The cost of Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages typically ranges from around $100* to $140* per person per day for premium options, with additional 20%* gratuity charges. These packages include unlimited cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks, but the final price depends on the package type, cruise length, and promotions available.
Norwegian Cruise Line has built a name for the "Freestyle Cruising" concept, giving travelers a fun and easy way to enjoy time at sea. It focuses on giving guests freedom to plan their day the way they like, from dining times to activities on board. Ships feel lively without being too formal, so you can keep things simple and still have a great time. From shows and pools to dining spots, there is always something happening, and you set your own pace.
Norwegian Cruise Line beverage packages keep things simple when it comes to drinks on board. You pick a plan that suits what you like, and it covers your drinks during the trip, so you are not paying again and again. Many travelers also have a question about the cost of Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages, and that is covered in detail below, along with what each option includes, so you can get a clear idea before you book.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Beverage Packages
Norwegian Cruise Line offers beverage packages that make enjoying drinks on board simple and stress free. You can choose from options that cover soft drinks, coffee, cocktails, wine, and more, based on what you like. It helps you keep track of your spending from the start, so there are no surprises later. Many guests like having this sorted in advance, as it lets them enjoy their time on the ship without stopping to think about each order.
Free at Sea™ Unlimited Open Bar Package
The Free at Sea™ Unlimited Open Bar Package is the standard beverage package for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) guests, providing a high level of value by covering most onboard drinks. This package is designed for travelers who enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, premium spirits, and international beers without the need for the absolute top-tier luxury brands found in the "Plus" version. By paying a set daily gratuity fee rather than a full retail price, guests can enjoy an open bar experience that includes over 100 different cocktails and a broad selection of wines and beers at nearly every bar and restaurant across the fleet.
Free at Sea™ Unlimited Open Bar Package Details & Pricing
- Promotional Cost (Pre-Paid Gratuities): When selected as part of the "Free at Sea" booking promotion, the package itself is technically free, but guests must pay the daily beverage service charge. For 2026 sailings, this cost is $28.50* per person per day.
- Retail Value (Onboard Purchase): If you do not select this as a perk during booking and choose to buy it once on the ship, the retail price is significantly higher at $109.00* per person, per day (plus a 20% gratuity).
- Drink Price Limit: This package covers all individual drinks with a retail value of up to $15.00*.
- The "Pay the Difference" Rule: If you order a premium drink that costs more than $15 (such as a high-end whiskey or specialty glass of wine), you only pay the price difference plus a 20% gratuity on that difference.
Included Beverages:
- Premium Spirits: Includes popular brands like Grey Goose, Casamigos, Hendrick’s, and Woodford Reserve.
- Cocktails: Access to over 100 classic and signature cocktails.
- Beer & Wine: A wide selection of draft and bottled beers, along with various wines in the glass.
- Non-Alcoholic: Unlimited fountain sodas, tonics, and juices are included.
Exclusions to Note:
- Starbucks® & Bottled Water: Unlike the Plus™ package, standard Free at Sea does not include Starbucks® beverages or bottled water (still or sparkling).
- Great Stirrup Cay Update: Starting March 1, 2026, the standard Unlimited Open Bar package will no longer be valid for drinks at NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay; drinks there will require a separate charge or the Plus™ upgrade.
- Room Service & Mini-Bar: Drinks ordered via room service or taken from the stateroom mini-bar are not covered.
Discounts on Bottles: Guests receive a 20% discount on all bottles of wine and champagne purchased on board.
Stateroom Policy: All guests of legal drinking age (21+ for US/Canada sailings) sharing a cabin must have the same beverage package. Guests aged 3–20 will instead receive the Unlimited Soda Package for $12.50 per day.
Also Read: Are Norwegian Cruises All Inclusive?
Free at Sea Plus™ Unlimited Open Bar Package
The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Free at Sea Plus™ upgrade is a premium designed for travelers who want to elevate their onboard experience beyond the standard Free at Sea promotion. While the base "Unlimited Open Bar" package covers a wide array of spirits and cocktails up to $15, the Plus™ version removes these limits, offering top-shelf brands, unlimited still and sparkling bottled water, Starbucks® coffee, and select energy drinks. This package is particularly valuable for connoisseurs of fine wines and premium liquors, providing a truly all-inclusive atmosphere where you never have to worry about a price cap on your favorite beverage.
Free at Sea Plus™ Unlimited Open Bar Package Details & Pricing
- Upgrade Pricing: For guests who already have the standard Free at Sea "Unlimited Open Bar" package, the upgrade to "Free at Sea Plus™ typically costs $49.00 per person, per day.
- Retail Value (Stand-alone): If purchased separately without a promotion, the "Premier Plus Beverage Package" (which mirrors the Plus features) is priced at $138.00 per person, per day.
