How Much Is a Beverage Package on Norwegian Cruise?

When you step onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the atmosphere immediately shifts to vacation mode — ocean views, live entertainment, fine dining, and, of course, drinks flowing freely. From poolside cocktails to a glass of wine with dinner, enjoying beverages is part of the cruising lifestyle.

But if you are planning a Norwegian Cruise and wondering how much a beverage package costs, it is important to understand the different package options, their prices, and what they include. Norwegian Cruise Line, known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, offers several beverage packages designed to match the needs and preferences of every traveler — whether you enjoy alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, or specialty coffee.

This detailed guide breaks down the cost, inclusions, and value of each Norwegian Cruise beverage package, so you can decide which one best fits your style and budget.

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Beverage Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line, or NCL, has created a range of beverage packages that cater to both adults and families. Each package is priced per person, per day, and offers different levels of access to beverages onboard.

Here are the primary beverage packages available on Norwegian Cruise Line:

1. Premium Beverage Package (Unlimited Open Bar)

2. Premium Plus Beverage Package

3. Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package

4. Unlimited Soda Package

5. Starbucks Coffee Package

Each package has its own pricing structure and is charged daily for the entire length of the cruise. Let us explore each of these in detail.

1. The Premium Beverage Package (Unlimited Open Bar)

The Premium Beverage Package — also known as the Unlimited Open Bar Package — is the most popular option among Norwegian Cruise Line guests. It is frequently offered as part of Norwegian’s promotional deal called “Free at Sea,” which allows guests to select a complimentary beverage package as a perk when booking their cruise.

What It Includes

The Premium Beverage Package gives you access to a wide range of drinks across all bars and restaurants onboard. You can enjoy:

• Spirits and cocktails priced up to fifteen dollars each.

• Wines by the glass up to fifteen dollars.

• Draft and bottled beers.

• Non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, juices, and mocktails.

• Discounts on bottles of wine purchased onboard.

This package covers nearly all standard drinks, giving you the freedom to enjoy a variety of beverages without worrying about per-drink prices.

How Much It Costs

If you purchase the Premium Beverage Package separately, the price is typically around one hundred and nine dollars per person per day. However, Norwegian adds a twenty percent gratuity, which brings the total cost to approximately one hundred and thirty dollars per day.

This charge applies to every day of your cruise and must be purchased for the entire sailing. Norwegian also requires that all adults (age twenty-one or older) in the same stateroom purchase the same beverage package if one person does, to prevent sharing.

Is It Worth It?

The Premium Beverage Package is an excellent choice for guests who plan to have multiple drinks throughout the day — whether it is wine with dinner, beer by the pool, or cocktails at night. On average, most drinks cost between ten and fifteen dollars each. So, if you plan to drink five or more alcoholic beverages daily, the package provides good value.

It also offers convenience. You can order what you want, when you want, without checking prices or signing receipts.

2. The Premium Plus Beverage Package

For those seeking the ultimate all-inclusive experience, the Premium Plus Beverage Package takes the concept of open bar to another level. This package includes nearly every drink available onboard, including premium brands, fine wines, and bottled water.

What It Includes

The Premium Plus Beverage Package offers everything from the Premium Beverage Package, plus additional luxury options such as:

• All spirits and cocktails, regardless of price.

• Top-shelf liquors such as Grey Goose, Patron, and Glenfiddich.

• All wines by the glass, regardless of cost.

• Premium champagnes.

• Bottled still and sparkling water.

• Energy drinks and fresh juices.

• Specialty coffees and teas.

• All Starbucks beverages served onboard.

Essentially, this package ensures that nearly every drink on the ship is included. It is ideal for guests who prefer high-end brands or enjoy variety without limitations.

How Much It Costs

The Premium Plus Beverage Package costs around one hundred and thirty-eight dollars per person per day, plus the standard gratuity. Including the twenty percent service charge, the total comes to about one hundred and sixty-five dollars per day.

While it is more expensive than the standard Premium Beverage Package, it covers a much broader range of drinks and adds value through bottled water and Starbucks coffee — items not included in the lower-tier plan.

