How Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Packages Work
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 10/18/2024: Norwegian announced they’re updating their drink packages for 2025. They will now only offer one alcoholic drink package (before they had a base package and a premium package). The changes go into effect for sailings leaving Jan, 1 2025 and after. The information below reflects the current offerings.
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 Unlimited Open Bar Package
The Unlimited Open Bar Package is now Norwegian’s only unlimited alcoholic drink package. This option is the drink package that you get if you book at “More at Sea” cruise fare, or if you add on the drink package to your sailing. It gives you access to a large selection of cocktails, wine, and beer at most venues on the cruise ship.
Just be aware that Norwegian offers some “sail away” cabins for lower prices but will not include any “Free at Sea” offers. So be sure to read the forms carefully when booking. For people who don’t drink, the “sail away” rates are a great way to save some cash.
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)
- 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 “More at Sea” cruise fare, you’ll still have to pay the gratuities as seen below. You are able to opt out of this offer when booking if you’re not a big drinker.Nights Additional Daily Cost 1-7 $30 per person per day 8-11 $27 per person per day 12+ $23 per person per day
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 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?
In September 2022, Norwegian announced it is switching to Coke products from Pepsi. The transition will be completed by the end of 2022. The soda package will include 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?
In July 2024, Norwegian increased the cost of this package by 25%. 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?
In July 2024, Norwegian increased the cost of this package by 25%. 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 also be used while on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island. However, they cannot be used at Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.
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