What drinks are unlimited on Norwegian Cruises?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a wide variety of beverages, but many travelers wonder exactly which drinks are unlimited during their vacation. The answer depends on whether you're referring to complimentary beverages included in your cruise fare or drinks covered under one of Norwegian's beverage packages. Understanding these options before boarding helps you plan your budget and enjoy your cruise without unexpected expenses.

Whether you're sailing through Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, or Hawaii, this guide explains which beverages are unlimited, what beverage packages include, any restrictions you should know, and how to get the best value from your cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Beverage Options

Norwegian Cruise Line separates beverages into two categories:

Beverage TypeIncluded with Cruise FareUnlimited Availability

Water (tap and filtered in restaurants)YesYes

CoffeeYesYes

TeaYesYes

Iced TeaYesYes

LemonadeYesYes

Select Juices (breakfast)YesDuring meal hours

Soft DrinksNo (unless package purchased)With applicable package

Specialty CoffeeNoWith applicable package

BeerNoWith applicable package

WineNoWith applicable package

CocktailsNoWith applicable package

Premium SpiritsSelected brands onlyDepending on package

The exact selection can vary slightly by ship and itinerary.

Complimentary Unlimited Drinks Included with Every Cruise

Every Norwegian Cruise passenger receives several unlimited beverages at no additional cost.

Water

Filtered drinking water is available throughout the ship in restaurants, buffet areas, and dining venues.

Guests can request glasses of water during meals without paying extra.

Coffee

Standard brewed coffee is complimentary in:

• Garden Café

• Main Dining Rooms

• Buffet restaurants

• Selected self-service beverage stations

Premium espresso drinks, cappuccinos, and lattes usually require an additional purchase unless covered by a beverage package.

Tea

Passengers enjoy unlimited:

• Hot tea

• Black tea

• Green tea

• Herbal tea selections

These are available throughout the day in many dining locations.

Iced Tea

Unsweetened iced tea is commonly available in buffet restaurants and dining rooms without additional charges.

Lemonade

Fresh lemonade is another complimentary beverage served in buffet restaurants and selected dining venues.

Breakfast Juices

During breakfast hours, guests can typically enjoy:

• Orange juice

• Apple juice

• Cranberry juice

• Other rotating juice selections

Availability depends on the dining venue.

Beverage Packages That Offer Unlimited Drinks

Guests wanting alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, or specialty coffee often purchase—or receive through promotions—a beverage package.

The most popular option is Norwegian's Unlimited Open Bar Package (available on eligible sailings and promotions).

These packages generally include unlimited servings of eligible beverages throughout the cruise.

Covered beverages often include:

• Domestic beer

• Imported beer

• Craft beer

• House wines

• Sparkling wine

• Frozen cocktails

• Margaritas

• Mojitos

• Martinis

• Whiskey

• Bourbon

• Vodka

• Gin

• Rum

• Tequila

• Liqueurs

• Mixed drinks

The package usually covers beverages priced up to a specified menu value. Drinks priced above that amount typically require guests to pay only the price difference.

Are Soft Drinks Unlimited?

Yes—if you purchase the Unlimited Soda Package.

This package generally includes:

• Coca-Cola products

• Diet soft drinks

• Sprite

• Ginger Ale

• Club Soda

• Tonic Water

Without the soda package, individual soft drinks are charged separately.

Is Bottled Water Included?

This is one area that often causes confusion.

While drinking water is complimentary onboard, bottled water is generally not included with standard cruise fares.

Depending on the beverage package purchased, bottled water may or may not be covered.

Always review your package benefits before sailing.

Are Energy Drinks Included?

Energy drinks are usually considered premium beverages.

Whether they're included depends on:

• Beverage package type

• Ship inventory

• Individual drink pricing

Some premium beverages may require an upgrade payment.

Specialty Coffee Coverage

Coffee lovers should know the difference between regular coffee and specialty beverages.

