How Much Is Beer and Wine on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Beer and wine on Norwegian Cruise Line typically cost between $7 and $15 per drink, depending on the brand, location, and whether you’re in a bar, dining room, or at a specialty venue. Premium bottles and imported labels can exceed $60, but daily drink specials and beverage packages offer ways to save for frequent imbibers.

Key Takeaways

• Beer prices start at $7: Expect to pay $7–$10 per draft or bottled beer onboard.
• Wine averages $10–$15 per glass: Varies by label and dining venue; premium options cost more.
• Buy drink packages for savings: Unlimited beverage packages can reduce per-drink costs significantly.
• Happy hour discounts available: Take advantage of reduced prices during select daily timeframes.
• Specialty bars charge more: Craft cocktails and wine bars often exceed standard drink prices.
• Check for inclusive promotions: Some cruises offer free drink packages with booking deals.

Why the Cost of Beer and Wine Matters on a Norwegian Cruise

Let’s be honest—when you’re booking a cruise, you’re not just paying for the room and the ocean views. You’re also paying for the experience: the laughter at dinner, the sunset cocktails on deck, and yes, that cold beer after a long day exploring a new port. If you’re anything like me, a few drinks are part of the fun. But here’s the catch: how much is beer and wine on Norwegian Cruise Line? It’s not always clear, and the last thing you want is to get hit with a surprise bar bill at the end of your trip.

I’ve been on several Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ships, and one thing I’ve learned is that drink pricing can vary—sometimes dramatically—depending on when, where, and how you order. Whether you’re a casual wine-with-dinner person or someone who enjoys a few beers by the pool, understanding the pricing structure is key to managing your budget. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned: the base prices, package options, hidden deals, and tips to save money without sacrificing enjoyment. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense breakdown—like advice from a fellow cruiser who’s been in your shoes.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Pricing Structure

Base Prices for Beer and Wine by the Glass

First, let’s talk about the a la carte prices. If you’re not using a drink package, you’ll pay per drink at bars, restaurants, and lounges. Norwegian Cruise Line uses a standardized pricing model, but prices can vary slightly based on the ship and itinerary. As of recent sailings (2023–2024), here’s what you can expect:

• Domestic beer (Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc.): $7–$8 per bottle or draft
• Imported beer (Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois): $8–$9.50
• Specialty craft beer (local brews, IPAs): $9–$11
• House wine (by the glass, 5 oz pour): $9–$11
• Premium wine (e.g., Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon): $12–$16
• Sparkling wine or prosecco: $13–$18

For example, on a recent 7-day Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Encore, a glass of house Chardonnay at dinner was $10.50, while a Heineken at the pool bar was $8.25. A craft IPA at the onboard brewery? $10.50. These prices add up fast—especially if you’re having more than one drink per day.

Where You Drink Affects the Price

Believe it or not, the location matters. A beer at the main pool bar might cost the same as one at a specialty bar, but service charges and ambiance can make a difference in your overall experience—and your wallet.

• Main pool bars and casual lounges: Most affordable. Expect standard pricing and quick service.
• Specialty bars (e.g., The District Brew House, Whiskey Bar): Slightly higher prices, especially for craft or premium options. A flight of local brews might cost $15–$20.
• Restaurants: Wine prices are usually higher here due to table service. A glass of wine at Cagney’s Steakhouse might be $1–$2 more than at the bar.
• Special events (e.g., wine tastings, cocktail hours): These often include a premium price tag—sometimes double the base rate—but can offer value if you’re interested in learning or trying rare bottles.

Pro tip: If you’re just looking for a casual drink, stick to the main pool bar or a casual lounge. You’ll save a few bucks and still enjoy the same quality beer or wine.

Service Charges and Gratuities

Here’s a detail many cruisers overlook: NCL automatically adds a 15–20% gratuity to all drink purchases unless you’re using a package. This means a $9 beer actually costs $10.35–$10.80 after the tip. It’s not a scam—it’s standard practice—but it’s important to factor in.

Also, if you’re in a specialty restaurant or at a high-end bar, the gratuity might be higher. Always check your receipt. You can adjust the tip if you feel the service wasn’t up to par, but the default is automatic.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

Overview of the Beverage Packages

NCL offers several drink packages, and choosing the right one can make or break your budget. The most popular is the Premium Beverage Package (PBP), which includes beer, wine, cocktails, soda, and more. But there are also lighter options for casual drinkers.

• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): Covers all drinks up to $15 in value. Includes cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffees, and non-alcoholic drinks. Price: $109 per person, per day (as of 2024).
• Premium Plus Beverage Package: Includes everything in PBP, plus premium spirits and top-shelf wine (up to $25 value). Price: $159 per person, per day.
• Soda Package: Unlimited soda and fountain drinks. Price: $12 per person, per day.
• Kids’ Drink Package: Includes juice, milk, soda, and mocktails. Price: $10 per day.

The PBP is the most commonly purchased, and for good reason—it’s flexible and covers a wide range of drinks. But is it worth the cost?

When the Premium Beverage Package Pays Off

Let’s do the math. To break even on the PBP ($109/day), you’d need to consume:

• About 12–13 glasses of house wine per day, or
• 14–15 domestic beers, or
• A mix like 6 cocktails ($14 avg) + 4 beers + 2 wines = roughly $110

Most cruisers don’t drink that much in a single day. But consider this: if you’re having two cocktails at dinner, a beer by the pool, and a glass of wine with lunch, you’re already at $35–$40 in base costs. Add a few more drinks, and you’re close to $60–$70 per day. Over a 7-day cruise, that’s $420–$490 for two people. The PBP for two people would cost $1,526—so you’d need to drink a lot to justify it.

However, the package does pay off if:

• You enjoy multiple cocktails daily (especially premium ones).
• You drink wine with every meal (lunch and dinner).
• You’re a beer lover who enjoys craft or imported brews.
• You like specialty coffee or non-alcoholic drinks (like mocktails or smoothies).

Real-life example: On a 5-day cruise, my partner and I had 2–3 drinks each per day—mostly wine and cocktails. We spent about $220 on drinks without a package. The PBP would have cost $1,090 for both of us—way more than we needed. But if we’d been on a 10-day cruise and drank more, it might have made sense.

Hidden Perks of the Package (Beyond Just Drinks)

Here’s something many people don’t realize: the PBP includes more than just alcohol. You also get:

• Unlimited specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, etc.)—normally $3–$5 each.
• Free smoothies and mocktails at the pool bar.
• Discounted bottles of wine (often 20–30% off if you buy a bottle instead of by the glass).
• Access to exclusive bars and lounges (e.g., The Humidor cigar lounge, if included).

These extras can add real value, especially if you’re a coffee lover or enjoy non-alcoholic options. One cruiser I met saved $60 just on coffee alone during a 7-day trip!

How to Save Money on Beer and Wine Without a Package

Take Advantage of Happy Hours and Promotions

NCL runs drink specials throughout the cruise. These are goldmines for budget-conscious cruisers.

• Happy Hour: Usually 4–6 PM at pool bars. Buy one, get one free (BOGO) on select beers and wines. A $10 glass of wine becomes $5.
• Wine Tasting Events: Often $15–$25 per person for 4–5 pours. Great value if you enjoy wine and want to learn.
• “Buy a Bottle, Save” Promotions: Some restaurants offer discounts on bottles of wine if you buy two or more. A $60 bottle might drop to $45.
• Loyalty Program Perks: If you’re a past guest (Latitudes member), you might get free drink credits or BOGO offers.

Tip: Check the daily cruise newsletter (or the NCL app) for happy hour times and locations. They vary by ship and day.

Buy Wine by the Bottle (and Share It)

One of the smartest ways to save on wine is to buy by the bottle instead of by the glass. A $60 bottle of house wine contains about 5 glasses—so each glass costs $12 if you order individually. But if you buy the bottle, you pay $60 total, saving $10–$20 depending on the ship’s markup.

Even better: share it with your table. If you’re dining with 2–3 people, splitting a bottle is not only cheaper but more social. Just remember: NCL charges a $25 corkage fee if you bring your own bottle onboard. So unless you’re bringing a special vintage, it’s better to buy onboard.

Real example: On the Norwegian Joy, a bottle of Pinot Noir was $68. Five glasses would have cost $55 ($11 each), so we saved $13 by buying the bottle. Plus, we got to enjoy it over two dinners.

Use the “Bring Your Own” (BYO) Policy Wisely

Here’s a little-known fact: NCL allows you to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person, per cruise when boarding. You can enjoy it in your stateroom or at dinner—no corkage fee if consumed in your room. If you want to drink it in a restaurant, the $25 corkage applies.

This is perfect if:

• You have a favorite wine from home.
• You want to celebrate a special occasion (anniversary, birthday).
• You’re on a budget and want to save on a few glasses.

Just pack it in your carry-on—don’t check it in your luggage. And remember: no hard liquor or beer is allowed.

Regional and Seasonal Price Variations

How Itinerary Affects Drink Prices

Not all NCL cruises are priced the same. A 7-day Alaska cruise might have different drink prices than a 5-day Bahamas getaway. Why? Supply costs, port fees, and local demand all play a role.

• Caribbean & Bahamas: Slightly lower prices due to proximity to U.S. suppliers. Happy hours are frequent.
• Alaska: Higher prices (5–10% more) due to logistics. Fewer happy hours, but wine tastings are popular.
• Mediterranean & Europe: Premium wine and local craft beer are emphasized. Expect higher prices for European imports (e.g., French wine, German beer).
• Asia & Australia: Local beers (e.g., Asahi, Foster’s) are cheaper than U.S. imports. Wine prices vary widely.

Tip: If you’re on a European cruise, try the local wines—they’re often higher quality and better value than the house options.

Seasonal Promotions and Discounts

NCL runs seasonal sales on drink packages and onboard spending. For example:

• “Free at Sea” Promotions: Often include a free drink package (usually the PBP) if you book a qualifying cabin. This can save $100+ per person.
• Early Booking Discounts: Book 6+ months in advance, and you might get $50–$100 in onboard credit (OBC), which you can use for drinks.
• Last-Minute Deals: Sometimes, NCL offers 50% off drink packages for last-minute bookings.

Keep an eye on NCL’s website and sign up for their email list. I once got a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal on the PBP—saving $500 for two people!

Data Table: Sample Drink Prices Across NCL Ships (2024)

Drink	Norwegian Encore	Norwegian Joy	Norwegian Bliss	Norwegian Escape
Domestic Beer (12 oz)	$7.50	$7.25	$7.75	$7.00
Imported Beer (12 oz)	$8.50	$8.00	$8.75	$8.25
House Wine (5 oz)	$10.50	$9.75	$11.00	$10.00
Premium Wine (5 oz)	$14.00	$13.50	$15.00	$13.75
Sparkling Wine (5 oz)	$16.00	$15.00	$17.00	$15.50
Premium Beverage Package (per day)	$109	$109	$109	$109
Happy Hour (BOGO)	4–6 PM	3–5 PM	4–6 PM	3:30–5:30 PM

Note: Prices include base cost but not automatic gratuity (15–20%). Happy hour times may vary by cruise length and ship.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Fun and Budget

So, how much is beer and wine on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer isn’t simple—it depends on your drinking habits, your itinerary, and how smart you are with deals. But here’s the bottom line: you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a few drinks on your cruise.

If you’re a light drinker, stick to a la carte purchases and take advantage of happy hours and bottle deals. Bring a bottle of wine from home for a special dinner. Share a bottle with friends. Sip that craft beer slowly by the pool. The key is mindfulness—not deprivation.

If you’re a heavier drinker or love premium cocktails and wine, the Premium Beverage Package can be a great value—especially if you book it during a “Free at Sea” promotion. But don’t assume it’s always worth it. Do the math. Compare your likely consumption to the package cost.

And remember: the best cruise memories aren’t about how many drinks you had—but the moments you shared. The laughter over a glass of wine at sunset. The toast to a new adventure. The quiet sip of beer after a day of exploration. Those are priceless.

So go ahead—raise a glass. Just make sure it’s one you can afford. With a little planning, you can enjoy every drop without breaking the bank. Cheers to that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is beer and wine on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Beer on Norwegian Cruise Line typically ranges from $6 to $10 per bottle or draft, depending on the brand and location onboard. Wine by the glass starts around $10 to $16, with premium options costing more.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer drink packages for beer and wine?

Yes, Norwegian offers the Premium Beverage Package, which includes beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate (usually $99–$129 per person, per day). This can save money if you plan to drink multiple beverages daily.

Can I bring my own beer or wine on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

Norwegian allows each guest to bring **one bottle of wine or champagne** (750ml) onboard on embarkation day, but beer is prohibited. Any additional alcohol purchased in ports must be surrendered until the end of the cruise.

How much does a beer and wine package cost on Norwegian Cruise Line?

While Norwegian doesn’t offer a standalone beer and wine package, the Premium Beverage Package covers both, along with spirits and sodas. The price varies by sailing length and itinerary, so check your cruise details for exact rates.

Are there happy hour deals for beer and wine on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, Norwegian often features daily happy hour specials in bars and lounges, such as discounted beer and wine by the glass. Check your daily Freestyle Daily newsletter for specific times and locations.

Is the drink package worth it for beer and wine lovers on Norwegian?

If you consume 6–8 alcoholic drinks daily (including beer and wine), the Premium Beverage Package can pay for itself. Calculate your expected consumption to see if the package offers savings over paying per drink.