How Much Is Unlimited Drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

The cost of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Unlimited Open Bar package starts at $29.95 per person, per day, offering access to a wide selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Prices vary by itinerary and season, with discounts often available when purchased before sailing—making it a flexible and valuable option for thirsty cruisers.

Key Takeaways

• Unlimited drinks packages start at $89 per person, per day.
• Premium options include top-shelf liquor and wine for $129+ daily.
• Book early to save up to 30% with pre-cruise promotions.
• Kids’ packages are available at lower rates for non-alcoholic options.
• Gratuities are extra—factor in 18–20% added cost.
• Compare packages to match your drinking preferences and budget.

How Much Is Unlimited Drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line? Here’s the Real Deal

Picture this: You’re on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, the sun is setting, and you’re sipping a mojito on the deck. The ocean breeze is perfect, and the vibe is relaxed. But then you glance at your bill and realize that cocktail cost $18. Suddenly, that dreamy moment feels a bit less magical. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many cruisers ask the same question: How much is unlimited drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line? The answer isn’t as simple as a flat number—it depends on the package, timing, and even where you book it.

As someone who’s been on more NCL cruises than I can count (and who’s learned the hard way that drinks add up fast), I’ve dug deep into the details. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about unlimited drink packages on NCL—what they cost, what they include, how to save money, and whether they’re actually worth it for your trip. Whether you’re a cocktail lover, a wine enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys an occasional soda, this post will help you decide if splurging on a drink package makes sense for your vacation.

Understanding NCL’s Drink Packages: What’s Included?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a few different drink packages, but the star of the show is the Unlimited Open Bar package. Let’s start with what’s actually included—and what’s not.

The Unlimited Open Bar Package

This is the most popular option for cruisers who plan to drink alcohol regularly. For a daily rate (which we’ll cover in the next section), you can enjoy unlimited drinks from the following categories:

• Beer: Domestic and imported draft and bottled beers (think Bud Light, Corona, Heineken).
• Wine: House wines by the glass (red, white, rosé, and sparkling). No premium or reserve bottles are included.
• Spirits: Standard cocktails made with well liquors (vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, etc.). Examples: rum and Coke, gin and tonic, margaritas with standard tequila.
• Specialty Coffee: Lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks from Starbucks-style onboard cafes.
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Sodas, juices, bottled water, and mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails).

Pro Tip: The package covers drinks up to $15 per serving. If you order a cocktail that costs more (like a premium martini or a craft cocktail), you’ll pay the difference. For example, a $17 martini would cost you $2 extra.

What’s NOT Included?

While the package is generous, it has some limitations:

• Premium Drinks: Top-shelf liquors, reserve wines, and bottled cocktails are excluded.
• Bottled Wines: You can’t take bottles back to your room or order them with dinner unless you pay full price.
• Room Service: Drinks ordered through room service are not covered.
• Specialty Venues: Some onboard bars or events (like wine tastings) may not accept the package.

For example, on my last NCL cruise, I tried to use my package at the Champagne Bar for a glass of Moët. I was charged the full price because it’s considered a premium drink. So, while the package is “unlimited,” it’s not *everything* unlimited.

How Much Does It Cost? Breaking Down the Price

Now, the big question: How much is unlimited drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line? The price varies based on the length of your cruise, when you book, and whether you’re traveling during peak season.

Standard Daily Rates

As of 2024, the Unlimited Open Bar package costs:

• 7-night cruise: $60–$70 per person per day (before gratuities).
• 5-night cruise: $65–$75 per person per day.
• 3-night cruise: $70–$80 per person per day.

Gratuities (service charges) add about 20% to the total. So for a 7-night cruise at $65/day, you’d pay:

$65 x 7 days = $455 + $91 gratuities = $546 per person.

Early Booking Discounts

NCL often runs promotions for early bookings. I’ve seen discounts of up to 25% off the daily rate. For example:

• Book 6+ months in advance: $55/day (vs. $70).
• Book during a flash sale: $50/day.

My Experience: I booked a 5-night cruise last year during a “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deal. My package cost $58/day instead of $70—saving me $60 total. The key? Booking early and being flexible with dates.

Group and Family Considerations

If you’re traveling with a group or family, note that:

• All adults in a cabin must purchase the same package. So if you want unlimited drinks, your partner does too (or you’ll both pay the standard rate).
• Kids’ packages are cheaper: The Unlimited Soda package for children costs $10–$15/day.

This rule can be frustrating. On one cruise, my husband didn’t drink much, but we both had to buy the open bar package. We ended up using his drinks for mocktails and sharing—but it still felt like a waste of money.

Is the Unlimited Drink Package Worth It? Let’s Do the Math

“Worth it” depends on your drinking habits. Here’s how to decide:

Calculate Your Break-Even Point

Divide the total package cost by the average drink price. If you’ll drink more than that, the package pays for itself.

• Example: 7-night cruise at $546 total ÷ $15/drink = 37 drinks.
• That’s just over 5 drinks per day. One cocktail, a glass of wine, and a beer? You’re already there.

Real-Life Scenario: On a 5-night cruise, I had:

• 2 cocktails at the pool bar (10 AM and 3 PM).
• 1 glass of wine with dinner.
• 1 beer at the evening show.
• 2 specialty coffees.

