Imagine yourself lounging on the deck of a Norwegian cruise ship, the ocean breeze in your hair, and the sun warming your skin. Now, imagine that picture with a refreshing cocktail in hand. But, before you start ordering mai tais, it’s smart to know the price. Understanding how much drinks cost on Norwegian Cruise Lines is crucial for budgeting your vacation and avoiding any surprises on your final bill. This guide will break down the various drink options, packages, and pricing, so you can plan your perfect cruise experience without breaking the bank.
Understanding Drink Prices on Norwegian
Navigating the drink pricing on any cruise line can feel overwhelming. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a variety of options, from individual drinks to comprehensive beverage packages. Knowing the base prices of common beverages helps you determine whether a package is worth the investment for your individual consumption habits. This section will delve into the standard pricing structure so you can prepare accordingly.
Individual Drink Costs
The price of individual drinks varies based on the type of beverage. Expect to pay around $7-$10 for a beer, depending on whether it’s domestic or imported. Wine by the glass generally ranges from $9-$15. Cocktails typically fall in the $10-$14 range, while non-alcoholic beverages such as soda and juice are usually around $3-$5. Keep in mind that a service charge, typically around 20%, is automatically added to each drink purchase.
- Domestic Beer: Expect to pay approximately $7-$8, plus a 20% service charge. This includes popular American brands like Budweiser, Coors Light, and Miller Lite.
- Imported Beer: Prices usually range from $8-$10, plus the service charge. Examples include Heineken, Corona, and Stella Artois.
- Cocktails: Prices vary widely depending on the ingredients, but most cocktails are between $10-$14, plus the service charge.
Choosing domestic beers can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a drink without breaking the bank. These are generally the cheapest alcoholic options outside of happy hour deals, if available.
Imported beers offer a wider range of flavors and styles, but they come at a slightly higher price point than domestic options. If you prefer imported beers, consider whether a beverage package would be a better value.
Cocktails can be the most expensive individual drink option. Opt for simple cocktails with fewer ingredients if you’re trying to save money, or consider a cocktail of the day, which might be offered at a discount.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors can influence the price you pay for drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line. The specific bar or lounge you visit can affect pricing, with specialty bars sometimes charging more for premium ingredients or unique cocktails. Promotional periods or daily specials might offer discounted drinks. Also, keep in mind that prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm the current pricing onboard the ship.
- Bar Location: Some bars, especially specialty bars, may have higher prices due to the premium ingredients used.
- Promotional Periods: Keep an eye out for happy hour specials or promotional discounts offered at certain times of the day.
- Itinerary: The itinerary and port locations can affect drink prices, particularly due to varying taxes and regulations.
Specialty bars often focus on unique cocktails or high-end spirits, which justify the higher price point. If you’re on a budget, stick to the main bars.
Taking advantage of these specials can significantly reduce your drink costs. Check the daily schedule or ask the bartenders for information on current promotions.
Some destinations may have higher taxes on alcohol, which can be reflected in the onboard prices. Be prepared for slight variations depending on your cruise route.
Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages
One of the most popular ways to manage drink costs on NCL is by purchasing a beverage package. These packages offer unlimited drinks for a flat daily rate, allowing you to enjoy your favorite beverages without worrying about individual prices. Understanding the different packages and what they include is essential for determining which one best suits your needs and budget.
Premium Beverage Package
The Premium Beverage Package is NCL’s most popular option. It includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, soda, juice, and premium coffee. The package covers drinks up to a certain price point (typically $15 per drink), and you’ll need to pay the difference for any drinks exceeding that limit. As of late 2024, the Premium Beverage Package price is around $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge.
- Coverage: Includes a wide variety of cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, soda, juice, and premium coffee up to $15 per drink.
- Exclusions: Does not include drinks over $15, certain specialty cocktails, or bottled wines and spirits.
- Cost: Around $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge.
This wide coverage makes it a versatile option for most travelers. You can enjoy a wide range of drinks without worrying about exceeding the price limit.
If you prefer high-end liquors or vintage wines, this package might not be sufficient. You would have to pay the difference for any drinks exceeding the limit.
The cost can seem high initially, but it can be a great value if you plan to enjoy several drinks each day. Calculate your average daily consumption to see if it makes sense.
Premium Plus Beverage Package
The Premium Plus Beverage Package is the most comprehensive option offered by NCL. In addition to everything included in the Premium Beverage Package, it also includes top-shelf liquors, premium bottled water, energy drinks, select wines by the bottle, and a wider selection of cocktails. This package also includes all drinks across all of NCL’s private island Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye. As of late 2024, the Premium Plus Beverage Package price is around $138 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge.
