How Much Does a Soda Cost on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Sodas on Norwegian Cruise Line cost between $2.50 and $4.00 each, depending on the drink and location onboard. While not included in the base fare, unlimited soda packages start at $12.95 per day, offering better value for frequent drinkers. Check current pricing and promotions before sailing to maximize savings.

Key Takeaways

• Soda prices vary by package; check current rates before booking.
• Unlimited soda packages offer better value for frequent drinkers.
• Pay-as-you-go costs $2–$4 per can; budget accordingly.
• Kids’ soda pricing is often cheaper; ask for age-specific deals.
• Specialty sodas (e.g., craft brands) cost extra; stick to basics.
• Free soda options exist in select dining areas; locate them onboard.

How Much Does a Soda Cost on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Let’s face it—cruising is one of the most fun and stress-free ways to travel. From the moment you step on the ship, it feels like vacation mode has officially kicked in. But here’s a question that’s probably crossed your mind more than once: how much does a soda cost on Norwegian Cruise Line? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a soda enthusiast, a parent with thirsty kids, or just someone who wants to avoid surprise bills at the end of the trip, knowing the cost of soda on NCL is key to managing your cruise budget.

During my recent 7-day Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) voyage to the Caribbean, I found myself asking the same thing. I wanted a cold cola by the pool, a lemon-lime soda with dinner, and maybe even a root beer during the evening show. But every time I picked up a glass, I couldn’t help wondering: Is this included? Or am I adding $10 to my bill with every sip? After a week of tracking, asking staff, and comparing options, I’ve got answers—and they might surprise you. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about soda pricing on NCL, from à la carte costs to smart ways to save. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your tenth, this guide will help you sip smarter and avoid sticker shock.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Policies

The Basics: What’s Included and What’s Not

One of the first things you’ll notice when you board an NCL ship is the abundance of drinks—water, coffee, tea, and juice at breakfast are all complimentary. But when it comes to how much a soda costs on Norwegian Cruise Line, the answer is: it depends on how you choose to drink it.

NCL operates on a pay-as-you-go model for most soft drinks. That means a single soda at a bar, poolside, or in the dining room is not included in your base fare. Unlike all-inclusive resorts or some river cruises, soda isn’t automatically part of the package. However, NCL offers flexible options—from single purchases to unlimited soda packages—so you can pick what fits your needs.

For example, during my cruise, I saw guests at the pool bar ordering sodas one at a time. The bartender would scan their room key, and the charge would go directly to their account. It’s seamless, but it adds up fast if you’re not careful. I met a family of four who realized they’d spent over $150 on soda in just four days—mostly because they weren’t aware of the drink packages available.

Why Soda Isn’t Always Included

You might wonder why NCL doesn’t just include soda in the fare. The reason is simple: flexibility and choice. By keeping soda as a paid option, NCL allows guests to decide whether they want to spend extra for unlimited access or just buy a few drinks here and there. It also keeps base prices lower for those who don’t drink soda at all.

This model is common across most major cruise lines. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess all use similar systems. But NCL stands out because they offer some of the most customizable drink packages in the industry. So while the cost of soda on Norwegian Cruise Line isn’t zero, your options for managing that cost are actually quite robust.

Where You Can (and Can’t) Get Soda

Here’s a pro tip: not every spot on the ship serves soda. You’ll find it at:

• Main dining rooms (with meals, but not free refills)
• Buffet areas (limited selection, usually self-serve dispensers)
• Bars and lounges (full menu, higher prices)
• Poolside bars (great for quick grabs)
• Room service (with a delivery fee and per-drink charge)

Note: The buffet often has a soda fountain, but it’s usually limited to cola, diet cola, and lemon-lime. If you want root beer, ginger ale, or flavored sodas, you’ll need to head to a bar or order a drink package. Also, soda isn’t available at every station—some specialty dining spots (like the steakhouse) may not have soda dispensers, so you’ll need to order from the bar menu.

À La Carte Soda Pricing: What You’ll Pay Per Drink

Single Soda Costs on NCL Ships

Let’s get straight to the numbers. If you choose to buy soda one at a time, here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Standard soda (12 oz can or glass): $2.75–$3.50
• Larger size (16–20 oz): $3.50–$4.25
• Specialty sodas (e.g., imported, craft, or flavored): $4.00–$5.50
• Room service soda: $3.50 + $7.95 delivery fee (ouch!)

These prices are consistent across most NCL ships, though slight variations may occur depending on the ship class (e.g., Breakaway vs. Prima) and itinerary. During my cruise on the Norwegian Encore, a standard Coca-Cola at the pool bar was $3.00, while a 16 oz bottle of Dr Pepper at the sports bar was $4.25. The markup is noticeable—especially when you consider you’re paying cruise-ship prices.

