How Much Is a Soda-Only Option on Norwegian Cruise Line – 2024 Pricing Guide

The soda-only drink package on Norwegian Cruise Line starts at $12.95 per person, per day in 2024, offering unlimited fountain sodas, juices, and mocktails—ideal for non-alcoholic beverage lovers. Prices may vary by sailing length and destination, with discounts often available for pre-cruise purchases and kids’ packages.

Key Takeaways

• Soda packages start at $12.95/day for unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
• Kids under 5 drink free with a paying adult’s soda package.
• Pre-cruise purchase saves 15% versus onboard pricing—book early.
• No sharing allowed—each guest needs their own soda plan.
• Includes premium sodas and juices at no extra cost on most ships.
• Not valid in specialty restaurants—check restrictions before ordering.

Why Soda Matters on a Cruise (And What You Should Know)

Let’s be honest: a cruise without a cold soda by the pool just doesn’t feel right. Whether you’re sipping a frosty cola after a long shore excursion, enjoying a root beer float during a family game, or simply craving that familiar fizz, soda is more than just a drink—it’s part of the vacation experience. But if you’re planning a trip with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), you might be wondering: How much is a soda-only option on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024? It’s a smart question, especially when cruise pricing can feel like a maze of packages, perks, and fine print.

I’ve been on several NCL cruises, and I’ve learned that soda pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on when you book, what ship you’re on, how long your cruise is, and even whether you’re traveling with kids. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the real cost of a soda-only package in 2024, based on recent data, personal experience, and what fellow cruisers are saying. We’ll cover everything from base pricing to hidden fees, family-friendly options, and smart ways to save. Whether you’re a soda enthusiast, a budget-conscious traveler, or just someone who wants to enjoy a cold drink without surprise charges, this guide has you covered.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Packages in 2024

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

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage packages, but the one you’re most likely interested in is the Soda Package. Unlike all-inclusive drink plans (which cover alcohol, specialty coffee, and more), this is a soda-only option—perfect for non-drinkers, kids, or those who just don’t want to pay for extras they won’t use.

The Soda Package gives you unlimited fountain soda, iced tea, lemonade, and fruit punch at most bars, lounges, and dining venues across the ship. It does not include bottled soda, energy drinks, specialty juices, or alcoholic beverages. If you want those, you’ll need to pay extra or upgrade to a broader plan.

How the Soda Package Works

Once purchased, the package is added to your onboard account. You’ll receive a special wristband or have it linked to your key card (depending on the ship). This allows you to walk up to any bar or self-serve station and get a drink without handing over cash or signing a receipt. It’s convenient, especially on busy pool days when lines get long.

One thing I love: the package works across all NCL ships, including the newer Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, as well as older favorites like Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Encore. The consistency is a big plus for repeat cruisers.

Where You Can Use the Soda Package

The soda package is accepted at:

• All main dining room beverage stations
• Pool bars and outdoor lounges
• Most specialty dining venues (for non-alcoholic fountain drinks)
• Self-serve soda fountains (found on most decks)
• Buffet areas during meal times

However, it does not work at:

• Coffee bars (e.g., Starbucks or Café 6) for bottled drinks
• Room service (soda is charged per can)
• Mini-bars in your stateroom
• Specialty lounges with premium beverages (e.g., the Humidor Cigar Bar)

Pro tip: Always check the menu or ask a bartender if you’re unsure. I once tried to use my soda band at a juice bar and learned the hard way that not all “non-alcoholic” drinks are covered.

2024 Soda-Only Pricing: What You’ll Pay Per Person

Standard Daily Rate (Per Person, Per Day)

As of 2024, the soda-only option on Norwegian Cruise Line is priced at $11.95 per person, per day. This is the base rate you’ll see on most sailings, including 7-night Caribbean, Alaska, and Mediterranean cruises.

Let’s break that down with a real example:

• 7-night cruise: $11.95 x 7 = $83.65 per person
• 10-night cruise: $11.95 x 10 = $119.50 per person
• 3-night weekend getaway: $11.95 x 3 = $35.85 per person

This is a fixed cost, regardless of how many sodas you drink. So if you’re someone who enjoys 4–5 sodas a day, it’s a great deal. But if you only have one or two, you might be better off paying à la carte.

Pre-Purchase Discounts and Early Booking Perks

Here’s where you can save: NCL often offers pre-purchase discounts if you buy the soda package before your cruise. These are usually available during the “Manage My Cruise” phase, about 60–90 days before departure.