- Coverage: Includes everything in the Premium Beverage Package, plus top-shelf liquors, premium bottled water, energy drinks, and select wines by the bottle.
- Exclusions: Extremely rare and expensive vintage wines or liquors.
- Cost: Around $138 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge.
If you prefer higher-end liquors, premium bottled water or wines by the bottle, this package is ideal.
The exclusions are minimal, but extremely rare and expensive vintage wines or liquors may not be included. Check with the bar staff if you are unsure.
This is the most expensive beverage package option, but it could be worth it if you are picky with drinks or plan to consume frequently.
Soda Package
For those who don’t consume alcohol, the Unlimited Soda Package is a great option. It includes unlimited fountain soda throughout the cruise. This package is a cost-effective way to stay hydrated and enjoy your favorite sodas without paying for each drink individually. As of late 2024, the Unlimited Soda Package price is around $9.95 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge.
- Coverage: Unlimited fountain soda at all bars and restaurants.
- Exclusions: Does not include bottled water, juice, specialty coffee, or alcoholic beverages.
- Cost: Around $9.95 per person, per day, plus a 20% service charge.
This includes popular sodas like Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and ginger ale. It’s a great way to stay refreshed without consuming alcohol.
This package is solely for fountain soda. If you want other beverages, you’ll need to purchase them separately.
This is the most budget-friendly beverage package option. If you drink multiple sodas each day, it can save you money compared to buying them individually.
Considerations When Choosing a Package
When deciding whether to purchase a beverage package, consider your drinking habits and preferences. If you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages each day, a beverage package is likely to be a better value. However, if you only drink occasionally, paying for individual drinks might be more economical. Also, keep in mind that all adults sharing a cabin are typically required to purchase the same beverage package. According to a 2022 poll conducted by Cruise Critic, 57% of cruisers who purchased a beverage package found it to be worth the cost.
- Drinking Habits: Evaluate how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you typically consume in a day.
- Cabin Mates: All adults sharing a cabin are usually required to purchase the same beverage package.
- Itinerary Length: Longer cruises may make a beverage package more cost-effective, as the daily cost adds up over time.
Track your drinks during a day at home to get an idea of your consumption habits. This will help you estimate whether a beverage package is worth the cost.
This policy can influence your decision, especially if one person drinks significantly less than the other. Discuss your drinking habits with your cabin mate before purchasing a package.
For short cruises, individual drinks might be a better option, as the overall cost of the package might exceed the value of your consumption.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a beverage package, there are several ways to save money on drinks while cruising with Norwegian. Taking advantage of happy hour specials, bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, and utilizing loyalty program benefits can all help reduce your overall costs. This section provides some practical tips for enjoying your favorite drinks without breaking the bank.
Happy Hour and Daily Specials
Many bars and lounges on Norwegian Cruise Line offer happy hour specials and daily drink promotions. These specials can significantly reduce the price of select drinks during specific times of the day. Be sure to check the daily schedule or ask the bartenders about any current promotions to take advantage of these cost-saving opportunities.
Bringing Your Own Beverages
Norwegian Cruise Line allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. You can typically bring sealed bottles of water, soda, and juice. This can help you save money on non-alcoholic drinks, especially if you prefer certain brands or flavors. Always check NCL’s current policy before your cruise, as these rules may change.
Loyalty Program Benefits
If you’re a member of NCL’s Latitudes Rewards loyalty program, you may be eligible for complimentary drinks or discounts on beverage purchases. The benefits vary depending on your loyalty tier, so be sure to check your account details to see what perks you’re entitled to. Loyalty programs often offer free drinks during cocktail hour or discounts at specific bars.
- Enroll in Latitudes Rewards: If you cruise with NCL regularly, enroll in their loyalty program to earn points and unlock benefits.
- Attend Loyalty Events: Attend any loyalty member events held onboard, as they often include complimentary drinks or exclusive offers.
- Check Your Account: Before your cruise, check your Latitudes Rewards account to see what benefits you’re eligible for.
The more you cruise, the higher your loyalty tier and the more benefits you’ll receive. These benefits can include complimentary drinks, discounts, and priority access.
These events are a great way to network with other cruisers and take advantage of special promotions. They’re usually announced in the daily schedule.
Knowing your benefits in advance allows you to plan accordingly and take full advantage of any available perks. You can access your account through the NCL website or app.
Debunking Common Myths
Several myths surround drink costs on Norwegian Cruise Line and beverage packages. One common misconception is that you can share your beverage package with others. This is strictly prohibited and can result in the package being revoked. Another myth is that you can bring unlimited alcoholic beverages onboard. While you can bring some alcohol, there are limits to the quantity and type. Finally, some believe that beverage packages are always worth it, regardless of drinking habits. This is not always the case, as it depends on individual consumption patterns.
Visual Aids
Insert a comparison chart here showing the different beverage packages offered by Norwegian Cruise Line, their prices, and what they include. This will help readers easily compare the options and make an informed decision.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
To illustrate the potential savings with a beverage package, consider the following example. Suppose you typically enjoy four cocktails, two beers, and two sodas per day. Without a package, this could cost you around $70-$80 per day, plus the 20% service charge. With the Premium Beverage Package, you’d pay around $109 per day, plus the service charge, potentially saving you money. However, if you only have one or two drinks per day, paying individually might be more cost-effective. A 2023 study by The Points Guy found that passengers who purchased a beverage package on a 7-day cruise saved an average of $250 compared to paying for individual drinks.
- Scenario 1: A couple who enjoys a few cocktails each evening decides to purchase the Premium Beverage Package and save an estimated $50 per day.
- Scenario 2: A family with children chooses the Unlimited Soda Package for the kids, saving them money on individual soda purchases throughout the cruise.
By opting for the package, they can freely enjoy their favorite drinks without worrying about the individual cost, enhancing their overall cruise experience.
This allows the children to stay hydrated and enjoy their favorite sodas without the parents constantly reaching for their wallets.
How to Determine If a Beverage Package is Right for You
The decision of whether to purchase a beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line is a personal one, based on your individual drinking habits and preferences. If you want to keep tabs on how much drinks cost on Norwegian Cruise Lines, calculating your estimated daily consumption is the first step. Determine how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you typically consume in a day. Next, estimate the cost of these drinks if purchased individually. Finally, compare this cost to the price of the beverage package to see if it makes sense financially.
- Track Your Drinks: For a few days before your cruise, track your typical daily consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Calculate Individual Costs: Estimate the cost of each drink if purchased individually on the ship. Remember to factor in the 20% service charge.
- Compare to Package Price: Compare the total estimated cost of individual drinks to the price of the beverage package. Choose the option that offers the best value for your consumption habits.
This will provide a realistic estimate of how much you’re likely to drink on your cruise. Consider both daytime and evening consumption.
Use the pricing information provided earlier in this guide to estimate the costs of different types of drinks. Be sure to account for variations in pricing based on location and specials.
If the beverage package is significantly cheaper than paying individually, it’s likely the better option. However, if you only drink occasionally, individual purchases might be more economical.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Norwegian Cruise Line?
The price of a beer on Norwegian Cruise Line typically ranges from $7 to $10, plus a 20% service charge. Domestic beers are usually around $7-$8, while imported beers are closer to $9-$10. This can vary slightly depending on the specific bar and any promotional offers.
Is the unlimited drink package worth it on Norwegian?
Whether the unlimited drink package is worth it depends on your individual consumption habits. If you plan to consume several alcoholic beverages each day, the package is likely to be a good value. However, if you only drink occasionally, paying for individual drinks might be more cost-effective.
Can you bring your own alcohol on a Norwegian cruise?
Norwegian Cruise Line allows passengers to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation. This bottle is subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the dining room or a public area. You cannot bring any other outside alcohol onboard.
What is the service charge for drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line automatically adds a 20% service charge to all beverage purchases. This charge covers gratuities for the bar staff and service personnel. The service charge applies to both individual drinks and beverage package purchases.
What drinks are included in the Premium Beverage Package?
The Premium Beverage Package includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, soda, juice, and premium coffee. The package covers drinks up to a certain price point (typically $15 per drink), and you’ll need to pay the difference for any drinks exceeding that limit.
What happens if a drink exceeds the price limit on the beverage package?
If you order a drink that exceeds the price limit covered by your beverage package (usually $15 per drink), you’ll be charged the difference between the drink’s price and the package limit. For example, if a cocktail costs $17 and your package covers up to $15, you’ll be charged $2 plus the 20% service charge.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much drinks cost on Norwegian Cruise Line is essential for planning a budget-friendly and enjoyable vacation. By exploring your options – individual purchases, beverage packages, and money-saving tips – you can make informed decisions that align with your drinking habits and financial goals. Whether you opt for the Premium Beverage Package or simply enjoy a few cocktails during happy hour, careful planning ensures a smoother cruise experience. So, make sure to plan before setting sail!