When planning your Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether the Norwegian Cruise drink package is truly worth it. With options like the Premium Beverage Package and Premium Plus Beverage Package, understanding the NCL drink package value is key to making the right choice. The answer depends on your drinking habits, preferences, and the type of cruise you’re taking. Let’s break it down in detail to help you decide wisely.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage plans designed to enhance your cruise experience. The two most popular ones are:
Premium Beverage Package (Open Bar) – This package includes a wide selection of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, draft or bottled beers, and soft drinks up to a certain price limit.
Premium Plus Beverage Package – This upgraded option covers nearly all beverages onboard, including premium spirits, higher-end wines, specialty coffees, bottled water, and energy drinks.
Both packages apply to guests aged 21 and over and come with an additional daily gratuity charge. If you’re looking for unlimited refreshments, these packages can be a great way to budget your vacation upfront.
Deciding whether to buy the NCL beverage package depends on several factors:
If you typically enjoy cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner, and a few nightcaps, you might find excellent value in the Norwegian Cruise drink package. On the other hand, if you only drink occasionally, paying per drink could save money.
The longer the cruise, the more value you get from a package, especially on seven-night or longer sailings. On short cruises, you might not consume enough to justify the cost.
If your itinerary includes many port days with long shore excursions, you’ll spend less time onboard drinking, reducing the overall value. Conversely, sea-day-heavy cruises make packages more worthwhile.
If you enjoy premium cocktails, fine wines, or top-shelf liquor, the NCL Premium Plus Beverage Package could provide great savings. However, if you’re content with basic spirits and beers, the standard open bar package is sufficient.
Remember that each package comes with a daily service charge—typically around 20% of the package’s value. When calculating the total cost, include this in your estimate to avoid surprises.
On average, the NCL drink package price (Premium Beverage) is around $109 per person per day, plus a gratuity. The Premium Plus option costs about $138 per person per day. Drinks on board individually range from $10–$15 for cocktails, $6–$8 for beers, and $10–$20 for wine by the glass.
If you plan to drink at least 5–7 alcoholic beverages per day, the NCL beverage package can be financially beneficial. However, light drinkers who only enjoy one or two drinks daily might find à la carte purchases more practical.
Convenience and Simplicity – You can enjoy unlimited drinks without worrying about signing receipts or tracking expenses.
Predictable Budgeting – The total cost of beverages is paid upfront, making it easier to manage your vacation budget.
Wide Drink Selection – The packages include an extensive range of beverages—from beers and wines to cocktails and sodas.
Enhanced Experience – You can try new drinks, premium brands, and specialty cocktails without worrying about the price.
Covers Non-Alcoholic Options Too – Many packages include bottled water, juices, and soft drinks, making it versatile even for non-drinkers.
High Upfront Cost – The daily rate plus gratuity can be expensive, especially for longer cruises.
Both Guests Must Purchase – If you share a stateroom, both adults typically need to buy the same package, even if one doesn’t drink much.
Limited Time Use – On port days, you may not be onboard enough to get full value.
Not All Drinks Are Included – Certain premium or rare liquors, wines by the bottle, and mini-bar items are excluded.
No Refunds for Unused Value – Even if you don’t drink much, the cost remains the same.
Use It Across All Venues – You can use your drink package in bars, lounges, restaurants, and even on private islands like Great Stirrup Cay.
Start Early, End Late – Beverage service usually begins by mid-morning and runs late into the night—take advantage of the full schedule.
Try Specialty Drinks – Order cocktails you might not normally try to explore the ship’s mixology options.
Hydrate with Non-Alcoholic Options – Take advantage of bottled water and soft drinks included in your plan.
Avoid Sharing – Sharing your drink package benefits with another guest can lead to cancellation without refund.
If you plan to relax and enjoy several drinks daily, the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package is often worth it. It provides convenience, peace of mind, and access to a wide variety of beverages. However, if you’re more budget-conscious, don’t drink much alcohol, or plan to spend most of your days exploring ports, buying drinks individually may make more sense.
The NCL beverage package worth ultimately depends on your personal preferences and cruising style. Frequent cruisers who enjoy a social atmosphere find the open bar package adds significant enjoyment to their trip. Meanwhile, occasional drinkers may prefer paying as they go.
When weighing the pros and cons of NCL drink packages, think about your vacation goals. The Norwegian Cruise open bar can add luxury and freedom to your trip, but only if you’ll use it enough to justify the cost. If you plan on indulging in cocktails, wine, or beer regularly, then yes—the NCL drink package value is absolutely worth it. But if you’re moderate or non-drinker, skipping it could save hundreds of dollars. Either way, Norwegian Cruise Line offers flexible choices to fit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
Q1. Is the Norwegian Cruise drink package worth buying?
Yes, it’s worth it if you plan to have multiple drinks per day, as it provides convenience and potential savings compared to paying per drink.
Q2. What drinks are included in the NCL Premium Beverage Package?
It includes cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages up to a specific price limit.
Q3. Do both guests in a stateroom need to buy the drink package?
Typically yes, both adults sharing a cabin must purchase the same package.
Q4. Are gratuities included in the NCL drink package price?
No, a daily gratuity is added separately at the time of purchase.
Q5. Can I cancel or refund the NCL drink package after purchasing?
You can cancel before the cruise begins, but once onboard, it’s generally non-refundable.
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
