Can You Use the Starbucks App on Norwegian Cruise Line

Yes, you can use the Starbucks app on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ships with onboard Starbucks cafés, allowing you to earn rewards, order ahead, and pay digitally just like on land. Availability depends on the ship and itinerary, so check your vessel’s amenities before sailing to ensure seamless access to your favorite brews.

Key Takeaways

• Starbucks App works on Norwegian Cruise Line with limited features.
• Mobile ordering unavailable at sea; use onboard kiosks or counters.
• Starbucks rewards redeemable but require Wi-Fi for app access.
• Download the app pre-cruise to streamline onboard purchases.
• Check ship-specific menus for available Starbucks items onboard.
• Stable internet connection needed to earn or track rewards points.

Can You Use the Starbucks App on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Picture this: You’re on a sun-drenched deck of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, the ocean breeze brushing your face, and you’re craving that familiar taste of your favorite Starbucks drink. You pull out your phone, open the Starbucks app, and—wait, will it work here? You’re not alone. Thousands of cruisers each year ask the same question: Can you use the Starbucks app on Norwegian Cruise Line?

If you’re a Starbucks Rewards member, you’ve probably relied on the app for ordering ahead, collecting stars, and redeeming free drinks. But when you’re at sea, things change. Wi-Fi is spotty, payment systems differ, and not every Starbucks location operates the same way. The good news? There’s a lot you *can* do—and a few things you’ll need to adjust. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real experience of using the Starbucks app on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, based on firsthand insights, guest reports, and official policies. Whether you’re sipping a latte on the Norwegian Encore or grabbing an iced coffee on Norwegian Joy, this is everything you need to know—without the hype, just the facts.

How Starbucks Works on Norwegian Cruise Line Ships

Starbucks Locations on NCL Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line partners with Starbucks to bring the brand to its fleet. As of 2024, most major NCL ships—including the Breakaway, Breakaway Plus, Encore, Joy, and Haven-class vessels—feature full-service Starbucks cafes. These aren’t just kiosks; they’re licensed Starbucks stores offering the full menu: espresso drinks, Frappuccinos, iced coffees, teas, pastries, and even seasonal favorites like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

For example, on the Norwegian Encore, the Starbucks is located on Deck 6 near the Atrium, open from 6:30 AM to 10 PM daily. On the Norwegian Bliss, it’s on Deck 8 near the Waterfront, with similar hours. These locations are staffed by trained baristas and use the same recipes and equipment you’d find on land.

Payment and Pricing: What’s Different at Sea

Here’s where things get tricky. While the Starbucks on NCL ships looks and tastes like the real deal, the payment system is not the same as on land. You cannot pay with your Starbucks gift card or directly through the Starbucks app using your stored balance. Instead, all purchases are charged to your onboard account (the same account you use for drinks, excursions, and spa treatments).

This means:

• You can’t use the “Pay with Starbucks App” feature to charge a drink to your phone.
• You can’t use a digital Starbucks gift card (e.g., from a birthday or promotion).
• You must have your cruise keycard (or room key) to make a purchase.

Prices are slightly higher than on land—typically 10–15% more. A Grande Latte might cost $6.95 instead of $5.95. This is standard for cruise ship pricing due to logistics and overhead, not just for Starbucks but for all onboard services.

Ordering Ahead: The Big Limitation

One of the most popular features of the Starbucks app—ordering ahead and skipping the line—does not work on NCL ships. The app’s “Order & Pay” function is disabled in the onboard Starbucks locations. Why? Because the app relies on geolocation and integration with local store systems, which aren’t compatible with the ship’s closed network.

So, you’ll need to:

• Walk up to the counter
• Place your order verbally

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• Pay with your cruise card
• Wait for your drink

It’s not the fastest, but it’s the only option. Some guests have tried using the app’s “Order & Pay” at the exact moment they board the ship in port (while still connected to shore Wi-Fi), but this rarely works and often fails due to network handoffs. Bottom line: skip the app for ordering and plan to wait in line like everyone else.

Can You Earn and Redeem Starbucks Rewards on NCL?

Earning Stars: The Short Answer

Yes, you can earn Stars when you buy Starbucks drinks on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship—but only if you follow a specific process.

Here’s how it works:

1. At checkout, the barista will ask if you’d like to link your purchase to your Starbucks Rewards account.
2. You provide your Starbucks Rewards phone number (not your app login).
3. The barista manually enters your number into the system.
4. You earn Stars for that purchase—usually 2 Stars per dollar spent.

For example, if you spend $7.50 on a drink, you’ll earn 15 Stars. These Stars will appear in your account within 24–48 hours, depending on when the ship syncs its data with Starbucks headquarters.

