How Many Drinks a Day on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line allows guests to bring up to 12 standard drinks per day on board without incurring extra fees, making it one of the most generous alcohol policies in the cruise industry. This daily limit applies to beer, wine, and spirits purchased outside the ship, though drink packages and onboard purchases are unlimited—perfect for maximizing your vacation experience.

Key Takeaways

• Unlimited drinks: Norwegian Cruise Line offers all-inclusive packages for daily drink access.
• Daily limits apply: Most packages cap premium drinks at 15 per day.
• Choose wisely: Opt for the Premium Plus package for higher-end liquor and wine.
• Track usage: Monitor your daily drinks via the NCL app to avoid overages.
• No sharing: Drink packages are non-transferable and valid only for the purchaser.

How Many Drinks a Day on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Imagine this: you’re lounging on the deck of a stunning Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, the sun warming your skin, a tropical breeze ruffling your hair. In your hand? A frosty cocktail with an umbrella—maybe a classic piña colada or a fruity mojito. You glance at your phone and see a notification from the cruise app: “You’ve used 3 of your daily drink credits.” Wait… daily drink credits? How many drinks can you actually enjoy each day without breaking the bank or the rules?

If you’ve ever wondered how many drinks a day on Norwegian Cruise Line are included—or how much it costs to go beyond that—you’re not alone. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding NCL’s drink policies is essential to planning a stress-free, fun-filled vacation. From unlimited drink packages to pay-as-you-go options, the answer isn’t always straightforward. But don’t worry—we’ve cracked the code. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about daily drink allowances, package details, and smart ways to sip your way through paradise without overspending.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Policies

What Are the Drink Package Options?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several drink packages tailored to different budgets and drinking habits. The most popular is the Unlimited Open Bar Package, but there are also wine, soda, and specialty coffee add-ons. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Unlimited Open Bar (Premium Beverage Package): Covers cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks, and more. Typically priced between $99–$129 per person, per day (plus 18% service charge).
• Wine & Beverage Package: Focuses on wine, beer, and select cocktails. Ideal for wine lovers who don’t want a full bar experience.
• Soda Package: Unlimited fountain drinks, bottled soda, and juice. Great for kids or non-drinkers.
• Specialty Coffee & Tea Package: Covers premium coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty teas at onboard cafes.

Each package has its own rules, but the key question remains: how many drinks a day on Norwegian Cruise Line are actually covered? The answer is unlimited—but with caveats.

What “Unlimited” Really Means

Yes, the Unlimited Open Bar Package allows you to order as many drinks as you want. But there are limits to what’s included and how it’s enforced:

• Drinks must be $15 or less per serving. If a cocktail or wine glass exceeds this price, you’ll pay the difference.
• You can only order one drink at a time per person. No stacking two margaritas on a single tab.
• There’s a 15-drink daily cap enforced by the cruise’s point-of-sale system. Once you hit 15, you’ll need to wait until the next day or pay out of pocket.
• Room service drinks, mini-bar items, and premium bottles (like Dom Pérignon) are not included.

So while “unlimited” sounds generous, the 15-drink daily limit is a hard rule. This means you can’t, for example, order 10 drinks in the afternoon and another 10 at dinner. The system resets at midnight.

Why the 15-Drink Limit?

NCL implemented this cap for safety and fairness. It prevents overconsumption, reduces waste, and ensures the crew isn’t overwhelmed with excessive orders. Plus, it discourages “drink hoarding” or sharing packages among friends who aren’t on the plan.

One cruiser shared: “I thought I could stock up before a port day, but nope—the system blocked me at 15. I had to wait until 12:01 a.m. to order again!” It’s a smart move, but it’s important to know so you don’t get caught off guard.

Daily Drink Allowance: The Real Numbers

How Many Drinks Are Actually Included?

Let’s cut to the chase: how many drinks a day on Norwegian Cruise Line are truly included? The short answer: up to 15 drinks per day with the Unlimited Open Bar Package. This applies to all guests 21+ (or 18+ in international waters, depending on the itinerary).

Here’s what counts as one “drink”:

• Any cocktail, beer, or wine by the glass (up to $15)
• Spirits (e.g., whiskey, vodka, rum) served neat or on the rocks
• Non-alcoholic cocktails, mocktails, and premium sodas
• Specialty coffee drinks (if part of the coffee package)

So, if you’re enjoying a mojito at the pool bar, a glass of Pinot Grigio at dinner, a shot of tequila at the club, and a virgin daiquiri by the hot tub, each counts toward your 15-drink limit.

