How Much Is the Beverage Package on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “How much is the beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line?” For many travelers, the cost of drinks—whether a morning coffee, an afternoon cocktail, or a glass of wine with dinner—can significantly impact the overall budget. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers several beverage packages designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and spending habits, but understanding the pricing, inclusions, and value can be complex. With cruise lines often advertising “all-inclusive” deals, it’s easy to assume drinks are covered, but the reality is more nuanced.

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the beverage package options available on Norwegian Cruise Line, revealing not only the current pricing but also the fine print, best practices, and insider tips to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a casual drinker, a wine enthusiast, or someone who just wants to enjoy a soda by the pool without worrying about the tab, this article will break down everything you need to know. From package comparisons to cost-saving strategies, we’ll help you determine whether a beverage package is worth the investment—or if you’re better off paying à la carte.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Package Options

Norwegian Cruise Line offers multiple beverage packages to suit different drinking preferences and budgets. Unlike some cruise lines that offer a one-size-fits-all model, NCL provides tiered options, allowing guests to choose based on their consumption habits. The packages are designed to provide convenience, predictability, and potential savings—especially for those who plan to enjoy multiple drinks per day.

Visual guide about how much is the beverage package on norwegian cruise line

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1. The Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP)

The Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP) is NCL’s most popular and comprehensive offering. As of 2024, this package is priced at $109 per person, per day (plus a 20% gratuity automatically added at checkout). This package is ideal for guests who enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. It includes:

All cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, and beer (up to $15 per drink)
Premium wines by the glass (up to $15 per glass)
Non-alcoholic drinks, including specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, and juice
20% off drinks priced above $15 (e.g., premium wines, rare spirits)

Example: If you enjoy a $12 mojito at lunch, a $14 glass of Cabernet at dinner, and a $4 espresso in the afternoon, the UBP covers all of these with no additional cost. For someone consuming 4–5 drinks daily, the package quickly pays for itself.

2. The Premium Plus Beverage Package

Introduced in recent years, the Premium Plus Beverage Package is a step above the UBP. Priced at $129 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity), it includes everything in the UBP but with a higher drink limit: up to $25 per drink. This is ideal for guests who want access to premium brands like Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, or high-end wines such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

All UBP inclusions
Access to top-shelf spirits, rare liquors, and ultra-premium wines (up to $25)
20% off drinks above $25

Tip: If you’re a connoisseur who enjoys a $22 glass of aged bourbon or a $24 vintage Champagne, the Premium Plus package offers better value than paying full price.

3. The Soda Package

For non-alcoholic drinkers or families with children, the Soda Package is a cost-effective option at $9.95 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity). It includes unlimited fountain soda, bottled water (500ml), and juice (up to $5 per drink).

Unlimited Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and other fountain drinks
One 500ml bottled water per day
Juice options like orange, apple, and cranberry (up to $5)

This package is especially useful on longer cruises (7+ days) or for guests who prefer non-alcoholic refreshments. Note: specialty coffees and bottled juices over $5 are not included.

4. The Premium Coffee & Soda Package

At $14.95 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity), this package combines the Soda Package with unlimited specialty coffees from Starbucks or NCL’s in-house cafes. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want lattes, cappuccinos, and iced mochas without paying $6–$8 per drink.

All Soda Package inclusions
Unlimited specialty coffees (espresso, latte, mocha, etc.)

Example: If you buy two specialty coffees daily at $7 each, that’s $14—just $0.95 more than the package cost. Add in soda and water, and you’re already saving.

How Pricing Works: Daily Rates, Gratuities, and Booking Timing

Understanding how NCL calculates the cost of beverage packages is crucial to avoiding surprises. The advertised price is per person, per day, and the total is calculated based on the length of your cruise. For example, a 7-night cruise with the Ultimate Beverage Package would cost:

$109/day × 7 days = $763 per person
Plus 20% gratuity ($152.60) = $915.60 total

This means the gratuity alone can add over $150 to the final bill—something many first-time cruisers overlook.

Gratuities and Automatic Add-Ons

All beverage packages include a mandatory 20% service charge, which is added at the time of purchase. This gratuity is non-negotiable and goes to the crew members who serve your drinks. Unlike dining gratuities, which can sometimes be adjusted, beverage package gratuities are fixed. Important: This gratuity is applied to the full package price, not just the base cost.

