Heidi BucoloAre you wondering if you should purchase or upgrade to one of the NCL drink packages? You are not alone, as it is a question we get quite often from fellow cruisers.
There are many factors involved in deciding if a beverage package is right for you. We’ve had the chance to test out the NCL drink package, as well as those on many other cruise lines, on several sailings over the years. And we can see the pros and cons to purchasing one.
Ultimately, you will need to determine if one of the Norwegian drink packages is right for you. So, in this complete guide, we detail all the plans, drink prices, and FAQs to help you decide if a Norwegian beverage package is right for your next cruise.
Complete Guide to NCL Drink Packages
NCL Drink Package Basics
When it comes to NCL Drink Packages, there are a few basic things you need to know before we dive into the details of each option.
- All NCL drink package prices are per person, per day.
- You must purchase a Norwegian drink package for the entire length of the cruise. You cannot purchase just select days.
- There is no sharing of the NCL drink package or using your package to order drinks for other cruisers.
- Cruisers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase an alcoholic beverage package.
- All qualifying individuals in the stateroom or additional staterooms under the same method of payment must purchase one as well. Individuals under 21 must purchase the Soda Package if the 21+ adults in the cabin are purchasing an alcoholic package.
- The stated prices do not include the additional 20% service charge which is added when purchasing the NCL drink package. Additionally, applicable state and local taxes may be applied to purchases made during certain ports and/or itineraries.
- Beverage packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- NCL drink packages are not available for purchase on charters or sailings that are two days or less.
- You can use these packages almost everywhere on the ship. This includes the bars and lounges, complimentary dining venues, and specialty restaurants.
- Norwegian drink packages also work on the brand’s private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize.
What beverages are complimentary on NCL?
Some beverages are part of your Norwegian Cruise Line fare. These options are non-bottled water, lemonade, some juices in the buffet for breakfast, iced tea, and non-specialty coffee and tea.
How do you purchase an NCL drink package?
You can purchase NCL drink packages pre-cruise using your online cruise planner or once onboard the ship. Or, you may receive it as a perk with the new More at Sea promotion.
Even if you receive an NCL drink package through the cruise line’s More at Sea when booking (premium beverage package), you are still responsible for a daily fee which is as follows:
- $30 per person, per day for a 1-7 night cruise
- $27 per person, per day for an 8-11 night cruise
- $23 per person, per day for a 12+ night cruise
Anyone under 21 who is sailing with adults 21+ who choose to receive the drink package through More at Sea must purchase the soda package. It costs $12.50.
What are the NCL drink packages?
Norwegian Cruise Line features one alcoholic drink package now — the Unlimited Open Bar Package (or premium beverage package). Prior to October 2024, the line offered two alcoholic package options. There was a Premium Plus package in addition to the Unlimited Open Bar package. However, the Plus option was eliminated with the introduction of More at Sea.
There are also two additional non-alcoholic drink packages: the Unlimited Soda Package and the Unlimited Starbucks Package.
We will cover the specifics of each NCL drink package down below.
What are the NCL drink package prices?
- Premium Drink Package: Guests receive this package with More at Sea. Those who choose not to receive it at the time of booking but later change their mind and purchase it on board will pay $89 per person, per day. They can purchase it the first two days of the cruise only.
- Unlimited Soda Package: $12.50 per person, per day
- Unlimited Starbucks Package: $16.50 per person, per day
Is there a limit on the NCL drink package?
Unlike the Carnival drink package which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, Norwegian’s drink packages are truly unlimited. With the alcoholic drink packages, you can order two beverages per person, per transaction. With the Starbucks package, guests can order only one beverage per person, per transaction.
Of course, staff do have the right to refuse you bar service if you are intoxicated. Knowing your limits is just as important on a cruise ship as it is during your regular life!
What does the NCL free drink package include?
The NCL Unlimited Open Bar package, which is provided as part of the More at Sea promotion, includes the following beverages:
- Most beer and wine by the glass
- Most premium liquor brands and over 100 specialty cocktails
- Unlimited soda and juices
- 20% off bottles of champagne and wine, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings, and Flights purchased on board
- For the few drinks that are part of the more expensive “Connoisseur Collection,” guests will get $15 off each of those beverages and just have to pay the difference.
