What Is Not Included on Norwegian Cruise Line Revealed

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has earned a reputation for offering a freestyle cruising experience—one that liberates travelers from rigid schedules and formal dining rules. With promises of “no set dining times, no assigned seats, and no mandatory dress codes,” NCL attracts vacationers seeking flexibility and variety. But while the brand touts an all-inclusive vibe, the reality is that many essential services, premium amenities, and even some basic conveniences come with additional costs. Understanding what is not included on Norwegian Cruise Line can mean the difference between a stress-free vacation and a wallet-draining surprise.

From hidden fees to overlooked extras, this comprehensive guide dives deep into the often-misunderstood aspects of NCL’s pricing model. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing what’s not included in your base fare helps you budget smarter, avoid sticker shock, and make informed decisions. We’ll explore dining exclusions, beverage policies, entertainment costs, shore excursions, and more—backed by real-world examples, practical tips, and insider knowledge. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re truly paying for—and what you’re not.

1. Dining: Beyond the “Unlimited” Free Restaurants

One of the biggest misconceptions about NCL is that “all dining is included” in your cruise fare. While it’s true that Norwegian offers a wide selection of complimentary eateries, a growing number of premium venues require extra payment. The brand markets its dining as “freestyle,” but the reality is a tiered system: some restaurants are free, while others fall under the Specialty Dining category—and come with per-meal or per-night charges.

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Complimentary vs. Specialty Dining: The Fine Print

NCL’s base fare includes access to the main dining rooms (e.g., Taste, Savor, or Indulge), the Garden Café buffet, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill (a 24-hour casual option), and select quick-service spots like the Local and Cagney’s Express. However, the following specialty restaurants are not included:

Cagney’s Steakhouse – $39–$59 per person (depending on cruise length)
Le Bistro (French cuisine) – $39–$49
Ocean Blue (seafood) – $39–$49
Teppanyaki (hibachi) – $49–$59
La Cucina (Italian) – $39
Moderno Churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) – $39–$49

These prices may seem reasonable, but they add up quickly—especially if you dine at specialty venues multiple times. For example, a family of four eating at Cagney’s and Teppanyaki once each would spend an extra $350–$475.

Specialty Dining Packages: Are They Worth It?

NCL offers Dining Packages that bundle 3, 5, or 7 specialty meals at a discounted rate (typically 20–30% off à la carte pricing). For frequent specialty diners, this can save money. However, the packages come with restrictions:

Reservations must be made in advance and are subject to availability.
You must use all meals within the cruise duration—no rollover or refunds.
Some packages exclude the most expensive venues (e.g., Teppanyaki).

Tip: Calculate your expected dining habits before booking. If you plan to eat at specialty restaurants more than 3–4 times, a package may be cost-effective. Otherwise, pay à la carte to avoid unused credits.

Kids and Dining: Hidden Exceptions

While children under 3 eat free in specialty restaurants, those aged 3–12 are charged 50% of the adult price. This means a 10-year-old at Teppanyaki could cost $25–$30—still a significant add-on. Additionally, some specialty venues have age restrictions (e.g., no children under 5 at Le Bistro).

2. Beverages: The Myth of the “Free” Drink

Unlike all-inclusive resorts, NCL does not include alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, or premium soft drinks in its base fare. While water, tea, coffee, juice, and basic soda are complimentary, anything beyond that requires payment or a drink package.

Alcoholic and Premium Beverage Exclusions

The following items are not included and must be purchased separately:

Wine, beer, cocktails, and spirits
Premium coffee (e.g., espresso, cappuccino, lattes)
Fancy sodas (e.g., imported brands, craft sodas)
Bottled water (sparkling or flavored)
Fresh-squeezed juices (e.g., orange, carrot, beet)

A single cocktail can cost $12–$18, while a glass of wine ranges from $10–$25. Premium spirits (e.g., top-shelf bourbon, single-malt scotch) can exceed $20 per pour. Over a 7-day cruise, a couple enjoying two drinks per day could spend $300–$500.

Drink Packages: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

NCL offers several beverage packages, including:

Premium Beverage Package (PBP): $89–$129 per person, per day (includes most alcoholic drinks, premium coffee, bottled water, and soda).
Ultimate Beverage Package (UBP): $109–$149 (adds premium spirits, champagne, and specialty cocktails).
Non-Alcoholic Package: $39–$59 (includes specialty coffee, soda, and bottled water).

However, these packages come with major caveats:

Daily limits: You must consume at least 50% of the package value daily to “break even.” For example, on a 7-day cruise with PBP at $99/day, you need to spend $346.50 to justify the cost.
Gratuities: A 20% service charge is automatically added to the package price—adding $120–$200 per person on a week-long cruise.
Restrictions: Some premium brands (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Macallan) are excluded. Mini-bar drinks are never included.

Tip: If you’re a light drinker, skip the package and pay à la carte. For heavy drinkers, calculate your average daily consumption. For example, if you plan to spend $60/day on drinks, the PBP ($99 + $19.80 gratuity = $118.80) only makes sense if you’ll drink more than 6 cocktails/day.

Specialty Coffee and Bottled Water: The Silent Add-Ons

While drip coffee is free, a latte at the Starbucks on board (available on many ships) costs $5–$7. Similarly, a bottle of sparkling water can be $5–$8. These small purchases add up—especially for families. Consider bringing your own reusable bottle and refilling it at water stations to save money.

3. Entertainment and Activities: Beyond the Main Theater

NCL’s base fare includes access to the main theater, poolside movies, live music, and basic onboard activities (e.g., trivia, dance classes). But many of the most exciting experiences require extra payment.

Premium Entertainment Exclusions

The following entertainment options are not included:

Specialty Shows: Cirque Dreams, Howl at the Moon, and other headline acts often require reservations and a $10–$25 cover charge per person.
VIP Lounge Access: The “The Haven” or “Spice H2O” (adults-only areas) are only free for suite guests. Others pay $50–$100/day for day passes.
Interactive Experiences: Cooking classes, wine tastings, and mixology seminars cost $25–$75 per session.
Gaming and Arcade: The arcade, bowling alley, and virtual reality zones charge per game or hour.

For example, a family of four attending a Cirque Dreams show ($20 per person) and a wine tasting ($40 per adult) would spend $160–$240 in extras.

Kids’ Club and Family Activities: Not Always Free

While NCL’s Splash Academy (for ages 3–12) is free during daytime hours, evening drop-off services (e.g., “Late Night Parties”) cost $6–$10 per hour, per child. Additionally, some family activities—like escape rooms or themed scavenger hunts—require a fee or reservation.

Spa, Fitness, and Wellness: The Hidden Wellness Tax

The fitness center and basic pool access are free, but premium wellness offerings are not:

Spa Treatments: Massages, facials, and body wraps start at $120 and can exceed $300.
Thermal Suites: Access to saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy pools costs $25–$50/day (or $150–$300 for the cruise).
Fitness Classes: Yoga, Pilates, and spin classes are $15–$30 per session.

Tip: Book spa treatments during “Happy Hour” (usually 9–11 a.m.) for 20–30% discounts. Sign up for fitness classes early—spots fill quickly.

4. Shore Excursions and Port Adventures

One of the most significant exclusions on NCL is shore excursions. While the base fare includes port stops, all guided tours, transportation, and activities at destinations require separate payment.

Excursion Pricing: What to Expect

NCL partners with local tour operators to offer excursions, but prices are often inflated compared to booking independently. For example:

A 4-hour snorkeling tour in Cozumel: $99–$150 per person (NCL) vs. $50–$75 (independent operator).
A historical walking tour in Rome: $120–$180 (NCL) vs. $40–$60 (local guide).
An all-day island-hopping boat trip in Greece: $200–$300 (NCL) vs. $100–$150 (local charter).

Additionally, NCL excursions often include a 20–25% “convenience fee” for booking through the cruise line.

Independent vs. NCL Excursions: Pros and Cons

Booking excursions independently can save 30–50%, but it comes with risks:

Pros: Lower prices, more customization, and access to smaller, locally owned tours.
Cons: If your tour runs late, the ship may leave without you (though rare). NCL excursions guarantee a “ship guarantee”—if the tour is delayed, the ship waits.

Tip: Research excursions in advance using platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or local tour operator websites. Book only if the savings justify the risk. For high-value or remote ports (e.g., Alaska, Antarctica), stick with NCL for peace of mind.

Free Port Time: What’s Included?

You can explore ports on your own for free, but be aware of hidden costs:

Transportation: Taxis, shuttles, and public transit are not covered.
Entrance Fees: Museums, castles, and national parks require separate tickets.
Food and Drinks: Dining ashore is not included in your cruise fare.

For example, visiting the Acropolis in Athens costs €20–€30 per person. A taxi from the port to the city center could be €50 round-trip.

5. Gratuities, Service Charges, and Mandatory Fees

While NCL markets itself as “all-inclusive,” the base fare does not include daily gratuities or service charges—a fact that surprises many first-time cruisers.

Daily Service Charges (Gratuities)

NCL automatically adds a daily gratuity to your account, which varies by cabin category:

Cabin Type	Gratuities per Person, per Day
Interior, Oceanview, Balcony	$16.00
Mini-Suite, Club Balcony	$18.00
Suites (The Haven)	$20.00

For a 7-day cruise, this adds $784–$980 for a family of four. You can adjust or remove gratuities, but it requires visiting Guest Services and justifying your request (e.g., poor service).

Additional Service Charges

Beyond daily gratuities, NCL adds service charges to:

Specialty dining (15–18% per meal)
Spa and salon services (15–20%)
Beverage packages (20%)
Excursions (15–20%)

These charges are non-negotiable and appear as line items on your final bill.

Other Mandatory Fees

Additional costs not included in the base fare:

Port Fees and Taxes: $100–$300 per person, depending on the itinerary.
Fuel Surcharges: Occasionally added during peak travel periods.
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended but not included.

Tip: Budget an extra $150–$300 per person for port fees and taxes. Consider travel insurance to protect against cancellations, medical emergencies, or missed excursions.

6. Wi-Fi, Communication, and Digital Services

In today’s connected world, Wi-Fi is often seen as a basic necessity—but on NCL, it’s a premium service.

Internet Packages: Cost and Limitations

NCL offers three Wi-Fi packages:

Basic: $15–$20/day (email and social media only, slow speeds).
Social: $25–$30/day (includes video calls, limited streaming).
Premium: $35–$45/day (unlimited data, high-speed).

However, even the Premium package has limitations:

Speeds vary by location (slowest in remote areas).
Streaming services (Netflix, YouTube) may not work consistently.
Only one device per package (additional devices cost $5–$10/day).

For a family of four, a 7-day Premium package could cost $1,000+.

Cellular and Roaming Charges

Using your phone at sea triggers roaming fees from your carrier, often $10–$20/day. NCL offers a “Cellular at Sea” service, but it’s not included in your fare. Alternatively, purchase a local SIM card at ports to avoid roaming.

Digital Services: Photo Packages and Onboard Apps

NCL’s onboard photographers charge $20–$30 per printed photo or $200–$500 for full digital packages. The NCL app (for booking dining, excursions, and tracking spending) is free but requires Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Tip: Download offline maps and entertainment (e.g., Netflix, Spotify) before boarding. Use public Wi-Fi at ports to save on data costs.

Conclusion

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “freestyle” model offers flexibility and choice, but it’s crucial to recognize that many essentials are not included in the base fare. From specialty dining and premium beverages to shore excursions and gratuities, the true cost of an NCL cruise can exceed your initial budget by 30–50% if you’re not careful.

The key to a successful vacation lies in planning and transparency. Calculate your expected spending on excluded items before booking, consider packages only if they align with your habits, and always read the fine print. By understanding what’s not included on Norwegian Cruise Line, you can avoid surprises, manage your expenses, and focus on what truly matters: enjoying your time at sea.

Remember, a cruise is an investment—not just in relaxation, but in experience. With the right preparation, you can navigate the hidden costs, maximize value, and create unforgettable memories—without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is not included on Norwegian Cruise Line in terms of dining?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s base fare does not cover specialty dining at venues like Cagney’s Steakhouse or Le Bistro, which require additional fees. However, complimentary options like main dining rooms and buffets are included in your cruise price.

Are drinks included in the Norwegian Cruise Line fare?

Most beverages, including alcohol, soda, specialty coffee, and bottled water, are not included in the base fare unless you purchase a beverage package. Complimentary options are limited to tap water, basic coffee, and select juices at meals.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include gratuities in the ticket price?

No, gratuities (also called service charges) are not included in the initial fare. Norwegian automatically adds daily gratuities to your account, but these can be adjusted onboard if desired.

What is not included on Norwegian Cruise Line regarding shore excursions?

Shore excursions booked through Norwegian or third-party operators are not part of the base fare and require separate payment. However, you’re free to explore ports independently at no extra cost.

Are kids’ programs and childcare services included?

While Norwegian offers complimentary supervised activities for children in designated age groups, private babysitting or late-night childcare services are not included and incur additional fees.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line include Wi-Fi in the base price?

Wi-Fi is not included in the standard fare and requires purchasing a separate internet package. Norwegian often offers promotional deals on connectivity, but standard pricing is tiered based on data needs.

Key Takeaways

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