What Does Unlimited Open Bar Mean on Norwegian Cruise Line

An Unlimited Open Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line means you can enjoy unlimited premium cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits for a flat daily rate, offering significant savings for frequent drinkers. Unlike basic drink packages, this perk covers top-shelf liquor and specialty drinks, but excludes bottles of wine and room service—perfect for guests who want maximum flexibility and value at sea.

Key Takeaways

• Unlimited Open Bar covers most drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine, and soda.
• Premium brands like top-shelf liquor and specialty wines may cost extra.
• Daily limits apply—guests receive up to 20 drinks per day.
• Gratuities included in the package, saving you extra charges.
• Not all venues participate—check onboard for excluded bars or events.
• Sharing prohibited—each guest must purchase their own package.
• Great value for heavy drinkers compared to paying à la carte.

What Does Unlimited Open Bar Mean on Norwegian Cruise Line

Imagine stepping onto a sun-kissed deck, the ocean breeze in your hair, and a chilled mojito in hand—all without worrying about the bill at the end of the night. For many travelers, the idea of an unlimited open bar on a cruise is the ultimate luxury. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has built a reputation for offering some of the most flexible and generous beverage packages in the industry, making it a top choice for vacationers who want to sip, savor, and celebrate without limits. But what does “unlimited open bar” really mean on NCL? Is it truly limitless? And how can you make the most of it?

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, understanding NCL’s unlimited open bar offerings is key to unlocking a stress-free, indulgent vacation. From the types of drinks included to the fine print you should watch for, this guide dives deep into everything you need to know. We’ll explore how the packages work, their benefits, limitations, and how they stack up against competitors—all while keeping the fun, relaxation, and value of your cruise front and center.

Understanding NCL’s Beverage Packages

Types of Beverage Packages Offered

NCL offers several beverage packages, but the most popular and comprehensive is the Premium Plus Beverage Package, which is often marketed as the “unlimited open bar.” This package is designed to cater to guests who want full access to a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:

• Premium Plus Beverage Package (PPBP): The flagship package, covering premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soda, juice, and specialty coffee. This is the closest thing to a true “unlimited open bar” on NCL.
• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): A step down from PPBP, this includes house wines, select cocktails, domestic and imported beers, soda, and juice. It’s more affordable but excludes top-shelf liquor and premium wines.
• Soda & Water Package: Ideal for non-drinkers or families, this covers unlimited soda, bottled water, and juice.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Occasionally, NCL offers bundled deals (e.g., “Free at Sea”) where the PPBP is included for free when you book a qualifying stateroom or itinerary.

For most travelers seeking an open bar experience, the Premium Plus is the gold standard. It’s designed to eliminate the need to pay per drink, allowing you to enjoy everything from a classic martini to a craft beer without pulling out your wallet.

How the Packages Are Activated

Once purchased, your beverage package is linked to your cruise card (keycard), which you present at bars, lounges, restaurants, and even poolside service. The system automatically recognizes your package, and your drinks are “charged” to the package rather than your account. Activation typically happens within a few hours of embarkation, though it can take up to 24 hours in rare cases.

Pro Tip: If you’re booking during a “Free at Sea” promotion, ensure the package is activated correctly by checking your onboard account on the first day. If drinks aren’t being covered, contact guest services immediately to avoid billing errors.

What’s Included in the Unlimited Open Bar?

Alcoholic Beverages

The Premium Plus Beverage Package covers an impressive range of alcoholic drinks. Here’s what you can expect:

• Spirits: Premium brands like Grey Goose vodka, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Patron tequila, and Bombay Sapphire gin are included. This is a step above the standard cruise ship liquor, which often uses house brands.
• Cocktails: Classic cocktails (e.g., Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Margarita) and specialty drinks (e.g., espresso martinis, frozen daiquiris) are covered. Most ships also feature a “cocktail of the day” that’s included.
• Wine by the Glass: A curated selection of premium wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling options. While the package doesn’t include bottles, you can order a glass of a $100+ bottle of Napa Cabernet if it’s on the menu.
• Beer: Domestic (e.g., Budweiser, Miller Lite) and imported (e.g., Heineken, Corona) beers are included. Some ships also offer craft beers from local breweries (e.g., Miami’s Funky Buddha).
• Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Mocktails and alcohol-free options (e.g., virgin mojitos, Shirley Temples) are covered, making it family-friendly.