Previously, guests could upgrade their beverage package to the Premium Plus package, which included all top-shelf brands, unlimited still and sparkling bottled water, and all Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks.
Now, this package has been eliminated, but NCL’s base package does include 45 percent more premium brands like Grey Goose, Casamigos, and Woodford Reserve. Bottled water and Starbucks beverages continue to not be included in the Unlimited Open Bar package.
Norwegian Drink Package Specifications
What is the Premium Drink Package on NCL?
The Unlimited Open Bar Package is the only alcoholic beverage package available on Norwegian Cruise Line. It was previously called the Ultimate Beverage Package or the Premium Drink Package. This is the drink package that guests receive with the Norwegian More at Sea promotion (or the former Free at Sea).
The Unlimited Open Bar Package includes nearly all spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draught beer. It also includes unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants, and NCL’s private island Great Stirrup Cay. It also includes a 20% discount on bottles of wine and champagne, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings, and flights purchased on board.
More expensive drinks within the Connoisseur Collection are not part of the package, but you do receive a $15 discount on them and only need to pay the difference.
The Unlimited Open Bar Package does not include room service, ship-specific promotions or beer buckets, bottled wine or liquor, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, bottled water, wine dispensers, energy drinks, or vending machines. It also does not include Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or flights, Starbucks, and Ice Bars (if applicable to your ship).
This package differs from most other cruise lines in that it does not include any premium non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, or specialty coffee.
The Unlimited Open Bar Package is one of the More at Sea perks, which is part of your cruise ship booking. However, you are able to decline any of the offers in More at Sea. So if you decline the drink package at the time of booking but decide you do want it once on board, it will be available for purchase the first two days of the cruise for $89 per person, per day.
If you accept the drink package as part of More at Sea for a seven-day cruise, you will only need to pay the daily fee, which is $30 per person. This equals $210 for the full cruise. If you purchase once on board, the package will be $623 for the full cruise plus taxes and fees.
Given that this package does not include many non-alcoholic items, the Premium NCL drink package is priced well above its competitors. However, it’s a good deal if you get it for “free” through More at Sea, as you are just paying the daily fee which is $210 for a full seven-day cruise.
No More Premium Plus Option
Prior to October 2024, NCL offered an upgrade option to the Premium Beverage Package called Premium Plus. It was the most inclusive drink package that the cruise line offered and cost $29 per person, per day on top of the Unlimited Open Bar package (or $138 per person, per day on its own).
This package was eliminated with the introduction of the More at Sea program. However, NCL says that the standard Unlimited Open Bar package now includes 45 percent more premium liquor brands such Grey Goose, Casamigos, and Woodford Reserve. For the few beverages that aren’t part of the standard package (Connoisseur Collection drinks), you get a $15 discount.
Notably, the Premium Plus package included bottled water and specialty beverages from Starbucks. Since this package no longer exists, and the standard Unlimited Open Bar package continues to not include those drinks, there is now no beverage package that includes both bottled water and Starbucks. However, there is a standalone Starbucks package that we will discuss below.
Further, there is no longer the option to upgrade to a Plus version of More at Sea, like the former Free at Sea Plus. This package gave guests upgrades to their drink packages, WiFi packages, and more.
Norwegian Drink Package – Unlimited Soda Package
The most basic of the NCL drink packages is the Unlimited Soda Package. This package is $12.50 per person, per day, plus a 20 percent gratuity.
Currently, NCL ships serve Coca Cola products. The list of possible soft drinks (subject to availability during your cruise) are Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Fanta, and Soda Water.
This package does not cover cans of soda. Other non-alcoholic beverages, like bottled water or bottled juices, are not part of the package either.
Norwegian Drink Package – Unlimited Starbucks Package
Another option on the list of NCL drink packages is the Unlimited Starbucks Package. This package is $16.50 per person, per day plus 20% gratuity. The Unlimited Starbucks package includes all coffees, teas, Refreshers, and Frappuccino favorites.
Guests must be 18 years of age and all qualifying individuals residing in the stateroom or additional staterooms under the same method of payment must purchase the package for the entire length of the cruise. Passengers can order only one beverage per person, per transaction.