Booking Early vs. Last-Minute

NCL frequently offers promotions where beverage packages are discounted or even “free” when booked early. These “Free at Sea” deals are a major selling point and can save hundreds of dollars. For example:

Book 6+ months in advance: Get the Ultimate Beverage Package included with certain fare types (e.g., “Free at Sea” promotion)
Last-minute bookings: Pay full price with no discounts

Tip: Always check NCL’s official website or work with a travel agent to see if your sailing qualifies for a “Free at Sea” offer. These promotions often require selecting a specific stateroom category or booking a minimum number of guests.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

Beverage packages are non-refundable once purchased, even if you don’t use them. However, if you book through a “Free at Sea” promotion and the package was complimentary, it won’t be charged if you cancel. If you paid for the package, you cannot get a refund—even if you only use one drink. This makes it essential to estimate your consumption accurately before purchasing.

Is the Beverage Package Worth It? A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Deciding whether to buy a beverage package requires analyzing your drinking habits, cruise itinerary, and budget. Let’s break down the value proposition with real-world examples.

Scenario 1: The Casual Drinker

Profile: Enjoys 1–2 drinks per day (e.g., one cocktail at dinner, one beer by the pool).

Daily cost without package: $12 (cocktail) + $8 (beer) = $20
7-day total: $140
Ultimate Beverage Package cost: $915.60

Verdict: Not worth it. You’d need to drink over 6 drinks per day to break even. For casual drinkers, paying à la carte is far cheaper.

Profile: Enjoys 4–5 drinks daily, including pre-dinner cocktails, wine with dinner, and late-night drinks.

Daily cost without package: $14 (martini) + $12 (wine) + $10 (whiskey) + $8 (beer) = $44
7-day total: $308
UBP cost: $915.60

Verdict: Still not worth it unless you drink more than 5 drinks per day or include premium items. However, if you value convenience and predictability, the UBP may be worth the peace of mind.

Scenario 3: The Premium Drinker

Profile: Enjoys high-end spirits, rare wines, and specialty cocktails (e.g., $18–$22 per drink).

Daily cost without package: $22 (bourbon) + $20 (vintage wine) + $18 (craft cocktail) = $60
7-day total: $420
Premium Plus Package cost: $129/day × 7 = $903 + $180.60 gratuity = $1,083.60

Verdict: The Premium Plus package starts to make sense if you drink 4+ premium drinks daily. The 20% discount on drinks over $25 also adds value. For example, a $30 bottle of Champagne would cost $24 with the discount.

Additional Value Factors

Convenience: No need to sign a check or carry a card. Just show your key card.
Predictability: Know your drink costs upfront.
Specialty Coffee: If you drink 2+ specialty coffees daily, the Premium Coffee & Soda package pays for itself.
Family Travel: Soda and juice packages can save money for families with kids.

Fine Print and Restrictions You Need to Know

While beverage packages offer convenience, they come with several important restrictions that can affect your experience.

1. Drink Price Caps

All packages have a per-drink price cap. For the UBP, it’s $15. If you order a drink over $15, you pay the difference. For example, a $18 cocktail would cost $3 extra. The Premium Plus package raises this to $25, which covers most premium drinks but not ultra-luxury options like a $50 bottle of Dom Pérignon.

Beverage packages are non-transferable. You cannot use your package to buy drinks for others. Each guest must have their own package to receive benefits. This is strictly enforced—crew members will check ID and room keys.

3. Port Days and Off-Ship Purchases

The package only applies onboard. Drinks purchased during excursions, at private islands (e.g., Great Stirrup Cay), or in port are not covered. However, you can use the package on NCL’s private island bars if they accept the package (check with crew).

4. Specialty Restaurants and Bars

Most onboard bars and restaurants accept beverage packages, but some specialty venues (e.g., The District Brew House, Cagney’s Wine Bar) may have limited selections. Always ask before ordering.

5. Minors and Non-Drinkers

Children under 21 cannot purchase alcohol packages, but they can buy the Soda or Coffee & Soda packages. Non-drinkers can opt out entirely, but beware: some promotions (e.g., “Free at Sea”) require all adults in a stateroom to purchase the same package.

6. Package Duration

The package covers the entire cruise, including embarkation day and debarkation day. However, it ends at 2:00 AM on the final morning. No drinks are included after that time.

Smart Strategies to Maximize Your Beverage Package

Even if you purchase a package, there are ways to get the most value out of it. Here are expert tips to stretch your dollar—and your drink allowance.