Example: On a 7-night Caribbean cruise, you could enjoy a Grey Goose martini at the Skyline Bar, a glass of Malbec at Cagney’s Steakhouse, and a frozen piña colada by the pool—all without paying extra.

Non-Alcoholic Options

The package isn’t just for drinkers. Non-alcoholic inclusions are robust:

• Soda & Juice: Unlimited Coca-Cola products, iced tea, lemonade, and fruit juices (e.g., orange, apple, cranberry).
• Specialty Coffee: Lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and flavored syrups from Starbucks®-branded cafes on NCL ships.
• Bottled Water: Still and sparkling water (e.g., Evian, Perrier) are included, though some ships charge for imported brands like San Pellegrino.
• Energy Drinks: Red Bull, Monster, and similar brands are covered (up to $15 per drink).

Tip: If you’re a coffee lover, the PPBP can save you significant money—a $6 latte at the Starbucks café adds up quickly!

Limitations and Restrictions

Daily Drink Limits

Despite the term “unlimited,” NCL imposes a 15-drink daily cap per person. This is a hard limit: once you reach 15 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), your package is suspended for the day. The count resets at midnight. This rule is designed to promote responsible drinking, but it’s important to know if you’re a heavy drinker or plan to celebrate a special occasion.

Workaround: If you’re close to the limit and want one more drink, ask the bartender if they can “split” a cocktail into two smaller servings (e.g., a large margarita into two half-glasses). This doesn’t always work, but some bartenders are flexible.

Excluded Items

Not everything is covered. Here are the key exclusions:

• Bottle Purchases: Wine, champagne, and spirits by the bottle (e.g., a $200 bottle of Dom Pérignon) are not included. You’ll pay full price.
• Mini-Bar: Drinks in your stateroom’s mini-bar are billed separately.
• Premium Brands: Ultra-premium spirits (e.g., Macallan 25-year Scotch, Louis XIII cognac) are excluded, even if they’re on the menu.
• Room Service: Beverages ordered via room service are charged unless you’re in a suite with included service.
• Retail Purchases: Buying bottles from onboard shops (e.g., duty-free alcohol) is not covered.

Example: If you order a glass of Dom Pérignon ($150) at a specialty restaurant, you’ll pay the full price, even with PPBP.

Sharing and Transferability

The package is non-transferable. Each guest must have their own package to receive drinks. Sharing is strictly prohibited, and bartenders are trained to verify IDs. Violations can result in the package being canceled without a refund.

Tip: If you’re traveling with a non-drinker, they can purchase the Soda & Water Package instead of PPBP to save money.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

Cost Breakdown

As of 2024, the Premium Plus Beverage Package costs approximately $109–$129 per person, per day (varies by itinerary and season). The Premium Beverage Package is $69–$89 per day. Here’s a sample cost comparison for a 7-night cruise:

Package	Daily Cost	Total (7 Nights)	Best For
Premium Plus	$119	$833	Frequent drinkers, wine lovers, cocktail enthusiasts
Premium	$79	$553	Moderate drinkers, beer and house wine fans
Soda & Water	$19	$133	Non-drinkers, families, kids

Note: Prices include a 20% gratuity (service charge), which is mandatory and non-refundable.

