Picture this: you’re lounging by the pool on a Norwegian cruise, the sun is shining, and the ocean breeze is calling for a refreshing drink. But before you order that fruity cocktail, you’re probably wondering, how much do drinks cost on Norwegian cruises? Understanding the beverage pricing structure is key to budgeting your vacation and avoiding any surprises on your final bill. This guide will break down everything you need to know about drink prices, beverage packages, and other tips for enjoying your cruise without breaking the bank.
Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Pricing
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with individual pricing. Understanding this base pricing is crucial before considering beverage packages. Knowing the general cost of individual drinks will allow you to accurately assess whether purchasing a drink package is cost-effective for you and your travel companions.
Standard Drink Prices
On average, expect to pay around $7 to $10 for beers, $9 to $15 for cocktails, and $8 to $12 for glasses of wine. Non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juices, and specialty coffees also come with a price tag, usually ranging from $3 to $6. These prices can vary slightly based on the specific bar or restaurant onboard and the drink’s ingredients. Factors like premium liquor or elaborate garnishes contribute to higher costs.
- Beers: Domestic beers typically cost $7 to $8, while imported beers might range from $8 to $10. Craft beers could be even higher, depending on their availability and exclusivity.
- Cocktails: Classic cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, and mojitos typically range from $9 to $13. Premium cocktails with top-shelf liquor or unique ingredients can cost $13 to $15 or even more.
- Wine: A glass of house wine generally costs $8 to $10. More premium wines can cost $10 to $12 or even more, depending on the vintage and selection. Bottles of wine are also available for purchase.
Different cruise ships have varied options for beers. Smaller, more intimate bars might have smaller selections, whereas ships with large pool areas or dedicated beer gardens could have a wider variety available for purchase.
Many bars on NCL ships have their own specialty cocktail menus which often feature unique ingredients and themes, making them an attractive, but potentially costly, option for those looking to try something new. These drinks are skillfully crafted and can enhance the cruise experience.
NCL offers a varied wine list that includes options for different palates and budgets. Passengers can often ask for recommendations from the bar staff to ensure they find the perfect wine pairing for their meals or evening enjoyment.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors influence the cost of drinks onboard. These include the type of alcohol, the brand (premium vs. standard), the location on the ship (some specialty bars might have higher prices), and any promotional offers available. For instance, drinks at the upscale martini bar might be pricier than those at the poolside bar. Keep an eye out for happy hour specials or daily drink promotions that can help you save money. Additionally, drinks in the casino may sometimes be complimentary while actively gambling, but this can vary by ship and voyage.
NCL often offers special drink promotions that can significantly reduce costs. Promotions such as “Drink of the Day” or happy hour deals can provide substantial savings. Being mindful of these promotions allows passengers to enjoy their favorite beverages without the high cost.
Exploring Norwegian’s Beverage Packages
NCL offers various beverage packages designed to provide value for cruisers who plan to consume multiple drinks per day. Understanding the different packages, their inclusions, and limitations is essential to determine if they’re a worthwhile investment. The key is to calculate your typical daily drink consumption and compare it with the package costs.
Premium Beverage Package
The Premium Beverage Package is NCL’s most comprehensive drink package. It includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a certain price point (around $15 per drink). This package covers cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and even bottled water. Guests with this package can enjoy most of the drinks offered onboard without incurring additional charges, subject to the per-drink limit. A service fee (gratuity) is usually charged upon purchase of the package.
- Inclusions: Cocktails, beers, wines by the glass (up to $15), sodas, juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, and energy drinks.
- Limitations: Drinks priced above $15 are not included and will incur an additional charge. Sharing of drinks is prohibited.
- Cost: The cost varies based on the cruise length and itinerary but typically falls in the range of $99 to $138 per person per day, plus a service charge (gratuity).
The Premium Beverage Package is inclusive, covering a wide array of drink options. This means passengers can enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages without incurring additional costs for each drink (up to the set dollar amount). This variety allows passengers to explore various flavors and types of drinks throughout their cruise.
Although inclusive, the Premium Beverage Package does come with limitations. Drinks priced above the established limit are not included and will require an additional charge. Sharing drinks purchased using the package is strictly prohibited, and violation of this policy can result in the package being revoked.
