Does Norwegian Cruise Line Cover Juice A Complete Guide

Norwegian Cruise Line does not automatically include juice in its standard fare, but offers a variety of beverage packages—like the Premium Plus Drink Package—that cover fresh juice, soft drinks, and premium cocktails. Guests can also purchase juice à la carte at onboard bars, restaurants, and buffets, with prices varying by location and type. For budget-conscious cruisers, checking package details before booking ensures you get the best value for your preferred drinks.

Key Takeaways

• Norwegian Cruise Line does not include juice in standard drink packages; purchase separately or upgrade.
• Specialty dining packages often exclude juice; check terms before booking to avoid surprise charges.
• Kids’ packages may include limited juice; confirm inclusions when booking family-friendly options.
• Buy a premium beverage package for unlimited juice access, including fresh and premium varieties.
• Port-day juice purchases cost extra; plan budget accordingly if not on a beverage package.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Cover Juice? A Complete Guide

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most frequently asked questions by passengers revolves around beverage options—specifically, does Norwegian Cruise Line cover juice? For health-conscious travelers, parents with children, or those simply seeking value for money, understanding the beverage policy of a cruise line can significantly impact the overall experience. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, offers a flexible and modern approach to onboard dining and drinks. But where does juice fit into this equation?

Juice, whether freshly squeezed, premium, or standard, plays a vital role in many travelers’ daily routines. From breakfast mimosas to refreshing afternoon pick-me-ups, the availability and cost of juice on a cruise can make or break a passenger’s satisfaction. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into NCL’s juice offerings, clarify what’s included in your fare, what requires additional payment, and how you can maximize your access to quality juice during your voyage. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to enjoy your cruise to the fullest—without unexpected juice-related surprises.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Policy

What’s Included in the Base Cruise Fare?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s base fare includes a wide range of complimentary dining and beverage options. When it comes to drinks, non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and standard juice are generally available at no extra cost. This includes:

• Orange juice (typically from concentrate or pasteurized)
• Apple juice
• Cranberry juice
• Tomato juice
• Grapefruit juice

These juices are typically served during breakfast hours in the main dining rooms, buffets (like the Garden Café), and select bars. For example, at breakfast, you’ll find pitchers of orange and apple juice at the buffet, and servers will offer juice upon request in dining venues.

Where You Can Get Complimentary Juice

The availability of free juice depends on the time of day and location:

• Main Dining Rooms: Juice is offered during breakfast and brunch. Servers will bring it to your table.
• Garden Café (Buffet): Self-serve dispensers with orange, apple, and cranberry juice during breakfast and lunch.
• Pool Bars: Some poolside bars offer lemonade and iced tea, but juice is not always available for free—especially outside breakfast hours.
• Room Service: Complimentary juice is included with breakfast orders (e.g., orange or apple juice with a continental breakfast).

Tip: If you’re craving juice outside breakfast hours, head to the Garden Café during lunch—some ships leave juice dispensers out until 1 PM. Alternatively, order a room service breakfast (free with a minimum food order) to get juice delivered to your stateroom.

Limitations and Exceptions

While juice is included in many scenarios, there are important limitations:

• Premium Juices: Freshly squeezed orange juice, cold-pressed juices, or exotic blends (e.g., carrot-ginger, acai) are not included in the base fare.
• Specialty Restaurants: Juice is not typically offered for free at specialty dining venues like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro. You’ll need to purchase it separately.
• Evening Hours: After breakfast, free juice becomes scarce. Most bars switch to paid beverage service, including juice-based cocktails or premium options.

For example, on the Norwegian Encore, a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice at the Svedka Ice Bar costs $8.95, while the standard juice at the buffet is free. This distinction is crucial for budget-conscious travelers.

Premium and Specialty Juice Options on NCL

Freshly Squeezed and Cold-Pressed Juices

NCL has expanded its beverage offerings in recent years, especially on newer ships like the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, to include premium juice stations. These are often found in:

• The Local Bar & Grill: Offers freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice, and seasonal blends (e.g., pineapple-mint).
• Spice H2O (adults-only area): Features juice bars with cold-pressed options like celery-cucumber and beetroot-carrot.
• Specialty Coffee & Juice Bars: Located near the atrium, these venues serve artisanal juices made with organic ingredients.