Redeeming Free Drinks: The Catch

Here’s the frustrating part: you cannot redeem free drinks (like a “Buy 10, Get 1 Free” reward) directly on the ship. The onboard system doesn’t support redemption codes or mobile app-based rewards.

But don’t worry—there’s a workaround:

• Save your Stars for when you return home.
• Use your free drink reward at a land-based Starbucks after your cruise.
• Alternatively, you can use the “Starbucks Card” feature in the app to load money before your cruise (more on this below).

One guest, Sarah from Chicago, told me: “I earned 80 Stars on my 7-day cruise. I couldn’t use them onboard, but I redeemed two free lattes when I got home. It was worth it!”

Pro Tip: Preload Your Starbucks Card Before the Cruise

If you really want to use the app’s features, here’s a smart strategy: preload your Starbucks Card in the app before you board.

How it works:

1. Open the Starbucks app on land (with good Wi-Fi).
2. Go to “Pay” > “Manage Cards” > “Add Money.”
3. Load $20–$50 (or more) to your digital Starbucks Card.
4. When you’re on the ship, tell the barista you’d like to use your Starbucks Card.
5. They’ll scan the barcode from your phone or manually enter the card number.

Note: This only works if the barista is trained to accept it. Some are, some aren’t. But if they do, you can use your preloaded balance to pay for drinks—and still earn Stars by providing your phone number. It’s the closest thing to a “hybrid” system.

Wi-Fi, Connectivity, and App Functionality at Sea

Can You Even Access the App Onboard?

Yes, but with caveats. The Starbucks app can be opened on your phone while on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, but its functionality is limited by connectivity.

NCL offers several Wi-Fi packages:

• Social Package: Access to social media and messaging apps (~$15/day).
• Web Package: Basic web browsing and email (~$20/day).
• Premium Package: Full internet access, including streaming and app downloads (~$25–$30/day).

To use the Starbucks app effectively (e.g., to check your Stars, view your card balance, or show a barcode), you’ll need at least the Web Package. The Social Package may not support the app’s backend connections.

App Performance: What Actually Works

Here’s what you can expect when using the app onboard:

• Viewing your account: Yes, if you have Wi-Fi. You can see your Stars, card balance, and recent purchases.
• Scanning a barcode for payment: Only if the barista accepts it (rare) and if your app loads the barcode (requires stable Wi-Fi).
• Ordering ahead: No. The “Order & Pay” feature is disabled.
• Finding nearby stores: The app may show “no stores found” because the ship’s GPS is off. You’ll need to know the Starbucks location manually.
• Receiving notifications: Yes, if your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. You might get alerts about new Stars or promotions.

One cruiser, Mark from Seattle, shared: “I had the Premium Wi-Fi. I opened the app, showed the barista my Starbucks Card barcode, and it scanned! But it took three tries because the connection kept dropping. It worked, but it wasn’t smooth.”

Offline Tips: How to Use the App Without Wi-Fi

Even without Wi-Fi, you can still use the app in limited ways:

• Take a screenshot of your Starbucks Card barcode before the cruise. Show the photo to the barista if the app won’t load.
• Save your Rewards phone number in your phone’s notes app. You’ll need it to earn Stars.
• Use the app’s menu feature offline to decide what to order. It’s a great way to plan ahead.

These small steps can save you time and frustration when the Wi-Fi is slow or unavailable.

Real Guest Experiences: What People Are Saying

Success Stories: When the App (Kind of) Worked

Many guests have found ways to make the Starbucks app work for them, even with limitations.

For example:

• Lisa from Florida preloaded $50 to her Starbucks Card and used it on her Norwegian Escape cruise. “I showed the barcode, they scanned it, and it went through. I still told them my phone number to earn Stars. It felt like I was cheating the system!”
• David from Toronto brought a printed copy of his Starbucks Card barcode. “The barista said they couldn’t scan my phone, but they could read the number. I got my drink and my Stars.”
• Maria from Spain used her phone’s hotspot to connect to Wi-Fi while in port. “I ordered a drink using the app just before boarding. It didn’t work, but I earned Stars by giving my number at checkout.”

Common Complaints and Frustrations

Not everyone has a smooth experience. Here are the top issues reported:

• “The app doesn’t work at all.” – This is common when Wi-Fi is poor or the barista isn’t trained.
• “I couldn’t earn Stars.” – Some baristas forget to ask for your number or don’t know how to enter it.
• “I tried to use my gift card—it was rejected.” – Digital gift cards don’t work on the ship’s system.
• “The line was long, and I couldn’t order ahead.” – This is unavoidable. Peak times (morning, after shows) can mean 10–15 minute waits.

The key takeaway? Manage your expectations. The Starbucks on NCL is convenient and delicious, but it’s not a carbon copy of the land-based experience.

