How Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Packages Work
Last Updated on December 19, 2025
For new or inexperienced cruisers, understanding how drink packages work and if they’re worth it is a big challenge. Cruisers on Norwegian Cruise Line have the added challenge that these cruises are marketed as having an “open bar at sea” Or “Unlimited Drink Package Included,” but is it really free? And what are the limits? We take a look at Norwegian Cruise Line’s four basic drink packages to help you better understand the differences and costs.
Update 12/18/2025: Norwegian introduced an upgraded “all-inclusive” package called “Free at Sea Plus.” It is available for sailings starting February 2, 2026.
Below is a full breakdown of the details, but we also created this handy chart to help you quickly see the difference between the packages.
Norwegian Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Package
The Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Package is the alcoholic drink package you can get if you book a “Free at Sea” offer (or if you previously booked a “More at Sea” cruise fare). It gives you access to a large selection of cocktails, wine, and beer at most venues on the cruise ship.
What’s included in Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar package?
Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar Package includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass, beers, soda, and energy drinks. Below is a list of included beverages.
What’s not included in the Unlimited Open Bar package?
- Drinks on the Connoisseur Collection (you’ll receive a $15 discount on these items)
- Premium Energy Drinks (Red Bull)
- Bottles of water
- Ice bars
- Starbucks
- Flights, tastings, or liquor experiences*
- Room service
- Bottled wine*
- Mini bar purchases
- Fresh squeezed juices
- Wine dispenser
- Vending machines
- Specialty coffee
*A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), wine and spirit experiences, tastings or flights purchased on board.
What does Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar package cost?
The cost of the package is typically $109 per person per day plus 20% gratuity.
If you choose this perk as part of your “Free at Sea” cruise fare, the cost is $28.50 per person per day which is technically the gratuities. You are able to opt out of this offer when booking if you’re not a big drinker.
| 5 Days | 7 Days | 10 Days | |
| Free at Sea Drink Package Cost | $143 | $200 | $285 |
Is Norwegian’s Unlimited Open Bar Package worth it?
If you’re getting the Unlimited Open Bar Package as part of a “More at Sea” promotion, each guest in the cabin would need roughly 2 – 3 alcoholic drinks a day to break even. However, if you’re paying full price for the drink package, it’s closer to 8 – 14 drinks a day per person to get your money’s worth. Our Drink Package Calculator will run the numbers for you based on what and how much you drink.
Norwegian Free at Sea Plus
In December 2025, Norwegian reintroduced “Free at Sea Plus,” a more all inclusive upgrade to the Free at Sea package. The cost of the package is $49.99 per person per day on top of the fees already paid.
Free at Sea Plus Drink Package Benefits
- Includes Top Shelf Liquor
- Includes Starbucks
- Includes standard and premium bottled watters
- Includes fresh squeezed juices
- Includes premium energy drinks (Red Bull)
- 40% off bottles of wine
- Drink package works on Great Stirrup Cay
Additional Free at Sea Plus Benefits
Free at Sea Plus doesn’t just upgrade your drink package though, instead it includes several benefits.
- Includes daily gratuities (normally $20 – $25 per person per day)
- 50% off additional specialty dining
- Upgrade to unlimited streaming Wi-Fi (1 device at a time)
You can learn more about Free at Sea Plus here.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s soda package
For guests who don’t drink alcohol or guests under the age of 21, Norwegian has a soda package available. With this package, guests can have unlimited sodas around the ship. These used to be two different packages (one for adults and one for children), but in mid-2022 Norwegian combined them into one package.
What does Norwegian’s soda package cover?
The soda package includes Cola, Diet Cola, Lemon Lime Soda, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Orange Soda & Soda Water.
What doesn’t Norwegian’s soda package cover?
The package excludes basically everything but soda. This will not include juices, milkshakes, bottles of water, etc.
What does the Norwegian’s soda package cost?
Guests who get the package will pay $12.50 per person per day plus 20% gratuity.
| 7 Days | 10 Days | 14 Days | |
| Full Cost | $105 | $150 | $210 |
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Unlimited Starbucks package
Norwegian’s Unlimited Starbucks package was introduced in mid-2022 and was specially made for coffee lovers.
What doesn’t Norwegian’s Unlimited Starbucks package cover?
The Unlimited Starbucks Package includes all the made-to-order drinks you can get from a Starbucks, including classic coffees, teas, and Frappuccinos.
What does the Norwegian’s Unlimited Starbucks package cost?
The Unlimited Starbucks Package now costs $16.50 per person per day (plus 20% gratuity). The Unlimited Starbucks Package does not include canned or bottled drinks, food, and merchandise. This package works at any Starbucks on a Norwegian ship as well as on Great Stirrup Cay.
| 7 Days | 10 Days | 14 Days | |
| Full Cost | $139 | $198 | $277 |
Restrictions on Norwegian’s Drink packages
All of the packages above have similar restrictions. The biggest restriction is that the package must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom. That means if it’s two adults in a cabin, both will need the package. Likewise, if you’re going to be getting the soda package for children, all the children in the cabin must get the package.
Sharing of the packages with other guests is prohibited. That being said, guests are allowed to get two beverages per person per transaction.
Where can the Norwegian Drink packages be used?
The Norwegian drink packages can be used in the ship based restaurants, bars, and lounges. They can not be used on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, after March 1st, 2026. They also cannot be used at Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.
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