The cost of the Premium Beverage Package can vary based on the specific cruise length and itinerary. The daily cost typically ranges from $99 to $138 per person, plus a mandatory gratuity. Passengers should consider their daily drinking habits to decide if the cost aligns with their consumption.
Premium Plus Beverage Package
The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes everything in the Premium Beverage Package plus premium liquor, select wines by the glass, and bottled wines. It also provides discounts on bottles of wine. This package caters to those who prefer high-end drinks or enjoy premium wine selections. Its higher cost is justified if you frequently indulge in top-shelf liquors and fine wines.
- Inclusions: All benefits of the Premium Beverage Package, plus premium liquor, select wines by the glass, bottled wines, and discounts on bottles of wine.
- Limitations: As with the Premium Beverage Package, sharing of drinks is prohibited.
- Cost: The cost typically falls in the range of $128 to $157 per person per day, plus a service charge (gratuity).
The Premium Plus Beverage Package includes all of the benefits in the Premium Beverage Package but expands the offerings to include premium liquors, select wines by the glass, bottled wines, and discounts on bottled wine purchases. This gives passengers access to more exclusive and high-end beverages.
Similar to the Premium Beverage Package, sharing drinks under the Premium Plus Beverage Package is strictly forbidden. This rule ensures that the benefits of the package are solely for the purchaser, preventing abuse and maintaining fair value for all participants.
Due to the added premium offerings, the Premium Plus Beverage Package is more expensive than the standard Premium Beverage Package, usually costing between $128 and $157 per person per day, plus a gratuity. Passengers who appreciate higher-quality spirits and wine may find the increased cost worthwhile.
Soda Package
For those who don’t consume alcohol, NCL offers a Soda Package, which provides unlimited soda and juice throughout the cruise. This package is ideal for families with children or individuals who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. It eliminates the need to pay per drink and offers a predictable cost for refreshments.
- Inclusions: Unlimited soda and juice at all bars, lounges, and restaurants.
- Limitations: Does not include specialty coffees or alcoholic beverages.
- Cost: Typically around $9.95 per person per day, plus a service charge (gratuity).
The Soda Package provides guests unlimited access to soda and juice at all onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants. This allows passengers to enjoy their favorite non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise without the need to individually purchase each drink, leading to potential savings.
The Soda Package is specifically for soda and juice, and does not include specialty coffees or alcoholic beverages. Guests who desire those drinks in addition to soda and juice may need to consider purchasing those items individually or exploring other beverage packages that include a wider range of options.
The Soda Package is a relatively affordable option, generally costing about $9.95 per person per day, plus a service charge or gratuity. This cost-effective solution is a good fit for passengers who predominantly consume soda and juice during their cruise.
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Estimating Your Cruise Drink Costs
Estimating your drink costs is crucial for cruise budgeting. By understanding your drinking habits, you can determine whether purchasing a beverage package or paying per drink is more economical. Consider factors such as the number of sea days, port days, and your typical daily drink consumption.
Assessing Your Drinking Habits
Start by assessing how many drinks you typically consume in a day. On a typical vacation day, do you have one or two drinks, or do you enjoy several throughout the day and evening? Also, consider the types of drinks you prefer. If you mainly drink soda or a few beers, a beverage package might not be necessary. However, if you enjoy multiple cocktails or premium wines, a package could save you money.
A 2022 survey indicated that cruise passengers who purchase beverage packages consume an average of five alcoholic drinks per day. Those who don’t purchase a package consume an average of two. These statistics highlight the significant difference in consumption and underscore the importance of knowing your typical intake.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
Calculate the break-even point by dividing the daily cost of the beverage package by the average price of the drinks you typically consume. For example, if the Premium Beverage Package costs $99 per day and your average drink costs $10, you would need to drink at least 10 drinks per day to break even. If you don’t think you’ll consume that many, paying per drink might be more cost-effective. Consider the mandatory gratuities which are added to the cost of the packages, effectively raising the break-even point.
Here’s an example:
Daily Premium Package Cost (including gratuity): $119
Average Drink Cost: $12
Break-Even Point: Approximately 10 drinks per day.
Considering Port Days
Factor in port days when calculating your estimated drink costs. On port days, you might spend less time on the ship and consume fewer drinks onboard, which could affect the overall value of a beverage package. If you plan to explore local bars and restaurants in port, you might not need a full-day’s worth of drinks from the package.