That’s 6 drinks/day × 5 days = 30 drinks. At $15/drink, I would’ve paid $450 without the package. With a $500 package (after discount), I broke even.

When the Package Isn’t Worth It

Consider skipping it if:

• You’re a light drinker: If you only have 1–2 drinks/day, you’ll save money paying à la carte.
• You prefer premium drinks: If you love top-shelf whiskey or reserve wines, you’ll still pay extra.
• You’re on a short cruise: A 3-night trip at $80/day = $240 + gratuities. You’d need to drink 16+ drinks in 3 days to break even—that’s over 5 drinks/day.

Pro Tip: NCL offers a “Pay As You Go” option. You can pre-load a beverage card with $250 or $500 and get a 15% discount on all drinks. This is great if you’re unsure about your consumption.

Tips to Save Money on NCL Drink Packages

Even if you buy the package, you can stretch your value with these strategies:

Book Early and Watch for Sales

NCL’s website and third-party sites (like Vacations To Go) often list discounts. Sign up for NCL’s email list to get alerts. I once got a “$200 off beverage package” code for booking a cruise in January (low season).

Use the Package Strategically

• Skip room service drinks: Order a soda or water with dinner instead of using the package for room service.
• Share premium drinks: Split a $20 bottle of wine with a friend. You pay $10, but the package covers the second glass.
• Visit bars with lower drink prices: The main pool bar’s cocktails are $12, but the specialty bar’s are $18. Use your package where it counts.

Take Advantage of Free Options

NCL offers complimentary drinks in some areas:

• Main dining rooms: Water, iced tea, coffee, and basic soda.
• Buffet: Juice, milk, and coffee.
• Evening shows: Free wine and beer during select performances.

On my last cruise, I skipped buying a drink at the 7 PM show because they offered free wine. Saved me $15!

Comparing NCL to Other Cruise Lines: Is It the Best Deal?

Let’s see how NCL stacks up against competitors like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess.

Price Comparison (7-Night Cruise)

Cruise Line	Unlimited Drink Package Price (Per Day)	Drink Limit
Norwegian Cruise Line	$60–$70	$15 per drink
Royal Caribbean	$65–$75	$14 per drink
Carnival	$59–$65	$20 per drink
Princess	$70–$80	$15 per drink

Key Differences

• Carnival: Lower daily rate and higher drink limit ($20). Great for premium drink lovers.
• Royal Caribbean: Slightly higher price but includes more specialty coffees and smoothies.
• Princess: Most expensive, but includes free bottled water and premium juices.

My Take: NCL’s package is mid-range in price but stands out for its flexibility. You can use it at most onboard bars (unlike Carnival, which excludes some specialty venues). However, if you’re a heavy drinker, Carnival’s $20 limit might save you more.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Unlimited Drink Package?

After years of cruising (and many, many drink receipts), here’s my honest advice:

• Buy it if:
  • You drink 4+ drinks/day.
  • You love cocktails, wine, or specialty coffee.
  • You’re on a 5+ night cruise.
• Skip it if:
  • You’re a light drinker or non-drinker.
  • You prefer premium drinks (you’ll still pay extra).
  • You’re on a short cruise (3 nights or less).

Remember: The package is a prepaid convenience. It removes the stress of tracking every drink, but it’s not always the cheapest option. For example, on a 3-night trip, I saved $120 by paying à la carte—even though I had 10 drinks total.

Ultimately, the answer to “How much is unlimited drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line?” depends on you. If you plan to enjoy the ship’s bars, poolside cocktails, and wine with dinner, the package can be a fantastic value. But if you’re more of a “one beer at sunset” type, you might be better off paying as you go.

Before you book, ask yourself: *How many drinks will I realistically have?* Then, compare the total to the package cost. And don’t forget to check for discounts—those early-bird deals can save you hundreds.

Happy cruising—and cheers to making the most of your vacation (without breaking the bank)!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is unlimited drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The cost of the unlimited drinks package on Norwegian Cruise Line varies by sailing length and destination but typically ranges from $20 to $30 per person, per day. Prices may also fluctuate based on promotions or cabin category.

Is the unlimited drinks package worth it on a Norwegian cruise?

It depends on your drinking habits—if you typically consume more than 4–5 alcoholic or premium non-alcoholic drinks daily, the package can save you money. Be sure to compare the package cost with à la carte drink prices.

Are there different tiers for the unlimited drinks on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Yes, Norwegian offers multiple beverage packages, including the Premium Beverage Package (covers cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits up to $15) and the Ultimate Beverage Package (includes premium brands and higher-priced drinks). Each has a different price point.

Can I buy the unlimited drinks package after boarding the ship?

Yes, you can purchase the unlimited drinks package onboard, but it’s often cheaper to buy it online before your cruise. Norwegian sometimes offers pre-cruise discounts or promotions for early booking.

Does the unlimited drinks package cover all beverages on Norwegian Cruise Line?

The standard unlimited drinks package covers most cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages up to a set price (usually $15 per drink). Premium brands, specialty coffees, and bottled water may require an upgrade or additional cost.

Are gratuities included in the unlimited drinks package price on Norwegian?

No, gratuities (service charges) are not included in the advertised price and are typically added at a rate of 18–20% of the package cost. This fee is automatically charged to your onboard account.