This package excludes canned drinks, bottled drinks, food, and merchandise at Starbucks.
Hawaii Beverage Package
As of 2019, NCL drink packages are available on the line’s Hawaii-based ship, Pride of America. Through the More at Sea program, it appears that the Hawaii beverage package is basically the same as the Unlimited Open Bar package on the rest of the fleet.
NCL Drink Prices
If you are looking for our most recent NCL drink prices, we have our Norwegian Prima bar guide with menus. This will give you an idea of how much your favorite drinks cost, so you can decide if an NCL drink package is worth it for you.
- Cocktails: average pricing $9-13
- Wines by the Glass: priced on average between $9-29
- Beers: $7 on average
- Soda: $3.50
- Energy Drinks: $5.50
- Sports Drinks: $5.50
- Bottled Water: $4.50 (500 ml)
- Starbucks Drinks: $4.25-6.25
Is the Norwegian Drink Package Worth It?
This brings us back to the original question, are NCL drink packages a good value? That is a question that only you can answer based on your own drinking habits. Essentially, the question should be whether you will consume enough to make the purchase “worth it.”
Using the average NCL drink prices, you can do the quick math to see if you would routinely hit the daily break-even point for the above drink packages.
Keep in mind that while you may not drink enough to cover the costs of “buying” a drink package, chances are you’ll qualify for the More at Sea promotion perks, which includes the option of the Unlimited Open Bar package. We believe accepting this package as part of More at Sea is a great value regardless of how much you drink.
When compared to competitor brands, Norwegian drink packages, if paid outright, are not the best value. But in almost every circumstance, you won’t have to pay outright because it will be included in your cruise fare through More at Sea. Never having to worry about your bar tab at the end of a cruise is a great feeling!
Other considerations include the length of the cruise and how many ports of call are on the itinerary.
Another consideration is whether or not you’ll drink many beverages outside of your standard water, lemonade, or drip coffee. If you don’t drink alcohol and aren’t really interested in soda either, even the daily $30 (or slightly less) charge for keeping the drink package in More at Sea may not be worth it for you. You should also think about the length of your cruise and how many ports of call are on the itinerary. If you’ll have a cocktail here and there but don’t plan to drink at all on port days, you may want to opt out of the package entirely. Once you’ve worked through these considerations and done the math, you’ll be able to decide whether choosing a drink package on your next NCL cruise is a good option.
Comments
Do you think the Norwegian Drink Package is a good value? Do you think it’s worth upgrading to the Premium Plus package? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences with NCL drink packages.
77 comments
Nicole Wiltsey
Hello, Would first like to say your videos & knowledge about cruising are wonderful and informative. I have one seemingly small question for you : I have the “free at sea” drink package and see on the list that Baileys Irish Cream is included in it, I’ve also read multiple times that it’s only included in premium package now . When on vacation I like the coffee in our room with Baileys (tastes a lot better, lol) so it’s a simple but really curious question. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Michele J Stein
Do you know if my Starbucks app – money loaded on to it- will work on the ship’s Starbucks outlets?
Tina
My husband purchased us both the alcohol package & the 3 kids the soda package. Norwegian totally screwed up giving my son the alcohol package and I didn’t get any package! When we went to the desk to figure it our & rectify it, they told us there was nothing they could do & we should have fixed it before boarding. 1. this was their screw up, 2. we didn’t know they messed up until AFTER we were on the boat! Most expensive & WORST vacation ever!!
Diana
Everything NCL offers is misleading!
Chip Lamb
On a 2 week cruise, the “Beverage Service Charge” for two is $654 above and beyond the Free at Sea.
So hardly a good deal.
It’s stuff like this that makes me wonder why I would consider another Norwegian cruise. Just got back from an Azamara that was a better deal all around and all but top shelf was included.
Amy
Very helpful! Thank you
Penney Knight
Oh ya snd the orange juice! Only cruise line thAt charges extra for squeezed juice! Really! Good grief.
Don’t you want us want to come back? Give us those extras that make us remember how great you are. Not that we have to pay for the “good” juice!