Barista Training: A Hidden Factor

One thing that surprised me: barista training varies by ship and staff. Some ships have baristas who are trained by Starbucks and know how to handle Rewards, barcodes, and special requests. Others have staff who are trained by NCL and may not be familiar with Starbucks systems.

If you’re having trouble, try:

• Asking for a “manager” or “Starbucks supervisor” (if available).
• Being polite and patient—most staff are happy to help but may need guidance.
• Offering to read your phone number slowly or show it on your screen.

Alternatives and Tips for Coffee Lovers

Other Coffee Options on NCL

If the Starbucks app isn’t working for you, don’t worry—there are other ways to get your caffeine fix:

• Room service coffee: Available 24/7. You can order coffee, tea, and pastries to your cabin. It’s not Starbucks, but it’s hot and convenient.
• Cruise line coffee bars: Some ships have non-Starbucks coffee stations (e.g., in the buffet or pool areas). These use NCL’s own coffee blend, which is decent but not specialty-grade.
• Bring your own: Pack instant coffee, a travel French press, or a portable espresso maker. Many guests do this and brew in their cabin.
• Free coffee in the buffet: The main dining buffet offers self-serve coffee, tea, and hot water. It’s free and available all day.

Maximize Your Starbucks Experience on NCL

Here are my top tips for getting the most out of Starbucks on a Norwegian Cruise:

• Preload your Starbucks Card before the cruise—it’s the best way to use the app’s features.
• Save your phone number in your phone and memorize it. You’ll need it to earn Stars.
• Go during off-peak hours: Try 10–11 AM or 2–3 PM to avoid crowds.
• Ask for a receipt to confirm your Stars were logged.
• Bring a reusable cup—NCL offers a discount (usually 25–50 cents) for using your own cup.
• Check the menu online before you go. The onboard menu is the same as land, so you can plan your order.

Summary: The Bottom Line

So, can you use the Starbucks app on Norwegian Cruise Line? Yes, but with limitations. You can’t order ahead, redeem free drinks, or use digital gift cards onboard. But you can earn Stars, view your account, and—if you’re strategic—use a preloaded Starbucks Card to pay.

The key is preparation. Preload your card, save your phone number, and be patient with the process. The Starbucks on NCL ships delivers the same quality and flavor you love—even if the tech doesn’t always keep up.

Ultimately, it’s about enjoying the moment. You’re on a cruise, after all. Whether you’re sipping a latte on deck or sharing a Frappuccino with a friend, the experience is what matters. And hey, if the app doesn’t work, you’ll still get that familiar taste—and maybe even a friendly chat with a barista who’s just as excited to be at sea as you are.

So go ahead, grab your drink, and cheers to smooth sailing—and smoother sips.

Quick Reference: Starbucks on NCL – What Works, What Doesn’t

Feature	Available on NCL?	Notes
Full Starbucks menu	Yes	All drinks, pastries, and seasonal items available
Order & Pay via app	No	Must order in person at counter
Earn Stars	Yes	Provide your phone number at checkout
Redeem free drinks	No	Save rewards for use on land
Pay with app balance	Limited	Preload a Starbucks Card; some baristas accept it
Use digital gift cards	No	Only onboard account or preloaded Starbucks Card
Wi-Fi for app use	Yes (with package)	Web or Premium Wi-Fi recommended
Reusable cup discount	Yes	Usually 25–50 cents off

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use the Starbucks app on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Yes, you can use the Starbucks app on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ships, but with some limitations. The app works for ordering and payment at Starbucks locations onboard, though mobile order-ahead features may depend on the ship’s connectivity.

Does the Starbucks app work for mobile orders on NCL cruises?

The Starbucks app’s mobile ordering feature is often available on NCL ships, but functionality may vary by vessel and internet reliability. We recommend downloading the app and testing it once onboard to confirm availability.

Can I earn or redeem Starbucks rewards on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, you can earn and redeem Starbucks Rewards points at onboard Starbucks locations using the app. Just link your account and scan your app’s barcode during checkout to participate in the rewards program.

Is the Starbucks app free to use on NCL cruise ships?

The Starbucks app is free to download and use on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. However, you’ll need to pay for your purchases, and onboard internet usage may incur data charges depending on your plan.

Do I need Wi-Fi to use the Starbucks app on a Norwegian cruise?

While the app can store your account info offline, you’ll need Wi-Fi or cellular data to load the menu, place orders, or earn rewards. NCL’s internet packages can help you stay connected during your cruise.

Are all Norwegian Cruise Line ships equipped with Starbucks?

Most NCL ships feature Starbucks, but availability depends on the vessel and itinerary. Check your specific ship’s dining options online or via the NCL app before sailing to confirm a Starbucks location.