How Much Is a Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Revealed

The cost of a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package ranges from $99 to $129 per person, per day, depending on the sailing and package tier. Unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and soda are included, offering significant savings for frequent drinkers—especially when pre-purchased before the cruise. Compare options carefully to maximize value based on your consumption and itinerary.

Key Takeaways

• Costs range: Norwegian drink packages cost $99–$149 per day, depending on cruise length and inclusions.
• Unlimited drinks: Packages cover most cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options under $15.
• Gratuities included: Automatic 18–20% gratuity is added to the package price—no extra tipping needed.
• Buy early: Pre-purchase online for discounts and avoid onboard price hikes.
• Not always worth it: Calculate your daily drink habits to determine if savings justify the cost.
• Specialty exclusions: Premium spirits, bottles of wine, and room service may not be included.

How Much Is a Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Revealed

Let’s be real: cruising is one of the best ways to unplug, explore, and indulge—especially when it comes to drinks. Whether you’re sipping a mojito on a private island, enjoying a sunset cocktail on your balcony, or toasting with friends at a specialty bar, beverages are part of the magic. But here’s the catch: unlike some cruise lines that include drinks in their base fare, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) operates on a mostly à la carte model. That means your favorite cocktails, wines, and even premium coffees come with a price tag—unless you opt for a drink package.

If you’ve ever Googled “how much is a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions cruisers ask, and for good reason. The cost can vary widely depending on your sailing, length of trip, cabin class, and even when you book. But beyond the price, there’s a whole world of value, limitations, and insider tips that can make or break your decision. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—what the packages cost, what they include, when they’re worth it, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense chat with someone who’s been down this path more than once.

What Is a Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a few different drink packages designed to help guests save money—and stress—by pre-paying for beverages. These aren’t just for alcohol. They cover everything from soda and bottled water to specialty coffees and premium cocktails. But not all packages are created equal, and understanding the differences is key to getting the most bang for your buck.

The Three Main NCL Drink Packages

NCL currently offers three primary drink packages:

• The Unlimited Open Bar Package – The most popular and comprehensive option. It includes most alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic beverages, and select premium items.
• The Soda Package – A budget-friendly choice for soda lovers, especially families with kids or non-drinkers.
• The Premium Plus Beverage Package – A newer, higher-tier option that includes more premium spirits, wines, and cocktails (up to $30 in value).

Each package has its own pricing, inclusions, and limitations. The Unlimited Open Bar is the most common choice, especially for adults looking to enjoy wine, cocktails, and beer without constantly checking their bill. The Premium Plus is gaining traction among luxury cruisers who want access to top-shelf liquors and reserve wines. And the Soda Package? It’s a lifesaver if you’re traveling with teens or just prefer soft drinks over alcohol.

What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Here’s the good news: all three packages cover a wide range of drinks. But there are important exceptions:

• Unlimited Open Bar: Includes beer, wine by the glass (up to $15), cocktails (up to $15), non-alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffees. Excludes premium spirits (like Johnnie Walker Blue), reserve wines (over $15), bottled wine, and room service drinks.
• Premium Plus: Adds coverage for drinks up to $30 in value, including higher-end cocktails, premium wines, and top-shelf liquors. Still excludes bottled wine and room service.
• Soda Package: Covers unlimited fountain soda, canned soda, and bottled water. Does not include juice, specialty coffees, or alcohol.

One thing to note: NCL’s drink packages are per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire sailing. If you’re sailing for 7 nights, you can’t buy it for just 3 days. Everyone in your cabin over age 21 must also have a package if one person buys the Unlimited Open Bar or Premium Plus—this is a big deal for families or couples where one person doesn’t drink.

How the Packages Work Onboard

Once you purchase a package, you’ll receive a special card (or have it linked to your keycard). Just show it at any bar or restaurant, and your eligible drinks are free. No signing checks, no tips (though you can still tip if you’d like), and no awkward “do I have enough cash?” moments.

But here’s a pro tip: always check the menu prices before ordering. Some specialty cocktails or wines might exceed your package’s coverage limit. For example, a $22 cocktail on the Open Bar package would require you to pay the $7 difference. The Premium Plus package avoids most of these surprises, but even then, a $35 bottle of champagne will still cost extra.

How Much Is a Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package? (2024 Pricing)

Now, let’s get to the heart of the question: how much is a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package? The short answer: it depends. But I’ve pulled together real-world data from recent sailings (2023–2024) to give you a clear picture.