These premium juices are priced between $6.95 and $12.95 per glass, depending on the ship and location. While not included in the base fare, they are a great option for health-focused cruisers or those celebrating a special occasion.

Juice-Based Cocktails and Smoothies

For those who enjoy a little indulgence, NCL offers a variety of juice-based alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:

• Mimosa: Champagne + orange juice (~$14–$18)
• Bloody Mary: Tomato juice-based cocktail (~$12–$15)
• Fresh Fruit Smoothies: Blended with yogurt, honey, and fresh juice (~$7.95–$10.95)
• Virgin Mojito: Lime juice, mint, and soda (~$6.95)

These drinks are available at most bars and lounges, including the Sugarcane Mojito Bar and the Observation Lounge. While the juice content is high, these are considered specialty beverages and are not covered under the free juice policy.

Kids’ and Family-Friendly Juice Options

NCL caters to families with dedicated juice offerings for children:

• Kid’s Juice Packs: Small cartons of 100% juice (apple, grape, orange) available at the buffet and kids’ clubs.
• Juice Bars in Splash Academy: Free juice stations for children during scheduled activities.
• Family Cabanas: Some ships offer juice refills with cabana rentals (~$50–$100 per day).

Parents can also request juice for kids in specialty restaurants—though it may be charged unless part of a kids’ meal deal.

Beverage Packages: Are They Worth It for Juice Lovers?

Overview of NCL’s Beverage Packages

NCL offers several beverage packages, each with different coverage for juice:

• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): $99–$129 per person/day. Includes all non-alcoholic drinks (except specialty coffee and bottled water), premium juices, and cocktails.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package (NABP): $29–$39 per person/day. Covers all non-alcoholic drinks, including freshly squeezed juices and smoothies.
• Premium Plus Package: $129–$159 per person/day. Includes everything in PBP plus top-shelf liquor, bottled water, and specialty coffee.

The NABP is the best value for juice enthusiasts, as it unlocks access to premium juices without the high cost of alcohol-inclusive packages.

When the Non-Alcoholic Package Makes Sense

Consider the NABP if:

• You plan to drink 3–4 premium juices per day (e.g., fresh OJ at breakfast, a smoothie at lunch, a cold-pressed juice at the spa).
• You have children who consume multiple juices daily (the package covers all ages).
• You want to enjoy juice-based cocktails without paying per drink.

Example: On the Norwegian Bliss, a fresh OJ costs $8.95. With the NABP ($34/day), you’d break even after just 4 juices. For a 7-day cruise, that’s a potential savings of $200+ for a family of four.

Limitations of Beverage Packages

Even with a package, there are caveats:

• Gratuities: 18–20% service charge is added to the package price.
• Exclusions: Bottled juices (e.g., V8, Naked Juice) and imported brands may not be covered.
• Daily Limits: Some packages limit non-alcoholic drinks to 15 per day (though this is rarely enforced).

Tip: Purchase the NABP during a sale (NCL often offers 20–30% off pre-cruise) to maximize value.

How to Get the Most Juice for Your Money

Smart Strategies for Free and Discounted Juice

Maximize your juice intake with these insider tips:

• Visit the Buffet Early: Juice dispensers are refilled at breakfast and lunch. Go before 8:30 AM or after 1 PM to avoid crowds.
• Ask for Refills: Servers in dining rooms will happily refill your juice—don’t hesitate to ask.
• Use Room Service: Order a continental breakfast (~$5–$10) to get free juice and pastries delivered.
• Join Loyalty Programs: NCL’s Latitude Rewards members get occasional free drink vouchers, including juice.
• Attend Themed Events: During “Tropical Nights” or “Cruise Critic Meetups,” free juice samples are often offered.

DIY Juice Hacks

For cruisers who want more control:

• Bring Your Own: NCL allows sealed, unopened juice boxes (under 100ml) in carry-ons. Pack a few for port days.
• Mix Your Own: Combine free OJ and apple juice at the buffet for a custom blend.
• Request Fresh Squeezing: On newer ships, some bars will squeeze oranges upon request—ask politely!

Port Day Juice Savings

During shore excursions, juice prices can skyrocket. Save money by:

• Drinking your fill at the buffet before disembarking.
• Bringing a reusable water bottle (fill it with juice at breakfast).
• Choosing excursions that include free refreshments (e.g., NCL’s “Taste of the Caribbean” tour).