1. Use the 20% Discount on Premium Drinks

Take advantage of the 20% discount on drinks above the price cap. For example, with the UBP, order a $20 bottle of Champagne—you’ll pay $5 instead of $20. This is a smart way to enjoy luxury items without breaking the bank.

2. Visit High-Value Bars

Some bars offer better value than others. For example, the Spice H2O pool bar often serves $12–$14 cocktails, which are fully covered. In contrast, specialty lounges may have limited selections. Do a bar crawl early in the cruise to find your favorite spots.

3. Combine with Specialty Dining

Many specialty restaurants (e.g., Le Bistro, Teppanyaki) pair well with wine and cocktails. Use your package to order a full bottle of wine—often a better value than by-the-glass.

4. Stock Up on Bottled Water and Soda

Use your package to get free bottled water (500ml per day with Soda Package) and soda. These are great for excursions or to keep in your stateroom.

5. Avoid Package Overlap

If you’re traveling with others, don’t double-buy. For example, if two people share a room and only one drinks, don’t purchase two UBP packages. Instead, buy one and pay for the other’s drinks à la carte.

6. Check for Onboard Credits

Sometimes NCL offers onboard credit (e.g., $50–$100) that can be used to purchase a beverage package. This effectively reduces the cost. Always check your cruise documents for credit offers.

Data Table: Beverage Package Comparison (2024)

Package	Price Per Day	Gratuity	Drink Limit	Key Inclusions	Best For
Ultimate Beverage	$109	20% ($21.80)	$15 per drink	Cocktails, beer, wine, soda, coffee, juice	Moderate to heavy drinkers (4+ drinks/day)
Premium Plus	$129	20% ($25.80)	$25 per drink	All UBP + premium spirits, rare wines	Connoisseurs, luxury drinkers
Soda Package	$9.95	20% ($1.99)	$5 per drink	Soda, bottled water, juice	Families, non-drinkers
Coffee & Soda	$14.95	20% ($2.99)	N/A	Soda, water, specialty coffee	Coffee lovers, light drinkers

Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Cruise

So, how much is the beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer depends on your drinking habits, cruise length, and willingness to pay for convenience. For heavy drinkers or those who enjoy premium beverages, the Ultimate Beverage or Premium Plus packages can offer significant savings and a stress-free experience. For casual drinkers or families, paying à la carte or opting for the Soda or Coffee & Soda packages may be more cost-effective.

Remember: the value of a beverage package isn’t just in the dollars saved—it’s in the experience it enables. If you want to sip a cocktail by the pool, enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, and not worry about the tab, a package can enhance your vacation. But if you’re on a tight budget or don’t drink much, it’s better to skip it and spend your money elsewhere.

Always book early to take advantage of promotions, read the fine print carefully, and calculate your expected consumption. With the right strategy, your beverage package can be a smart investment—or a wise pass. Either way, knowing the facts puts you in control of your cruise experience. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The cost of Norwegian Cruise Line’s beverage packages varies by cruise duration and destination but typically ranges from $29 to $129 per person, per day. Premium options like the “Premium Plus” package, which includes top-shelf liquor and specialty cocktails, sit at the higher end.

What does the Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package include?

Norwegian offers several tiers: the “Soda Package” for soft drinks, the “Corks & Craft” for beer and wine, and “Premium Plus” for premium cocktails, spirits, and champagne. All packages exclude gratuities, which are automatically added (usually 18-20%).

Is the beverage package on Norwegian Cruise Line worth it?

It depends on your drinking habits—if you regularly consume multiple alcoholic or specialty beverages daily, the package can save money. However, casual drinkers might prefer paying à la carte to avoid upfront costs.

Are there age restrictions for Norwegian Cruise Line beverage packages?

Yes, guests under 21 can purchase non-alcoholic packages (like the soda plan), but alcohol-inclusive packages require all members of a stateroom to be 21+ if any occupant purchases one. Proof of age is mandatory.

Can I customize or upgrade my Norwegian beverage package?

Guests can upgrade packages onboard (e.g., from “Corks & Craft” to “Premium Plus”) but must do so within the first 24-48 hours of the cruise. Customization is limited to the predefined tiers available for your sailing.

Does the beverage package cover gratuities on Norwegian Cruise Line?

No, an 18-20% gratuity is automatically added to the package price at checkout. This service charge applies regardless of whether you purchase the package pre-cruise or onboard.

Key Takeaways

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