One thing I appreciated: NCL uses real soda, not syrup-based machines in most cases. You’ll often see canned or bottled drinks being poured, which adds to the quality (and the price). But if you’re buying multiple sodas a day, those $3–$4 drinks can quickly become $20–$30 per person, per day.

Real-Life Cost Scenarios

Let’s do a quick math exercise. Imagine a family of four:

• Each person drinks 2 sodas per day
• Each soda costs $3.25 on average
• Trip length: 7 days

Total cost: 4 people × 2 sodas × $3.25 × 7 days = $182

Now, imagine one of those sodas is a specialty drink at $5.00. That same family could easily hit $220–$250 in soda costs alone. And that’s not including room service, late-night drinks, or sodas at specialty venues.

On the flip side, I met a couple who only drank soda once or twice during the trip. They spent about $15 total and were perfectly happy. So the cost of soda on Norwegian Cruise Line truly depends on your habits. If you’re a casual drinker, à la carte might work. But if you or your kids are soda fans, it’s worth exploring other options.

Tips to Save on Single Purchases

If you do go the à la carte route, here are a few ways to keep costs down:

• Stick to the buffet soda fountain: It’s the same brand (Coca-Cola), and it’s included in your buffet access—no extra charge.
• Buy larger sizes when possible: A 16 oz drink at $4.00 is a better value than two 12 oz drinks at $3.25 each.
• Avoid room service for soda: The delivery fee makes it the most expensive option.
• Check for daily drink specials: Some bars offer “happy hour” pricing, including discounted sodas.

Unlimited Soda Packages: The Smart Choice?

Introducing the NCL Beverage Packages

Now, here’s where things get interesting. NCL offers a range of drink packages, and one of the most popular is the Unlimited Soda Package. This is specifically designed for guests who want to drink soda freely without worrying about the bill.

The Unlimited Soda Package costs $12.95 per person, per day (as of 2024). That includes:

• Unlimited refills of soda at all bars, lounges, and dining areas
• Access to all standard and premium sodas (Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, root beer, ginger ale, etc.)
• No delivery fee for room service soda (though the drink itself is included)
• Valid for the entire cruise, from embarkation to disembarkation

The package must be purchased for the entire cruise duration and for all guests in the same stateroom. So if you’re traveling with your spouse or kids, everyone in the room has to buy it. This can be a downside for families where only one person drinks soda, but it’s a smart move if two or more people will use it.

When the Package Pays Off

Let’s crunch the numbers again. Using the same family of four:

• 7-day cruise
• Each person drinks 2 sodas per day
• Without package: $182 total
• With package: $12.95 × 4 people × 7 days = $362.60

Wait—that’s more expensive! But here’s the catch: the package pays off if you drink more than 1.5 sodas per person, per day.

• Break-even point: ($12.95 ÷ $3.25) = ~4 sodas per week per person
• That’s just over 0.5 sodas per day

In other words, if each person in your party drinks just one soda every other day, the package is already saving you money. And if you’re a heavy soda drinker—say, 3–4 sodas a day—the savings are huge.

During my cruise, I met a family with two teenage boys who each drank 4–5 sodas a day. For them, the package saved over $150. One dad told me, “It was worth it just for the peace of mind. I didn’t have to tell my kids ‘no’ every time they wanted a drink.”

Additional Perks and Considerations

Beyond cost savings, the soda package offers other benefits:

• No need to carry cash or room keys: Just show your key card and say “soda, please.”
• Consistent pricing: No surprises at checkout.
• Access to premium sodas: Some packages include imported or craft sodas not available à la carte.
• Convenience: No need to calculate or track individual purchases.

One thing to note: the soda package does not include alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee (like lattes), bottled water, or energy drinks. If you want those, you’ll need a different package (like the Premium Beverage Package) or pay separately.

Other Ways to Get Soda for Free (or Cheap)

Complimentary Soda at the Buffet

Here’s a little-known secret: the buffet soda fountain is free. That’s right—no charge, no package required. You can refill your glass as many times as you want at the self-serve stations.

The selection is limited (usually just cola, diet cola, lemon-lime, and sometimes orange), but it’s a great way to save money if you’re okay with basic flavors. I used this every morning at breakfast and every afternoon at lunch. It saved me at least $20 over the week.

Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle or tumbler from home. Fill it at the buffet soda fountain, then take it to the pool or your cabin. Just don’t abuse it—NCL staff are cool, but they may ask if you’re filling 10 bottles at once.

Promotions and Discounts

NCL occasionally runs promotions where soda packages are discounted. For example:

• “Book Early” deals: Save 10–20% on beverage packages when booked 60+ days in advance
• Group discounts: Larger groups (10+ cabins) may get package discounts
• Onboard credit: Some sailings offer $50–$100 onboard credit that can be used for drinks
• Loyalty perks: NCL Latitudes members get exclusive package discounts

During my cruise, I saw a “Soda Package Sale” at the Guest Services desk: buy 6 days, get the 7th free. That brought the effective daily rate down to $11.09—a solid deal.