Penney Knight
I find it ridiculous that ncl soda package doesn’t offer non alcoholic drinks like the rest of the cruise lines do. We don’t drink alcohol so it’s not worth it to buy a drink package yet we enjoy the non alcoholic ones. Even at the free perk the gratuities are outrageous if you do not drink.
Frustrated
We were just about to book a decent priced cruise then I saw they also charge about $500 to bring a baby on the 8 day cruise, then on top of that the free drinks package we thought was free also has a gratuity charge for the baby! $120 for free drinks that the baby can’t drink.
Nikki
Will be sailing on NCL Getaway in February 2020. Purchased the “Free At Sea” open bar option with my Studo Room. I understand there is a self-serve wine bar in the Studio Lounge. Is this included in my beverage package?
Vanessa Deleon
Hello, I was poking around the website and thought I had seen somewhere in some fine print that you can get a juice add on for like $3, but now I cannot seem to find any info again. Does anybody have knowledge of this?
Kathy
Very disappointed that the “free” Ultimate Drink package cost me $124.60 service charge on my booking bill. It would have been nice to know that when I chose that “free perk”. Also VERY disappointed to see that bottled water isn’t included in the “Ultimate” package……not very “Ultimate” in my opinion, Royal and Celebrity don’t charge that service fee and DO include bottled water, fresh squeezed OJ and specialty coffees in their similar level drink package……
Holly
I have a question is there anywhere on the ship
Like poolside service that isn’t covered by the ultimate drink Package we purchased?? I was told that its possIble it may not cover areas like the pool and I was under the understanding when purchased that while onboard all drinks were covered un $15 excluding minibar in room and room service beverages?
Tina Brock Azeff
Ok So I am traveling on NCL Sky which states that is is Open Bar – I am hearing this doesn’t include Super Premium liquors and is different from other ships- Anyone been on the Sky recently that can help ??
Jami
Very confusing yes u get it with the balcony pa mage as long as it’s a upper balcony room it’s a gimic ….sorry false advertising it should say special balcony room packages……we booked a Mimi suite only were Entitled to 50 dollars . It sounds like you get all 6 deals for booking a balcony room . WRONG ,
Debbie A Pierce
Are bottle beers included in the drink packages?
Dave VC
Yes, but I can’t say I recommend them nor any of the “special drinks” on the menu unless you like REALLY sweet drinks!
Jane Nigrelli Long
Aside from the beverage packages do they offer any other daily drink specials?
Dave VC
DB, thanks! We did not do a beverage package (wife barely drinks, hardly makes sense.) FYI to all others: No more beer buckets at least on Escape (I assume all Norwegian ships.) Darn!
But cruise was awesome anyway! Bermuda is wonderful!
Dave VC
Jay, at least on Escape, no they do not that I saw anywhere on the ship (and I was pretty close to everywhere that might have had it.)
Jay Seaman
Do any NCL ships have the Pepsi Spire machines? these are similar to the Coke Freestyle digital beverage dispensers that let you customize your beverage.
DB
Hi Jay, that is a great question. To the best of our knowledge, none of the NCL ships have these machines. We know several RCI ships have the Coke Freestyle machines. It would be great if NCL added some of these soda machines to its vessels. Happy Cruising.
Dave VC
Hi ESC! Awesome and helpful blog!
RE: Beer buckets: Norwegian Escape Oct 2018 … are they still offering these? Does anyone know? I’m considering the corks & caps option, but this could very well make the deciding calculation. I’ve seen 2017 posts that say they don’t, but another that says they do (did). Are they only available at particular bars (if so which)? Any help greatly appreciated!
Hope everyone has the cruise of their dreams! Happy sailing 🙂
DB
Hi Dave, glad you found our blog helpful. If you are on a beverage package, you would not be able to purchase beer bucket on the ship. On the last couple of NCL cruises we have not seen those as a promotion. Honestly, about half the ship will have a beverage package. This entitles you to almost any of the beers on the ship. You can only order one at a time. Have a great cruise.
Jacqi
Feel that coffee drinks should be included in the ultimate package. Seems rather penny pinching of them to exclude them for what they charge.
DB
Hi Jacqi, thanks for the comment. We agree. Other cruise lines include specialty coffees and bottled water in their drink packages. Hopefully, NCL will reconsider some day soon. Happy cruising.
