Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2026 CruiseRegal.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
One of the most exciting parts of taking a cruise vacation is the feeling of complete relaxation — no chores, no driving, no cooking, and drinks served whenever you wish. Norwegian Cruise Line, known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, offers guests a flexible experience where they can dine, relax, and enjoy beverages exactly how they like.
But if you are considering purchasing a drink package, a common question arises — how many drinks can you get per day with a Norwegian Cruise drink package? Many travelers wonder if there are limits or restrictions, and whether the packages are truly unlimited. The answer is a mix of policy details, guest responsibility, and the nature of Norwegian’s hospitality. Let us explore everything in depth so that you know exactly what to expect before your next sailing.
Before we get to the daily drink limit, it helps to understand how Norwegian Cruise Line structures its drink packages. Norwegian offers several types of beverage plans that suit different guest preferences. These include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, ranging from soda packages to premium open-bar experiences.
The main packages include:
Premium Beverage Package (also known as the Unlimited Open Bar Package)
Premium Plus Beverage Package
Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package
Unlimited Soda Package
Starbucks Coffee Package
Each of these packages allows you to enjoy beverages without worrying about per-drink charges, but they also come with their own pricing, inclusion list, and certain limits that are important to understand.
The word “unlimited” can be a bit misleading for first-time cruisers. While Norwegian Cruise Line advertises its beverage packages as unlimited, there are still practical and policy-based restrictions to maintain responsible service.
In reality, the drink packages allow up to fifteen alcoholic beverages per person per day. This guideline is part of Norwegian’s responsible drinking policy and aligns with international maritime laws. However, this number is not always strictly enforced to the minute, as long as guests drink responsibly and behave appropriately.
So even though the package feels unlimited in daily use, there is a behind-the-scenes policy that helps crew members ensure safety and compliance.
The Premium Beverage Package, also known as the Unlimited Open Bar Package, is the most commonly used and often included as part of Norwegian’s promotional offers like “Free at Sea.”
The package covers:
Cocktails, spirits, and liquors priced up to fifteen dollars each.
Wines by the glass under fifteen dollars.
Draft and bottled beers.
Non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks and juice.
This package does not include bottled water, energy drinks, specialty coffees, or drinks served in souvenir glasses.
With the Premium Beverage Package, you can enjoy up to fifteen alcoholic drinks per day. Non-alcoholic beverages such as soda or juice are not counted toward this limit. The policy resets every twenty-four hours, usually around five in the morning.
Bartenders are trained to monitor guests’ consumption using the onboard card system. Each time you order a drink, your keycard is scanned, and the system keeps track of your total. If a guest reaches the limit, bartenders may politely decline further alcohol service for that day, though soft drinks and water remain available.
Norwegian Cruise Line enforces a fifteen-drink cap to encourage responsible drinking and ensure safety for everyone onboard. The rule also aligns with maritime regulations that require cruise operators to prevent over-intoxication.
Most guests never hit this limit, since fifteen drinks across an entire day — from morning to midnight — is already a generous amount.
The Premium Plus Beverage Package is Norwegian’s highest-tier drink package. It includes everything from the Premium Package, plus luxury upgrades and additional beverages.
All beverages covered in the Premium Package.
Top-shelf liquors and premium brand spirits.
All wines by the glass, regardless of price.
Premium champagnes and cocktails made with high-end ingredients.
Bottled water, still and sparkling.
Energy drinks and fresh juices.
Specialty coffees, including Starbucks beverages.
Essentially, if you want the best of everything onboard, this package ensures that you never have to think twice about price limits.
Even though this package includes premium brands and bottled beverages, the same fifteen-drink-per-day rule applies to alcoholic drinks. The system tracks all alcohol purchases, regardless of brand or price level.
However, non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and coffee drinks are not counted toward the fifteen-drink limit. This means you can enjoy as many sodas, waters, and coffees as you want.
Many passengers upgrade to Premium Plus because it simplifies their experience. With this package, there is no need to check drink menus for price restrictions, and bottled water for excursions is included. The daily drink cap still exists, but the added perks make it worth it for guests who prefer convenience and luxury.
The Corks and Caps Package is designed for guests who enjoy wine and beer but do not consume spirits or cocktails.
Unlimited draft or bottled beers.
Wines by the glass.
Some juices and soft drinks.
The same fifteen-drink limit applies to alcoholic beverages in this package. Guests can order as many non-alcoholic drinks as they like, but the alcohol cap remains consistent with Norwegian’s policy.
Because this package includes fewer beverage types, guests usually find it easy to stay within the daily allowance.
The Unlimited Soda Package caters mainly to non-drinkers, families, and children. It offers unlimited fountain sodas at all bars and restaurants onboard.
Unlimited Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and other soft drinks.
Refills available at any onboard bar or lounge.
There is no daily limit on soft drinks. You can order as many sodas as you like throughout the day, and they are not tracked in the same way as alcoholic drinks.
The soda package is often a good deal for guests who would otherwise pay several dollars per soda.
On many Norwegian ships, Starbucks cafes are available, and the cruise line offers a separate Starbucks Coffee Package for coffee lovers.
Unlimited handcrafted Starbucks espresso beverages.
Cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and cold brews.
Specialty teas and iced drinks.
There is no fixed daily limit on Starbucks beverages. Guests may order as many as they reasonably wish, though baristas may restrict extremely large orders to ensure smooth service.
This package is perfect for guests who like to start and end their day with coffee or tea without tracking costs.
In most cases, Norwegian Cruise Line’s bartenders and servers are very professional and accommodating. The fifteen-drink limit per day is more of a responsible service guideline than a strict cap for every guest.
If a passenger spreads their drinks evenly throughout the day — perhaps one in the morning, a few by the pool, and some with dinner — the staff generally will not stop service.
