Are Non Alcoholic Beverages Free on Norwegian Cruise Lines

Non-alcoholic beverages are not automatically free on Norwegian Cruise Lines, but basic options like water, coffee, tea, and select juices are complimentary at meals and in dining areas. For premium drinks like sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled beverages, you’ll need to purchase a drink package or pay à la carte, so plan accordingly to avoid unexpected costs.

Key Takeaways

• Basic drinks are free: Tap water, coffee, tea, and juice are included.
• <No free soda: Soft drinks require a purchased beverage package.
• Specialty drinks cost extra: Smoothies and premium coffee aren’t free.
• Kids’ drinks included: Free milk, chocolate milk, and kid-friendly beverages.
• Bring your own: Pack non-alcoholic drinks to save money onboard.
• Check promotions: Some deals include free non-alcoholic packages.

Are Non Alcoholic Beverages Free on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most common questions travelers have is: What’s included in the price? Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), one of the world’s most popular cruise operators, offers a unique “Freestyle Cruising” experience that emphasizes flexibility, choice, and personalization. Among the many perks and packages available, beverage options—especially non alcoholic drinks—play a crucial role in shaping the onboard experience. Whether you’re traveling with kids, abstaining from alcohol, or simply prefer a refreshing soda, iced tea, or coffee, understanding what’s complimentary and what’s not can make a significant difference in your vacation budget and enjoyment.

Norwegian Cruise Line has evolved its beverage policies over the years, introducing tiered packages, inclusive options, and à la carte pricing to cater to diverse guest needs. While alcoholic beverages are typically not included in the base fare, the landscape for non alcoholic beverages on Norwegian Cruise Lines is more nuanced. From free water stations and coffee bars to premium smoothies and bottled beverages that come with a price tag, the answer to whether non alcoholic drinks are free isn’t a simple yes or no. This comprehensive guide dives deep into NCL’s current policies, highlights what’s complimentary, explains the various beverage packages available, and offers practical tips to help you maximize value without overspending. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this article will equip you with everything you need to know about staying hydrated and refreshed on your next NCL voyage.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Policy

Base Fare Inclusions: What’s Automatically Free?

When you book a standard Norwegian Cruise Line cruise, the base fare includes a range of complimentary services and amenities—but beverage inclusions are limited and carefully structured. While the cruise line markets itself as offering a more relaxed and flexible experience compared to traditional cruise lines, it also follows an à la carte model for many consumables, especially beverages.

For non alcoholic beverages on Norwegian Cruise Lines, the following items are generally free of charge and available at various locations throughout the ship:

• Water – Complimentary at all buffets, dining rooms, and water stations located near pools and lounges. Dispensers offer still and sparkling water (where available).
• Coffee and Tea – Free self-serve stations with drip coffee, hot tea, and decaf options are available in the Garden Café (buffet) and some main dining rooms.
• Iced Tea and Lemonade – Served at lunch and dinner in the main dining rooms and buffets. These are typically refillable and included in your fare.
• Soft Drinks at Meals – In main dining rooms, you can order complimentary soda (Coca-Cola products), juice, and milk during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Servers will bring these to your table at no extra cost.
• Juices at Breakfast – Orange juice, apple juice, and other breakfast juices are free at the buffet and main dining rooms during breakfast hours.

It’s important to note that while these drinks are free, access is typically limited to specific times and venues. For example, you can’t get free soda or juice at a pool bar at 3 PM unless you’re dining in the main dining room or visiting the buffet during meal hours.

What’s Not Included in the Base Fare?

While the above items are free, many other non alcoholic drinks are not included and will incur additional charges unless you have a beverage package. These include:

• Packaged Bottled Water – Single-serve bottled water (e.g., Evian, Perrier) sold in bars, lounges, and convenience stores on board.
• Premium Bottled Beverages – Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster), imported sodas, and flavored sparkling waters.
• Smoothies, Milkshakes, and Specialty Drinks – Available at venues like The Coffee Bar, Juice Bar, or poolside bars; these are considered premium and priced between $6–$10 each.
• Freshly Squeezed Juices – While basic juices are free at breakfast, freshly squeezed options like orange or grapefruit juice at specialty bars cost extra.
• Specialty Coffee Drinks – Espresso, cappuccino, latte, and mocha from The Coffee Bar are not included in the base fare and range from $3–$6 per drink.