Art Johnson
Might be cruising on NCL EPIC 2019. RE: Ultimate Beverage Package; Does this cover cappuccinos? Lattes? If not, what is the extra charge. We usually have this at end of dinner. And what about Irish Coffees? Thanks.
DB
Hi Art, great question. The lattes and cappuccinos are not covered in the Ultimate Beverage package. Those go for about $4 a serving. Irish coffees made with American coffee would be included as the liquors are part of the package. Let us know if you have any additional questions.
Anthony
If a drink is over $15 and is listed in a souvenir cup with an asterisk saying no cup for the beverage package, Can you buy the drink in a regular glass for less than $15 or do they charge you the full price anyway?
Laura
wondering if anyone knows if NCL carries diet tonic water. Sailing in January and we watch our carbs.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Laura, great question. We are pretty sure they do have diet tonic water for cocktails and drinks. It probably won’t be covered in the soda package, but should be available as a mixer or to purchase outright. Again, this may vary by ship so you will want to check when you board. You could also request the beverage manager have some brought onboard for you to consume, What ship will you be on in January?
Casey
Are kids allowed virgin cocktails, my girls don’t drink pop but they would probably enjoy a fruity drink around the pool
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Casey, great question. Yes, you kids can get virgin cocktails, but you will have to pay for those drinks as they are not covered in the soda package. I want to say they are around $4-5 a drink. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks for reading and Happy Sailing.
Rose Michel
I have the Ulitmate Drink Package and was wondering if mocktails are included, thank you for all the useful information
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Rose, thanks for reading. Glad you found our post useful. Yes, with the Ultimate Beverage Package you can get virgin cocktails and mocktails. When is your next cruise?
Rosemary Linden Michel
Going thru the Panama Canal from east to west on Dec. 9th
B
Curious to know if I add a 3 person free to my Balcony stateroom on the Breakaway Cruise I am booking for Feb 2017 as part of the promotion going on “free ultimate Drink Package” does the 3rd person get the free drink package as well or is that extra ?
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi B, good question. The free drink promos are usually only good on the first two individuals in the cabin. Most times, the third adult pays a reduced fare, and in some instances, the third person is free for certain room categories. Either way, the third person would have to pay the $79 a day, plus 18% gratuity for the Ultimate Beverage Package. Hope this helps.
Kevin
Does anyone have a list of the actual alcoholic beverages on-board? I am interested in what is considered premium vs. super premium etc. Like what type of Gin is served? I saw some menus on a different site, but I am concerned that it was considerably outdated as the prices were pretty low. Sailing in Jan on Getaway, and this is our first NCL cruise. Cannot find anything on the website about menus except for some beer and wine lists.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Kevin. Thanks for reading and the question. We have the menus from our NCL Escape cruise from January 2016. Premium on that cruise included Barcardi, Grey Goose, Hennessy, Beefeater, and Crown Royal among others. Super Premium brands on that cruise were Belvedere, Patron Silver, and Prairie Organic. Of course, this could change and the selections on ships may vary. Hopefully this gives you some idea of the selections. Feel free to contact us if you have more questions.
Tom
Can you tell us if mocktails are included in the soda package or can juices be added to the package to cover them. Sailing on the breakaway soon.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Tom, excellent question. You would want to verify onboard, but as the soda package is described on NCL’s website, it only includes soda, no juices or additional non-alcoholic beverages. You could always get some of the juice’s at the buffet and keep them in your room to make your own mocktails later in the day. Thanks for reading and hope you have a great cruise on Breakaway.
MeKo
On the “Free at Sea” Ultimate Drink package can drinks be ordered and consumed while docked (ie.: not at sea)? Thanks for your help with this question – I cannot find the answer in any of the fine print! 🙂
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi MeKo, Sorry for the delay responding to your question. Yes, the drink package works while at sea and also while the ship is docked. All of the same rules apply and drinks are covered. If a bar is open, and a drink is part of the covered plan, then you can get it whether at sea or in port. Do know that some ports of call charge a local tax that maybe charged to you. This would happen whether you paid a la carte, or had a drink package. When is your next cruise?
Melissa
Great information. I know specialty coffees are not included at the coffee bar but is the alcoholic coffee drinks (like the nutty Irishman) available somewhere covered under the plan?
