What Drinks Are Free on Norwegian Cruise Lines Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a surprisingly generous selection of complimentary drinks, including filtered water, select juices, coffee, tea, and soft drinks at most onboard venues. Unlike many competitors, NCL also includes basic non-alcoholic options and self-serve soda stations at no extra cost, making it easier to stay refreshed without added expenses.

Key Takeaways

• Water, coffee, and tea are complimentary in cabins and dining areas.
• Basic juices and milk are free at breakfast buffets and select venues.
• Soda packages must be purchased; no free unlimited soda options available.
• <Specialty drinks like smoothies and cocktails always incur extra charges.
• Free drink hours may be offered during promotions—check your itinerary.
• Bring your own alcohol is allowed with corkage fees at restaurants.

What Drinks Are Free on Norwegian Cruise Lines Revealed

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most common questions travelers have is about beverage inclusions. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has built a reputation for offering a freestyle cruising experience, which means flexibility, choice, and fewer restrictions. But what drinks are free on Norwegian Cruise Lines? This comprehensive guide will uncover every complimentary beverage option available, from morning coffee to late-night cocktails, while also highlighting how NCL’s drink packages and policies work to enhance your onboard experience.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the drink inclusions can significantly impact your vacation budget and enjoyment. Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t offer an all-inclusive model by default, but it does provide a surprising number of complimentary options across its fleet. From specialty coffees and premium juices to soft drinks and select alcoholic beverages in specific scenarios, NCL’s drink policy is more generous than many assume. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what’s free, what’s not, and how to maximize value without overspending. Let’s dive into the details and reveal what drinks are truly free on Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Beverages: The Foundation of Free Drinks

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a robust selection of free non-alcoholic drinks available throughout the ship. These are accessible at dining venues, bars, lounges, and even poolside stations. The key is knowing where and when to find them. Unlike some cruise lines that restrict free drinks to dining rooms only, NCL provides a more open-access policy, especially during meals and in designated areas.

Water: Always Free and Widely Available

Fresh, filtered water is 100% free on Norwegian Cruise Lines. You can get it in:

• Dining rooms and buffet areas: Self-serve water stations with still and sparkling options.
• Bars and lounges: Request a glass of water with ice—no charge.
• Pool decks and activity zones: Water dispensers with paper cups are typically available.
• Stateroom: A small bottle of water is often provided on embarkation day. Refills can be requested from room service (tip recommended).

Pro Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at any dining area. This is eco-friendly and ensures you always have cold water on hand during excursions or poolside lounging.

Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate

Norwegian Cruise Lines serves a variety of free hot beverages:

• Regular coffee and decaf: Available at all dining venues during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also offered at the buffet and main dining rooms throughout the day.
• Tea selection: Black, green, and herbal teas are complimentary. Look for tea stations near coffee dispensers.
• Hot chocolate: Served at breakfast and lunch buffets, especially on colder itineraries.
• Specialty coffee (limited free access): While espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos are not free by default, NCL offers a free specialty coffee station at the buffet during breakfast hours. This includes lattes, mochas, and americanos—perfect for a morning treat without extra cost.

Example: On the Norwegian Encore, the Garden Café buffet features a dedicated espresso bar open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM with no additional charge. After 10:00 AM, these drinks require a drink package or à la carte purchase.

Soft Drinks and Juices

All standard soft drinks and select juices are complimentary:

• Soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Dr Pepper, and more are free at dining rooms, buffets, and pool bars.
• Juices: Orange, apple, cranberry, and grapefruit juices are free during breakfast and lunch. At dinner, only water, coffee, tea, and soda are included; juice is typically not offered unless part of a special menu.
• Lemonade and iced tea: Available at lunch buffets and poolside stations. Flavored lemonades (e.g., strawberry, mango) may be limited to drink packages.

Tip: If you’re at a pool bar and want a soda, simply ask. Most bars will serve free soda in a plastic cup—just avoid ordering from the cocktail menu unless you’re using a package.

Free Alcoholic Drinks: When and Where They’re Included

Unlike all-inclusive resorts, Norwegian Cruise Lines does not offer unlimited free alcoholic beverages by default. However, there are strategic moments and locations where you can enjoy complimentary cocktails, wine, and beer—without needing a drink package.

