Planning a Norwegian Cruise? The prospect of a relaxing vacation at sea is exciting, but navigating the costs can be confusing. One common question is: Are there free drinks on Norwegian Cruise lines? This guide will detail everything you need to know about complimentary beverages, helping you budget effectively and maximize your enjoyment during your cruise. We’ll explore various drink packages, included beverages, and tips to save money on drinks throughout your Norwegian cruise vacation.
Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Policies
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a unique approach to onboard beverages compared to some of its competitors. While not all drinks are free, NCL provides a good selection of complimentary beverages and offers various drink packages to cater to different drinking habits and budgets. This section will clarify what’s included and what’s not, helping you avoid unexpected costs.
Free Drinks Included in Your Fare
- Water: Water is readily available throughout the ship, usually in dispensers and upon request. You can generally fill up your reusable water bottles at these stations, making it a budget-friendly hydration solution. This saves money compared to purchasing bottled water continuously.
- Coffee and Tea: Most NCL ships offer complimentary coffee and tea at various locations, including the buffet and some cafes. This makes for a good morning caffeine pick-me-up without extra charges. Expect drip coffee and standard tea selections.
- Certain Juices: In some dining areas, basic juice options (like orange juice) might be complimentary with breakfast. However, more exotic juices or those offered outside of breakfast hours are usually at an extra cost.
It’s worth noting that the specific free beverages can vary slightly depending on the ship and your chosen dining venue.
Understanding Drink Packages
NCL’s drink packages provide the easiest way to access a wide range of drinks at a pre-paid rate. They represent a significant value if you plan to consume a significant number of beverages. This section explores the various drink package options offered.
- Unlimited Premium Beverage Package: This package covers a vast array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, beers, wines, and specialty coffee drinks. It’s generally the most expensive, but it’s a good value proposition for heavy drinkers.
- Premium Beverage Package: This package offers a slightly smaller selection than the Unlimited Premium Package, but it can still be a significant value for regular drinkers. It might not include the top-shelf liquors or the most elaborate cocktails.
- Beverage Package for Soda and Juice: NCL also provides a dedicated package for those that prefer to stick to non-alcoholic beverages. This package is much more affordable, but it won’t cover alcoholic drinks.
Maximizing Your Free Drinks on a Norwegian Cruise
Even with the understanding of complimentary and packaged drinks, there are ways to further improve your experience and maximize your free drinks on a Norwegian Cruise. We explore several strategies.
Taking Advantage of Happy Hour
Many bars and lounges on NCL ships have happy hour specials. Check the daily program schedule for the location and times of these deals. You can find reduced prices or discounted drinks during certain hours. This can save you money, even if you’re not buying a package.
Strategic Dining Choices
Depending on your dining arrangements, your meal inclusions might affect your beverage options. For example, some complimentary beverages are available at buffets, especially breakfast. Consider your choices and how that impacts your beverage consumption.
Utilizing the Self-Service Stations
Instead of repeatedly ordering from a bartender, make use of self-service beverage stations throughout the ship. This often means free water and sometimes coffee/tea, helping you save money on drinks that you can easily get yourself.
Debunking Myths About Free Drinks on Norwegian Cruises
Several misconceptions exist about free drinks on NCL cruises. This section addresses some of them.
Myth 1: All Drinks are Free on a Norwegian Cruise
This is inaccurate. While some basic beverages are complimentary, most alcoholic and many non-alcoholic beverages come at an additional cost unless you purchase a drink package.
Myth 2: Drink Packages are Not Worth It
This depends on your drinking habits. If you are a moderate to heavy drinker, a package can significantly reduce your overall drink costs. However, a light drinker might find it less beneficial.
Factors Affecting the Availability of Free Drinks
Various factors can impact the availability of complimentary drinks. Understanding these is critical to manage your expectations.
The Specific Ship
While most NCL ships follow similar beverage policies, minor differences can exist. For example, a newer ship might have more upscale bars offering more free options, while an older ship might have more basic self-service options.
The Time of Year
During peak seasons, some promotional offers might change or be less frequent. While it is uncommon for free options to directly correlate to the time of year, specific discounts or promotions might vary.
Your Cruise Itinerary
The length of your cruise could impact your decision regarding drink packages. Longer cruises offer more opportunities to utilize the benefits of a purchased package.
FAQ
What is included in the Free Style Cruising concept regarding drinks?
Free Style Cruising emphasizes flexibility, but it doesn’t mean all drinks are free. It relates to dining choices and other aspects of the cruise experience, but not drinks without purchasing a package.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
NCL has restrictions on bringing alcohol onboard. Usually, there are limits, and there might be corkage fees for bringing your own drinks. Check NCL’s guidelines for specific details.
Are there any discounts on drinks for children?
Usually, children’s drinks are charged separately, and no special discounts usually apply.
How do I purchase a drink package?
Drink packages can be purchased before or during your cruise. You can book them online before your departure, or through the cruise line’s app or onboard.
What happens if I don’t finish all my drinks before the cruise ends?
You generally cannot transfer leftover drink package benefits to another cruise or get a refund for unused drinks.
What forms of payment are accepted for drinks?
Most ships accept major credit cards, cash, and sometimes onboard accounts (which you can link to your credit card).
Final Thoughts
While not all drinks are free on a Norwegian Cruise, understanding the available options – from complimentary water and coffee to various drink packages – is key to managing your budget and maximizing your enjoyment. Remember to check the specific policies for your cruise, and don’t hesitate to ask questions onboard. By taking advantage of happy hour, choosing strategic dining options, and understanding the specifics of NCL’s beverage policies, you can plan a fantastic and financially responsible Norwegian cruise experience.