- Total Daily Cost with Gratuities: NCL applies a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge to the retail value of the package. For the upgrade, this brings the daily total to approximately $58.80 per person per day.
Included Beverages:
- Premium Spirits & Cocktails: All top-tier brands and cocktails with no price ceiling (e.g., Grey Goose, Casamigos, Patron).
- Wine by the Glass: All wines available by the glass, including premium selections that exceed the standard $15 limit.
- Starbucks®: Unlimited craft coffees, teas, and specialty beverages at licensed Starbucks® locations on the ship.
- Bottled Water: Unlimited Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino (still and sparkling).
- Energy Drinks & Sodas: Unlimited Red Bull, sodas, and juices.
- Additional Perks: The "Plus" upgrade often includes additional benefits beyond drinks, such as two extra nights of Specialty Dining and $50 extra Shore Excursion credits per port.
- Wine Bottle Discount: Guests receive a 40% discount on all non-select bottles of wine and champagne purchased on board.
Applicability Rules: If one adult in a stateroom upgrade to Free at Sea Plus™, all other adults in the same stateroom must also purchase the upgrade.
Free at Sea™ Hawai'i Beverage Package (Pride of America only)
The Free at Sea™ Hawai'i Beverage Package is a specialized offering exclusive to the Pride of America, the only U.S.-flagged ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. Because this vessel sails entirely within Hawaiian waters, the package is structured differently to comply with local state liquor laws and the unique nature of island-hopping itineraries. Unlike the standard Unlimited Open Bar found on other ships, this version is designed as an "all ages" perk, ensuring that every guest in the stateroom, regardless of age, receives a beverage benefit that includes not just alcohol for adults, but also essential hydrations like bottled water and specialty coffees for everyone.
Free at Sea™ Hawai'i Beverage Package Details & Pricing
- Promotional Cost (Pre-Paid Gratuities): When selected as a "Free at Sea" perk, the package cost is waived, but guests must pay the 20% service charge based on the retail value. For 2026 sailings, this amounts to $21.80 per person per day (totaling $152.60 for a 7-day cruise).
- Retail Value (Onboard Purchase): If purchased separately without the promotion, the package is priced at $109.00 per person, per day, plus the 20% gratuity.
- Unique All-Ages Inclusion: Unlike other NCL packages, where minors only receive soda, this package provides a consistent set of benefits for all guests in the stateroom, including children (who receive the non-alcoholic components).
- Drink Price Limit: Covers all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages up to $15.00 per drink. For any selection exceeding $15, guests simply pay the difference plus a 20% gratuity on that excess amount.
Included Beverages
- Alcoholic Drinks: A wide selection of spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass, as well as draft and bottled beer.
- Bottled Water: Includes both still and sparkling bottled water (Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino), which is a significant upgrade over the standard Free at Sea package on other ships.
- Specialty Coffee: Includes espresso-based drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos when ordered in the Main Dining Rooms.
- Juices & Sodas: Unlimited fountain soda, fresh-squeezed juices, and non-alcoholic mocktails.
Exclusions to Note:
- Starbucks® Locations: Beverages from the stand-alone Starbucks® café on board are not included.
- Mini-Bar & Room Service: Purchases from the cabin mini-bar or drinks ordered through room service are charged at the prevailing menu rate.
- Vending Machines: Any canned or bottled drinks from onboard vending machines are excluded.
Service Rules: Guests are entitled to two beverages per person, per transaction. For alcoholic drinks, the package is subject to Hawai'i’s specific intoxicating liquor laws, which may influence service hours or quantities during certain port stays.
Discount on Bottles: A 20% discount is applied to all bottles of wine and champagne purchased on board.
Also Read: How much does a typical Norwegian cruise cost?
Unlimited Soft Drink Package
The Unlimited Soft Drink Package is a cost-effective choice for guests who prefer to skip the alcohol and stick to classic refreshments. This package provides consistent access to a variety of fountain sodas at any bar, lounge, or restaurant across the ship, making it a popular choice for families, teens, and non-drinkers who want to avoid individual "per-can" charges. Unlike the broader beverage packages, this one is strictly focused on carbonated fountain favorites, offering a straightforward way to stay refreshed throughout the duration of your voyage.
Unlimited Soft Drink Package Details & Pricing
- Standard Daily Rate: For most 2026 sailings, the package is priced at $12.50 per person per day.
- Total Daily Cost with Gratuities: NCL adds a mandatory 20% beverage service charge at the time of purchase, bringing the final cost to $15.00 per person, per day.
- Age Eligibility: Available for all guests aged 3 and older. This is the default package assigned to minors (under 21) in a stateroom where the adults have selected the Free at Sea™ Unlimited Open Bar perk.
Included Beverages:
- Fountain Sodas: Unlimited refills of Coca-Cola® products, including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, and Fanta Orange.
- Mixers: Tonic Water and Soda Water are also included.