NCL doesn’t publish fixed prices. Instead, they use dynamic pricing based on:

• The ship and sailing route
• Length of cruise
• Cabin category (suite vs. interior)
• Booking window (early bird vs. last-minute)
• Promotions and sales

Average Daily Pricing (Per Person)

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for a 7-night Caribbean cruise (the most popular itinerary):

Package	Early Booking Price	Standard Price	Last-Minute Price	Total (7 Nights)
Unlimited Open Bar	$59–$69	$79–$89	$99–$119	$413–$833
Premium Plus Beverage	$79–$89	$99–$109	$129–$149	$553–$1,043
Soda Package	$10–$14	$15–$19	$20–$25	$70–$175

Note: Prices are per person, per day. Taxes and gratuities (18–20%) are added at checkout.

Let’s say you book early for a 7-night cruise. You might get the Unlimited Open Bar for $65/day, totaling about $546 after tax and gratuity. But if you wait until 60 days before sailing, that same package could jump to $105/day—over $880 total. Ouch.

Why Prices Vary So Much

Think of it like airline tickets: the earlier you book, the better the deal. NCL often runs promotions like “Free at Sea,” where you can choose a free drink package as one of your perks. But these deals usually require booking a balcony or suite cabin and come with trade-offs (like not getting the free specialty dining or Wi-Fi).

Another factor: ship class. Larger, newer ships (like the Norwegian Prima or Encore) tend to have higher base prices. Smaller ships or older ones (like Norwegian Dawn) might offer lower rates to attract guests.

And here’s a sneaky one: gratuities are included in the package price, but they’re calculated at 18–20% of the base rate. So if you’re quoted $70/day, expect to pay $82–$84 with tax and tip. That’s not a scam—it’s standard—but it’s important to factor in.

Real Example: A Family of Four

Meet the Johnsons: two adults, one teen (17), one child (12). They’re on a 7-night cruise. The adults want cocktails and wine. The teen wants soda and smoothies. The child just wants juice and water.

• Adults: Unlimited Open Bar at $75/day = $1,260 total (with tax/tip)
• Teen: Soda Package at $15/day = $126 total
• Child: No package needed (kids under 18 don’t need a package)

Total drink package cost: $1,386. But without packages, they might spend $150+ per adult on drinks—easily $2,100+ over the week. So in this case, the packages save them over $700.

Is a Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It?

This is the million-dollar question—and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether a drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits, budget, and travel style.

When It’s a Great Deal

A drink package makes sense if:

• You drink 4+ drinks per day – If you’re having a cocktail at lunch, a glass of wine at dinner, and a nightcap, you’re likely breaking even. Add a beer by the pool, and you’re saving money.
• You love variety – Want to try a different cocktail every night? The package lets you experiment without guilt.
• You’re on a longer cruise – The longer the trip, the more you’ll drink, and the faster the package pays for itself.
• You hate signing checks – Let’s be honest: tracking every drink gets tedious. A package simplifies the experience.

I once took a 10-night cruise and bought the Unlimited Open Bar. I averaged 5 drinks a day (cocktails, wine, espresso). Without the package, that would’ve cost me around $1,200. With the package? $720. That’s a $480 savings—enough to cover a specialty dinner and a spa treatment.

When It Might Not Be Worth It

But there are times when a package is a waste of money:

• You’re a light drinker – If you have one drink a day or prefer non-alcoholic options, the Soda Package might be enough.
• You’re on a short cruise (3–4 nights) – The daily cost is the same, but you’re not consuming enough to justify it.
• You’re staying in an interior cabin – If you’re not splurging on other luxuries, the $600+ for a package might feel excessive.
• You plan to spend most of your time ashore – On port days, you’ll be drinking on land, not on the ship.

One couple I met skipped the package entirely. They had one drink at dinner, a soda by the pool, and a coffee in the morning. Over 7 days, they spent $280—less than half the cost of the Unlimited Open Bar. They saved money and didn’t feel deprived.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Even with a package, there are a few things that can eat into your savings:

• Premium drinks over the limit – If you’re a bourbon connoisseur or love $20 cocktails, you’ll still pay the difference.
• Room service drinks – Not covered. Want a mimosa in bed? That’ll cost extra.
• Bottled wine – You can’t order a $50 bottle of Cabernet with your package. You’ll pay full price.
• Gratuities on extras – If you pay for a drink outside your package, you’ll also pay a 20% gratuity on that item.

My advice? Set a daily budget for extras. If you know you’ll splurge on one premium drink per day, factor that in. A $10 extra drink per day adds $70 to your total—still less than paying à la carte.

How to Save Money on Your Norwegian Drink Package

Want to get the best deal? Here are my top insider tips for scoring a cheaper Norwegian Cruise Line drink package.

Book Early (But Not Too Early)

The sweet spot is usually 6–9 months before your cruise. Prices are low, availability is good, and you’ll have more cabin options. But avoid booking too far in advance—NCL sometimes offers better deals closer to the sail date to fill unsold cabins.

Pro tip: Set up price alerts with cruise comparison sites like CruiseSheet or Cruise Critic. They’ll email you when prices drop.

