When cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), understanding how to pay for beverages can help you manage your onboard spending efficiently. Whether you prefer cocktails, soft drinks, or premium wines, knowing the Norwegian bar charges and cruise drink payments system ensures you enjoy your cruise stress-free. Norwegian Cruise Line offers flexible payment methods—from cruise card payment systems to NCL onboard credit and beverage packages—so you can choose what suits your travel style best.
Let’s explore exactly how to pay for drinks on a Norwegian Cruise, how onboard billing works, and whether prepaying for beverages is the right choice for you.
On a Norwegian Cruise, cash is rarely used for onboard purchases. Everything you buy—including drinks—is charged directly to your onboard account through your cruise key card (also known as your Norwegian key card). This key card acts as your onboard ID, room key, and payment method for drinks and other expenses.
Each time you order a drink from a bar, restaurant, or lounge, the bartender or server swipes your card and the charge automatically appears on your onboard statement. These Norwegian beverage bills accumulate during your voyage and are settled at the end of the cruise using the payment method you registered at check-in.
The cruise card payment is the most common and convenient way to pay for drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Here’s how it works:
When you check in, you’ll link your key card to a credit or debit card.
Every onboard purchase—including beverages—is charged to that account.
At the end of your cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line automatically processes your final bill.
Your account summary can be viewed anytime using the NCL mobile app or by visiting Guest Services. This helps you track your cruise bar tabs and stay within your budget throughout your trip.
Another easy way to manage NCL onboard spending is by using onboard credit (OBC). This is money credited to your account before or during your cruise, and it can be used for various onboard purchases—including drinks.
You can earn onboard credit in several ways:
Through promotional offers or booking bonuses.
As part of your travel agent or loyalty program benefits.
By purchasing it yourself before sailing.
When you use onboard credit, your Norwegian beverage bill deducts from your available balance first before charging your linked credit card. It’s a great way to enjoy a few extra drinks without worrying about surprise expenses.
If you want a more all-inclusive experience, consider a Norwegian Cruise drink package. Norwegian offers several beverage plans that allow you to prepay for drinks and enjoy unlimited options onboard without tracking individual charges.
The most popular options include:
Premium Beverage Package (Open Bar) – Covers most spirits, cocktails, wines, beers, and sodas up to a set price limit.
Premium Plus Beverage Package – Includes everything from premium wines and top-shelf liquors to bottled water and specialty coffees.
Once you purchase a package, your drinks are prepaid. Each time you order, your cruise card is swiped to verify eligibility, but no charge is added to your account. This simplifies NCL bar payments and helps manage costs effectively.
If you’re not a heavy drinker, you can skip the beverage packages and pay per drink instead. Norwegian Cruise Line allows guests to pay for drinks individually, and prices vary depending on your selection:
Cocktails: $10–$15 each
Wine by the glass: $10–$20
Beer: $6–$9
Soft drinks: $3–$4
Specialty coffees or bottled water: $3–$7
Each drink purchase is charged directly to your onboard account via your key card. This option is ideal if you prefer just a few drinks daily and don’t need unlimited access. You can still enjoy NCL open bar charges during happy hour promotions or onboard specials.
Technically, Norwegian Cruise Line operates on a cashless system, meaning you can’t directly pay cash for drinks at bars or restaurants. However, you can:
Deposit cash at Guest Services to add credit to your onboard account.
Use that balance to cover your Norwegian bar charges and other expenses.
Settle your final bill in cash before disembarkation if preferred.
This gives you flexibility if you’d rather not use a credit or debit card.
Norwegian Cruise Line also allows the use of NCL gift cards or travel vouchers for onboard spending, including drink purchases. You can redeem these cards before your trip or apply them directly to your onboard account at Guest Services. It’s a great way to pre-fund your cruise drink payments and enjoy peace of mind during your vacation.
Monitoring your onboard spending is simple. You can check your Norwegian beverage bill anytime through:
The NCL mobile app, which provides a live account balance.
Interactive screens onboard (in some staterooms and guest areas).
Guest Services, where staff can print your statement.
Being aware of your spending helps prevent surprises at the end of your voyage. If you’ve purchased an NCL open bar package, keep in mind that gratuities or service charges may already be included—otherwise, they’re automatically added to each drink purchase.
Every drink you purchase onboard includes an automatic gratuity or service charge, typically around 20%. This is standard across all cruise lines, including Norwegian. The gratuity covers bar staff service, so there’s no need to tip extra unless you wish to. For prepaid beverage packages, the gratuity is charged upfront at the time of purchase.
Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line allows guests to prepay for drinks by purchasing a beverage package or adding onboard credit before the cruise. Doing this locks in current prices and reduces your onboard bill. You can arrange these add-ons through your online booking portal or travel agent before sailing.
Prepaying is especially useful for travelers who want to manage their budget in advance and avoid unexpected expenses once onboard.
Watch for Promotions – Norwegian often offers “Free at Sea” deals that include a complimentary beverage package.
Bring Allowed Beverages – Check current policy, as NCL occasionally permits limited amounts of wine onboard.
Use Onboard Credit Wisely – Apply it to bar charges before other purchases.
Stick to Daily Limits – Keep an eye on spending if you’re paying per drink.
Attend Parties or Events – Some include free drinks or tastings.
Paying for drinks on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship is simple and flexible. Whether you use your cruise card payment system, onboard credit, or prepaid beverage packages, every option ensures seamless transactions without needing cash. For many guests, the convenience of using a single cruise card makes managing expenses effortless.
If you enjoy regular drinks and prefer budgeting in advance, a beverage package might be the best value. However, if you’re a light drinker or prefer soft drinks and coffee, paying per drink could be more cost-effective. Either way, Norwegian Cruise Line’s onboard payment options make it easy to sip, relax, and enjoy your vacation your way.
Q1. How do you pay for drinks on a Norwegian Cruise?
All drinks are charged to your onboard account through your key card, which is linked to your payment method.
Q2. Can I use onboard credit to pay for drinks?
Yes, onboard credit can be applied toward any beverage purchases onboard.
Q3. Can I use cash to buy drinks on NCL ships?
No direct cash payments are accepted at bars, but you can deposit cash to your onboard account.
Q4. Do drinks include gratuity on Norwegian Cruise?
Yes, a service charge (usually 20%) is automatically added to each drink purchase.
Q5. Can I prepay for drinks before my Norwegian Cruise?
Yes, you can prepay by purchasing a beverage package or adding onboard credit to your account.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Portjourney.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