Discounts typically range from 10% to 20% off the total package price. For example:

• A 7-night cruise at $83.65 → 15% off = $71.10 per person
• A 10-night cruise at $119.50 → 20% off = $95.60 per person

I’ve seen these deals during seasonal promotions (like “Free at Sea” events) or when booking early. Set a reminder in your calendar—once the window closes, you can still buy onboard, but you’ll pay full price.

Onboard Purchase Pricing (Higher Cost)

If you wait until you’re on the ship, the daily rate jumps to $13.95 per person, per day. That’s a $2 increase per day. For a 7-night cruise, that’s an extra $14 per person.

Why the price hike? It’s supply and demand. NCL knows many cruisers forget or decide last minute, so they charge a premium. Don’t be that person. Buy early and save.

Family Pricing: Kids and Shared Packages

Good news for families: children under 13 often get the soda package at a reduced rate—usually $8.95 per day. This applies to the same unlimited access, and it’s a huge savings.

Example for a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids under 13):

• Adults: $11.95 x 7 = $83.65 each → $167.30
• Kids: $8.95 x 7 = $62.65 each → $125.30
• Total: $292.60 (before pre-purchase discount)

With a 15% pre-cruise discount, the total drops to around $248.71—a solid deal for unlimited drinks.

Comparing the Soda-Only Option to Other Beverage Plans

Soda vs. Premium Drink Package

It’s easy to get confused between NCL’s various beverage options. Here’s a quick comparison:

Package	What’s Included	2024 Price (Per Person/Day)	Best For
Soda-Only	Unlimited fountain soda, iced tea, lemonade, fruit punch	$11.95 (pre-purchase)	Non-drinkers, kids, budget travelers
Premium Drink Package	Alcohol, cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, soda, bottled water, energy drinks	$139.95	Adults who drink alcohol regularly
Cheers! Package	Same as Premium, but includes gratuities	$149.95	Those who want all-inclusive with no extra fees
Water & Juice Package	Bottled water, juices, soda (limited)	$10.95	Hydration-focused travelers

As you can see, the soda-only option is by far the most affordable. But if you plan to drink alcohol even a few times, the Premium or Cheers! packages might be worth it. I once calculated that on a 7-night cruise, if I had just 5 cocktails, the Premium Package would pay for itself.

When the Soda Package Is the Smartest Choice

The soda-only option makes the most sense if:

• You don’t drink alcohol (or rarely do)
• You’re traveling with kids
• You prefer soda, iced tea, or lemonade over coffee or juice
• You want to avoid surprise drink charges
• You’re on a tight budget and want to control beverage costs

On the flip side, avoid it if:

• You want bottled soda or energy drinks (not included)
• You plan to use room service or mini-bar (charged separately)
• You’re a heavy coffee drinker (specialty coffee not included)

Hidden Costs and What’s Not Covered

Even with a soda package, you might face extra charges. Here’s what to watch for:

• Bottled soda: $3–$5 per can (not covered)
• Energy drinks: $4–$6 (e.g., Red Bull, Rockstar)
• Specialty juices: $4–$7 (e.g., acai, green juice)
• Room service: $2–$3 per soda, plus delivery fee
• Mini-bar in stateroom: $3–$5 per soda (charged automatically)

I learned this the hard way on a recent cruise. I grabbed a bottled Diet Coke from the mini-bar, thinking it was covered—nope. $3.99 later, I was reminded to stick to the fountain drinks.

How to Maximize Value with the Soda-Only Package

Buy Early, Save Big

This can’t be stressed enough: pre-purchase your soda package. The 10–20% discount adds up fast. Set a Google Calendar reminder for 90 days before your cruise to check for promotions.

Pro tip: If you’re booking during a “Free at Sea” promotion, sometimes NCL includes the soda package for free with certain fare levels. Always read the fine print.

Use It Strategically

Maximize your value by:

• Drinking soda during peak hours (lunch, dinner, pool time)
• Using it at specialty dining venues where soda is normally $2–$3
• Getting refills at self-serve stations (no limits!)
• Sharing with family members (kids under 13 get a lower rate)

On my last cruise, I used my soda band at the pool bar every afternoon. By day 3, I’d already “saved” $10 compared to paying à la carte.

