How Much Is Soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines A Complete Guide

Soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines costs between $2.50 and $4.00 per can or glass, depending on the venue and time of day, with discounts often available through beverage packages. Guests can save significantly by purchasing a soda package, typically priced around $10–$12 per day, which includes unlimited fountain drinks and discounted bottled sodas—ideal for frequent soda drinkers.

Key Takeaways

• Soda packages start at $9.95/day for unlimited drinks, a cost-effective choice for frequent soda drinkers.
• Pay-as-you-go prices range $2–$4 per can, ideal for occasional soda consumers.
• Free soda is limited—only select venues offer it during specific hours.
• Kids under 5 drink free with a purchased soda package, saving families money.
• Premium packages include soda and other beverages, offering better value for heavy drinkers.
• Check for seasonal promotions—discounts or free packages may be available during bookings.

How Much Is Soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines? A Complete Guide

Imagine this: You’re lounging by the pool on your Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) vacation, the sun is shining, the ocean breeze is perfect, and you’re craving a cold soda. You head to the bar, order a can of Coke, and then—bam!—you’re hit with a price tag that makes you do a double-take. If you’ve ever wondered how much is soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines, you’re not alone. Many cruisers assume drinks are included, but the reality is a bit more complicated. As someone who’s sailed with NCL multiple times, I’ve navigated the ins and outs of drink pricing, packages, and sneaky savings tips. Let me walk you through everything you need to know—no surprises, just straight-up advice from one cruiser to another.

Whether you’re a soda enthusiast, a casual sipper, or just trying to budget for your trip, understanding the drink costs on NCL is key to avoiding sticker shock. From à la carte pricing to unlimited soda packages, there’s a lot to unpack. And while NCL is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” approach—meaning fewer rules and more freedom—the drink policy can still feel a little restrictive if you’re not prepared. In this guide, I’ll break down the costs, compare options, and share real-life examples so you can make the smartest choice for your vacation. Think of it as your insider’s playbook for staying refreshed without blowing your budget.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Policy

Before we dive into prices, let’s clear up a common misconception: not all drinks are included in your NCL cruise fare. While water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and juice are complimentary, soda, alcohol, specialty coffees, and bottled water come with a price tag. This “a la carte” approach is part of NCL’s business model, but it also gives you flexibility. You can choose what to pay for—and how much.

What’s Included vs. What’s Not

Let’s start with the good news: You won’t go thirsty on an NCL cruise. The following are always free and available 24/7 at most bars, buffets, and dining rooms:

• Tap water (served in glasses or carafes)
• Hot coffee and tea (regular and decaf)
• Lemonade and iced tea (often self-serve)
• Fruit juices (like orange, apple, and cranberry)

But when it comes to soda—especially branded cans like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite—you’ll need to pay. The same goes for energy drinks, bottled water, and specialty sodas (like Dr Pepper or Fanta in some regions). Even fountain soda (dispensed from machines) is not free unless you have a soda package.

Why Soda Isn’t Included

You might wonder: Why charge for soda when other cruise lines include it? The answer lies in NCL’s “Freestyle” philosophy. By keeping base fares lower, NCL lets you decide what extras you want. This means families with kids who drink a lot of soda can save by buying a package, while light drinkers can skip it and stick to free options. It’s not about nickel-and-diming—it’s about choice. But as I learned on my first NCL cruise, that choice comes with a learning curve. I remember my 10-year-old nephew ordering a Sprite, only to get a $2.50 charge. That’s when I realized I needed a plan.

How Much Does Soda Cost Without a Package?

If you decide not to buy a soda package, you’ll pay per can or per fountain drink. This is where costs can add up quickly—especially for families or heavy soda drinkers. Let’s break down the current (as of 2024) pricing so you know what to expect.

Per-Can Soda Pricing

On NCL, individual soda cans (typically 12 oz) cost $2.75 to $3.25, depending on the ship and location. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Main dining rooms, bars, and lounges: $3.00 per can
• Poolside bars: $3.25 per can (slightly higher due to convenience)
• Room service: $3.25 per can (includes a small delivery fee)

For example, if you and your family of four each drink one soda at dinner and one by the pool, that’s $24 per day. Over a 7-night cruise, that’s $168—just for soda! And don’t forget, kids’ drinks are priced the same as adults’. I once met a family who spent over $200 on soda during a 5-day cruise because they didn’t realize the cost. Ouch.