When the PPBP Pays Off

To determine if the PPBP is worth it, calculate your break-even point. For example:

• If you typically drink 5 premium cocktails per day at $15 each, you’d spend $525 on 7 nights—less than the PPBP cost.
• If you drink 10+ drinks per day (including wine, beer, and cocktails), the PPBP saves money.
• Non-alcoholic inclusions (e.g., specialty coffee, bottled water) add value for non-drinkers.

Tip: Use NCL’s Beverage Package Calculator (available on their website) to estimate your savings based on your drinking habits.

Tips to Maximize Your Unlimited Open Bar

Book Early and Strategically

Purchase your package before the cruise to lock in the lowest price. NCL often increases prices as the sail date approaches. If you’re booking a “Free at Sea” deal, ensure the PPBP is confirmed in your itinerary—sometimes promotions exclude certain itineraries or cabin categories.

Pro Tip: Book a balcony or suite stateroom during a “Free at Sea” sale. These categories often include PPBP for free, saving you $800+ per person.

Know Where to Drink

Some venues offer better value:

• Specialty Restaurants: Enjoy premium wines and cocktails at Cagney’s (steakhouse), Le Bistro (French), or Ocean Blue (seafood)—all included in PPBP.
• Happy Hours: Check the daily newsletter for bar specials (e.g., 2-for-1 margaritas at 4 PM).
• Pool Bars: Frozen cocktails and beer are included, but avoid the “drink of the day” if it’s not on the PPBP menu (rare).

Ask About Exceptions

While most exclusions are firm, some bartenders may accommodate requests. For example:

• If a premium spirit isn’t on the menu but available, they might serve it (e.g., a $120 bottle of tequila by the glass).
• On longer cruises (10+ nights), staff may overlook the 15-drink cap for special occasions (e.g., birthdays).

Warning: Never assume exceptions will be granted. Always ask politely and respect the rules.

Track Your Spending

Use the NCL App to monitor your daily drink count. It shows how many drinks you’ve had and alerts you when you’re close to the 15-drink limit. This helps avoid surprises.

Conclusion: Is the Unlimited Open Bar Right for You?

NCL’s unlimited open bar (via the Premium Plus Beverage Package) is a game-changer for travelers who want to relax, socialize, and enjoy premium drinks without budgeting for every cocktail. It’s not truly “unlimited” due to the 15-drink cap and exclusions, but for most guests, the freedom to order freely—from a $20 craft beer to a $50 glass of Bordeaux—is worth the cost. The key is to understand the rules, calculate your break-even point, and use the package strategically.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, traveling with friends, or simply want to unwind, the PPBP turns your cruise into a worry-free escape. Just remember: the ocean is the limit—but your drink count isn’t. Cheers to that!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does unlimited open bar mean on Norwegian Cruise Line?

An unlimited open bar on Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) means you can enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price, as part of their beverage packages. This includes cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, soda, and more, depending on the specific package you choose.

Which drinks are included in NCL’s unlimited open bar package?

The unlimited open bar covers most drinks up to a certain price limit, such as cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and premium non-alcoholic options like mocktails. Exclusions may include specialty drinks, bottled wine, and premium brands beyond the package’s price cap.

Is the unlimited open bar worth it on Norwegian Cruise Line?

It depends on your drinking habits—if you plan to consume several drinks daily, the unlimited open bar can save you money. However, if you only drink occasionally, you might prefer paying à la carte.

Can I share my unlimited open bar package with others?

No, the unlimited open bar package is non-transferable and can only be used by the guest who purchased it. Norwegian Cruise Line requires the package to be purchased for all guests in the same stateroom for fairness.

How much does the unlimited open bar cost on NCL?

The price varies by sailing but typically ranges from $50 to $100 per person, per day, depending on the destination and length of the cruise. Always check NCL’s current promotions for the best rates.

Are there any restrictions with Norwegian Cruise Line’s unlimited open bar?

Yes, NCL enforces a 15-drink daily limit per person, and drinks must be consumed by the package holder. The package is only valid on the ship and not during port stops or at private island bars.