How Much Is a Drink on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line typically range from $8 to $16, depending on the type and location, with cocktails, wine, and premium spirits skewing higher. Guests can save significantly with beverage packages starting around $89 per day, offering unlimited access to a wide selection of drinks across all bars and lounges.

Key Takeaways

• Drink prices vary: Expect $8–$15 for cocktails, depending on the venue and cruise.
• Buy a beverage package: Saves money if you drink 5+ alcoholic drinks daily.
• Specialty venues cost more: Premium bars charge 15–20% extra for craft cocktails.
• Non-alcoholic options matter: Soda and coffee packages offer value for non-drinkers.
• Happy hour discounts: Take advantage of 2-for-1 deals during select sailings.
• Gratuities are added: 15–20% service charge applies to all drink purchases.

How Much Is a Drink on Norwegian Cruise Line: A No-Nonsense Guide

Let’s be honest—when you’re planning a cruise, the last thing you want is to be surprised by a sky-high bar tab. You’ve already paid for your cabin, meals, and entertainment. But what about those sunset cocktails by the pool? That glass of wine with dinner? Or the late-night espresso martini after a show? If you’re cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), you’re probably wondering: *How much is a drink on Norwegian Cruise Line, really?*

I’ve been there. I remember my first cruise—I ordered a mojito by the pool, sipped it slowly, and then nearly choked when I saw the bill. $18 for a rum and mint drink? I didn’t expect that. And I wasn’t alone. Many cruisers, especially first-timers, are caught off guard by onboard drink prices. But here’s the good news: NCL isn’t trying to scam you. Their pricing is transparent, and there are *plenty* of ways to save. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about drink prices on Norwegian Cruise Line. We’ll cover cocktails, wine, beer, specialty drinks, and even non-alcoholic options. I’ll also share real-life examples, insider tips, and a breakdown of the drink packages—so you can make smart choices and enjoy your cruise without blowing your budget.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Pricing Structure

Base Prices: What You’ll Pay Without a Package

Norwegian Cruise Line uses a tiered pricing system for drinks. The cost depends on the type of beverage, the brand, and the location on the ship. Unlike some cruise lines that keep prices secret until you’re onboard, NCL publishes their drink menus online. But prices can vary slightly between ships and itineraries, so it’s smart to check the specific ship’s menu before you sail.

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Cocktails: $12–$20
• Wine by the glass: $10–$18
• Beer (domestic): $7–$9
• Beer (imported or craft): $9–$12
• Specialty drinks (e.g., frozen, tiki, premium spirits): $15–$22
• Non-alcoholic cocktails: $6–$10
• Soft drinks, coffee, tea: $3–$5 (but often free with packages)

For example, a classic Margarita at a poolside bar might cost $14, while a Grey Goose Martini could be $18. A glass of house red wine? Around $12. A craft beer at a specialty bar like The Local? $11. These prices include gratuity, which NCL adds automatically (usually 18–20%). That means you don’t have to tip extra unless you want to show extra appreciation.

Location Matters: Why Some Bars Cost More

Not all bars are created equal. On NCL ships, drink prices can vary depending on the venue. A cocktail at a casual pool bar might be cheaper than the same drink at a premium lounge. Here’s why:

• Pool bars and casual lounges: Lower overhead, simpler setups, and more volume. Prices are usually on the lower end.
• Specialty bars (e.g., The Cellars, Maltings, or The District Brew House): These offer curated experiences—think wine tastings, craft beer flights, or mixology classes. Expect higher prices, but also higher quality and exclusivity.
• Specialty restaurants: If you order a drink at a specialty restaurant like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro, the price might be a dollar or two more than at a regular bar.

For instance, a mojito at a pool bar might be $13, but the same drink at The Cellars, with a premium rum and house-made mint syrup, could be $17. Is it worth it? That’s up to you. But if you’re budget-conscious, stick to the main bars for everyday drinks.

Price Fluctuations: Season and Itinerary Differences

You might notice that drink prices aren’t exactly the same on every NCL ship or every sailing. Why? A few factors come into play:

• Itinerary: Cruises in the Caribbean or Alaska might have slightly different pricing due to port regulations or local alcohol taxes.
• Season: Holiday sailings (e.g., Christmas, New Year’s) or peak summer months might see small price increases due to demand.
• Ship class: Newer ships like the Norwegian Encore or Norwegian Prima might have higher prices for premium experiences, while older ships might have more stable pricing.

For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Getaway might have a $14 average cocktail price, while a 10-night Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Epic could average $16. It’s not a huge difference, but it’s worth noting if you’re comparing options.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

The Basics: Types of Drink Packages Available

NCL offers several drink packages to help you save money—or at least make your spending predictable. The most popular is the Premium Plus Beverage Package, but there are others to consider:

• Premium Plus Beverage Package: Unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, soda, and specialty drinks up to $15. Includes premium spirits, imported beers, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Priced around $100–$130 per person, per day.
• Premium Beverage Package: Same as above, but limited to drinks up to $15. Priced around $90–$110 per person, per day.
• Soda Package: Unlimited soft drinks, juices, and bottled water. Around $10–$15 per person, per day.
• Non-Alcoholic Package: Includes mocktails, smoothies, specialty coffees, and more. Around $20–$25 per person, per day.
• Specialty Coffee & Tea Package: Unlimited espressos, lattes, and premium teas. Around $15–$20 per person, per day.