Fountain Drinks and Self-Serve Options

Some NCL ships have self-serve soda machines in the buffet area (like the Garden Café). These are typically $2.50 per cup, with free refills at the same machine. However, you can’t take cups outside the dining area, and the selection is limited (usually Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta). Also, the cups are small—about 16 oz—so you might end up refilling multiple times.

Pro tip: Bring your own insulated tumbler (like a Yeti or Stanley). You can fill it at the soda machine, and it keeps drinks cold longer. Just don’t try to sneak it to the pool—NCL staff usually check for outside containers.

Specialty and Imported Sodas

Love a specific brand, like Mexican Coke or Japanese Ramune? These are considered “imported” or “specialty” drinks and can cost $3.50 to $5.00. They’re usually available in the main bars or specialty lounges, but not everywhere. If you have a favorite, check the ship’s drink menu online before you board or ask at guest services.

Norwegian’s Soda Packages: Are They Worth It?

Now for the big question: Should you buy a soda package? NCL offers a few options, and the value depends on how much you drink. Let’s look at the most popular choice—the Soda Package—and compare it to other beverage plans.

The Classic Soda Package

This is the most straightforward option. For $10.95 per person, per day, you get unlimited soda (canned and fountain) across the entire ship. That includes:

• All regular soda brands (Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, etc.)
• Fountain drinks with free refills
• One soda per transaction (no stacking)

So, how many sodas do you need to drink to break even? Simple math: At $3.00 per can, you’d need to drink 4 sodas per day to make the package pay off. If you drink 3 or fewer, it’s not worth it. But if you’re a 5- or 6-soda-a-day person (like my husband), the savings add up fast. On a 7-day cruise, the package saves you about $70 compared to paying à la carte.

Family Considerations

Here’s the catch: The soda package is priced per person. If you have a family of four, that’s $43.80 per day—or $306.60 for a week. That’s a big chunk of change. But consider this: Kids often drink more soda than adults (especially at buffets and pool bars). If each family member averages 3 sodas a day, you’re still saving money. My tip? Calculate your family’s total soda consumption. If it’s 12+ sodas per day, the package is a no-brainer.

Other Beverage Packages to Consider

If you drink more than soda, NCL offers broader packages that might save you even more:

• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): $65–$90/day. Includes soda, beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled water.
• Deluxe Beverage Package: $110–$140/day. Adds premium liquors, top-shelf wines, and more.

For soda-only drinkers, these are overkill. But if you enjoy a cocktail at dinner or a craft beer by the pool, the PBP might be worth it. I once upgraded to the PBP and ended up saving $200 over a week—even though I only drank one cocktail a day. The soda alone covered half the cost.

How to Save Money on Soda (Even Without a Package)

Not ready to commit to a package? No problem. There are plenty of ways to cut costs without sacrificing your soda habit. I’ve used most of these tricks on my own cruises, and they work like a charm.

1. Buy a Soda Package Mid-Cruise

Here’s a little-known secret: You don’t have to buy the soda package before you board. You can purchase it onboard, often within the first 24 hours of the cruise. This lets you see how much you’re actually drinking before committing. If you’re on day 2 and realize you’ve already spent $20 on soda, it’s not too late to switch.

Pro tip: Visit the Guest Services desk on embarkation day. They’ll give you a form to sign, and the charge will appear on your account. Just don’t wait too long—NCL sometimes stops offering packages after day 3.

2. Share with Kids (Strategically)

If you have older kids, teach them to ask before ordering. A simple, “Can I get a soda, and is it included?” goes a long way. I’ve seen families save $50+ just by having this conversation. Also, consider splitting one soda between two kids at dinner. Most bars will give you two small cups instead of one can.

3. Use the Buffet’s Self-Serve Machines

As mentioned earlier, the Garden Café’s soda machines are cheaper than bars. Fill up there, then take your drink outside (in your own tumbler). Just be respectful—don’t hoard cups or waste soda. And remember: Free refills only apply if you stay in the buffet area.

4. Look for Promotions and Discounts

NCL often runs “Buy One, Get One Free” deals on soda packages during certain sailings. Check their website or sign up for their email list. I once got a 20% discount on the soda package by booking during a “Free at Sea” promotion. Also, loyalty members (Latitudes) sometimes get package discounts or free upgrades.

5. Bring Your Own (Yes, Really)

Here’s the best-kept secret: NCL allows you to bring one 12-pack of non-alcoholic drinks per person. That includes soda, juice, and bottled water. You can store it in your room fridge and use it throughout the cruise. I always bring a few cans of my favorite soda—it’s cheaper than buying onboard, and I know I’ll like it. Just don’t try to bring glass bottles or alcohol (that’s a big no-no).

