Does Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Package Include Bottled Water Find Out Here

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage packages typically include bottled water, offering convenience and value for guests who want unlimited hydration without extra charges. This perk is part of both the Premium and Premium Plus packages, ensuring you stay refreshed with still and sparkling options throughout your cruise—just confirm details at booking, as policies may vary slightly by sailing.

Key Takeaways

• Bottled water is included in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Premium Beverage Package at no extra cost.
• Choose from 10+ brands including Evian, San Pellegrino, and Norwegian’s own label.
• Daily limit applies: Up to 15 bottles per day with the premium package.
• Not all packages include it: Basic beverage packages exclude bottled water purchases.
• Refills available: Reusable bottles can be refilled at hydration stations onboard.
• Special requests accommodated: Contact guest services for dietary or brand preferences.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Package Include Bottled Water? Find Out Here

When planning a cruise vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), one of the most common questions travelers ask is: *Does the beverage package include bottled water?* For many, staying hydrated is a top priority—especially when sailing in warm climates, lounging by the pool, or exploring tropical ports of call. With the allure of all-inclusive cruising, guests want to know whether they’ll need to budget extra for something as essential as drinking water. The answer isn’t always straightforward, and understanding the nuances of NCL’s beverage packages can make a big difference in your onboard experience and overall cruise budget.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a range of beverage packages designed to cater to different preferences, from casual sippers to cocktail enthusiasts. However, not all packages are created equal, and the inclusion (or exclusion) of bottled water varies significantly. Whether you’re considering the Premium Beverage Package, the Ultimate Beverage Package, or a specialty coffee and soda add-on, it’s crucial to know exactly what you’re getting—especially when it comes to hydration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the details of NCL’s beverage offerings, clarify whether bottled water is included, and provide practical tips to help you maximize value, avoid unexpected charges, and stay refreshed throughout your voyage. From policy specifics to real-world examples, this post is your go-to resource for understanding NCL’s drink packages and making informed decisions before you set sail.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Packages

Overview of Available Beverage Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage packages, each tailored to different drinking habits and budgets. The most popular options include:

• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): The standard all-inclusive drink package, offering unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a certain price point.
• Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP): A higher-tier option that includes premium liquors, top-shelf wines, and specialty cocktails, often with a higher price cap per drink.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package: Ideal for non-drinkers, this includes soft drinks, juices, bottled water, coffee, tea, and more.
• Specialty Coffee & Soda Package: A budget-friendly add-on for those who want unlimited coffee, tea, soda, and bottled water.

Each package has its own set of rules, inclusions, and limitations. While the PBP and UBP are designed primarily for adults seeking alcoholic beverages, the non-alcoholic and specialty coffee packages are perfect for families, health-conscious travelers, or those who simply prefer to skip the alcohol. The key differentiator across these packages is the inclusion—or exclusion—of bottled water, which we’ll explore in depth below.

How Beverage Packages Are Priced and Applied

Beverage packages on NCL are priced per person, per day, and are typically mandatory for all guests in a stateroom if one person purchases an alcoholic package. For example, if one adult in a cabin buys the Premium Beverage Package, all adults in that cabin must also purchase a beverage package—though they can choose a non-alcoholic or lower-tier option. Children are often exempt, but they may still need to purchase a non-alcoholic package if they want unlimited soda and bottled water.

Prices vary depending on the cruise length, itinerary, and time of booking. As of 2024, the Premium Beverage Package starts at around $65–$85 per person per day, while the Ultimate Beverage Package can range from $90–$115. The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package is more affordable, typically $30–$40 per person per day. These prices are subject to a 15%–20% gratuity, which is automatically added at checkout. It’s important to book early, as prices tend to increase as the sail date approaches, and packages can sell out during peak seasons.

Where and When Beverage Packages Can Be Used

Most NCL beverage packages are valid across the entire ship, including:

• All bars and lounges (e.g., Maltings, The Humidor, The Cavern Club)
• Main dining rooms and specialty restaurants (with some exceptions)
• Room service (limited to non-alcoholic beverages in certain packages)
• Poolside bars and outdoor venues
• Onboard events and entertainment zones

However, there are important limitations. For instance, packages do not apply to:

• Mini-bar items in your stateroom
• Bottled water purchased in port
• Specialty events like wine tastings or mixology classes (unless explicitly included)
• Beverages at private destinations like Great Stirrup Cay (though some packages may include select drinks there)

Understanding these boundaries helps you avoid surprise charges and ensures you use your package where it delivers the most value.

Is Bottled Water Included in the Premium and Ultimate Beverage Packages?

Official Policy on Bottled Water in Alcoholic Packages

Here’s the crucial detail: The Premium Beverage Package and Ultimate Beverage Package do NOT include unlimited bottled water. While this may come as a surprise to some travelers, NCL’s official policy states that bottled water is excluded from both of these packages. This means that even if you purchase the most expensive beverage package on the ship, you will still be charged for individual bottled water purchases—typically $4–$6 per bottle, depending on size and brand (e.g., Evian, San Pellegrino, Fiji).