Real-life example: On a 7-day cruise with three port days, a passenger might only need the beverage package for four days. If the package cost is high, buying drinks individually on port days might be more economical. This flexibility can lead to significant cost savings without sacrificing enjoyment.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a beverage package, there are still ways to save money on drinks during your Norwegian cruise. By being strategic about your beverage choices and taking advantage of available deals, you can enjoy your favorite drinks without overspending.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour Specials
Most bars on Norwegian cruise ships offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks. These specials typically occur in the late afternoon or early evening. Checking the daily schedule for happy hour timings and locations can help you take advantage of these offers and save money on your favorite beverages. Often times, these times are less crowded than other times of the day, making it even more enjoyable.
The early evening hours, particularly between 4 PM and 6 PM, often feature happy hour specials on many NCL ships. These specials can include discounts on selected cocktails, beers, and wines. Taking advantage of these hours can lead to significant savings throughout the cruise.
Look for Drink of the Day Promotions
Norwegian Cruise Line often features a “Drink of the Day,” which is a specially priced cocktail available at all bars. These drinks are usually offered at a discounted rate, making them a great way to try new cocktails without paying full price. Check the daily schedule or ask the bartenders about the Drink of the Day to take advantage of this promotion.
Drink of the Day promotions are an excellent way to try a wider range of cocktails while saving money. Typically, these drinks are offered at a reduced price compared to the regular menu prices, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious cruisers looking to explore different beverage flavors.
Bring Your Own Wine (with Corkage Fee)
NCL allows passengers to bring their own bottles of wine onboard, subject to a corkage fee. This can be a more economical option if you prefer specific wines that might be expensive or unavailable on the ship. Check NCL’s policy on the number of bottles allowed per cabin and the applicable corkage fee before your cruise. The corkage fee covers the service of opening and serving your wine in the dining rooms.
Bringing your own wine onboard can be a cost-effective strategy for enjoying your favorite wine without incurring the higher prices often charged onboard. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the corkage fee, which can range from $15 to $25 per bottle, and factor that into your cost calculations. Many passengers prefer this option to guarantee they are consuming the wines they know and love.
Myth Debunked: Bringing your own alcohol besides wine is allowed. This is false. NCL prohibits passengers from bringing hard liquor or beer onboard. This rule helps to control the beverage service and revenue onboard, ensuring that NCL maintains its own stock and manages consumption responsibly.
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FAQ
How much do drinks cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?
The cost of drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line varies depending on the type of drink. On average, expect to pay around $7 to $10 for beers, $9 to $15 for cocktails, and $8 to $12 for glasses of wine. Non-alcoholic beverages like soda and juice are usually around $3 to $6.
Are beverage packages worth it on Norwegian cruises?
Whether a beverage package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. Assess how many drinks you typically consume in a day and calculate the break-even point based on the package cost. If you drink multiple cocktails or premium wines daily, a package could save you money. However, if you only have a few drinks, paying individually might be more economical.
What is included in the Premium Beverage Package?
The Premium Beverage Package on Norwegian Cruise Line includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to a certain price point, typically around $15 per drink. This includes cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and bottled water.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Norwegian cruise?
Passengers are allowed to bring their own bottles of wine onboard, subject to a corkage fee. However, NCL prohibits passengers from bringing hard liquor or beer onboard. Check NCL’s policy for the specific number of bottles allowed per cabin and the applicable corkage fee before your cruise.
Are there any discounts on drinks on Norwegian cruises?
Yes, there are several ways to find discounts on drinks. Look for happy hour specials at various bars, check for “Drink of the Day” promotions, and consider any onboard credit you may have received as part of your booking. Additionally, some promotions might be available through the casino for active gamblers.
Do I have to purchase a beverage package if my cabin mate does?
Yes, if one guest in a cabin purchases a beverage package, all eligible guests in the same cabin (or linked cabins) are typically required to purchase the same package. This policy aims to prevent sharing and ensure fair usage of the beverage packages. Always confirm the current policy with NCL at the time of booking.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on Norwegian cruises is essential for planning a budget-friendly vacation. By carefully assessing your drinking habits, exploring beverage package options, and taking advantage of onboard deals, you can enjoy your cruise without overspending. Whether you choose to purchase a package or pay per drink, being informed and strategic will help you make the most of your onboard experience. Cheers to a well-planned and enjoyable cruise!