Usually included:

• Brewed coffee

• Decaffeinated coffee

Usually not included unless your package covers specialty coffee:

• Espresso

• Cappuccino

• Latte

• Mocha

• Iced coffee drinks

• Flavored coffee beverages

Does Norwegian Have Beverage Serving Restrictions?

Many first-time cruisers ask whether does norwegian have a drink limit while using unlimited beverage packages.

Norwegian's beverage packages are designed for responsible enjoyment rather than unlimited consumption without oversight. While there is generally no published daily numerical limit for eligible beverages, bartenders may refuse service if a guest appears intoxicated or if serving additional alcohol would violate responsible alcohol service policies. Alcoholic drinks are typically served one at a time and cannot be shared with other guests.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a fixed daily drink cap across all Norwegian Cruise Line sailings.

Tips for Getting the Most Value from Beverage Packages

If you plan to purchase a beverage package, these strategies can maximize your savings.

Choose the Right Package

Think about what you drink most frequently.

For example:

• Soda drinkers may only need the soda package.

• Coffee enthusiasts may benefit from a specialty coffee package.

• Cocktail lovers often save more with the Unlimited Open Bar Package.

Compare Individual Drink Prices

Estimate how many beverages you typically consume each day.

If you enjoy:

• Morning specialty coffee

• Afternoon soda

• Evening cocktail

• Wine with dinner

A package may cost less than purchasing each drink separately.

Stay Hydrated

Alternate alcoholic beverages with water throughout the day.

Hydration helps you enjoy excursions, pool days, and onboard entertainment more comfortably.

Understand Package Exclusions

Many beverage packages exclude:

• Mini-bar drinks

• Room service beverages

• Certain premium bottles

• Wine purchased by the bottle

• Beverage tastings

• Specialty events

Reading package details before departure helps avoid surprises.

Beverage Package Comparison

BeverageComplimentarySoda PackageUnlimited Open Bar

Water (restaurants)YesYesYes

Brewed CoffeeYesYesYes

TeaYesYesYes

LemonadeYesYesYes

Breakfast JuiceYesYesYes

Soft DrinksNoYesYes

BeerNoNoYes

Wine by GlassNoNoYes

CocktailsNoNoYes

SpiritsNoNoYes

Specialty CoffeePackage dependentNoPackage dependent

How to Choose the Best Beverage Option

Follow these steps before booking your cruise.

Step 1

Estimate how many beverages you'll consume daily.

Step 2

Review Norwegian's current beverage package options during booking.

Step 3

Compare package pricing against individual drink costs.

Step 4

Consider promotions that include beverage packages as part of your cruise fare.

Step 5

Read the package terms carefully to understand exclusions and eligible beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Are alcoholic drinks unlimited on Norwegian Cruises?

Alcoholic beverages can be unlimited when covered by an eligible beverage package and served according to Norwegian's responsible service policies.

2. Is coffee free on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes. Regular brewed coffee is complimentary throughout many dining venues.

3. Can I get unlimited soda?

Yes. Purchasing the Unlimited Soda Package provides access to eligible fountain soft drinks.

4. Is bottled water included?

Filtered drinking water is complimentary, but bottled water is generally sold separately unless included with your package.

5. Are smoothies included in beverage packages?

Most freshly prepared smoothies are considered specialty beverages and may require an additional charge unless specifically included.

6. Can I order unlimited cocktails?

Eligible cocktails are generally included with qualifying beverage packages, subject to package terms and responsible alcohol service.

7. Are energy drinks part of the beverage package?

Coverage depends on the specific package and the onboard menu. Some premium beverages may not be included.

8. Can I share my beverage package with someone else?

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

9. Can I use my beverage package at every bar onboard?

Most onboard bars and lounges participate, although certain specialty venues or promotions may have exclusions.

10. Is specialty coffee included in every beverage package?

No. Coverage varies depending on the package purchased and the current onboard beverage program.