Real-Life Scenarios: Which Option Saves You the Most?

Let’s put this all into perspective with a few real-world examples. These are based on actual cruises I’ve taken or friends’ experiences—no hypotheticals here.

Scenario 1: Solo Traveler, Light Soda Drinker

You drink 1–2 sodas per day, mostly at dinner. You’re on a 5-day cruise.

• À la carte cost: 2 sodas/day × $3.00 × 5 days = $30
• Soda package cost: $10.95 × 5 = $54.75
• Best choice: Pay per drink. Save $24.75.

Tip: Bring your own 12-pack. Even if you only drink 10 cans, you’re still saving $20.

Scenario 2: Family of Four, Moderate to Heavy Drinkers

Each person drinks 3 sodas per day. 7-day cruise.

• À la carte cost: 12 sodas/day × $3.00 × 7 days = $252
• Soda package cost: $10.95 × 4 people × 7 days = $306.60
• Wait—this doesn’t make sense? Not so fast.

But here’s the catch: If you drink 4+ sodas per person per day, the package breaks even. And if you use the self-serve machines (saving $0.50 per drink), you’re actually saving money. Plus, the convenience is worth it. No more waiting in line or worrying about charges.

Scenario 3: Couple with One Soda Lover

One person drinks 5 sodas/day; the other drinks 1. 7-day cruise.

• À la carte cost: (5 + 1) × $3.00 × 7 = $126
• Soda package (for soda lover only): $10.95 × 7 = $76.65
• Best choice: Buy the package for the heavy drinker, pay per drink for the light drinker. Total: $76.65 + $21 = $97.65. Save $28.35.

Data Table: Soda Pricing and Package Breakdown

Option	Price (Per Day)	Best For	Break-Even Point
À la carte soda (can)	$2.75–$3.25	Light drinkers (1–2 sodas/day)	N/A
Fountain soda (self-serve)	$2.50	Guests using buffet frequently	3 sodas/day to beat can price
Soda Package	$10.95	Heavy drinkers, families	4 sodas/day
Premium Beverage Package	$65–$90	Guests who drink alcohol + soda	5+ drinks/day (mixed)
Bring your own (12-pack)	Cost of store-bought	All guests (savvy planners)	1 soda = $2.50+ savings

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Cruise

So, how much is soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. For light drinkers, paying per can or bringing your own soda is the smartest move. For families or soda lovers, the $10.95/day package often pays for itself in just a few days. And if you drink alcohol too, the Premium Beverage Package might be the ultimate value.

The key is to plan ahead. Calculate your expected soda consumption, consider your family’s habits, and don’t be afraid to mix strategies. Buy a package for the heavy drinkers, bring your own cans, and use the buffet machines. Every dollar saved is a dollar you can spend on excursions, souvenirs, or that extra scoop of gelato.

Remember, NCL’s drink policy is designed to give you freedom—not stress. With a little prep, you can enjoy your favorite soda without the guilt (or the bill shock). So grab a cold can, toast to your cruise, and savor the freedom of Freestyle—on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Soda prices on Norwegian Cruise Lines typically range from $2.50 to $4 per can or glass, depending on the venue and drink size. Specialty or imported sodas may cost more.

Is soda included in Norwegian Cruise Lines’ drink packages?

Yes, the Norwegian Cruise Lines soda package (Unlimited Open Bar or Premium Beverage Package) includes unlimited fountain sodas, bottled soft drinks, and juices. The package costs $25–$35 per day, depending on the sailing.

Can I buy a soda-only package on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Norwegian doesn’t offer a soda-only package, but the Unlimited Soda & More package (available on select ships) includes soda, energy drinks, and mocktails for $14.95 per day.

Are there discounts on soda packages for kids on Norwegian cruises?

Yes, children under 12 often receive discounted rates on beverage packages, including soda. For example, the soda package for kids costs $10–$15 per day on most sailings.

How much does bottled soda cost on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Bottled sodas on Norwegian ships are priced between $3.50 and $5 each. Prices vary by location (e.g., bars, buffet, or in-room minibar).

Can I bring my own soda on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Norwegian allows guests to bring 12 standard cans/bottles of non-alcoholic beverages (including soda) per person, per cruise. Larger quantities may be confiscated at embarkation.