Welcome Aboard and Embarkation Day Events

NCL frequently offers free welcome drinks during embarkation day events. These are designed to kick off your vacation with a celebratory toast. Examples include:

• Welcome aboard cocktail: A signature drink (e.g., “Norwegian Breeze”) served at the atrium or pool deck during the first few hours.
• Champagne toast: Offered during embarkation or on special itineraries (e.g., Alaska, transatlantic).
• Beer and wine at sail-away parties: Pool deck events often feature complimentary beer, wine, and sangria during the first day’s departure.

Note: These events are not guaranteed on every sailing, so check your daily Freestyle Daily newsletter for details.

Special Promotions and Loyalty Perks

NCL’s Latitudes Rewards Program (the line’s loyalty tier) offers free drinks to members:

• Bronze and Silver members: One free cocktail per cruise (usually during a designated event).
• Gold and Platinum members: Daily complimentary cocktails, wine, or beer during select hours (e.g., 4:00 PM–6:00 PM in the atrium).
• Suite guests: Guests in The Haven or suite accommodations receive complimentary premium cocktails, wine, and beer in The Haven lounge. This is a major perk—think martinis, craft cocktails, and premium spirits at no extra cost.

Example: On the Norwegian Joy, Platinum Latitudes members receive a “Happy Hour” wristband that grants free drinks from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM daily in the atrium bar.

Free Wine with Dinner (Select Itineraries)

On certain itineraries—especially in Europe and Alaska—NCL offers one complimentary glass of house wine per person with dinner in main dining rooms. This is not advertised universally, so:

• Ask your waiter on the first night if this promotion is active.
• It typically applies to red, white, and rosé house wines.
• Additional glasses or premium wines require purchase.

Pro Tip: If you’re celebrating a special occasion (birthday, anniversary), inform the dining staff. They may offer a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or dessert drink.

Complimentary Drinks at Dining Venues: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Understanding where and when free drinks are available is crucial. Norwegian Cruise Line’s dining policy is more generous than most, but it varies by meal and venue.

Breakfast: The Most Generous Meal for Free Drinks

Breakfast is the best time to access free specialty drinks. At the buffet and main dining rooms, you’ll find:

• Free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and specialty espresso drinks (until 10:00 AM).
• Orange, apple, and cranberry juices.
• Soft drinks, iced tea, and lemonade.
• Free mimosas and Bloody Marys at Sunday brunch (on most ships).

Example: The Norwegian Bliss offers a “Sunday Jazz Brunch” with complimentary mimosas, bellinis, and coffee cocktails. No package required!

Lunch: Balanced Inclusions

At lunch, the free drink menu remains strong:

• All soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and water are free.
• Specialty coffee is not free after 10:00 AM, but regular coffee is.
• Poolside bars may offer free soda and iced tea—just don’t order from the cocktail menu.

Tip: If you’re at a specialty restaurant for lunch (e.g., Cagney’s Steakhouse), only water, coffee, tea, and soda are included. Wine, beer, and cocktails require purchase.

Dinner: Limited but Strategic Free Options

Dinner is the most restrictive meal for free drinks, but there are still ways to save:

• Water, coffee, tea, and soda are always free.
• One glass of house wine may be free on select itineraries (ask your server).
• Free dessert drinks: If you order a dessert, some venues offer a complimentary small glass of port, sherry, or liqueur.
• Specialty restaurants: Only water, coffee, tea, and soda are free. Alcohol is always extra.

Pro Tip: If you’re not using a drink package, stick to free options at dinner and save cocktails for happy hour events or Latitudes perks.

Free Drinks in The Haven and Suite Accommodations

Guests staying in The Haven (NCL’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship) or suite accommodations enjoy the most generous free drink policy in the fleet. This is a game-changer for luxury cruisers.

The Haven Lounge: Unlimited Premium Drinks

The Haven lounge offers:

• Free premium cocktails: Martinis, cosmopolitans, mojitos, and more—made to order.
• Premium wine and champagne: Bottles from top regions (e.g., Napa, Bordeaux) are complimentary by the glass.
• Craft beer and spirits: High-end options like Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Black, and craft brews are free.
• All-day coffee and tea bar: Including espresso, cappuccino, and specialty lattes.

Note: The Haven lounge is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Access is strictly for guests in The Haven or suite accommodations.

Suite Guests: Additional Perks

Even outside The Haven, suite guests receive:

• Welcome bottle of wine or champagne in the stateroom.
• Complimentary mini-bar refills (non-alcoholic only).
• Free drinks during concierge hours (usually 4:00 PM–6:00 PM) in the suite lounge.

