A Comprehensive Guide to NCL Drink Packages
What are the NCL Drink Packages? In this 2025 guide, we’ll explore Norwegian Cruise Line’s Beverage Packages.
Your cruise fare covers filtered water, regular coffee, tea, and buffet fountain juices. However, with NCL, you can upgrade your experience by opting for the popular Unlimited Open Bar through their More at Sea program. This package offers an expanded selection of unlimited drinks, allowing you to enjoy some of NCL’s signature cocktails. It can also be a cost-effective option if you have more than a few drinks daily.
You can use our cruise drink calculator below to compare costs and decide if purchasing a soda package or covering the price for the More at Sea Open Bar option makes the most financial sense.
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This article will explore the NCL Drink Packages available through Norwegian Cruise Line.
Norwegian Beverage Packages Available
- Unlimited Open Bar Package: A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, wine, and sodas.
- Hawaii Beverage Package: This package, tailored for cruises in Hawaii on Pride of America, includes a selection of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
- Soda Package: Unlimited fountain sodas and non-alcoholic beverages are available for the cruise.
- Starbucks Package : Unlimited specialty coffees and teas from licensed Starbucks throughout the cruise.
- NCL drink packages that include alcohol are only available to passengers aged 21 and over.
- The cost of the drink package varies depending on the length of your cruise. Any examples provided are based on a 7-day cruise.
- Tasty Itinerary is not affiliated with or employed by Norwegian Cruise Line.
NCL Drink Packages Explained
NCL Unlimited Open Bar Package
- Retail Cost: $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% gratuity.
- Included: This package includes a variety of sodas and alcoholic beverages, covering drinks priced up to $15 and select premium options within that range.
- Excluded: Specialty coffee (e.g., Starbucks), energy drinks, bottled water (still and sparkling), certain high-end premium alcohol, room service beverages, canned sodas, and mini-bar items are not included.
- More at Sea Program: For guests 1–8 aged 21 and over, the Unlimited Open Bar Package is part of NCL’s More at Sea program. Although the package is included in the program, guests pay a discounted daily rate that varies depending on the length of the cruise. For example, on a 7-day cruise, the discounted cost is $30 per person per day, and this rate includes gratuities.
Since NCL turned Free at Sea to More at Sea, they’ve made the Open Bar Package more linear, including more drink options and higher-end alcohol than before, and they’ve eliminated their Premium Plus Beverage package.
If you’re interested in a drink package, you can opt for the More at Sea Open Bar when booking your reservation and pay the discounted package price of $30 per person per day.
How much does the NCL Unlimited Open Bar package cost?
The package is included for guests 1–8 under the More at Sea program, but gratuities must still be paid. For example, a 7-day cruise costs approximately $210 per person with More at Sea.
Can minors receive this package?
Guests 1–8 who are 21 and over receive the Unlimited Open Bar Package as part of the More at Sea program. If a minor is listed as guest #2, they will receive the soda package instead. Minors listed as guests #3–8 do not receive any package.
You can read the terms and conditions for the MAS Unlimited Open Bar here.
Is bottled water included?
No, bottled water is not included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package.
What happens if you order a drink that is over $15?
If you have the NCL Unlimited Open Bar Package, it covers alcoholic drinks, liquor, and beverages priced up to $15. If you order a drink that exceeds this limit, you’ll pay the difference out of pocket.
Example: If you order an $18 martini, the Unlimited Open Bar Package will cover $15 of the cost, and the remaining $3, plus a 20% gratuity on that $3, will be charged to your onboard account.
NCL Soda Package
- Popularity: A great option for non-alcoholic drinkers and for minors listed as the 2nd guest under the More at Sea program.
- Pricing: $12.50 per person, per day, including gratuity.
- Inclusions: Enjoy unlimited fountain soda throughout your cruise.
- Exclusions: This package does not include canned soda, mini-bar options, bottled water, specialty beverages, or room service delivery.
Is the NCL Soda Package worth it?
The NCL Soda Package is a great option for those who don’t drink alcohol and want to save money. For $12.50 per person, per day (including gratuity), you’ll get unlimited fountain drinks, which can quickly add value—especially when individual cups of fountain soda cost $3–$4 each. The package easily pays for itself if you drink just 2–3 sodas daily.
If you’re debating between the Soda Package and the More at Sea Unlimited Open Bar, here’s how the costs compare: the Soda Package costs approximately $87.50 per person for a 7-day cruise, while the Unlimited Open Bar Package for More at Sea guests costs about $210 (gratuities included). For an additional $122.50, the Unlimited Open Bar includes not only soda but also mocktails, fruity vacation drinks, and alcoholic beverages up to $15.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your drinking habits and preferences, so take a moment to calculate which option works best for your budget.
NCL Hawaii Beverage Package
- Package: Exclusive to Pride of America sailings.
- Pricing: $109 per person per day, plus a 20% gratuity.
- Included: The Hawaii Beverage Package includes unlimited beverages up to $15, such as soda, flat or sparkling bottled water, specialty coffee served in restaurants, and freshly squeezed juices.
- Exclusions: Specialty coffee outside of restaurants, mini-bar selections, and vending machine purchases are not included.
- More at Sea Program (Guests 1–8): Guests 1–8 aged 21 and over can opt in for the More at Sea Hawaii Beverage Package at a discounted price of $30 per person per day. Minors listed as guest #2 receive the soda package instead, while minors in spots #3–8 do not receive any package.
The Hawaii Beverage Package is an excellent choice for those cruising the Hawaiian Islands on NCL’s Pride of America sailings. Similar to the Premium Beverage Package, it includes bottled water, freshly squeezed juices, and specialty coffee served in dining rooms. This package is also available as part of the More at Sea Program.
Read the terms and conditions for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Hawaii Beverage Package.
Unlimited Starbucks Package
- Package: Unlimited Starbucks drinks.
- Pricing: $16.50 per person, per day, including gratuities.
- Included: Unlimited specialty coffee and tea drinks served in cups at Starbucks locations onboard.
- Excluded: Specialty drinks served in dining rooms, bottled water, canned drinks, and food purchases at Starbucks are not included.
- Availability: Exclusive to ships that feature a Starbucks onboard.
Is the Starbucks Package worth it?
If you’re a specialty coffee enthusiast who enjoys lattes, frappuccinos, and teas, the Starbucks Package can be a worthwhile option. It’s especially appealing if you’re not purchasing any other drink package, as it allows unlimited access to your favorite Starbucks beverages onboard.
For perspective, when we cruised on the Norwegian Joy, we spent $19 with a tip on two lattes at Starbucks one afternoon. While Starbucks drinks onboard are slightly more expensive than those on shore, we found the quality even better than any Starbucks near us.
So, if you plan to enjoy multiple specialty coffees daily, the Starbucks Package is a great value compared to paying à la carte.
Read the terms and conditions for Norwegian’s Starbucks Package.
Side-by-Side Comparison of NCL Drink Packages
|
Features |
Unlimited Open Bar |
Hawaii Beverage Package |
Soda Package |
Unlimited Starbucks Package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alcoholic Drinks |
Yes, up to $15 |
Yes, up to $15 |
No |
No |
|
Non-Alcoholic Drinks |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bottled Water |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Specialty Coffee |
No |
Yes (dining rooms only) |
No |
Yes (official Starbucks stores only) |
|
Fountain Sodas |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Mocktails |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Frozen Drinks |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Retail Cost (Per Person/Per Day) |
$109 |
$109 |
$12.50 |
$16.50 |
|
More at sea cost (per person/perday) |
$30 |
$30 |
Not Included |
Not Included |
|
Exclusions |
Bottled water, canned soda, premium alcohol, specialty coffee, energy drinks, minibar items, room service beverages |
Mini-bar, vending machine beverages, premium alcohol, specialty coffee outside dining rooms |
Canned soda, mini-bar, bottled water, energy drinks, room service beverages |
Bottled water, canned drinks, food purchases |
Drink Prices on Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has updated its drink menus and pricing, which could impact your choice between the Unlimited Open Bar Package or paying for drinks individually. