What Drinks Are Free on the Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line includes complimentary basic drinks like water, iced tea, lemonade, and select juices in its base fare. While premium cocktails, wine, and soda require a separate package, all non-alcoholic fountain beverages and coffee from self-serve stations are free across the ship, offering value and convenience for budget-savvy cruisers.

Key Takeaways

• Complimentary basics: Tap water, coffee, and tea are always free.
• Limited soda options: Fountain drinks are free; bottled sodas cost extra.
• Kids’ drinks included: Juices and milk are free for children onboard.
• No free alcohol: Beer, wine, and cocktails require a separate package.
• Specialty coffee excluded: Barista-made drinks aren’t free; use Café Freeloader cards.
• Self-serve stations: Find free drinks at buffet areas and main dining rooms.

What Drinks Are Free on the Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

When you step aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship, you’re not just embarking on a vacation—you’re entering a world of endless possibilities. From gourmet dining to Broadway-style entertainment, NCL is known for its freestyle cruising concept, which gives passengers the freedom to dine, relax, and socialize on their own terms. But one of the most common questions cruisers ask before setting sail is: What drinks are free on the Norwegian Cruise Line? After all, a cruise can quickly become expensive if every soda, coffee, or cocktail adds up. The good news? While NCL isn’t an all-inclusive cruise line by default, it offers a surprising number of complimentary beverages that can help you stay refreshed without breaking the bank.

Understanding what’s included in your base fare—and what requires an additional drink package—can make a significant difference in your overall cruise experience. Whether you’re sipping poolside, enjoying a meal at one of NCL’s specialty restaurants, or unwinding in the spa, knowing which drinks are free can save you both money and stress. This comprehensive guide will reveal exactly what beverages are included at no extra cost, which ones require payment, and how to maximize your drink experience on Norwegian Cruise Line. We’ll cover everything from basic water and coffee to specialty teas and even some alcoholic options under certain conditions. So grab a free cup of joe (yes, that’s included!), and let’s dive into the refreshing world of complimentary drinks on NCL.

Complimentary Non-Alcoholic Beverages Included in Your Fare

One of the biggest perks of sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line is the wide array of non-alcoholic drinks included in your base fare. Unlike some cruise lines that limit free beverages to water and basic coffee, NCL goes a step further by offering a generous selection of complimentary options across the ship. These drinks are available at no additional cost at most dining venues, bars, and public areas—making it easy to stay hydrated and satisfied throughout your voyage.

Water and Ice

Staying hydrated is essential on a cruise, and NCL makes it easy. Fresh, filtered water is available at all dining locations, including the main dining rooms, buffet (The Garden Cafe), and poolside bars. You’ll find self-serve water dispensers in the buffet area, often with options for still and sparkling water. Ice is also freely available at all drink stations, bars, and dining areas. Whether you’re filling a reusable bottle from your cabin or grabbing a glass at lunch, water and ice are always free.

Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day and reduce plastic waste. Many NCL ships have dedicated water refill stations near elevators and public restrooms.

Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate

Morning, noon, or night, coffee lovers are in for a treat. NCL provides complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at multiple locations. In the main dining rooms and The Garden Cafe, you can request a variety of coffee options, including regular, decaf, cappuccino, and espresso—all included in your fare. While these aren’t specialty-grade espressos like you’d find at Starbucks, they’re perfectly satisfying for most travelers.

Hot tea selections—including black, green, herbal, and chamomile—are also free. You can enjoy them during meals or request them at any bar that serves food. Hot chocolate is especially popular with families and children, and it’s always available upon request.

Pro Tip: If you’re a coffee connoisseur, consider bringing your own French press or pour-over kit to use in your cabin. While the in-room coffee maker uses pre-packaged pods (not included), you can request hot water from room service or a nearby bar to brew your own.

Soft Drinks and Juices

Yes, you read that right—soft drinks and select juices are free on Norwegian Cruise Line. At the buffet, main dining rooms, and most casual eateries (like O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill), you can order soda (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, etc.) and non-alcoholic juices (orange, apple, grapefruit, cranberry, and more) at no extra cost. This is a huge benefit, especially for families with kids who love their daily soda fix.

However, there’s an important caveat: free soft drinks and juices are only available during meal service or when food is being served. For example, you can’t walk into a bar at 3 PM and order a free Coke unless you’re also ordering a snack or meal. But during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, you can refill your glass as many times as you like.

Example: During a 7:00 PM dinner at the main dining room, you can order a Diet Coke with your appetizer, refill it during the main course, and even get another with dessert—all included in your fare.

Complimentary Alcoholic Beverages: When and Where You Can Get Them

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Are any alcoholic drinks free on Norwegian Cruise Line? The short answer is: yes, but only in specific situations. Unlike all-inclusive lines like Virgin Voyages or some river cruises, NCL doesn’t include alcohol in the base fare. However, there are several scenarios where you can enjoy complimentary alcoholic drinks—especially if you know where and when to look.

Welcome Aboard Drinks and Special Events

On embarkation day, many NCL ships offer a free welcome drink as part of the check-in process. This is often a signature cocktail, a glass of champagne, or a non-alcoholic alternative. While the exact drink varies by ship and itinerary, it’s a nice touch that kicks off your vacation on a celebratory note.

Additionally, NCL frequently hosts complimentary events where free alcoholic beverages are served. These include:

• Captain’s Reception: A formal event where guests receive a complimentary cocktail (usually a martini, champagne, or signature drink) while mingling with the captain and senior crew.
• Wine and Dine Evenings: Some specialty restaurants (like Le Bistro or Cagney’s Steakhouse) host themed nights where a complimentary glass of wine is offered with your reservation.
• Port Arrival/Departure Events: On select sailings, NCL may offer free drinks during sail-away parties or when docking in popular ports.

Tip: Check your daily Freestyle Daily newsletter (or the NCL app) for announcements about free drink events. These are often under-promoted but widely available.

Free Wine with Specialty Dining Reservations

One of the best-kept secrets on NCL is that some specialty restaurants include a complimentary glass of wine with your meal. For example:

• Le Bistro (French cuisine): Offers a free glass of house red or white wine with dinner reservations made through the NCL app or website.
• Cagney’s Steakhouse: Occasionally includes a complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner during promotional periods.
• Teppanyaki (Japanese hibachi): May include a free sake or cocktail during certain themed nights.

These offers are not always advertised, so it’s worth asking your server or checking the reservation confirmation. Even if not included, the staff are often generous with drink samples or small complimentary pours during special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Free Drinks for Suite Guests and Latitude Members

If you’re staying in a suite or are a member of the Norwegian Cruise Line Latitude Rewards Program, your drink benefits increase significantly. Latitude members at Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels receive:

• Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival
• Free drinks during select onboard events
• Access to the Latitude Lounge, where complimentary wine, beer, and cocktails are served during designated hours (usually 5–7 PM)

Suite guests (such as those in The Haven or Concierge-level cabins) enjoy even more perks:

• Private lounge access with free drinks all day
• Complimentary minibar (non-alcoholic drinks and snacks)
• Personal concierge who can arrange free wine or champagne for special occasions

Example: A Diamond Latitude member can enjoy two free glasses of wine during the 5 PM happy hour in the Latitude Lounge—no purchase necessary.

Drink Packages and Their Impact on Free Drink Access

While many drinks are free, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a range of drink packages that can enhance your experience—or complicate it, depending on your preferences. Understanding how these packages interact with complimentary drinks is key to maximizing value and avoiding confusion.

Overview of NCL Drink Packages

NCL offers three main drink packages:

• Premium Beverage Package (PBP): Covers most alcoholic drinks up to $15, including cocktails, wine, beer, and premium spirits. Priced around $60–$90 per person per day (varies by ship and itinerary).
• Premium Plus Beverage Package: Includes everything in PBP, plus drinks up to $20, premium champagne, and specialty coffees. Priced around $80–$110 per day.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package: Covers soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. Around $25–$35 per day.

Important: Purchasing a drink package does not eliminate the need to pay for drinks above the price cap. For example, a $25 cocktail with a PBP will require you to pay the difference.

How Drink Packages Affect Free Drink Access

Here’s the good news: you can still access all complimentary drinks even if you purchase a package. In fact, the free drinks become even more valuable because they don’t count toward your package’s daily limit. For instance:

• You can drink free water at the pool, free coffee at breakfast, and free soda at lunch—all while saving your package for premium cocktails at night.
• If you’re a light drinker, you might not even need a package—especially if you stick to free options and occasional specialty drinks.

Tip: If you’re traveling with non-drinkers or kids, consider a family drink package, where adults get the PBP and children get the non-alcoholic package at a discounted rate. This way, everyone enjoys drinks without overspending.

When a Drink Package Is (and Isn’t) Worth It

Ask yourself:

• Do you plan to drink more than 4–5 alcoholic drinks per day?
• Do you prefer premium brands or high-end cocktails?
• Are you sailing on a longer itinerary (7+ days)?

If yes, a package likely makes sense. But if you’re a casual drinker who enjoys free coffee, soda, and the occasional beer, you might save money by skipping the package and paying à la carte.

Example: A couple spending $10/day on drinks would pay $140 for a 7-day cruise. The PBP at $70/day for two is $980—clearly not worth it. But if they drink 8 cocktails a day, the package could save them hundreds.

Specialty Dining, Bars, and Hidden Free Drink Opportunities

Beyond the basics, NCL hides several lesser-known free drink opportunities in its specialty dining venues, bars, and onboard activities. These are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a little extra without paying extra.

Free Drinks at Specialty Dining Promotions

Throughout the cruise, NCL runs “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Free Appetizer with Drink” promotions at specialty restaurants. For example:

• “Free glass of wine with any entrée at Ocean Blue”
• “Buy one cocktail, get one free at the Sugarcane Mojito Bar”
• “Complimentary sake tasting at Teppanyaki on Tuesdays”

These promotions are often advertised in the Freestyle Daily or on digital screens around the ship. Pro tip: Visit the specialty restaurants during off-peak hours (like late lunch or early dinner) when staff are more likely to offer complimentary samples or upgrades.

Free Samples and Tastings

NCL frequently hosts free drink tastings during sea days:

• Whiskey or rum tastings in the cigar bar
• Wine and cheese pairings in the wine shop
• Cocktail-making classes with free samples

These events are not only fun but also a great way to try new drinks without spending a dime.

Free Drinks at Themed Nights and Events

From “Margarita Mondays” to “Wine Down Wednesdays,” NCL loves themed drink nights. During these events:

• One cocktail is often free with a purchase of a second
• Specialty bars may offer free samples of new drinks
• Live music events sometimes include a complimentary drink with entry

Example: During a “Tropical Luau Night” at the pool, you might get a free piña colada with your dinner purchase.

Maximizing Your Free Drink Experience: Tips and Strategies

Now that you know what’s included, it’s time to strategize to get the most value out of your free drinks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a rich, satisfying beverage experience without overspending.

Create a Daily Drink Schedule

Plan your day around free drink availability:

• Morning: Free coffee and juice at breakfast
• Midday: Free soda and water at the buffet or pool bar
• Evening: Free wine at dinner, free cocktail at the Captain’s Reception
• Night: Free hot chocolate or tea in your cabin (request from room service)

This way, you save your drink package (or wallet) for premium experiences.

Use the NCL App to Find Free Events

The NCL app is your best tool for discovering free drink events. Check the “Events” section daily for:

• Complimentary tastings
• Happy hours in Latitude or suite lounges
• Specialty dining promotions

Set reminders so you don’t miss out.

Ask for Upgrades and Samples

Don’t be afraid to ask! NCL staff are trained to enhance guest experiences. Try saying:

• “Is there a complimentary drink with this meal?”
• “Could I try a sample of that new cocktail?”
• “I’m celebrating—any free champagne?”

More often than not, they’ll say yes.

Data Table: Free vs. Paid Drinks on NCL

Drink Type	Free?	Where Available	Conditions
Water (still/sparkling)	Yes	All dining areas, bars, dispensers	Always free
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate	Yes	Main dining, buffet, O’Sheehan’s	During meal service
Soda and juices	Yes	Buffet, dining rooms, O’Sheehan’s	Only with food
Welcome aboard drink	Yes	Embarkation	One per guest
Captain’s cocktail	Yes	Captain’s Reception	Event-based
Wine with specialty dining	Sometimes	Le Bistro, Cagney’s	Promotion-dependent
Alcohol (general)	No	Bars, lounges	Requires purchase or package

In conclusion, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a surprisingly generous selection of complimentary drinks that can enhance your cruise experience without costing you extra. From unlimited water, coffee, and soda to free wine at specialty dinners and exclusive events, there are plenty of ways to enjoy refreshments at no additional charge. While alcoholic drinks are mostly pay-as-you-go or require a package, strategic planning, Latitude membership, and suite perks can unlock even more free beverage opportunities.

By understanding what’s included, leveraging promotions, and using the NCL app to stay informed, you can sail smarter and savor every sip. Whether you’re a casual cruiser or a seasoned veteran, knowing what drinks are free on the Norwegian Cruise Line empowers you to make the most of your vacation—without the surprise bar tab at the end. So raise a free glass of champagne, toast to adventure, and enjoy the freestyle freedom that only NCL can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drinks are free on the Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers complimentary water, tea, coffee, lemonade, and iced tea at most onboard dining venues. Specialty beverages like soda, cocktails, and bottled water typically require a drink package or separate purchase.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include any alcoholic drinks for free?

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the base fare, but NCL occasionally offers promotions with free drink packages. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy the Premium Beverage Package or pay per drink.

Are soft drinks free on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Soft drinks are not free by default, but you can get them at no extra cost with the Soda Package or a higher-tier beverage plan. Without a package, each soda costs extra.

Is bottled water free on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Tap water and basic filtered water are complimentary, but bottled water usually costs extra. Consider bringing your own reusable bottle or purchasing a water package if you prefer bottled options.

What non-alcoholic drinks are free on the Norwegian Cruise Line?

Free non-alcoholic drinks include coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, and tap water. These are available at buffets, main dining rooms, and most bars.

Can you get free drinks in the specialty restaurants on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Complimentary drinks like water, tea, and coffee are available in specialty restaurants, but most specialty beverages (e.g., soda, cocktails) will incur an extra charge unless you have a beverage package.