Understanding these distinctions is key to avoiding unexpected charges. For instance, grabbing a Red Bull from a poolside bar or ordering a latte at The Coffee Bar without a package means you’ll be paying out of pocket—often at prices higher than on land due to the cruise’s captive environment.

Norwegian’s Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It?

Overview of Available Beverage Packages

To address the growing demand for more inclusive beverage options, Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage packages that bundle non alcoholic drinks with alcoholic options, providing significant savings for frequent drinkers. These packages are designed to enhance the guest experience while offering value for those who consume multiple beverages daily.

The main beverage packages offered by NCL include:

1. Premium Plus Beverage Package – The most comprehensive option, including unlimited premium spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, bottled water, soda, specialty coffee, smoothies, and non alcoholic beverages.
2. Premium Beverage Package – Includes premium spirits, wine, beer, cocktails, bottled water, soda, and specialty coffee. Does not include smoothies or premium non alcoholic drinks.
3. Soda Package – A budget-friendly option for those who primarily drink soda. Includes unlimited soda, juice, and bottled water (up to $15 value per drink).
4. Water Package – For guests who prefer bottled water. Includes a set number of bottles per day (e.g., 12 bottles for a 7-night cruise).

Non Alcoholic Inclusions in Each Package

Let’s break down what each package covers for non alcoholic beverages on Norwegian Cruise Lines:

• Premium Plus Package: Unlimited access to:
  • All sodas, juices, and milk
  • Bottled water (still and sparkling)
  • Specialty coffee drinks (espresso, latte, cappuccino)
  • Smoothies, milkshakes, and fresh juices
  • Energy drinks and premium bottled beverages
• Premium Package: Includes:
  • Unlimited soda, juice, and milk
  • Bottled water (up to $15 value)
  • Specialty coffee drinks
  • Excludes smoothies, milkshakes, and premium bottled drinks
• Soda Package: Covers:
  • Unlimited soda, juice, and milk
  • Bottled water (up to $15 value)
  • Does not include coffee, smoothies, or energy drinks
• Water Package: A fixed number of bottled waters per day (e.g., 12 bottles for 7 nights). Does not include other drinks.

For families with children, the Soda Package or Premium Plus Package can be especially valuable, as kids often consume multiple sodas and juices throughout the day. Similarly, coffee lovers will benefit from the Premium or Premium Plus packages, which include unlimited specialty coffee.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: When Does a Package Pay Off?

To determine if a beverage package is worth it, consider your daily consumption. Here’s a practical example for a 7-night cruise:

• If you drink 3 sodas ($2.50 each), 2 bottled waters ($3.50 each), and 1 specialty coffee ($4.50) per day, your daily cost without a package is:
  (3 x $2.50) + (2 x $3.50) + $4.50 = $19.50/day
  Over 7 days: $136.50
• The Premium Plus Package typically costs $99–$129 per person for 7 nights (prices vary by itinerary and booking time).
• The Soda Package costs around $45–$60 for 7 nights.

Conclusion: If you consume more than 3–4 non alcoholic drinks per day, the Premium Plus or Soda Package will likely save you money. For moderate drinkers, the Soda Package may be sufficient. However, if you only drink coffee in the morning and water the rest of the day, a package may not be cost-effective.