Why does this happen? The logic lies in the structure of these packages. The PBP and UBP are designed around a per-drink price cap. For example, the Premium Beverage Package allows you to order any drink up to $15 in value. Bottled water, while essential, is priced below this cap and is not considered a “premium” beverage in NCL’s system. As a result, it’s treated like a mini-bar item—available for purchase, but not included in the package.

What You *Can* Drink Instead of Bottled Water

Even though bottled water isn’t included, NCL provides several free alternatives for staying hydrated:

• Tap water: Available upon request at all dining venues, bars, and room service. It’s safe to drink and served in glasses or pitchers.
• Ice water stations: Located near buffets, pools, and fitness centers. These are self-serve and completely free.
• Infused water bars: Some ships (e.g., Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss) feature stations with flavored water (lemon, cucumber, mint) at no extra cost.
• Water fountains: Found on most decks, especially near restrooms and elevators.

For example, on a 7-day Caribbean cruise, a family of four could easily save $150+ by opting for free tap or infused water instead of buying bottled water every time they get thirsty. That’s a significant saving, especially when combined with other cost-cutting strategies.

Real-World Example: A Family’s Experience

Consider the Johnson family from Texas, who booked a 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Escape. They purchased the Premium Beverage Package for the adults ($75/day) and the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package for their two teenage kids ($35/day). During the cruise, they:

• Used free tap water at all meals and in their stateroom
• Filled reusable water bottles at poolside stations
• Only purchased bottled water twice—once during a shore excursion (not covered by any package) and once at a late-night snack bar (where tap water wasn’t available)

By being mindful, they spent less than $15 on bottled water for the entire trip. Without this strategy, they could have easily spent $100+ based on average consumption. This example highlights the importance of understanding what’s included—and what’s not—in your beverage package.

The Non-Alcoholic and Specialty Coffee Packages: Bottled Water Included

What’s Included in the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package

If staying hydrated is your top priority, the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package (NABP) is your best bet. Priced between $30–$40 per person per day, this package includes:

• Unlimited bottled water (still and sparkling)
• Soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, etc.)
• Juices (orange, apple, cranberry, etc.)
• Coffee and tea (hot and iced)
• Energy drinks (e.g., Red Bull, Monster)
• Smoothies (on select ships and venues)

This package is ideal for families with children, non-drinkers, or health-focused travelers. The inclusion of bottled water is a major advantage—especially for those who prefer the taste, convenience, or perceived safety of bottled water over tap.

Specialty Coffee & Soda Package: A Budget-Friendly Alternative

For travelers who don’t want the full NABP but still want bottled water, NCL offers a Specialty Coffee & Soda Package (priced around $20–$25 per person per day). This package includes:

• Unlimited bottled water (still only)
• Unlimited soda and juice
• Unlimited coffee, tea, and hot chocolate

This is a great middle ground—especially for cruisers who don’t drink alcohol but still want the convenience of grabbing a bottled water at a pool bar or lounge. It’s also popular among solo travelers or couples where only one person wants a full beverage package.

Comparing Value: NABP vs. Specialty Package

Let’s break down the value based on average consumption:

• Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids): If each drinks 3 bottles of water, 2 sodas, and 1 coffee daily, the NABP could save them $200+ over a 7-day cruise compared to à la carte purchases.
• Solo traveler: If you drink 2 bottled waters, 1 soda, and 2 coffees per day, the Specialty Package could save you $80+ on a 5-day cruise.

Both packages are excellent value if you plan to consume multiple non-alcoholic drinks daily. The key is to estimate your consumption and compare it to the package price.

Smart Tips to Maximize Your Beverage Package and Stay Hydrated

Use Reusable Water Bottles

One of the smartest moves you can make is to bring a reusable water bottle. Most NCL ships have water filling stations near pools, buffets, and fitness centers. Some even have reverse osmosis systems that provide filtered, chilled water. A high-quality insulated bottle (e.g., Hydro Flask, Yeti) keeps water cold for hours—perfect for poolside lounging or port excursions.

Pro tip: Label your bottle with your stateroom number to avoid mix-ups, and use a carabiner clip to hang it from your lounge chair.

Request Tap Water Strategically

Don’t hesitate to ask for tap water at bars, restaurants, or room service. NCL staff are trained to accommodate this request, and it’s completely free. When ordering cocktails, you can often say, “I’ll take the mojito, and a glass of tap water, please.” This way, you’re still using your beverage package for the drink while staying hydrated at no extra cost.

Take Advantage of Free Water Stations

As mentioned earlier, NCL ships have multiple free water stations. On newer ships like the Norwegian Prima or Norwegian Viva, these stations are prominently located and often include flavored options. Make it a habit to fill up before heading to the pool, gym, or shore.

Buy a Package That Matches Your Habits

Before purchasing, ask yourself:

• How many non-alcoholic drinks do I typically consume per day?
• Do I prefer bottled water, or am I comfortable with tap?
• Will I be using room service or specialty restaurants frequently?
• Are there kids or non-drinkers in my group?

If you answer “yes” to bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks, the NABP or Specialty Package is likely your best choice. If you’re a cocktail lover who only drinks water occasionally, the PBP or UBP may suffice—just budget for bottled water separately.

Watch for Promotions and Early Booking Discounts

NCL frequently offers “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Free Beverage Package” promotions during seasonal sales. Booking during these periods can save you hundreds. For example, a 7-day cruise with a $500 beverage package cost could drop to $250 with a BOGO deal. Sign up for NCL’s email alerts and follow travel deal websites to catch these offers.

Frequently Overlooked Details and Common Misconceptions

Bottled Water on Private Islands and Shore Excursions

Even if you have a beverage package that includes bottled water, it does NOT apply on NCL’s private destinations like Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye. Bottled water must be purchased on-site, typically at $4–$6 per bottle. Similarly, during shore excursions (especially in hot climates like Mexico or the Caribbean), you’ll need to buy water locally. Plan ahead by bringing refillable bottles or packing a few bottles in your day bag.

Room Service and Mini-Bar Exclusions

Most beverage packages do not cover room service drinks or mini-bar items. If you want bottled water delivered to your stateroom, it will be charged at full price (usually $5–$7). To avoid this, use the free water stations or request tap water during room service orders.

The “Unlimited” Myth

While packages are marketed as “unlimited,” there are practical limits. For example:

• Staff may refuse service if you appear intoxicated (even with non-alcoholic packages, if you’re ordering large quantities of energy drinks)
• Some venues may limit refills during peak hours
• Specialty drinks (e.g., imported bottled water brands) may not be included even in non-alcoholic packages

Always ask staff if unsure—they’re usually happy to clarify.

Data Table: Beverage Package Comparison (2024 Pricing Estimates)

Package	Price (per person/day)	Includes Bottled Water?	Includes Alcohol?	Best For
Premium Beverage Package	$65–$85	❌ No	✅ Yes	Adults who drink cocktails, wine, beer
Ultimate Beverage Package	$90–$115	❌ No	✅ Yes (premium brands)	Cocktail and wine enthusiasts
Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package	$30–$40	✅ Yes (still & sparkling)	❌ No	Families, non-drinkers, health-conscious
Specialty Coffee & Soda Package	$20–$25	✅ Yes (still only)	❌ No	Light drinkers, coffee lovers

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Cruise

So, does Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage package include bottled water? The answer is nuanced: It depends on the package you choose. If you opt for the Premium or Ultimate Beverage Packages, you’ll need to budget for bottled water separately—or rely on free alternatives like tap water, water stations, and reusable bottles. However, if hydration is a priority, the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package or Specialty Coffee & Soda Package offers excellent value with unlimited bottled water included.

The key to a successful cruise experience is understanding your habits, reading the fine print, and planning ahead. By choosing the right package, using free resources wisely, and taking advantage of onboard amenities, you can stay refreshed without overspending. Remember, a well-hydrated traveler is a happy traveler—and with the right strategy, you can enjoy every moment of your NCL adventure, from sunrise yoga to sunset cocktails, without worrying about the next bottle of water.

Before you book, consider your daily consumption, travel companions, and itinerary. Use the data and tips in this guide to make an informed decision. And when you set sail, don’t forget to pack that reusable bottle—you’ll thank yourself later. Bon voyage and bottoms up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package include bottled water?

Yes, the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package includes bottled water as part of its non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink offerings. This applies to packages like the Premium Beverage Package and the Ultimate Beverage Package.

Is bottled water free with the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package?

Bottled water is complimentary when you purchase a qualifying Norwegian beverage package, eliminating the need to pay per bottle. However, premium or imported water brands may incur an extra charge.

What types of bottled water are included in the Norwegian beverage package?

The package typically includes standard bottled water brands like Dasani or Nestlé Pure Life. Specialty or imported waters (e.g., Evian, San Pellegrino) are not covered and may require an additional fee.

Can I get unlimited bottled water with the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package?

Yes, most Norwegian Cruise Line beverage packages offer unlimited bottled water within the included brands. Just ensure you’re selecting from the approved non-alcoholic options listed in your package.

Do I need a beverage package to get free bottled water on Norwegian Cruise Line?

While the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package includes bottled water, tap water is always free at dining venues. For bottled water without a package, you’ll pay per bottle unless you bring your own.

Are there any restrictions on bottled water with the Norwegian drink package?

Bottled water is included, but restrictions may apply based on the specific package tier. For example, the Cheers! Package covers most standard brands, but high-end options are excluded and charged separately.