Special Events and Complimentary Drinks

Keep an eye out for onboard events where soda is offered free:

• Embarkation day welcome drink: Often includes soda options
• Captain’s reception: Some include soft drinks
• Kids’ club activities: Free soda during events
• Shore excursion meetups: Sometimes include a complimentary drink

I scored a free soda at a “Tropical Welcome Party” on the first night. It wasn’t advertised, but the bartender said, “First soda’s on us!” A nice surprise—and a reminder to always ask.

Comparing Soda Costs: NCL vs. Other Cruise Lines

How NCL Stacks Up

Let’s put NCL’s soda pricing in context. Here’s a quick comparison with other major cruise lines (2024 data):

Cruise Line	Single Soda Cost	Unlimited Soda Package	Buffet Soda Free?
Norwegian Cruise Line	$2.75–$4.25	$12.95/day	Yes
Royal Caribbean	$3.00–$4.50	$13.99/day	Yes
Carnival Cruise Line	$2.95–$4.00	$11.95/day	Yes
Princess Cruises	$3.25–$4.75	$12.95/day	Yes
Disney Cruise Line	$2.75–$3.50	Not available (included in dining)	Yes

NCL is in the middle of the pack. Carnival’s soda package is slightly cheaper, while Royal Caribbean’s is more expensive. But NCL’s package includes a broader soda selection and better integration with premium brands.

The real differentiator? Disney Cruise Line includes soda in all dining areas at no extra cost, even without a package. That’s a huge perk for families. But Disney’s base fares are often higher, so the “free” soda is baked into the price.

Is NCL the Best Value?

For soda lovers, NCL offers a solid balance:

• Good value: The $12.95 package is competitive
• Flexible options: À la carte, package, or free buffet
• High-quality drinks: Real cans and bottles, not just syrup

But if you’re a casual drinker, you might save more by sticking to the buffet and avoiding packages altogether. And if you’re on a tight budget, Carnival’s lower package price could be a better fit.

Final Tips: How to Save on Soda and Enjoy Your Cruise

Plan Ahead and Set a Budget

The best way to manage soda costs is to decide before you go. Ask yourself:

• How many people will drink soda?
• How many sodas per day?
• Are you okay with basic flavors, or do you want premium options?

If you answer “yes” to two or more people drinking regularly, the package is likely worth it. If it’s just you and you’ll have a soda once a day, stick to the buffet and à la carte.

Book Your Package Early

NCL allows you to purchase drink packages online before your cruise—usually up to 24 hours before embarkation. Booking early:

• Guarantees availability
• May unlock discounts
• Lets you budget the cost into your trip expenses

I booked mine 45 days out and got a 10% discount through a promo code. Easy savings!

Communicate with Your Travel Group

If you’re traveling with family or friends, talk about soda plans. If everyone agrees to get the package, you can save collectively. But if only one person drinks soda, consider alternatives—like buying a package for that person and using the buffet for others.

Enjoy the Experience—Not Just the Cost

At the end of the day, a cruise is about relaxation and fun. Don’t let soda costs stress you out. Whether you pay $3 for a single drink or $13 for a daily pass, you’re paying for convenience, service, and the freedom to enjoy your vacation without limits.

On my last night, I sat by the pool with a cold soda in hand, watching the sunset over the Caribbean. The cost didn’t matter—I was on vacation, and that’s what counts. But now, I know how much a soda costs on Norwegian Cruise Line, and I’m ready to sip smarter next time.

So go ahead—raise a glass (or a can). Whether you’re budgeting or splurging, there’s a soda option that fits your cruise style. Just remember: the best drink is the one that leaves you smiling, not checking your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a soda cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Sodas on Norwegian Cruise Line typically cost between $2.50 and $4.00 per can or glass, depending on the venue and time of day. Prices may vary slightly based on location onboard (e.g., bars vs. buffet).

Is soda included in Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages?

Yes, soda is included in Norwegian’s Premium Beverage Package and Soda Package, which cover unlimited fountain sodas, canned drinks, and bottled beverages. The Soda Package is a budget-friendly option if you only want soda.

Can I bring my own soda on a Norwegian cruise?

Norwegian Cruise Line allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages, including soda, onboard (up to 12 standard cans/cartons per stateroom). However, outside drinks are not permitted in dining areas or bars.

Are there free soda options on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Fountain soda is available for free at the buffet and select self-serve stations, but branded canned or bottled sodas incur a charge. Stick to the dispensers to avoid extra fees.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer discounts on soda packages?

Yes, Norwegian often runs promotions where you can save up to 20–30% on drink packages, including the Soda Package, if purchased in advance. Check their website or book early for deals.

How much does a soda package cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The Soda Package starts at around $10–$15 per person per day (plus gratuities), making it cheaper than buying individual sodas. Pricing varies by itinerary and demand.