Comparing NCL’s Juice Policy to Other Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean includes standard juice (OJ, apple) in the base fare, similar to NCL. However, its Deluxe Beverage Package ($55/day) covers premium juices, while NCL’s NABP is slightly more expensive but includes more variety. Royal’s buffet juice stations are often larger and more consistent.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival’s base fare includes only coffee, tea, and water. Juice is not complimentary—even at breakfast. Its Cheers! Beverage Program ($59.95/day) covers all non-alcoholic drinks, making it a better deal for juice lovers than NCL’s NABP for short cruises.

Princess Cruises

Princess includes free juice at breakfast and lunch buffets, but premium juices cost extra. Its Premium Drink Package ($69.99/day) is cheaper than NCL’s PBP but excludes some specialty juices.

MSC Cruises

MSC’s base fare includes only tap water and basic coffee. Juice requires a beverage package (starting at $35/day). However, MSC’s “Beverage Package Plus” includes fresh-squeezed juice, giving it an edge over NCL for premium juice seekers.

Data Table: Juice Coverage Across Major Cruise Lines

Cruise Line	Standard Juice (Free)	Premium Juice (Free)	Beverage Package (Non-Alc)	Best For
Norwegian Cruise Line	Yes (breakfast/lunch)	No (except with NABP)	$29–$39/day	Families, value seekers
Royal Caribbean	Yes (buffet)	No (except with Deluxe)	$55/day	Luxury juice drinkers
Carnival	No	No	$59.95/day	Short cruises, budget
Princess	Yes (breakfast/lunch)	No	$69.99/day	Traditional cruisers
MSC	No	Yes (with Plus)	$35–$45/day	Premium juice lovers

Key Takeaway: NCL strikes a balance between free standard juice and accessible premium options, making it a strong choice for most travelers—especially those who purchase the NABP.

Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Juice Experience on NCL

So, does Norwegian Cruise Line cover juice? The answer is a nuanced “yes and no.” While standard juices like orange, apple, and cranberry are included in your base fare during breakfast and lunch, premium and specialty juices require additional payment—either à la carte or through a beverage package. For travelers who prioritize juice in their daily routine, the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package offers exceptional value, especially on longer cruises or for families.

To get the most out of your NCL juice experience:

• Leverage free buffet hours and room service for complimentary options.
• Consider the NABP if you plan to drink 3+ premium juices daily.
• Explore DIY hacks like mixing juices or bringing sealed packs.
• Compare NCL’s offerings to other lines if juice is your top priority.

Ultimately, NCL’s flexible beverage policy—combined with its diverse dining venues and modern ships—makes it possible to enjoy everything from a simple glass of OJ to a cold-pressed green juice without breaking the bank. Whether you’re sipping by the pool, celebrating at brunch, or treating the kids to a smoothie, understanding NCL’s juice coverage ensures you’ll stay refreshed, satisfied, and fully immersed in the Freestyle Cruising experience. Bon voyage—and cheers to your next glass of juice!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Norwegian Cruise Line cover juice in their base fare?

No, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) does not include most specialty juices in their base fare. However, complimentary options like orange, apple, and cranberry juice are available at breakfast buffets and select bars.

Are juice packages available on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, NCL offers all-you-can-drink juice packages as part of their “Premium Beverage Package” or as an add-on for kids. These packages cover premium juices like pomegranate, mango, and carrot blends.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line cover juice for kids?

NCL provides complimentary juice options for kids at breakfast buffets and snack bars. Specialty juices for children may require the purchase of a beverage package or per-drink fees.

Can I get fresh-squeezed juice included with my NCL cruise?

Fresh-squeezed or specialty juices are not part of NCL’s free offerings. These are typically available at onboard juice bars or cafés for an additional fee unless you purchase a premium drink package.

What’s the best way to get juice coverage on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The most cost-effective way to enjoy juice is by purchasing a beverage package that includes it. Alternatively, stick to complimentary juices during meals to avoid extra charges.

Does the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package cover all juices?

Yes, the Premium Beverage Package covers most juices, including premium and fresh-squeezed options (up to $15 value per drink). Check exclusions for rare or imported juice blends.