Does Norwegian Cruise Line Include Alcohol Find Out Here

Norwegian Cruise Line does not include alcohol in its standard cruise fare, but offers a variety of drink packages and promotions to suit every budget. Guests can purchase the popular Ultimate Beverage Package for unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits, or take advantage of seasonal deals and pre-cruise discounts to save on alcohol. Planning ahead is key to maximizing value while enjoying your favorite drinks onboard.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol isn’t included in base fares; purchase drinks individually or via packages.
• Drink packages available for unlimited cocktails, beer, and wine at daily rates.
• Specialty dining packages may include select drinks—check terms before booking.
• Kids’ drink packages offered for non-alcoholic beverages like soda and smoothies.
• Bring your own alcohol? NCL prohibits it—confiscated at embarkation per policy.
• Happy hour deals and promotions can reduce costs—ask onboard for details.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Include Alcohol? Let’s Break It Down

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a cocktail on the deck of a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship while the ocean breeze brushes your face, you’ve probably wondered: does Norwegian Cruise Line include alcohol in their packages? It’s a question that pops up in nearly every traveler’s mind before booking a cruise, especially when trying to budget for the trip. After all, no one wants to be caught off guard with a surprise bar bill at the end of their vacation.

Here’s the good news: NCL doesn’t include most alcohol in the base fare, but they do offer flexible, customizable options to fit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you’re a wine lover, a beer enthusiast, or someone who enjoys the occasional cocktail, NCL has something for you. But like any cruise line, the details matter. In this post, we’ll dive deep into what’s included, what’s not, and how to make the most of your drinking experience onboard without breaking the bank. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense guide—like advice from a seasoned cruiser who’s been there, done that, and survived the bar bill.

Understanding NCL’s Base Fare: What’s Included and What’s Not

When you book a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, your base fare covers a lot—your stateroom, meals at most onboard restaurants, access to entertainment, and even some soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages. But here’s the catch: alcohol is not included in the standard fare. This is a common practice across the cruise industry, but NCL stands out for offering a variety of ways to manage your drink costs.

What’s Included for Free

NCL does include a few beverages in your fare to keep you hydrated and happy. These are:

• Tap water, iced tea, and lemonade—available at all dining venues and buffet areas.
• Coffee and tea—served at the buffet and main dining rooms. Specialty coffees (like lattes or espressos) are extra.
• Juices—orange, apple, and cranberry are typically free at breakfast and brunch.
• Non-alcoholic cocktails and mocktails—available at most bars and lounges.

One traveler I met on a recent NCL cruise joked, “I survived the week on iced tea and orange juice—until I saw the bar menu.” It’s true: while the basics are covered, the real fun (and cost) starts when you order that mojito or glass of Cabernet.

What’s Not Included

Here’s where things get interesting. The following are not included in your base fare and will be charged to your onboard account:

• Beer (domestic, imported, craft, and specialty)
• Wine (by the glass or bottle)
• Cocktails and spirits (including premium liquors)
• Sparkling wine and champagne (except during select promotions)
• Premium bottled water and energy drinks

Prices vary by ship and itinerary, but expect cocktails to range from $12–$18, glasses of wine from $10–$16, and beer from $7–$12. It adds up fast. I remember ordering a margarita on my first NCL cruise—only to realize it cost more than my airport parking. Lesson learned: plan ahead.

Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Packages: Your Best Value Options

If you plan to drink more than a couple of beverages during your cruise, alcohol packages are your best friend. NCL offers a few different drink plans, and choosing the right one can save you hundreds of dollars.

The Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP)

This is NCL’s most popular and comprehensive option. For a flat daily rate (usually $99–$119 per person, per day), you get:

• All drinks up to $15 in value (including cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, and soda)
• Premium coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.)
• Fresh-squeezed juices
• Energy drinks and bottled water

Note: If your drink costs more than $15, you pay the difference. For example, a $17 cocktail would cost you $2 extra. But for most drinks, it’s covered.