Maximizing Complimentary Non Alcoholic Drinks

Smart Strategies to Avoid Extra Charges

Even without a beverage package, you can enjoy a wide variety of free non alcoholic drinks with a few smart strategies. Here are practical tips to help you stay refreshed without overspending:

• Visit the Buffet During Meal Hours: The Garden Café offers free soda, juice, iced tea, lemonade, and coffee during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Use this time to refill your reusable water bottle or grab a drink to go.
• Use Water Stations: Most NCL ships have water dispensers near pools, fitness centers, and lounges. Fill up a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water. Some ships even offer flavored water options (e.g., cucumber, lemon).
• Ask for Complimentary Drinks at Meals: In main dining rooms, always ask your server for soda, juice, or milk. These are included in your fare and can be refilled upon request.
• Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Most ships allow guests to bring one reusable bottle per person. Fill it with water or juice from the buffet to carry around the ship.
• Take Advantage of Breakfast Juices: Stock up on free orange juice or apple juice at breakfast to drink later in the day.
• Use the Coffee Station in the Buffet: Skip the Coffee Bar and use the self-serve coffee and tea station in the Garden Café for free drip coffee and hot tea.

Family-Friendly Tips for Parents

Cruising with kids? Managing beverage costs can be a challenge, especially when children consume multiple drinks per day. Here’s how to keep costs down:

• Opt for the Soda Package for Kids: NCL offers discounted beverage packages for children under 13. The Soda Package for kids is often 50% off the adult price, making it a great deal for families.
• Use Kids’ Drink Cards: Some sailings offer complimentary drink cards for children (e.g., 5 free sodas per day). Check with guest services upon boarding.
• Encourage Water and Juice at Meals: Teach kids to ask for free drinks during meals instead of ordering from the bar.
• Bring Juice Boxes from Home: NCL allows guests to bring non alcoholic beverages in reasonable quantities. Pack a few juice boxes or pouches to supplement free options.

Special Considerations for Non Drinkers and Health-Conscious Travelers

If you’re abstaining from alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons, rest assured that NCL provides ample free options. Focus on:

• Water stations and buffet drinks
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Free iced tea and lemonade at lunch/dinner
• Using the Soda Package for soda and bottled water

For those managing sugar intake, avoid sugary sodas and juices. Instead, opt for water, unsweetened iced tea, or sparkling water (free at buffets where available). Some ships offer sugar-free soda options—ask your server.

Onboard Venues and Where to Find Free Drinks

Key Locations for Complimentary Non Alcoholic Beverages

Knowing where to go on the ship can make a big difference in accessing free drinks. Here are the top venues:

• Garden Café (Main Buffet): Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Offers:
  • Free soda, juice, milk, iced tea, lemonade
  • Self-serve coffee and tea station
  • Water dispensers (still and sparkling)
• Main Dining Rooms (e.g., Manhattan Room, Savor, Taste): During meal service, servers bring complimentary soda, juice, milk, and water to your table.
• Poolside Bars and Lounges: While most drinks are for purchase, some bars offer complimentary water in cups during peak hours (especially on hot days). Ask for a cup of water instead of a bottle.
• Water Stations: Located near pools, fitness centers, and public lounges. Use these to refill your bottle.
• Atrium and Lobby Areas: Some ships have coffee and water stations in the main atrium during the day.

Premium Venues and Their Pricing

While the above locations offer free options, premium venues charge for all beverages. Be aware of:

• The Coffee Bar: Specialty coffee, smoothies, and pastries. Drinks range from $3–$10.
• Juice Bar: Freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, acai bowls. $6–$12 per drink.
• Pool Bars and Lounges: Bottled water, soda, energy drinks, and cocktails. $2.50–$15 per drink.
• Specialty Dining Restaurants: While meals may be included in your package, non alcoholic drinks are typically à la carte unless you have a beverage package.

To avoid confusion, always ask servers or bartenders if a drink is complimentary or if there’s a charge. Many guests are surprised to learn that a simple bottled water at a bar isn’t free unless they have a package.

Special Offers, Promotions, and Booking Tips

How to Get the Best Deal on Beverage Packages

NCL frequently runs promotions that include free or discounted beverage packages. Here’s how to take advantage:

• Look for “Free Open Bar” Promotions: During certain booking periods (e.g., Black Friday, Wave Season), NCL offers a free Premium Beverage Package with select sailings. This is one of the best values in the industry.
• Book Early for Package Discounts: Beverage packages are cheaper when purchased in advance (online or through a travel agent) compared to onboard.
• Use Loyalty Program Perks: Members of the Latitudes Rewards program (especially Gold level and above) receive discounts on beverage packages and free drink vouchers.
• Check for Group or Family Deals: Some group bookings include complimentary beverage packages for all guests.
• Compare Package Value: Use NCL’s online calculator to compare the cost of a package versus à la carte pricing based on your drinking habits.

