Can You Share Beverage Package on Norwegian Cruise Line

No, Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow sharing of its beverage packages—each package is non-transferable and must be purchased individually per guest. This policy ensures compliance and prevents misuse, so every adult in your stateroom must buy their own package if they wish to participate.

Key Takeaways

• Sharing is limited: Only one beverage package per cabin, not per person.
• Same cabin required: All users must stay in the same stateroom.
• No splitting allowed: Cannot divide packages between multiple cabins.
• Age restrictions apply: Under-21 guests need a soda package instead.
• Book together: Add all packages during initial booking to ensure compliance.
• Monitor usage: Track consumption via the NCL app to avoid overages.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Packages

When planning a cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), one of the most common questions travelers ask is: Can you share a beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line? With the rising cost of cruising and the allure of unlimited drinks—from cocktails and wine to premium coffee and soda—it’s no surprise that passengers are looking for ways to maximize value. NCL offers several beverage packages, including the popular Premium Beverage Package (PBP) and the Premium Plus Beverage Package, designed to cater to different drinking preferences and budgets. But the big question remains: can these packages be shared among multiple guests in the same stateroom or traveling group?

The short answer is: No, beverage packages on Norwegian Cruise Line cannot be officially shared between guests. Each package is assigned to a specific individual and is non-transferable. However, there are nuances, exceptions, and smart strategies that can help you get the most out of your beverage investment—especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. This comprehensive guide dives deep into NCL’s beverage policy, explores the types of packages available, explains the sharing rules (and loopholes), and offers practical tips to help you save money and enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a soda lover, or a coffee enthusiast, understanding how NCL’s beverage packages work is essential to a seamless and enjoyable vacation.

NCL Beverage Packages: Types, Inclusions, and Pricing

Overview of Available Beverage Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a tiered system of beverage packages to suit different tastes and consumption habits. The most popular options include:

• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): The standard all-inclusive drink option, priced around $99 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity). It includes unlimited drinks up to $15 each, including cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, spirits, soda, juices, specialty coffee, and bottled water.
• Premium Plus Beverage Package: A higher-tier option (~$129–$149 per person, per day) that raises the drink limit to $25 per beverage. This includes premium brands like Grey Goose, Patrón, and Moët & Chandon, as well as access to specialty bars and lounges.
• Non-Alcoholic Package: Priced around $35–$45 per person, per day, this package covers unlimited soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, tea, and mocktails. Ideal for non-drinkers or families with kids.
• Specialty Dining & Beverage Combo Packages: Occasionally, NCL bundles beverage packages with specialty dining credits (e.g., the “Unlimited Open Bar + Specialty Dining” deal), offering added value for foodies who also enjoy drinks.

What’s Included—and What’s Not

While the Premium Beverage Package sounds comprehensive, it’s important to understand its limitations. Here’s what’s included:

• All drinks priced at or below the package threshold (e.g., $15 for PBP).
• Unlimited refills on soda, coffee, tea, and bottled water (500ml).
• Access to most bars and lounges, including pool bars, main dining room bars, and select specialty bars.
• Drinks during dinner, at the buffet, and at poolside venues.

However, exclusions apply:

• Drinks over the price cap (e.g., a $16 cocktail requires paying the difference).
• Bottled wine, champagne, or spirits (these must be purchased separately).
• Room service beverages (though some packages include a limited number of bottled waters).
• Mini-bar items and premium bottled waters (e.g., Voss, Evian).
• Drinks at certain specialty venues (e.g., The Cellars wine bar, unless upgraded).

Real-World Example: Daily Consumption Breakdown

Let’s say a guest on a 7-night cruise purchases the Premium Beverage Package ($99/day + 18% gratuity). Their total cost is:

• Base cost: $99 × 7 = $693
• Gratuity: $693 × 0.18 = $124.74
• Total: $817.74

To break even, the guest must consume enough drinks to offset this cost. Assuming an average drink price of $12 (cocktail, wine, or premium beer), they’d need to drink roughly 5.5 drinks per day to make the package cost-effective. For moderate drinkers, this can be achievable, especially during dinner, poolside relaxation, and evening entertainment.

Can You Share a Beverage Package? The Official Policy

NCL’s Stance on Sharing

According to Norwegian Cruise Line’s official beverage policy, beverage packages are non-transferable and non-shareable. Each package is linked to a specific guest’s cruise card (keycard), and the system is designed to prevent sharing. Here’s what NCL states in its terms and conditions:

“Beverage packages are for the sole use of the named guest. Sharing of beverage packages with other guests is not permitted and may result in revocation of the package without refund.”