Exclusions to Note:
- Canned & Bottled Drinks: This package only covers "fountain" soda dispensed at bars or restaurants; it does not include canned sodas or bottled water.
- Juices & Specialty Drinks: Fresh-squeezed juices, energy drinks (Red Bull), and non-alcoholic mocktails are not covered.
- Starbucks®: All specialty coffees and teas from onboard Starbucks® locations require a separate package or à la carte payment.
- Room Service & Mini-Bar: Any sodas ordered through room service or taken from the cabin mini-bar will be charged at the standard menu price.
Usage Limit: Guests are entitled to one beverage per person, per transaction.
Souvenir Cup: On many sailings, purchasing this package includes a complimentary NCL souvenir thermal tumbler, though availability can vary by ship and itinerary.
Private Island Policy: Effective March 1, 2026, this package will not be valid for use at NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Standard fountain sodas will be available for purchase on the island or are included if you have the "Plus" upgrade.
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons to Choose Norwegian Cruise Line
Unlimited Starbucks® Package
The Unlimited Starbucks® Package is the ultimate choice for coffee enthusiasts who want to enjoy the full Starbucks experience while at sea. While the standard Free at Sea beverage packages generally exclude Starbucks locations, this standalone package allows you to order your favorite handcrafted lattes, Frappuccinos, and seasonal specialties without worrying about individual drink costs. It is especially beneficial for guests sailing on NCL's newer ships that feature full-scale Starbucks stores, providing a familiar and high-quality caffeine fix from morning to night.
Unlimited Starbucks® Package Details & Pricing
- Standard Daily Rate: For 2026 sailings, the package is priced at $16.50 per person per day.
- Total Daily Cost with Gratuities: With the mandatory 20% beverage service charge added, the final cost is $19.80 per person, per day.
- Age Requirement: Unlike some other beverage options, this package is strictly available to guests aged 18 and older at the time of sailing.
Included Beverages:
- Handcrafted Coffee: All espresso-based drinks, including lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos.
- Cold Brew & Iced Coffee: All standard and Nitro cold brew selections.
- Frappuccino® Favorites: All blended beverages and cream-based Frappuccinos.
- Teas & Refreshers™: All Teavana® hot and iced teas, as well as Starbucks Refreshers™ (like Strawberry Açaí).
Exclusions to Note:
- Food & Merchandise: The package does not cover pastries, sandwiches, or retail items like mugs and tumblers.
- Canned & Bottled Drinks: Bottled water, canned sodas, or pre-packaged Evolution Fresh™ juices found in the Starbucks case are excluded.
- Room Service: Starbucks drinks ordered via room service are not covered and will be charged at the menu price.
Locations for Use: Valid at all licensed Starbucks® stores on board and in the Atrium Café. (Can be used at Starbucks locations on NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay)
Note: Not valid at Harvest Caye.
Service Rules: One Drink Limit: Guests are entitled to one beverage per person, per transaction.
Stateroom Policy: All qualifying guests (18+) in the same stateroom must purchase the package if one person does.
Pro-Tip: If you find the package too expensive, you can use the Starbucks App or a pre-loaded gift card to pay for individual drinks on most NCL ships, allowing you to earn "Stars" even while at sea.
Also Read: Norwegian (NCL) Internet Packages: WiFi Plans & Prices
FAQs Norwegian Cruise Line’s Drink Package
1. How can you add a beverage package to your Norwegian cruise?
You can purchase a package through the "My NCL" online portal or the NCL app at least 24 hours before your sail date. If you prefer to wait until you are on the ship, you can visit any bar or the Guest Services desk on embarkation day, though buying in advance is often easier for budgeting.
2. Does Norwegian Cruise Line offer a complimentary drink package?
Generally, yes. Most bookings include the "Free at Sea" promotion, which offers the Unlimited Open Bar as a "free" perk. However, it isn't completely cost-free, but you are required to pay a 20% beverage service charge (gratuity) based on the package's retail value. For 2026, this gratuity is $28.50 per person per day.
3. Is it mandatory for everyone in my stateroom to have a drinks package?
Yes. If one adult (21+) in a cabin chooses a beverage package, all other adults in that same cabin must also purchase it. For guests under 21, they are typically required to have the Unlimited Soda Package instead. This policy prevents "sharing" and ensures consistency across the reservation.
4. Am I allowed to share my NCL drinks package with others?
No. Beverage packages are strictly for the individual named on the account and are non-transferable. NCL bartenders are trained to monitor sharing, and guests are generally limited to ordering two drinks per transaction to ensure the package is being used as intended.
Final Words
Choosing the right NCL drink package depends entirely on your drinking habits. Whether you prefer premium spirits, morning lattes, or simple sodas, these options ensure a stress-free vacation. Compare the daily costs and inclusions carefully to maximize your cruise value and enjoyment.