All packages include gratuity, so you don’t have to worry about extra charges at the bar.

When a Package Pays Off: The Break-Even Point

Here’s the million-dollar question: *When does a drink package actually save you money?* Let’s break it down with a real example.

Imagine you’re on a 7-night cruise. You plan to have:

• 2 cocktails per day ($14 each = $28)
• 1 glass of wine with dinner ($12)
• 1 beer by the pool ($8)
• 1 soda at lunch ($4)

Total daily spend: $52 per person.
Total for 7 days: $364 per person.

Now, the Premium Beverage Package (up to $15) costs about $98 per person, per day—but wait! That’s not the final price. NCL often offers discounts if you book early. I’ve seen it drop to $79–$89 per day with promotions. Let’s use $85 as a realistic price.

Total for 7 days: $595 per person.

Wait—that’s *more* than buying drinks a la carte? Yes, but here’s the catch: the package gives you unlimited drinks. If you drink more than your planned $52/day, you start saving. For example:

• If you drink $60/day = $420 total → still cheaper than package
• If you drink $70/day = $490 total → package starts to make sense
• If you drink $80+/day = $560+ total → package is a no-brainer

So the break-even point is around $85/day per person. If you’re a moderate drinker, you might not hit it. But if you enjoy multiple drinks, especially premium ones, the package can pay off fast.

Limitations and Fine Print: What the Packages Don’t Cover

Drink packages sound great—but they’re not magic. Here’s what you need to know:

• Price cap: The Premium Plus package covers drinks up to $15. If you order a $22 cocktail, you’ll pay the difference ($7).
• No sharing: Packages are per person. You can’t split one between two people.
• Room service: Most packages don’t cover drinks ordered via room service (except sodas in some cases).
• Specialty bars: Some premium experiences (e.g., wine tastings, mixology classes) may have extra fees.
• Duration: Packages start on embarkation day and end on debarkation day—no prorating.

Also, NCL requires that **all adults in a stateroom** purchase the same package if one person buys it. This is to prevent sharing. It can be a bummer if you’re traveling with a non-drinker or someone who just wants soda. In that case, the soda package might be a better fit.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Specialty Options

Free vs. Paid: What’s Included in Your Cruise Fare

Not every drink costs extra. NCL includes several non-alcoholic options in your cruise fare:

• Tap water (always free)
• Coffee and tea (at main dining rooms and buffet areas)
• Iced tea, lemonade, and fruit punch (by the pool)
• Juices (at breakfast buffet)
• Soft drinks (at main dining rooms—limited to one per person per meal)

But if you want bottled water, specialty coffee, or unlimited soda, you’ll need a package or pay a la carte. A bottled water can cost $5–$7. A latte at Starbucks onboard? $6–$8. A smoothie at the juice bar? $9–$12.

Specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Mocktails, Smoothies, and More

NCL has stepped up its game with non-alcoholic options. You’ll find:

• Mocktails: Creative, alcohol-free cocktails like the Virgin Mojito or Cosmo Zero. Usually $6–$10.
• Smoothies and acai bowls: At the juice bar or spa café. $10–$14.
• Specialty sodas and kombucha: At select bars. $5–$8.
• Sparkling water and energy drinks: $5–$7.

One of my favorites? The “Sunset Serenity” mocktail at the pool bar—pineapple, coconut, and lime, with a mint garnish. Only $8, and it tastes just as good as the real thing. If you’re not drinking alcohol, these options make it easy to enjoy the bar scene without missing out.

Kids and Teens: What’s Available for Younger Travelers

NCL offers a Kids’ Soda Package (around $10/day) and a Teens’ Non-Alcoholic Package (around $15/day). These include unlimited soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and smoothies. It’s a great way to keep kids hydrated and happy—especially on hot days at the pool.

Many bars also have a “kids’ menu” with fun drinks like Strawberry Lemonade Fizz or Blue Lagoon Smoothie. These are usually $4–$6 and come with fun straws and umbrellas. My niece loved the “unicorn punch” with edible glitter—yes, really.

Smart Ways to Save on Drinks Without Sacrificing Fun

Book Drink Packages Early (and Look for Deals)

NCL’s drink packages are almost always cheaper if you book them before you board. I’ve seen discounts of 15–30% for early birds. You can book through the NCL website or app, or via a travel agent. Some promotions even include a “buy one, get one 50% off” deal for couples.

Pro tip: Check NCL’s “Free at Sea” offers. If you book a qualifying cruise, you might get a free drink package as part of the deal. These change monthly, so keep an eye on the website.