Look for “Free at Sea” Promotions

NCL’s “Free at Sea” program is one of the best ways to get a free drink package. Here’s how it works:

• Book a balcony or suite cabin
• Choose “Free Beverage Package” as one of your perks (usually 3–5 total choices)
• You get the Unlimited Open Bar for free

The catch? You’re paying more for the cabin. But if you were going to book a balcony anyway, this is a no-brainer. I once got a free drink package on a 7-night cruise and saved $1,200 for two people.

Buy During a Sale

NCL runs frequent sales—Black Friday, “Sail Away” deals, “Buy One, Get One” offers. Sign up for their email list and follow them on social media. I scored a 20% discount on the Premium Plus package during a flash sale last year.

Consider the Premium Plus for Heavy Drinkers

If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, aged rum, or premium tequila, the Premium Plus package might actually be cheaper in the long run. Why? Because the Open Bar package often requires you to pay the difference on high-end drinks. Over a week, that adds up.

Example: You want a $25 craft cocktail every night. With the Open Bar, you pay $10 extra per drink. Over 7 nights: $70. With Premium Plus? $0. And if you’re already spending $100/day on drinks, the upgrade might only cost $20 more per day—but save you $70 in extras.

Split the Cost with Travel Partners

If you’re traveling with a friend who doesn’t drink, see if they’ll split the cost of the Unlimited Open Bar. Some cruisers do this—one person buys the package, the other pays half. It’s not official, but it works. Just make sure you trust each other!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned cruisers make drink package mistakes. Here are the most common—and how to dodge them.

Buying Too Late

Waiting until you board the ship to buy a package is a rookie move. Onboard prices are often 20–30% higher than online rates. Plus, you might miss out on promotions.

Always purchase at least 30 days before sailing. You can usually cancel or adjust it up to 24–48 hours before departure (check your booking terms).

Forgetting the “Everyone in the Cabin” Rule

If one person in a cabin buys the Unlimited Open Bar or Premium Plus, everyone 21+ in that cabin must also purchase a package. This is non-negotiable. NCL enforces it strictly.

So if your spouse doesn’t drink, they still need the Soda Package or another beverage option. Don’t get caught off guard at check-in.

Ignoring Port Days

On days when you’re in port, you’re likely drinking on land—not on the ship. That means your package is “wasted” for those days. If you’re in port 3 out of 7 days, you’re paying for 7 days of drinks but only using 4.

Solution? Consider a shorter package (if available) or skip it entirely on port-heavy itineraries.

Not Tracking Your Usage

Just because you have a package doesn’t mean you should drink 10 cocktails a day. Overdoing it leads to headaches, wasted money (if you’re not enjoying it), and potential safety issues.

Set a personal limit. For example: “I’ll have 3 drinks at dinner and 2 by the pool.” That way, you enjoy the experience without going overboard.

Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?

So, how much is a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package? Now you know: anywhere from $70 for a soda plan to over $1,000 for a premium week-long package. But the real question isn’t the price—it’s whether it fits your cruise style.

If you’re a social drinker who loves variety, wants to simplify your vacation, and plans to spend most days on the ship, a package is likely a smart investment. The convenience, peace of mind, and potential savings make it worth it for many cruisers.

But if you’re a light drinker, prefer to explore ports, or are on a tight budget, you might be better off paying as you go. And remember: there’s no shame in skipping the package. Cruising is about enjoyment, not obligation.

My final advice? Calculate your expected usage. Track what you’d normally spend on drinks during a typical vacation. Compare that to the package cost. If the package is 20–30% cheaper, go for it. If it’s more expensive, skip it.

And above all—don’t let the drink package dictate your fun. Whether you’re sipping a $15 margarita or a free soda, the real value is in the experience: the sunsets, the laughter, the new friends, and the memories made at sea. That’s what a cruise is really about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package?

The cost of a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) drink package varies by sailing length and destination but typically ranges from $99 to $129 per person, per day. Prices may also include additional taxes and gratuities.

What drinks are included in the NCL drink package?

The NCL Ultimate Beverage Package covers most cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, soda, and specialty coffee (up to $15 per drink). Premium brands and bottles of wine may require an upgrade or surcharge.

Is the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package worth it?

It depends on your drinking habits—if you plan to consume 6+ alcoholic drinks daily, the package can save you money. Compare à la carte drink prices to the package cost to determine value.

Can I share my NCL drink package with others?

No, the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package is non-transferable and can only be used by the named guest who purchased it. Each adult in the stateroom must buy their own package if desired.

Does the NCL drink package include gratuities?

Yes, a 20% service charge (gratuity) is automatically added to the base price of the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package. This is separate from the advertised daily rate.

Are there any restrictions on the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package?

Yes, the package excludes drinks over $15, mini-bar items, bottled wine, and room service. It’s also not valid during port stops or on the first/last day of the cruise.