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Melissa, glad you found the information useful. Excellent question. This one is tricky. If the drink contains regular coffee, and included liqueurs and spirits, then it should be covered. However, if a drink has espresso in it, then it most likely is not covered. You may want to verify that when onboard. We have never tried to get drinks of this nature before. I have gotten a shot of Kahlua or Amaretto to put in my coffee, and that was covered, but we never tried to get one of these coffee “mixed drinks”. If it is less than $15, and does not have espresso, we think it would be included. When do you cruise? Please report back to us let us know either way. Happy sailing.
Josh
Hello,
I was wondering with the Unlimited Beverage Package if all alcoholic drinks under $15 are included. On other websites it says the package does not include super and ultra premium brands. While looking at the pictures you posted of the bar menu’s, I see that most of the super premium drinks cost $10.95. Since they are under $15 are they included? Also the menu’s don’t list the price for Ultra Premium drinks. Do you have any idea how much those would be?
BTW, Great website and information. Thanks a lot!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Josh,
Thanks for reading. We appreciate the compliments. If the drink is under $15, and not in a souvenir glass or part of special promotion, it should be included. We have heard recently, that the prices have increased, so some drinks now costs more than $15. If they do, then you pay the difference. For instance, if a drink or brand is $17, and you have the package, you only pay $2 difference (plus service charge). We are fine with premium brands, so I can not recall the prices for Ultra Premium. On the menus posted here, we never had a drink that was not included. Not once during the entire cruise. Hope this helps. Happy sailing.
Josh
Hello,
I was wondering with the Unlimited Beverage Package if all alcoholic drinks under $15 are included. On other websites it says the package does not include super and ultra premium brands. While looking at the pictures you posted of the bar menu’s, I see that most of the super premium drinks cost $10.95. Since they are under $15 are they included? Also the menu’s don’t list the price for Ultra Premium drinks. Do you have any idea how much those would be?
BTW, Great website and information. Thanks a lot!
Sarah S
Very helpful write up on the packages – much appreciated!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Sarah, we appreciate the feedback. Glad you found the write-up useful. When do you sail next with NCL? Thanks for reading.
Sarah S
I actually sail out tomorrow! I’ll see if I can find out anything about ‘skinny’ drinks! 😀 We have the Unlimited package.
Terry
HI leaving on a breakaway this weekend. Do you know if they make low calorie cocktails like skinny margaritas etc?
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Terry, Sorry for the delay. We suspect you are sailing now. Please let us know if you were able to get some low calorie drinks. Plenty of other cruisers would love to know the answer too. Have a great cruise.
Kristen
I would love to know more about the skinny drinks. We sail on the Getaway in a week!
Very helpful site. Thanks!
Joseph Allara
My wife and I are sailing with a large group on ncl. The ultimate drink pkg. Was included in the price. I understand that all of our gratuities are included. Does that include all the gratuities on the alcohol that we purchase. We would only be responsible for a tip to the server. correct? Our reservation no. Is 36552219 We are sailing on the dawn 11/9/19 for 15 days. We are reserved with Landmark Tours.
David
Oh, also be aware that the package only includes non-premium drinks. You can check drink menus online to determine what that means, but basically, no top-shelf liquors or quality wines. I believe you do get a discount if you order top-shelf.
David
You can tip if you want, but you should be aware that tips are (mandatory) added to your entire trip. Read the contract.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Glad you have found our site helpful Kristen. We will keep you posted once we find out about low calorie drink options with NCL. Thanks for reading!
Graeme
Hi,
We have booked our first cruise for next year to the Greek Islands on the Norwegian star and we are really excited. We received the ultimate drinks package free when booking. We have included the gratuities in the price of our cruise.
Can you clarify what you mean by having to pay the service charge on your “free” drinks. Does this mean that the 18% gratuity and service charge for any drink under 15 dollars gets added to the price of the drink doesnt cost you anything, or if you get a free drink for example 9 dollars, is the 18% charge added to your on board credit card and you will be left with quite a bill for charges at the end of your cruise even though you have already included your tips in the price of your cruise.