This means that if you purchase a Premium Beverage Package for yourself, your spouse, child, or friend cannot use your card to get free drinks. The card is scanned at every bar, and the system recognizes which guest has the active package. Attempting to share—such as giving your card to a friend to order a mojito—will trigger alerts and could lead to disciplinary action, including fines or removal of the package.

Why NCL Enforces This Rule

NCL’s strict anti-sharing policy exists for several reasons:

• Profit Protection: Beverage packages are priced based on average consumption. If sharing were allowed, a single package could serve multiple guests, reducing revenue.
• Fairness: The cruise line wants to ensure all guests pay their fair share. Unauthorized sharing could create resentment among paying guests.
• Operational Control: Tracking consumption per guest helps NCL manage inventory, staffing, and bar operations efficiently.
• Compliance with Alcohol Laws: In many ports, cruise lines must monitor alcohol consumption to comply with local regulations and prevent over-serving.

What Happens If You’re Caught Sharing?

While rare, incidents of attempted sharing have been reported. Consequences include:

• Immediate revocation of the beverage package.
• Refund denial (even if the cruise is mid-way).
• Fines (up to $100 in some cases).
• Barred access to premium bars or lounges.

Tip: If you’re caught, apologize immediately and avoid arguing with staff. NCL’s goal is deterrence, not punishment—most first-time offenders receive a warning.

Smart Workarounds and Legal Alternatives to Sharing

1. Purchase Packages for Everyone (But Strategically)

The most straightforward (and legal) way to “share” benefits is to purchase a package for each guest who will drink. However, you can optimize this by:

• Mixing packages: Buy the Premium Beverage Package for heavy drinkers and the Non-Alcoholic Package for kids or non-drinkers. This avoids overpaying for unused alcohol.
• Timing purchases: NCL often offers “buy one, get one half off” deals during booking or onboard. Use these to reduce per-person costs.
• Using loyalty discounts: Latitudes Rewards members (NCL’s loyalty program) get 10–20% off beverage packages. If you’re a repeat cruiser, join and save.

Example: A family of four (two adults, two kids) books a 7-night cruise. Adults buy the Premium Package ($99/day), and kids get the Non-Alcoholic Package ($35/day). With a 20% loyalty discount, total cost drops from $2,800 to ~$2,240.

2. Leverage Free Drink Inclusions

NCL frequently includes free beverage packages as part of promotions. Look for:

• “Free Open Bar” offers: Common during wave season (January–March) or on new ship launches. These often cover the Premium Beverage Package for all guests in a stateroom.
• Suite perks: Guests in The Haven or suite categories may receive complimentary Premium Plus Packages.
• Group bookings: Groups of 8+ guests may get free drink packages as an incentive.

Pro Tip: Book during NCL’s “Free at Sea” promotion (available year-round). It often includes a free beverage package, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi—all at no extra cost.

3. Use the “Drink Together” Strategy (Legally)

While you can’t share cards, you can coordinate consumption to maximize value:

• Order in pairs: If two guests have packages, order drinks for the whole table. For example, Guest A orders cocktails for everyone using their card, while Guest B covers the next round.
• Split high-cost items: Want a $20 bottle of wine? One guest uses their Premium Plus Package to buy it, then pours for the group. No sharing of the card—just sharing the drink.
• Host a “bar crawl”: Visit different bars with friends who have packages. Each guest pays for their own drinks, but you enjoy the experience together.

Note: This only works if each guest has their own package. Never use one card to buy drinks for someone without a package.

4. Maximize Free Beverages Onboard

Even without a package, NCL offers plenty of free drinks:

• Complimentary coffee, tea, and juice at the buffet and main dining room.
• Free water (tap or bottled, depending on ship).
• Happy Hour deals (e.g., 2-for-1 cocktails at select bars).
• Free drinks during onboard events (e.g., Captain’s Welcome Reception, deck parties).

Combine these with a package to stretch your value further. For example, drink free coffee in the morning, use your package for cocktails at sunset, and enjoy free juice at lunch.

Special Cases: Kids, Non-Drinkers, and Group Travel

What About Kids and Teens?

NCL offers a Kids’ Beverage Package (~$25/day) for guests aged 3–20. It includes:

• Unlimited soda, juice, and milk.
• Specialty mocktails and smoothies.
• Bottled water and sports drinks.

For families, this is a cost-effective alternative to paying full price for kids’ drinks. However, kids cannot share adult packages—even if they’re under 21 and not drinking alcohol. The system will flag underage guests using adult beverage cards.

Non-Drinkers and Designated Drivers

Non-drinkers have options:

• Non-Alcoholic Package: Covers all non-alcoholic drinks. Ideal for health-conscious guests or those who avoid alcohol.
• No package: Stick to free drinks (coffee, water, juice) and pay à la carte for sodas or specialty items.
• “Dry” cruises: Some itineraries (e.g., religious or wellness-themed) offer alcohol-free zones. Check NCL’s website for details.