Timing Your Purchase: Pre-Cruise vs. Onboard

Buying a beverage package before your cruise is almost always cheaper. Onboard prices are typically 20–30% higher. Additionally, pre-purchasing ensures your package is active from Day 1, while onboard purchases may take 24 hours to activate.

However, if you’re unsure about your consumption, you can wait until the first day to buy a package. NCL allows onboard purchases, but only if you haven’t used any premium drinks yet. Once you buy a bottle of water at a bar, you’re locked into à la carte pricing for the rest of the cruise.

Data Table: Average Daily Costs Without a Package

Drink Type	Average Price (USD)	Complimentary?	Available At
Glass of Soda	$2.50	Yes (at meals)	Buffet, Main Dining Rooms
Bottled Water (500ml)	$3.50	No	Bars, Stores
Specialty Coffee (Latte)	$4.50	No	Coffee Bar
Fresh Juice (Glass)	$6.00	No	Juice Bar, Poolside
Smoothie	$8.00	No	Juice Bar, Coffee Bar
Energy Drink	$5.00	No	Bars, Stores
Free Water (Dispenser)	$0.00	Yes	Buffet, Pools, Lounges
Free Iced Tea (Meal)	$0.00	Yes	Main Dining Rooms

Conclusion: Balancing Value, Choice, and Experience

So, are non alcoholic beverages free on Norwegian Cruise Lines? The answer is both yes and no—depending on where, when, and how you consume them. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a generous array of complimentary non alcoholic drinks during meals and at key venues, making it possible to enjoy a refreshing and hydrating cruise without spending extra. Water, soda, juice, coffee, and tea are all available at no additional cost in the buffet and main dining rooms, and water stations are strategically placed throughout the ship.

However, premium options like bottled water, specialty coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks come with a price tag. For guests who consume multiple drinks daily—especially families, coffee lovers, or those who enjoy poolside refreshments—investing in a beverage package can offer significant savings and peace of mind. The Soda Package is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, while the Premium Plus Package delivers the most value for heavy drinkers.

Ultimately, the key to maximizing your experience lies in planning. Use the buffet wisely, take advantage of promotions, and consider your personal consumption habits before deciding whether to purchase a package. With a little strategy, you can enjoy all the refreshing drinks you want—without breaking the bank. Norwegian Cruise Line’s flexible approach to beverages reflects its overall philosophy of Freestyle Cruising: you choose how to enjoy your vacation, and with the right knowledge, you can do so affordably and comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are non alcoholic beverages free on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Yes, basic non-alcoholic drinks like water, coffee, tea, and select juices are complimentary at meals and most bars. However, premium options like specialty coffees, bottled juices, or energy drinks may incur a charge.

What non alcoholic drinks are included in Norwegian Cruise Lines’ base fare?

Norwegian Cruise Lines includes tap water, iced tea, lemonade, basic coffee, and select juices at no extra cost. These are available at buffets, restaurants, and most onboard bars during operating hours.

Do I have to pay for soda or energy drinks on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Standard soda and energy drinks are not included in the base fare and require either an à la carte purchase or a drink package. Norwegian offers a soda package for unlimited fountain drinks if you prefer convenience.

Are bottled beverages free on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Bottled water, sodas, and non-alcoholic drinks are not free and must be purchased individually or via a beverage package. Complimentary water is available at dispensers, but sealed bottles incur a fee.

Can I get free refills on non alcoholic beverages with Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Yes, refills for basic drinks like coffee, tea, and iced tea are complimentary at buffets and dining rooms. Fountain soda refills are only free if you purchase a drink package.

Is there a way to get unlimited non alcoholic drinks on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Norwegian offers a Premium Beverage Package that includes unlimited non-alcoholic options like soda, energy drinks, and premium coffee. Alternatively, a cheaper soda-only package is available for frequent fountain drinkers.