However, if a guest appears intoxicated or repeatedly orders drinks in rapid succession, crew members are authorized to pause alcohol service for safety reasons.
The policy ensures that everyone can enjoy their vacation in a safe, respectful, and fun environment.
Every time you order a drink, you present your cruise card, which acts as both your room key and onboard payment method. When you have a drink package, the system records each beverage order under your name.
Here is how it typically works:
You order a drink from any bar, lounge, or restaurant.
The bartender scans your card to verify your package.
The drink is logged in the system as part of your daily total.
This system helps Norwegian track consumption patterns, ensure compliance, and monitor guest safety. It also prevents misuse, such as sharing drinks with other guests who do not have a package.
One important detail that many cruisers appreciate is that non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited even if you have an alcoholic beverage package. Water, soda, coffee, and juices do not count toward your daily total.
So if you enjoy alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, you can do so freely without worrying about your count.
If you happen to reach your fifteen-drink limit in a day, bartenders will stop serving you alcoholic beverages for the rest of the day. The restriction resets the next morning.
You can still enjoy:
Soda
Water
Juice
Coffee and tea
Most guests rarely encounter this issue since it requires consistent drinking from morning until late night to reach the cap.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy balances guest freedom with safety and compliance. There are three main reasons behind the limit:
Responsible Drinking: Cruise ships must follow international maritime laws that prevent overserving alcohol.
Guest Safety: Excessive drinking can cause accidents or illness, especially on a moving vessel.
Fairness: It ensures that all guests enjoy the same quality of service without disruptive behavior from over-intoxicated passengers.
By setting a practical cap, Norwegian maintains its reputation for fun and safety.
While every cruise company has its own beverage policy, Norwegian’s fifteen-drink guideline is consistent with industry standards. Many other lines set similar limits, usually between fifteen and twenty alcoholic drinks per day.
This consistency shows that the policy is based on responsible consumption rather than cost control.
If you decide to purchase a drink package or receive one as part of a promotion, here are some tips to get maximum value while staying within policy:
Start Slow: Pace yourself throughout the day instead of front-loading your drinks early.
Alternate Drinks: Enjoy water or soda between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
Visit Different Bars: Each bar has its own specialty drinks and unique atmosphere. Try exploring them all.
Take Advantage of Non-Alcoholic Options: Specialty coffees, juices, and bottled water can enhance your experience.
Use Your Package Every Day: The package is charged daily, so make sure to enjoy it consistently rather than skipping days.
Avoid Sharing: Drink packages are per person, and sharing can lead to cancellation of privileges.
Following these simple habits will ensure you enjoy your drinks without ever worrying about limits.
Not every cruiser drinks enough alcohol to make the package worthwhile. If you tend to have just a couple of drinks each day, it might be cheaper to pay à la carte.
A typical cocktail costs around twelve to fifteen dollars. So if you have fewer than five drinks a day, you might spend less than the daily price of a full package.
However, many travelers still choose the package for the convenience and freedom of not tracking every tab.
The drink limit resets every day, generally between four and five in the morning. This means your count starts over each new day of your cruise. If you had fifteen drinks one day, you will again have access to fifteen the next day.
This reset helps guests enjoy each new port or sea day without penalty from the previous day’s consumption.
Private Islands: On Norwegian’s private islands, such as Great Stirrup Cay, the same drink package privileges typically apply. Drinks purchased there count toward your daily total.
Room Service: Most room-delivered alcoholic drinks are included in the count.
Special Events: Cocktail parties or wine tastings may include sample pours that do not always count toward your daily limit, depending on the event.
Regular cruisers often report that they never reach the fifteen-drink mark because of the day’s natural rhythm — meals, shore excursions, entertainment, and rest time all spread out consumption.
Many guests appreciate the policy since it provides freedom without promoting excess. It keeps the onboard atmosphere friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
For coffee lovers and non-drinkers, the separate Starbucks and soda packages create value without alcohol limits. This flexibility is part of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising identity, where every guest tailors their vacation to their lifestyle.
Here’s what a typical day might look like for a guest with the Premium Beverage Package:
Morning mimosa with breakfast
A beer by the pool in the late morning
A cocktail before lunch
A glass of wine with lunch
Afternoon frozen drink during pool time
A glass of champagne before dinner
Two glasses of wine with dinner
A cocktail during evening entertainment
A nightcap before bed
That schedule adds up to about ten drinks — well within the fifteen-drink limit. It shows how generous the policy truly is and why most guests never hit the cap.
Crew members receive special training in responsible alcohol service. They can identify signs of intoxication and politely intervene if necessary. Rather than enforcing a strict count, they focus on guest well-being.
Bartenders might suggest switching to non-alcoholic drinks or water if someone seems unsteady. This approach ensures safety without embarrassment.
Whether you should buy a Norwegian drink package depends on your habits and preferences. For frequent drinkers, the package offers peace of mind and potential savings. For occasional drinkers, paying per drink might be more economical.
However, even moderate drinkers often find the value in not having to think about prices. The convenience of simply ordering what you want can enhance the entire cruise experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers guests the freedom to enjoy their vacation their way, and its drink packages are a big part of that. While advertised as unlimited, the practical policy allows up to fifteen alcoholic drinks per person per day. Non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, coffee, and water are unlimited and do not count toward this total.
This system encourages enjoyment and responsibility in equal measure. For most guests, fifteen drinks per day are more than enough to enjoy every bar, lounge, and restaurant without ever feeling restricted. The policy ensures that every traveler can relax, indulge, and celebrate life at sea safely and happily — just as Norwegian Cruise Line intended.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2026 CruiseRegal.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