Pro tip: The UBP is only worth it if you plan to drink at least 6–7 drinks per day. I once met a couple who used it for sunset cocktails every night, wine at dinner, and a beer by the pool—and they said it paid for itself by day three.

Premium Plus Beverage Package

This is a step up from the UBP. At around $129–$149 per day, it includes:

• All drinks up to $20 in value
• Premium spirits (like Grey Goose, Patron, and Johnnie Walker Black)
• Higher-end wines and champagne (up to $20 per glass)
• All UBP benefits

This is ideal for travelers who enjoy top-shelf liquors or want to try a $19 glass of Veuve Clicquot without the sticker shock. One cruiser told me, “I got the Premium Plus just for the champagne at dinner. It felt fancy, and I didn’t have to worry about the bill.”

Other Options: Soda and Juice Packages

Not a big drinker? NCL also offers:

• Soda Package: ~$10/day for unlimited fountain sodas, juices, and bottled water.
• Juice & Smoothie Package: ~$15/day for fresh juices, smoothies, and protein shakes.

These are great for families, non-drinkers, or health-conscious travelers. I saw a dad on my last cruise with a juice package—his kids loved the daily smoothies, and he avoided the temptation of the bar menu.

How to Save Money on Alcohol Without a Package

Not ready to commit to a package? Or maybe you’re only having one or two drinks per day. No problem. There are smart ways to enjoy alcohol onboard without blowing your budget.

Look for Promotions and Discounts

NCL often runs pre-cruise drink package deals. Booking early can save you 15–25% on the daily rate. I once booked a UBP for $79/day (normally $99) because I reserved it 90 days in advance. That’s $200 saved on a 7-day cruise!

Also, keep an eye out for:

• Happy Hour: Most bars offer 2-for-1 cocktails or discounted drinks for an hour each day.
• Special Events: Wine tastings, cocktail-making classes, and beer festivals often include free or reduced-price drinks.
• Onboard Credit: Many promotions include OBC (onboard credit) that can be used for drinks. Use it wisely!

Bring Your Own (Within Limits)

Good news: NCL allows you to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person onboard. This is perfect for celebrating a special occasion in your stateroom. Just don’t try to sneak in a case of beer—security will confiscate it.

One couple I met brought a bottle of Prosecco for their anniversary dinner. “We paid a $25 corkage fee,” they said, “but it was worth it to toast on our balcony.”

Skip the Package and Pay As You Go

If you’re a light drinker, this might be your best bet. Stick to:

• One cocktail at sunset
• Beer with lunch
• Wine at dinner (split a bottle with your partner)

Track your spending daily using the NCL app. That way, you’ll know if you’re creeping toward the cost of a package. I once avoided a package by limiting myself to $30/day—and still had a great time.

Alcohol Policies and Rules You Need to Know

Before you start pouring, there are a few rules and policies to keep in mind. These exist for safety, fairness, and legal reasons—and ignoring them could cost you.

Age Requirements and ID Checks

The legal drinking age on NCL ships is 21 for U.S. and Caribbean itineraries. For cruises in Europe, the age may be lower (e.g., 18 in Germany), but NCL typically enforces a 21+ policy across the board for consistency.

Be prepared to show your ID every time you order alcohol. I’ve seen people get turned down for not having their passport handy—even on their own balcony! Keep your ID in a waterproof pouch if you’re heading to the pool.

Package Sharing and Usage Rules

Drink packages are non-transferable and must be purchased for every adult in your stateroom if one person buys it. For example, if you and your partner are sharing a room, and you buy the UBP, your partner must also buy it—or pay per drink.

Also, packages can’t be shared between staterooms. No “I’ll buy it for the whole group” loopholes. NCL’s system tracks usage by room key, so it’s nearly impossible to cheat the system.

Refunds and Cancellations

Once purchased, drink packages are non-refundable unless your cruise is canceled by NCL. If you decide you’re not using it enough, you can’t get a partial refund. This is why it’s so important to estimate your drinking habits accurately.