Is It Worth It?

This package is best for guests who enjoy top-shelf liquors, fine wines, and premium coffee. It also makes sense for those who prefer not to worry about any exclusions or limits. The convenience of having everything included — from bottled water to specialty lattes — adds to the luxury of the cruise experience.

3. The Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package

The Corks and Caps Package is designed for guests who prefer beer and wine but are not interested in spirits or cocktails. It offers a simpler, more affordable way to enjoy alcoholic beverages onboard.

What It Includes

• Unlimited draft and bottled beers.

• Wines by the glass.

• Non-alcoholic beverages like soda and juice.

This package does not include spirits, cocktails, energy drinks, or specialty coffee.

How Much It Costs

The Corks and Caps Package typically costs around sixty-five to seventy dollars per person per day, plus gratuity. With the service charge included, the total price comes to approximately eighty dollars per day.

Is It Worth It?

If you are a wine or beer enthusiast who rarely drinks cocktails, this package provides good value. It is also a great middle-ground option for those who want an alcohol package without paying for high-end liquors they may never order.

4. The Unlimited Soda Package

For guests who do not drink alcohol — including families, teens, and non-drinkers — Norwegian offers the Unlimited Soda Package. This package provides access to unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise.

What It Includes

• Unlimited fountain sodas at any onboard bar or restaurant.

• Refills throughout the day.

This package is often purchased for children or adults who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

How Much It Costs

The price for the Unlimited Soda Package is usually around ten dollars per child per day and about nine dollars per adult per day, plus gratuity. After the service charge, the total cost is roughly twelve dollars per day.

Is It Worth It?

If you drink several sodas a day, the Unlimited Soda Package can save you money. Since individual sodas onboard cost around four to five dollars each, having a package gives you the freedom to enjoy unlimited refills without worrying about charges.

5. The Starbucks Coffee Package

Norwegian Cruise Line has partnered with Starbucks, allowing guests to enjoy the same coffee experience they know and love on land. The Starbucks Coffee Package is perfect for caffeine lovers who want unlimited handcrafted beverages.

What It Includes

• Unlimited Starbucks espresso-based drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos.

• Iced coffee, cold brew, and specialty teas.

The package does not include pre-packaged bottled drinks or food items from the Starbucks counter.

How Much It Costs

The Starbucks Coffee Package generally costs about twelve dollars per person per day, plus gratuity. After the service charge, it totals approximately fifteen dollars per day.

Is It Worth It?

If you typically drink two or more Starbucks beverages per day, this package easily pays for itself. Individual drinks onboard range from five to seven dollars, so coffee lovers find this option highly convenient and cost-effective.

Additional Charges and Details to Know

When calculating the total cost of a Norwegian beverage package, there are a few important details to remember.

1. Gratuities Are Mandatory

All beverage packages include a mandatory gratuity or service charge of about twenty percent, which is added upfront. This means the advertised price is lower than the total you actually pay.

2. Packages Are Charged Daily

Packages are charged per person, per day, for the entire duration of the cruise. You cannot buy them for selected days only.

3. Age Restrictions Apply

Guests must be twenty-one or older to purchase alcoholic packages on most Norwegian Cruise Line ships. However, in certain regions where the legal drinking age is lower, guests aged eighteen and older may purchase packages if permitted by local law.

4. Sharing Is Not Allowed

Norwegian requires that all adults in the same stateroom purchase the same beverage package. Sharing drinks between passengers who do not have the package is prohibited.

5. Some Drinks Are Excluded

Even with the most comprehensive package, certain rare or extremely high-end spirits and wines may not be covered. However, these are rare exceptions and most passengers never encounter them.

6. Private Island Access

Your beverage package typically extends to Norwegian’s private islands such as Great Stirrup Cay. Drinks purchased there are included in your package benefits.

7. Pre-Cruise Purchase Discounts

It is often cheaper to purchase your beverage package before boarding. Norwegian occasionally offers pre-cruise discounts or bundle deals through its website or app.

Comparing the Beverage Packages: Which Is Right for You?