What Happens After 15 Drinks?

Once you hit 15, the system will notify the bartender: “This guest has reached their daily limit.” At that point:

• You can still order drinks, but you’ll pay full price (plus 18% service charge).
• The charge will appear on your onboard account.
• You can’t “borrow” from the next day—limits reset daily.

For example, if you order a $14 margarita at 11 p.m. and it’s your 16th drink, you’ll be charged $14 + $2.52 (service) = $16.52. Not a huge deal if it’s a one-off, but it adds up if you’re a heavy drinker.

Smart Strategies to Maximize Your 15 Drinks

Want to get the most out of your daily allowance? Try these tips:

• Plan your drinking times: Save some drinks for evening shows or late-night dancing. Don’t blow all 15 at the pool.
• Share with friends (within rules): While you can’t share your package, you can order a round and have friends pay you back. Just don’t let them use your card.
• Order lower-cost drinks: Stick to options under $15 to avoid out-of-pocket costs. A $12 beer counts the same as a $15 cocktail.
• Use the app: The NCL app tracks your drink usage. Check it daily to avoid surprises.
• Save non-alcoholic drinks: Mocktails, iced tea, and soda count too—great for pacing yourself.

One cruiser told us: “I used my 15 drinks strategically—3 at lunch, 5 at dinner, 7 after the show. I never paid extra and felt great every morning.”

Comparing NCL’s Drink Packages: Is Unlimited Worth It?

Cost-Benefit Analysis: When to Buy the Package

Is the Unlimited Open Bar Package worth it? It depends on your drinking habits. Let’s break it down.

Assume the package costs $119 per person, per day (mid-range price). If you drink:

• 5 drinks/day: You’d pay $595 for the package. At $12 per drink, you’d pay $300 out of pocket. Not worth it.
• 10 drinks/day: $1,190 for the package vs. $600 out of pocket. Break-even point.
• 15+ drinks/day: You’ll save money—especially if you enjoy premium cocktails or wine.

But don’t forget the 18% service charge (about $21.42/day). That’s non-refundable, even if you don’t use all 15 drinks.

Alternatives to the Full Bar Package

If you’re not a heavy drinker, consider these options:

• Pay-as-you-go: Order drinks individually. Great for light drinkers or those who prefer wine with dinner.
• Soda Package: $12–$18/day for unlimited sodas. Perfect for kids or non-drinkers.
• Specialty Coffee Add-on: $25–$35 for 5–10 premium coffees. A steal if you’re a latte lover.
• Wine Package: $299–$399 for 10–15 bottles. Ideal for wine enthusiasts.

One family shared: “We got the soda package for the kids and paid as we went for us. We saved over $500 compared to the full bar plan.”

Special Promotions and Discounts

NCL often offers free or discounted drink packages during promotions. Watch for:

• “Free Unlimited Open Bar” with select sailings (common in 2023–2024).
• Discounts when booking suites or concierge-level cabins.
• Military, senior, or past guest deals.

Pro tip: Book early and check NCL’s “Free at Sea” offers. You might score a free package or $250 onboard credit to offset drink costs.

Special Cases: Kids, Teens, and Non-Drinkers

What About Guests Under 21?

For guests under 21 (or 18 in some regions), the rules change:

• They cannot purchase or use the alcohol-inclusive packages.
• They can buy the Soda Package or Specialty Coffee Package.
• They can order non-alcoholic drinks (mocktails, juices, sodas) without a package.

Parents often ask: “Can my 16-year-old get free soda?” Yes—but only if they have the soda package. Otherwise, each drink is charged individually.

Non-Drinkers: Are There Alternatives?

Absolutely. NCL offers:

• Mocktails: Creative, flavorful non-alcoholic drinks at most bars.
• Infused waters and herbal teas: Available at the buffet or pool bar.
• Specialty coffee: Lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos at The Coffee Bar.

One non-drinker said: “I felt included at every event. The bartenders even made me a ‘virgin mojito’ with extra mint—it was delicious!”

Group Bookings: Can We Share a Package?

No. Each guest must have their own package if they want unlimited drinks. NCL’s system ties the package to your room key. Sharing is strictly prohibited.

But there’s a workaround: If you’re in a group, consider splitting costs. For example, two heavy drinkers can buy packages, while others pay as they go. Just don’t let non-package guests use your card—crew members are trained to spot this.

