Is a Norwegian Drink Package Worth It?

If you're planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), one of the biggest decisions you'll make before sailing is whether to purchase a drink package. While it can seem like an expensive upfront cost, the value depends on your travel style, beverage preferences, and how often you expect to order drinks throughout your vacation.

For some travelers, a drink package delivers excellent value and a stress-free onboard experience. For others, paying individually for beverages may save money. Understanding how Norwegian Cruise Line's beverage packages work can help you make the right financial decision before boarding.

What Is a Norwegian Drink Package?

A Norwegian drink package allows guests to enjoy a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for one fixed price or as part of an eligible cruise promotion.

Depending on the package you choose, eligible drinks may include:

• Cocktails

• Beer

• Wine by the glass

• Premium spirits

• Soda

• Juices

• Specialty coffees

• Bottled water (with select packages)

• Energy drinks (package dependent)

Most drinks served in bars, lounges, restaurants, and poolside venues are covered, although premium selections above the package allowance generally require paying the price difference.

Types of Norwegian Beverage Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage options designed for different travel styles.

PackageBest ForIncludes

Unlimited Open Bar PackageAdults who enjoy alcoholic beveragesCocktails, beer, wine, spirits

Soda PackageFamilies and non-drinkersUnlimited fountain soda

Starbucks PackageCoffee loversEligible Starbucks beverages

Premium Plus Beverage PackageLuxury travelersPremium spirits, higher-priced wines, bottled water, specialty coffee

Package availability may vary depending on itinerary, promotions, and sailing dates.

How Much Does It Cost?

Drink package pricing changes periodically based on promotions and cruise length.

Typical costs may include:

• Daily package price

• Mandatory beverage service charge

• Optional package upgrades

Many travelers receive the Unlimited Open Bar Package as part of promotional cruise offers, though service charges generally still apply.

Always compare:

• Package cost

• Gratuities

• Expected beverage spending

before making your decision.

When Is a Drink Package Worth It?

A beverage package usually provides good value if you regularly purchase drinks throughout the day.

You may benefit if you enjoy:

• Morning specialty coffee

• Poolside cocktails

• Wine with lunch

• Afternoon frozen drinks

• Pre-dinner cocktails

• Wine during dinner

• Evening entertainment drinks

These purchases add up quickly over several cruise days.

Example

Imagine you purchase:

• Two specialty coffees

• Four cocktails

• Two beers

• One glass of wine

• Bottled water

Buying these individually could exceed the daily package cost on many sailings.

For guests who naturally enjoy several beverages throughout the day, the package often pays for itself.

When Paying Per Drink Makes More Sense

Not everyone needs unlimited beverages.

Pay individually if you typically:

• Drink only water

• Have one alcoholic beverage each evening

• Rarely order specialty coffee

• Spend many days ashore

• Prefer bringing allowable wine onboard where permitted

Light drinkers often spend far less than the package price.

Factors That Affect Value

Several variables determine whether the package makes financial sense.

Cruise Length

Longer cruises generally offer more opportunities to enjoy the package.

Port Days

If you're off the ship most of the day, you'll purchase fewer onboard drinks.

Sea Days

Sea days usually increase beverage consumption because guests spend more time enjoying onboard activities.

Dining Style

Guests who dine at specialty restaurants often order cocktails or wine with meals, increasing package value.

Entertainment

Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, casinos, and lounges encourage additional beverage purchases.

Beverage Pricing

Individual drink prices vary depending on the venue and drink selection.

Common purchases include:

• Domestic beer

• Imported beer

• Mixed cocktails

• Frozen drinks

• Wine by the glass

• Premium whiskey

• Specialty coffee

Ordering several premium beverages daily without a package can significantly increase your onboard account.

Does Everyone in the Cabin Need One?

Norwegian Cruise Line generally requires adults sharing the same cabin to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package when one guest buys it.

This policy helps prevent package sharing.

Children typically receive an age-appropriate beverage package when required under package rules.

Policies can vary depending on promotions and booking circumstances.

Beverage Limits

Many travelers ask about the norwegian drink package limit before booking.

The package is designed for personal consumption rather than unlimited ordering for multiple guests. Drinks are generally served one at a time, and sharing beverages is prohibited. Bartenders may refuse service if a guest appears intoxicated or violates onboard policies.

The focus is responsible alcohol service while allowing guests to enjoy beverages throughout their vacation.

Pros of Buying the Package

Choosing a beverage package offers several advantages.

Budget Predictability

You'll know most beverage expenses before boarding.

Greater Variety

Many travelers try new cocktails, wines, and specialty coffees they might otherwise skip.

Convenience

No need to calculate every drink purchase during your cruise.

Better Vacation Experience

Guests often appreciate ordering beverages whenever they like without worrying about individual prices.

Potential Downsides

Drink packages are not ideal for everyone.

Possible disadvantages include:

• Higher upfront cost

• Daily service charges

• Limited value for light drinkers

• Premium beverages may require additional payment

• Package rules apply to all eligible adults in many cabins

Understanding these limitations helps avoid surprises.

How to Decide Before Booking

Use this simple process.

Step 1

Estimate how many beverages you'll realistically consume each day.

Step 2

Multiply that number by the average onboard beverage prices.

Step 3

Compare your estimated spending with the total package price, including service charges.

Step 4

Review any cruise promotions offering complimentary beverage packages.

Step 5

Consider your vacation goals.

If relaxing with cocktails, wine, and premium coffee is part of your cruise experience, the package may provide excellent value.

Tips to Maximize Your Beverage Package

• Take advantage of sea days.

• Enjoy specialty coffee each morning.

• Try signature cocktails offered in different bars.

• Pair wine with dinner.

• Stay hydrated with bottled water if included.

• Review package inclusions before sailing.

• Understand which premium beverages require an upgrade.

Making full use of included options improves overall value.

Is It Better Than Paying Individually?

There isn't a universal answer.

Traveler TypeBetter Choice

Heavy social drinkerDrink package

Cocktail enthusiastDrink package

Wine loverDrink package

Coffee enthusiastPackage may be worthwhile

Light drinkerPay individually

Mostly off the shipPay individually

Family focused on excursionsOften individual purchases

The best option depends entirely on your onboard habits.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Is the Norwegian drink package included with every cruise?

No. Some sailings include it as part of promotional offers, while others require purchasing it separately.

2. Can I share my drink package with another guest?

No. Beverage packages are intended only for the guest who purchased or received the package.

3. Are specialty coffees included?

Some beverage packages include specialty coffee, while others require a separate coffee package or individual purchase.

4. Does the package include bottled water?

Standard beverage packages may have limited bottled water benefits, while Premium Plus packages typically include additional options.

5. Are gratuities included in the advertised package price?

Service charges are often added separately, even when the package itself is included in a promotional offer.

6. Can I use the package at every bar onboard?

In most cases, yes. Eligible bars, lounges, restaurants, and pool venues honor the package, subject to exclusions.

7. Can I upgrade to a premium beverage package later?

Yes. Guests can often upgrade before sailing or onboard, depending on availability and cruise policies.

8. Is wine included with dinner?

Wine by the glass is generally included within eligible package limits. Premium selections may require an additional payment.

9. Is the package worth it on port-intensive cruises?

If you spend most of your day ashore, individual drink purchases may be more economical than a full beverage package.

10. What happens if my preferred drink costs more than my package allows?

You'll typically pay only the difference between the drink's price and the package's covered amount, depending on current Norwegian Cruise Line policies.