Wondering if the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package is worth the price?
A vast majority of guests on Norwegian Cruise Line who wish to have a drink package for their sailing opt for the one which comes as part of the “Free At Sea” promotion. This package covers most alcoholic beverages priced at $15 or less. If a drink costs more than the covered price, the difference is charged to their onboard account.
The convenience and potential savings make it an attractive choice for many cruisers. However, you’ll need to consider additional costs like gratuities and the requirement for all adults in your stateroom to purchase the package.
How much does the NCL drink package cost?
If you decide to purchase the NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) drink package outright, you’ll be looking at their Unlimited Beverage Package, which is the most popular option costs around $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge. For an additional $29 per day, you can upgrade to the premium beverage package.
NCL also sells a Starbucks Coffee package for $12.95 per day and a soda package for $9.95 per day, plus the added 20% service charge.
Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Pros
Convenience and Inclusion
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers the Unlimited Open Bar Package as part of their Free at Sea promotion, making it a convenient option for cruisers.
This package covers a wide range of drinks up to $15 each, including cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine by the glass. You just need to pay the gratuities, which are 20% of the package value.
Variety of Beverages
The Unlimited Open Bar Package includes alcoholic beverages, sodas, juices, bottled water, and specialty coffees while dining. This makes it a versatile choice for those who enjoy a variety of drinks throughout the day.
Use at Private Islands
The drink package is valid at NCL’s private destination Great Stirrup Cay, allowing you to continue enjoying your drinks while off the ship. However, due to local regulations, it is not valid at Harvest Caye in Belize.
Savings on High-Volume Drinking
If you enjoy multiple drinks daily, the package can provide significant savings. Since individual drink prices range from $9 to $15 for cocktails and wines, frequent drinkers can easily offset the package cost.
Upgradable Options
For those looking for a more upscale experience, the Premium Plus Beverage Package includes everything in the Unlimited Open Bar Package plus additional top-shelf spirits, select bottled wines and champagne, Starbucks coffee, energy drinks, and freshly squeezed juices.
This package can be purchased for an additional $29 per day, plus gratuities.
Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Cons
Mandatory Purchase for All Adults in Stateroom
If one person in a stateroom wants the Unlimited Open Bar Package, all adults of legal drinking age in that room must also purchase it. While exceptions can be made in certain cases, it’s extremely rare. And if someone under the legal drinking age is staying in the stateroom, a soda package must be purchased.
Additional Gratuities
While the package is included as an option in the Free at Sea promotion — meaning guests aren’t paying the per-day, per-person price for the package — you’re still required to pay the 20% service charge on the package’s value. This can add up, particularly on longer cruises, making it less of a “free” perk than it initially appears.
Not All Drinks Included
The basic package does not cover drinks over $15, room service beverages, mini bar purchases, or drinks from vending machines. Some premium beverages, like specialty Starbucks drinks outside dining areas and certain energy drinks, are not included.
No Partial-Day Packages
Once you purchase a drink package, it must be for the entire cruise duration. You cannot choose to have the package only on certain days, which can be less cost-effective if you have many port days or long excursions.
Drink Fatigue
Like other cruise lines, there’s a risk of drink fatigue, where passengers must consume more than they usually would to get their money’s worth. This can lead to overconsumption and diminished enjoyment of the cruise.
For more information on the NCL drink package, check out their site.
RELATED: Is Carnival Cruise Line’s Drink Package Worth It?