Take Advantage of Happy Hours and Special Events

Many NCL ships offer happy hour deals, especially on sea days. You might find:

• 2-for-1 cocktails from 4–6 PM
• $5 beers at pool bars
• Half-price wine by the glass at select lounges

Also, look out for themed nights like “Wine & Dine” or “Tequila Tasting”. These events often include discounted drinks or free samples. I once got a free margarita during a “Taco & Tequila” night—score!

Bring Your Own (Yes, Really)

NCL allows you to bring **one bottle of wine or champagne** per person (max 750ml) onboard. You can also bring **12 cans or bottles of non-alcoholic drinks** (e.g., soda, water). This is a *huge* money-saver if you’re a soda drinker or want to enjoy a bottle of wine at dinner without paying the markup.

Just remember: if you bring alcohol, you’ll pay a corkage fee (around $15–$20) if you drink it at a restaurant or bar. But you can drink it in your cabin for free. Smart move: bring a bottle of wine, enjoy a glass in your room, and save the rest for a special dinner.

Use the Buffet and Main Dining Room for Free Drinks

Want to save on soda? Grab a glass of iced tea or lemonade at the buffet. Want coffee? Head to the main dining room or buffet—it’s free. Many cruisers don’t realize that soft drinks are included at dinner. Just ask your server.

Also, if you’re not picky, the house wine at dinner is usually decent—and only $12. You don’t need a package to enjoy a glass with your meal.

Real-Life Examples: What Different Travelers Spend

The Budget-Conscious Couple

Sarah and Mike wanted to save money. They skipped the drink package and planned carefully:

• 1 cocktail each at dinner ($14 x 2 = $28)
• 1 beer each at the pool ($8 x 2 = $16)
• Free soda at lunch
• Brought 2 bottles of wine (corkage fee: $15 x 2 = $30)

Total for 7 days: $315 (about $22.50/day per person). They saved over $200 compared to the package.

The Social Drinker

Jen and her friends loved the bar scene. They bought the Premium Plus Package at $85/day (early bird deal):

• Unlimited drinks: cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails
• Used it at happy hour, pool bars, and specialty lounges
• Even ordered room service sodas (included)

Total: $595 per person. But they drank over $80/day worth of drinks. They saved about $100 compared to a la carte.

The Family of Four

The Johnsons had two kids. They bought:

• Premium Beverage Package for parents ($85 x 2 = $170/day)
• Kids’ Soda Package for two kids ($10 x 2 = $20/day)

Total: $1,330 for 7 days. But they avoided surprise bills and let the kids enjoy unlimited drinks. Worth it for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Drink Budget

So, how much is a drink on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer is: *it depends*. But now you know the full picture. A cocktail might be $14, a beer $8, and a glass of wine $12. But with smart planning, you can enjoy great drinks without overspending.

Here’s my advice: Be intentional. Decide if you’re a moderate drinker or a social one. If you’re on the fence, skip the package and pay as you go. Use free options. Bring your own wine. Take advantage of happy hours. And if you do buy a package, make sure you’ll use it.

Remember, a cruise is about relaxation and fun—not stressing over every dollar. Whether you’re sipping a mojito by the pool, toasting with champagne at dinner, or enjoying a mocktail with your kids, the goal is to enjoy the moment. And now, you’re equipped to do just that—without any nasty surprises on your final bill.

Drink Type	Average Price (USD)	Included in Premium Package?
Cocktail (standard)	$12–$15	Yes (up to $15)
Wine (glass, house)	$10–$14	Yes
Beer (domestic)	$7–$9	Yes
Specialty Cocktail	$16–$22	Yes (pay difference if over $15)
Non-Alcoholic Mocktail	$6–$10	Yes (Premium Plus)
Bottled Water	$5–$7	Yes (soda package or Premium Plus)
Specialty Coffee	$6–$8	Yes (coffee package or Premium Plus)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a drink on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Drink prices on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vary by type and venue, but expect to pay $5–$12 for beer, $9–$15 for cocktails, and $5–$10 for wine by the glass. Premium spirits and specialty drinks at upscale bars may cost more.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include drinks in the fare?

NCL does not include most alcoholic or specialty drinks in the base fare, but water, coffee, tea, and select non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. You’ll need to purchase a drink package or pay à la carte.

Is a drink package worth it on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The NCL drink packages, like the Premium Beverage Package (around $99–$129 per day), can save money if you plan to consume multiple drinks daily. Calculate your typical intake to determine if the package pays for itself.

How much is a cocktail on Norwegian Cruise Line?

A standard cocktail on NCL typically ranges from $9 to $15, with premium or signature cocktails at specialty bars costing up to $18. Prices may vary by ship and location.

Can I bring my own drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line?

NCL allows each passenger to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne (no corkage fee on embarkation day), but all other alcohol is confiscated and returned at the cruise end. Non-alcoholic drinks are restricted to one 12-pack per person.

How much is a beer on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Domestic and imported beers on NCL generally cost $5–$12 per bottle or draft, depending on the brand and bar. Craft beers or specialty brews may be priced higher.