I am confused by this and would appreciate if someone can please clarify this.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Graeme, Thanks for reading. We would be happy to help clarify things for you. When you got the beverage package at the time of booking, NCL charged you an 18% gratuity. It was worked into your price. Now, once onboard, any drink you get that is included in the plan (i.e., is under $15) there will be no service charge. You have already covered the service charge for those costs. However, if you get a drink that is say $18, so $3 more than the allotment, you will have to pay an additional 18% charge ONLY on that difference. So, you would be charged $3.54 in this scenario. There are plenty of drinks covered, and we never had to pay more for a beverage so you should be all set. Do keep in mind, these charges are different than the daily gratuity charge. All cruisers on the ship are charged a daily service charge of about $13 a day. This is NOT for the beverage package. This covers tips to your room steward, waiters in the dining rooms, and other onboard crew. Have a great cruise. Let us know if you have any other questions.
Melissa
I am curious if you have an answer to this question. I have gotten the ‘free’ Ultimate Beverage Package and it says everywhere that everyone must purchase the package or soda packages for children, we are traveling with our 2 children and the ‘free’ Ultimate Beverage Package is only available for 2 people so what do they do with the children? Do we have to buy the soda package for them? Or what do they do if there are 3 adults in the room?
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Hi Melissa, Great questions. Yes, the fine print says that if you opt for the free Beverage Package (which you actually have to pay the service charge on if you get it as a perk) you have to purchase the soda package for kids staying in the same room. If there was a third adult, you would have to get them the Ultimate Beverage Package too. When are you sailing?
Melissa
Hi I called Norwegian and asked about the soda package for the kids when the adults have the ‘free’ drink package. She said you do not have to buy the soda package for the kids but told me about the gratuity fee for the beverage package. We cruise Nov 27 2016 on the getaway. We are excited.
Eric
We are on that same Cruise and we are in the same situation and were not required to get the Soda ackage for the kids.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Thanks Eric for the feedback. Good to know that the kids do not need to get the soda package. How was the cruise? Appreciate the comment.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Great to hear. Yes, we had to pay the service charge when we got the “free” drink package too. But, at least you can save money on the kids soda packages. Have a great cruise. Getaway is a ship we are thinking of trying soon. Let us know how your cruise goes when you get back.
LisaN
You may wish to add that the ‘free’ beverage plan included in the Sky sailings is not the same plan on other ships. I have seen side by side comparisons on what is covered, and it is rather limited for those who prefer upgraded brands and nicer wines. In general, I feel that Norwegian is really misleading their clientele
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Thanks LisaN for the comment. Do you have that list to share? According to NCL the Sky drink package is the Ultimate Ultimate Beverage Package, so it should be the same. Does the NCL Sky not offer those premium brands? Happy cruising!
bridesmaidsconfession
Very detailed and helpful. Thank you for laying it all out there. It is something I might consider the next time I cruise.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
You are very welcome. Glad you found the post useful. Happy sailing.
Esther Reisman
My first two sailing I bought the soda package and milked it for everything it’s worth. I was able to get my husband a soda at the same time. My last sailing I couldn’t drink soda anymore so it wasn’t worth it. My husband bought a few sodas, I bought him a few drinks and we did not spend that much money.
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Thanks for the comment Esther. The packages are not for everyone, so deciding how much and how often you will drink is a crucial part of the planning process. Glad to hear you did make out when you bought a package in the past. We definitely suggest paying per drink if you are not going to consume much alcohol, or in your case, soda. Happy cruising.
Esther Reisman
Let’s just say, soda’s out of my life permanently.
Jean Mollica
The “free” ultimate drink package cost us $90 each. So much for free! You really shouldn’t advertise this as a “free” package when you book a balcony!
DB and The Princess (@EatSleepCruise)
Thanks Jean for the comment. We agree, it is a bit misleading for NCL to advertise the “free drink package” as passengers have to pay the 18% gratuity. As we noted, even paying that 18% charge, we still got plenty of value from receiving the drink package with our room upgrade. Happy sailing.
gloria
Went as a family of 6 on Pride of America last Nov. All Inclusive. Neither travel agent Visioncruise or NCL advised all drinks would be
Taxed. When we asked why on board informed boat always sailed in US territorial waters. the so
called unlimited drinks package was not.