $15 each.

• Beer, wine by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Fountain soda and juices.

• A wide range of spirits including rum, vodka, whiskey, and tequila.

• Select bottled or draft beers from domestic and international brands.

This package covers beverages in all onboard bars, lounges, restaurants, and the private island, Great Stirrup Cay.

Limitations:

• Does not include bottled water, specialty coffee, or drinks above $15 (though you can pay the difference).

• Cannot be shared or transferred between guests.

2. NCL Premium Plus Beverage Package

For those who enjoy premium liquors, fine wines, and bottled water, the Premium Plus Beverage Package is the top-tier option.

Price: Around $138 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity).

What’s Included:

• All drinks covered under the Premium Beverage Package.

• Unlimited premium brands (e.g., Patron Añejo, Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Blue).

• Bottled still and sparkling water.

• Specialty coffees from onboard cafés.

• Energy drinks and fresh-squeezed juices.

• All wines by the glass, regardless of price.

• 40% discount on bottled wine purchases.

If you’re looking for an NCL open bar price that covers everything, this is the most complete Norwegian bar package.

Ideal For:Guests who prefer high-end liquors, frequent specialty dining venues, or drink bottled water regularly.

3. Hawaii Beverage Package (Pride of America)

Because of Hawaii’s state laws, NCL’s Pride of America offers a separate beverage plan known as the Hawaii Beverage Package.

Price: Around $109 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity).

What’s Included:

• Spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass up to $15.

• Fountain soda, juices, and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Coffee and tea (excluding specialty coffees).

This plan is nearly identical to the Premium Beverage Package but complies with Hawaii’s local alcohol service regulations.

4. Unlimited Soda Package

For guests who don’t drink alcohol, Norwegian offers a non-alcoholic beverage plan.

Price: Around $9.95 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity).

What’s Included:

• Unlimited fountain soda at any onboard bar or restaurant.

• Refillable souvenir cup (available for an extra fee).

This package is popular with families, especially for kids and teens who prefer soda or juices over cocktails.

Cost of Drinks Without a Package

If you decide not to buy a package, here’s what you can expect for individual drink prices:

Drink TypeAverage Price

Cocktails$12–$16

Beer$7–$10

Wine (by the glass)$10–$15

Soda$3.50

Bottled Water$4–$6

Specialty Coffee$4–$6

If you plan to have more than 5–6 drinks per day, the NCL drink package becomes more cost-effective.

Are NCL Drink Packages Worth It?

Whether the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package is worth it depends on your drinking preferences and daily consumption.

Worth it if:

• You enjoy several alcoholic beverages each day.

• You like trying new cocktails, wines, or beers.

• You want the convenience of not tracking your spending onboard.

• You plan to enjoy beverages at various venues or while on the private island.

Not worth it if:

• You drink very little alcohol or prefer soft drinks.

• You plan to spend most of your time ashore exploring ports.

• You’re on a short cruise or prefer buying drinks individually.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Policy Explained

Before purchasing a Norwegian beverage plan, it’s important to understand NCL’s rules:

• All guests aged 21+ in the same stateroom must purchase the same drink package if one person buys it.

• Guests under 21 are automatically charged for the Soda Package instead.

• Packages cannot be used on embarkation day until the ship departs.

• No sharing or transferring beverages between passengers.

• Drinks ordered above the package limit (e.g., over $15) will incur a small surcharge.

These rules ensure fairness and prevent misuse of the NCL open bar price system.

Tips to Save on NCL Drink Packages

Here are some ways to reduce your Norwegian drinks package cost and maximize value:

1. Book during promotions. NCL’s “Free at Sea” often includes the Premium Beverage Package as a perk.

2. Buy before sailing. Packages are sometimes cheaper when pre-purchased online rather than onboard.

3. Track drink specials. Certain bars host happy hours or theme nights with discounted drinks.

4. Consider sharing costs. If you’re traveling with non-drinkers, weigh the package price carefully.

5. Join loyalty programs. Latitudes Rewards members sometimes receive exclusive drink offers.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Deals

Norwegian frequently runs seasonal promotions that bundle the NCL drink package with your cruise fare. During events like Black Friday, Wave Season, or holiday sales, passengers can get the Premium Beverage Package included for free (you only pay the gratuity).

These Norwegian drink offers are among the best ways to enjoy an open bar experience without paying the full package price.

Final Thoughts

The Norwegian Cruise Line drink package cost depends on the type you choose, ranging from around $9.95 per day for soda packages to $138 per day for the Premium Plus plan.

For many cruisers, the convenience and variety make these packages worthwhile, especially when taking advantage of Norwegian Cruise Line drink package deals. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the pool or enjoying a fine wine with dinner, having an NCL beverage plan ensures your vacation is both indulgent and stress-free.

So, if you’re planning your next voyage, evaluate your daily drinking habits, check current promotions, and decide which plan fits your budget best.

FAQs

1. How much is the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package per day?

The Premium Beverage Package costs around $109 per day, while the Premium Plus plan is about $138 per day before gratuity.

2. What drinks are included in the NCL drink package?

It includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soda, and juices up to $15 per drink. The Premium Plus plan adds bottled water and specialty coffee.

3. Are gratuities included in the NCL beverage package price?

No, a 20% gratuity is added to the total package price and must be paid at the time of purchase.

4. Can I buy a drink package for one person only?

No, NCL requires all adult guests in the same cabin to purchase the same package if one person does.

5. Is the NCL drink package worth it?

Yes, if you typically enjoy five or more alcoholic drinks per day, the drink package can save money and add convenience to your cruise experience.