Group Travel: Sharing Costs Without Sharing Cards

For large groups (e.g., weddings, reunions), consider:

• Bulk discounts: NCL offers group rates on beverage packages. Contact a group specialist for quotes.
• Pre-paid drink cards: Some groups pool money to buy drink credits for all guests. While not a “package,” it’s a flexible way to subsidize drinks.
• Private bar events: Book a private cocktail party where the group pays per drink. More social than individual packages.

Example: A 10-person group books a private bar event for $500. Each guest gets 10 drinks (valued at $10–$15 each). Total value: $1,000–$1,500—half the cost of individual packages.

Maximizing Value: Tips, Tricks, and Insider Knowledge

1. Buy Early and Save

Beverage packages are cheaper during pre-cruise booking (up to 30% off). Prices increase at the port or onboard. Set a reminder to book 60–90 days before departure for the best rates.

2. Use the “Free at Sea” Promotion

NCL’s Free at Sea offer often includes a free beverage package (usually the Premium Package). Combine it with other perks (e.g., shore excursions, Wi-Fi) for massive savings. Note: You must book a qualifying stateroom (e.g., balcony or higher).

3. Track Your Consumption

Use the NCL app to monitor your drink usage. The “My Cruise” section shows how many drinks you’ve had and your estimated savings. This helps you stay on track to break even.

4. Know the “Hidden” Package Perks

Premium Beverage Package holders get:

• Priority access to popular bars during peak hours.
• Free drink tastings (e.g., rum, tequila).
• Discounts on wine bottles (15–20% off).

5. Avoid Common Pitfalls

• Don’t buy too early: If you cancel or change your cruise, refunds are limited.
• Don’t overestimate consumption: If you’ll drink <5 drinks/day, à la carte may be cheaper.
• Don’t forget gratuity: The 18% service charge is non-negotiable and adds up fast.

Data Table: Beverage Package Cost vs. À La Carte

Drink Type	Average À La Carte Price	Drinks Needed to Break Even (PBP)	Drinks Needed to Break Even (Premium Plus)
Domestic Beer	$7.50	10.5	17.5
Premium Cocktail	$12.00	6.5	10.0
Glass of Wine	$10.00	8.0	12.5
Bottled Water (500ml)	$3.00	23.0	37.5
Specialty Coffee	$5.50	14.5	23.5
Daily Break-Even (7-day cruise)	—	5.5 drinks/day	8.5 drinks/day

Note: Assumes Premium Beverage Package at $99/day + 18% gratuity. Premium Plus at $129/day + 18% gratuity.

Final Thoughts: Is Sharing Worth the Risk?

After exploring Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage policies, one thing is clear: you cannot legally share a beverage package with another guest. The risks—revocation, fines, and service issues—far outweigh the potential savings. However, with smart planning, you can achieve a similar effect without breaking the rules.

The key is strategic purchasing. Buy packages for those who will use them, mix tiers based on drinking habits, and take advantage of free inclusions (e.g., Free at Sea). Use the “drink together” method to enjoy shared experiences while respecting NCL’s policies. For families, kids’ and non-alcoholic packages offer tailored solutions. And for groups, bulk discounts or private events can reduce per-person costs.

Ultimately, a cruise is about relaxation and enjoyment. Don’t let beverage logistics ruin your vacation. Whether you’re sipping a mojito at sunset, enjoying a family dinner with unlimited soda, or toasting with champagne on a special occasion, Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage options are designed to enhance your experience—not complicate it. So raise a glass (legally!) and sail into the sunset with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you share a beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line with other guests in your cabin?

No, Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage packages are non-transferable and can only be used by the named purchaser. Sharing with other guests in your stateroom or group is not allowed under the terms of service.

Is the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package shareable between multiple cabins?

No, each beverage package is tied to an individual guest and cannot be shared across cabins. Every guest who wants to use the package must purchase their own.

What happens if I buy a drink package on Norwegian Cruise Line and my travel companion doesn’t?

If only one guest in your cabin purchases the beverage package, they are the only one allowed to use it. Others in the group must buy their own or pay à la carte for drinks.

Are there any exceptions to sharing the beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line rarely makes exceptions—the policy is strict to prevent abuse. However, some promotions (like “Free at Sea”) may allow limited perks, but sharing the actual package is still prohibited.

Can I use my Norwegian beverage package to buy drinks for friends or family?

No, the package is for personal use only. Buying drinks for others using your package violates Norwegian’s terms and may result in revocation without refund.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer group beverage packages or discounts for sharing?

Norwegian doesn’t offer group beverage packages, but you can save by purchasing during pre-cruise promotions. The Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package must still be bought per person.