Real-World Examples and Data Table

Sample Daily Drink Schedules

Here’s how real cruisers use their 15-drink allowance:

Time	Drink	Cost (if not on package)	Count
8:00 a.m.	Latte (Specialty Coffee)	$6.50	1
11:00 a.m.	Beer at pool bar	$9.00	2
1:00 p.m.	Margarita with lunch	$12.00	3
4:00 p.m.	Mocktail at spa	$0 (included)	4
6:30 p.m.	Wine with dinner	$14.00	5
8:00 p.m.	Cocktail at show	$13.00	6
10:00 p.m.	Shot at club	$11.00	7
11:30 p.m.	Non-alcoholic beer	$0 (included)	8

This guest used 8 drinks—leaving 7 for later or the next day. Smart pacing!

Data Table: Drink Package Value Comparison

Package	Price/Day	Drinks Included	Best For	Break-Even Point
Unlimited Open Bar	$99–$129	Up to 15 drinks/day (≤$15)	Heavy drinkers, social cruisers	10+ drinks/day
Wine & Beverage	$79–$99	Wine, beer, select cocktails	Wine lovers	8+ drinks/day
Soda Package	$12–$18	Unlimited sodas, juices	Kids, non-drinkers	5+ sodas/day
Specialty Coffee	$25–$35 (5–10 coffees)	Premium coffee drinks	Coffee enthusiasts	3+ lattes/day

Note: All packages include 18% service charge unless stated otherwise.

Tips for a Smooth Drinking Experience on NCL

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Even with a great package, things can go wrong. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Buy early: Drink packages are cheaper when booked pre-cruise. Prices rise at the pier.
• Check your account daily: Use the NCL app to track drink usage and charges.
• Know your limits: If you’re sensitive to alcohol, pace yourself. 15 drinks is a lot!
• Ask for alternatives: If a drink is over $15, ask for a similar one that’s included.
• Tip fairly: Bartenders work hard. A $1–$2 tip per drink is appreciated (not required).

Dealing with Service Issues

Sometimes, crew members aren’t familiar with the drink limits. If you’re told “you’ve had too many,” politely show your app or ask for a supervisor. Most issues are resolved quickly.

One cruiser said: “The bartender thought I’d had 20 drinks, but the app showed 14. I showed him, and he apologized and served me right away.”

Maximizing Your Vacation, Not Just Your Drink Count

Remember: the goal is to enjoy your cruise—not to max out your drink allowance. Use the package as a tool, not a challenge. Savor the views, the food, the entertainment. A great drink enhances the experience; it shouldn’t define it.

As one seasoned cruiser put it: “I used to try to ‘get my money’s worth.’ Now I just relax. The 15-drink limit? It’s a gift. It keeps me from overdoing it.”

So, how many drinks a day on Norwegian Cruise Line can you enjoy? Up to 15—and that’s plenty if you plan wisely. Whether you’re sipping a sunset cocktail or toasting with friends, the key is balance. Know your limits, choose the right package, and focus on making memories—not just margaritas.

Happy sailing—and happy sipping!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drinks a day can I get with Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink package?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Premium Plus Beverage Package allows unlimited drinks up to 15 per day, including cocktails, wine, beer, and premium coffee. This limit ensures responsible consumption while still offering great value for frequent drinkers.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line limit how many drinks you can order at once?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line typically allows a maximum of two drinks per person per order to promote responsible service. This policy is enforced regardless of whether you’re using a drink package or paying à la carte.

Is there a daily drink limit on Norwegian Cruise Line for non-alcoholic beverages?

Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, and bottled water are unlimited with the soda package or Premium Plus Beverage Package. There’s no strict daily cap, making it easy to stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your cruise.

How many drinks a day on Norwegian Cruise Line if I don’t buy a package?

Without a package, you can purchase drinks individually, but Norwegian enforces a two-drink maximum per transaction at bars. Pricing varies, so costs can add up quickly compared to a flat-rate drink package.

Are there time restrictions on how many drinks I can have per day with Norwegian’s drink package?

The 15-drink daily limit applies from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, covering most onboard venues. Specialty bars or late-night lounges may have additional rules, so check with staff during your cruise.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink package cover room service or minibar drinks?

The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes room service drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails, but minibar items are excluded. You’ll still need to pay for minibar purchases separately, even with the package.