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison based on preferences:

Package NameDaily Price (approx.)Ideal ForIncludes AlcoholIncludes Coffee or Water

Premium Beverage130 dollars with gratuityRegular drinkersYesNo

Premium Plus Beverage165 dollars with gratuityLuxury drinkersYesYes

Corks and Caps80 dollars with gratuityBeer and wine loversYesNo

Unlimited Soda12 dollars with gratuityNon-drinkers and familiesNoNo

Starbucks Coffee15 dollars with gratuityCoffee loversNoYes

This table shows that your choice should align with your drinking habits. Heavy drinkers and those who value convenience may prefer Premium or Premium Plus. Families and non-drinkers can stick with Soda or Coffee Packages.

Example: Calculating the Value

Let’s take a seven-day cruise as an example.

If you choose the Premium Beverage Package, at one hundred and thirty dollars per day, you would spend nine hundred and ten dollars per person for the week. That may seem high, but if you drink six cocktails per day, each worth twelve to fifteen dollars, you would easily match or exceed that value.

If you add non-alcoholic beverages like sodas or juices, the convenience makes it worthwhile.

Meanwhile, the Premium Plus Beverage Package at one hundred and sixty-five dollars per day would total one thousand one hundred and fifty-five dollars per person for seven days. While higher in cost, it includes Starbucks coffee and bottled water, which can add significant value over time.

How to Get a Beverage Package at a Lower Cost

Many travelers find ways to reduce or completely avoid paying the full price for their drink package. Here are some strategies:

1. Book During a Promotion: Norwegian’s Free at Sea offers often include the Premium Beverage Package as a complimentary perk. You only need to pay the gratuity.

2. Pre-Purchase Online: Buying before you board can sometimes save money compared to onboard pricing.

3. Sail Off-Season: Cruise fares, including drink packages, can be cheaper during less busy months.

4. Check for Loyalty Benefits: Frequent cruisers in Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards program may receive package discounts or upgrades.

5. Upgrade After Boarding: If you received a complimentary Premium Beverage Package, you can upgrade to Premium Plus by paying only the difference in price.

Responsible Drinking Policy

While beverage packages are designed for fun and freedom, Norwegian Cruise Line has a responsibility to ensure guest safety. Each guest with an alcoholic beverage package is allowed up to fifteen alcoholic drinks per day, which is more than enough for most people. Non-alcoholic drinks do not count toward this limit.

The policy ensures responsible service and a pleasant atmosphere for all guests onboard.

Why Many Guests Choose a Beverage Package

Even though beverage packages come with a daily charge, many cruisers find them worthwhile because:

1. They simplify the experience. You do not have to worry about signing receipts or tracking your bill.

2. They offer peace of mind. You can relax and enjoy drinks without calculating costs.

3. They create a more luxurious vacation. You can try new cocktails and premium beverages without hesitation.

4. They often pay for themselves. For guests who enjoy multiple drinks per day, the package cost quickly equals or beats the price of individual drinks.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Drink packages cannot be transferred or shared.

• They are valid for onboard bars, restaurants, and most private island venues.

• Room service and mini-bar drinks are typically not included.

• The daily charge applies regardless of whether you consume drinks every day.

Understanding these details helps you make the most of your investment and ensures no surprises once you are onboard.

Conclusion

The cost of a beverage package on a Norwegian Cruise varies depending on the type of package you choose, but the range typically falls between twelve dollars per day for non-alcoholic options and one hundred and sixty-five dollars per day for the top-tier Premium Plus plan.

For most guests, the Premium Beverage Package at around one hundred and thirty dollars per day offers the perfect balance of value, convenience, and freedom. Those seeking a luxury experience can opt for the Premium Plus Package, which includes top-shelf liquors, bottled water, and Starbucks coffee.

Whether you are sipping cocktails under the sun, toasting champagne at dinner, or enjoying a morning latte, Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage packages let you cruise with ease and indulgence. Choosing the right one depends entirely on your drinking habits, preferences, and budget — but whichever you select, you can look forward to a truly carefree voyage at sea.