Combine with Other Perks

If you’re booking a suite or Haven stateroom, you might already have beverage credits or a drink package included. In that case, the soda package is redundant—skip it and save your money.

Also, some credit cards (like the Norwegian Cruise Line Visa) offer onboard credit. Use that to buy the soda package instead of cash, effectively getting a discount.

Ask About Group or Multi-Cruise Deals

If you’re traveling with a group (10+ people), call NCL’s group sales department. They sometimes offer custom beverage packages at a discount. I’ve seen groups get 25% off soda packages for family reunions.

And if you’re a frequent cruiser, check your Latitudes Rewards level. Higher tiers sometimes get complimentary or discounted beverage packages.

Real Traveler Experiences: What Cruisers Are Saying in 2024

“Worth It for the Family”

Sarah from Florida took her kids on a 5-night Bahamas cruise. “The soda package was a game-changer. My 8-year-old drank lemonade every day, and my 12-year-old loved the root beer. At $8.95 per kid per day, it was cheaper than buying 4 sodas a day at $2.50 each. Plus, no arguments over who paid for what.”

“I Should’ve Pre-Purchased”

Mark from Ohio bought his soda package onboard. “I didn’t realize the price difference until I saw the receipt. I paid $13.95 a day instead of $11.95. For a 7-night cruise, that’s $14 extra—enough for a nice dinner. Lesson learned.”

“Not Enough for My Needs”

Lisa, a coffee lover, said: “I bought the soda package thinking I’d use it for iced tea and soda. But I drink 3 lattes a day, which aren’t included. I ended up spending more on coffee than I saved on soda. Next time, I’ll skip the package and just pay for what I want.”

“Best Value on the Pool Deck”

James from Texas: “I’m not a big drinker, but I love soda. The package let me grab a cold one anytime, even during busy times. No lines, no hassle. For $83.65, I got 28 sodas—that’s $3 each. Cheaper than a vending machine.”

“Watch the Mini-Bar”

Another cruiser shared: “I grabbed a Diet Coke from the fridge in my room. Next thing I know, $4.99 is on my bill. The soda package doesn’t cover that. Now I just go to the deck for drinks.”

Final Thoughts: Is the Soda-Only Package Worth It in 2024?

So, how much is a soda-only option on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024? The answer: $11.95 per person, per day if you pre-purchase, or $13.95 onboard. For a 7-night cruise, that’s between $83.65 and $97.65 per person—and even less for kids.

Is it worth it? For most families, non-drinkers, and soda lovers, absolutely yes. The convenience, cost savings, and peace of mind make it a smart choice. You avoid the stress of tracking drink charges, and you can enjoy unlimited refills without guilt.

But it’s not for everyone. If you’re a light soda drinker, prefer bottled drinks, or want specialty coffee, you might be better off paying as you go. And always—always—remember to pre-purchase. That 10–20% discount can save you $20–$40 per person.

At the end of the day, the soda package is about more than just cost. It’s about enjoying your vacation without worrying about the bill. Whether you’re sipping a cold cola under the Caribbean sun or sharing a root beer with your kids, it’s the little things that make a cruise memorable. And with the right planning, that soda can be both delicious and affordable.

So go ahead—raise a glass (or a cup) to smart cruising. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a soda-only option on Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024?

As of 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line’s soda-only package typically costs between $10 and $15 per person, per day, depending on the sailing duration and promotions. Prices may vary slightly based on the ship and itinerary.

Is there a daily soda package available on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a dedicated soda-only option for guests who want unlimited fountain drinks without paying for a full beverage package. This package is ideal for non-alcoholic drinkers or families with kids.

Does the soda-only option on Norwegian Cruise Line include bottled sodas?

No, the soda-only package covers fountain sodas, iced tea, lemonade, and select non-alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants. Bottled or canned sodas are not included and must be purchased separately.

Can I purchase the soda-only option for just part of my cruise?

Norwegian Cruise Line usually requires the soda-only option to be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise. However, you can check with guest services for special requests or exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Are kids eligible for a discounted soda-only package on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, children often receive a reduced rate for the soda-only option compared to adults. The exact discount varies by sailing, so confirm pricing during booking or at the onboard guest services desk.

What’s the difference between the soda-only option and the unlimited beverage package?

The soda-only option is a budget-friendly choice for unlimited fountain drinks, while the unlimited beverage package includes alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, and more. Choose the soda-only option if you only want non-alcoholic beverages.