Example: On the Norwegian Prima, suite guests can enjoy a private bar with premium spirits and a sommelier on call—all included in the suite price.

Maximizing Free Drinks: Smart Tips and Tricks

To get the most value from NCL’s free drink offerings, follow these insider strategies:

1. Time Your Specialty Coffee

Visit the buffet between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM for free lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos. After 10:00 AM, these drinks cost extra unless you have a package.

2. Attend Latitudes Happy Hours

Gold and Platinum members should attend daily happy hours for free cocktails. Even if you’re not a member, check for public events like “Sail-Away Socials” with complimentary drinks.

3. Use Free Drinks at Buffets Strategically

At the buffet, fill a large cup with soda or juice and take it to the pool or excursions. This avoids paying for drinks on deck or during port days.

4. Ask About Promotions

Always ask servers and bartenders: “Are there any free drink promotions today?” NCL frequently offers:

• Free wine with dinner on select nights.
• Complimentary cocktails during themed events (e.g., 70s night, tropical party).
• “Buy one, get one free” deals that can be shared.

5. Bring a Reusable Cup

Many bars will serve free soda or iced tea in your personal cup. This saves plastic and ensures you always have a drink on hand.

6. Leverage Suite and Loyalty Perks

If you’re a Latitudes member or in a suite, use your free drink access daily. The value can exceed $500 on a 7-night cruise.

Data Table: Free Drinks on Norwegian Cruise Lines

Drink Type	Free Locations	Free Times	Notes
Water (still/sparkling)	Dining rooms, buffet, bars, pool	All day	Refill reusable bottles
Coffee (regular)	All dining venues	All day	Free at all meals
Specialty Coffee (latte, mocha)	Buffet espresso bar	7:00 AM–10:00 AM	After 10:00 AM: package or à la carte
Tea (black, green, herbal)	Dining rooms, buffet	All day	Hot or iced
Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite, etc.)	All venues	All day	Free at dining, bars, pool
Juices (OJ, apple, cranberry)	Buffet, dining rooms	Breakfast and lunch	Not free at dinner
House Wine (1 glass)	Main dining room	Dinner (select itineraries)	Ask server for details
Free Cocktails	The Haven, Latitudes events	Daily (varies by tier)	Suite guests get unlimited access
Champagne Toast	Atrium, pool deck	Embarkation or special events	Not guaranteed on all sailings

Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink policy is a blend of generosity and strategy. While it’s not fully all-inclusive, the number of free drinks available—especially non-alcoholic and select alcoholic options—is impressive. By understanding the timing, locations, and promotions, cruisers can enjoy a wide variety of beverages without purchasing a drink package. Whether you’re sipping a free latte at breakfast, a complimentary wine at dinner, or a premium cocktail in The Haven, NCL ensures that value is built into the experience.

For budget-conscious travelers, the key is planning: use free options during meals, attend promotional events, and leverage loyalty perks. For those seeking luxury, The Haven and suite accommodations offer an unparalleled level of complimentary indulgence. Ultimately, “what drinks are free on Norwegian Cruise Lines” isn’t just about the list—it’s about how you navigate the system to maximize enjoyment and savings. With this guide, you’re now equipped to drink smart, stay refreshed, and make the most of every moment at sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drinks are included for free on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Norwegian Cruise Lines offers complimentary non-alcoholic drinks like water, coffee, tea, iced tea, lemonade, and select juices at buffets and bars. These are available throughout the ship at no extra cost.

Are soda and soft drinks free on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

No, soda and soft drinks are not included in the base fare unless you purchase a beverage package. However, basic fountain drinks may be available during certain dining times or at specific venues.

Do Norwegian cruises provide free alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and cocktails are not free unless you book a cruise with a free-at-sea promotion or purchase a premium drink package. Otherwise, they’re charged à la carte.

Is bottled water free on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

Bottled water is not free in dining areas but may be provided in your stateroom or during excursions if you have a higher-tier package. Otherwise, tap water is always complimentary.

What drinks are free with the Norwegian Cruise Lines beverage package?

The Free at Sea drink package includes unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and premium coffee for one flat price. It covers most drinks under $15, making it ideal for frequent imbibers.

Are specialty coffee and tea included for free?

Basic coffee and tea are free at buffets and main dining rooms, but specialty drinks from Starbucks or The Coffee Bar require an additional fee unless you have a beverage package.