One cruiser told me, “I bought the UBP but ended up sick for two days. I barely used it. Lesson learned: don’t overestimate!”

Real Examples: How Different Travelers Use Alcohol on NCL

To help you visualize, let’s look at how real travelers—with different budgets and preferences—handle alcohol on NCL cruises.

The Budget-Conscious Couple

Trip: 7-day Caribbean cruise

• Strategy: No package. One cocktail per day, wine at dinner (shared bottle), beer at lunch.
• Cost: ~$210 total (~$30/day)
• Tip: Used onboard credit from a promotion to cover half the cost.

“We didn’t feel deprived,” they said. “We just planned our drinks like any other vacation.”

The All-Inclusive Enthusiast

Trip: 10-day Alaska cruise

• Strategy: Premium Plus Package (bought early at a 20% discount)
• Cost: $1,190 for two people (~$119/day)
• Usage: 8+ drinks per day, including premium cocktails and champagne

“It was worth it,” they said. “We didn’t think twice about ordering what we wanted.”

The Family of Four

Trip: 5-day Bahamas cruise

• Strategy: Soda package for kids, no package for adults
• Cost: $200 for soda package + ~$150 for adult drinks
• Tip: Brought their own wine for dinner in the room.

“The kids loved the unlimited smoothies,” the mom said. “And we saved by not drinking much.”

Data Table: Comparing NCL Alcohol Packages (2024)

Package	Daily Price	Drink Limit	Best For	Break-Even Point (Drinks/Day)
Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP)	$99–$119	$15 per drink	Moderate to heavy drinkers	6–7 drinks
Premium Plus	$129–$149	$20 per drink	Top-shelf lovers, champagne fans	8+ drinks
Soda Package	$10	Unlimited	Families, non-drinkers	5+ sodas
Juice & Smoothie	$15	Unlimited	Health-conscious travelers	3+ smoothies

Note: Prices vary by itinerary and booking time. Check NCL’s website for current rates.

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Cruise

So, does Norwegian Cruise Line include alcohol? The short answer: not in the base fare. But with flexible packages, smart strategies, and a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without stressing about the bill.

The key is knowing yourself. Are you a casual drinker who enjoys a glass of wine with dinner? Skip the package and pay as you go. Do you love trying new cocktails and premium spirits? The Premium Plus might be your best bet. And if you’re traveling with kids or prefer non-alcoholic options, the soda or juice packages are a great value.

Remember: a cruise is about relaxation and fun. Don’t let drink costs ruin the vibe. Use the tips here to make informed choices, track your spending, and savor every sip—responsibly, of course. After all, the ocean, the sunsets, and the memories are what truly matter. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include alcohol in their base fare?

No, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) does not include alcohol in their standard cruise fare. Beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available for purchase a la carte or through drink packages.

What are the alcohol options on Norwegian Cruise Line?

NCL offers a variety of alcohol options, including beer, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits. Guests can buy drinks individually or opt for one of NCL’s beverage packages, such as the Premium Plus Beverage Package, which includes unlimited alcoholic drinks.

Is there a drink package that covers all alcohol on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, the Premium Plus Beverage Package includes unlimited alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and spirits (up to $15 per drink). This package must be purchased for the entire cruise and is available to guests 21+.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include alcohol in their Free at Sea promotion?

The Free at Sea promotion may include a beverage package as one of the perks, depending on your booking. However, this typically covers select drinks—always check the terms to confirm if premium alcohol is included.

Can I bring my own alcohol on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

NCL allows guests to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard, such as one bottle of wine per person at embarkation. However, any additional alcohol purchased in ports will be held until the end of the cruise.

Are there any free alcoholic drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line?

While most alcohol is not free, NCL occasionally offers complimentary drinks during special events, such as Captain’s Night or onboard promotions. Otherwise, guests must purchase drinks or use a beverage package to enjoy alcohol.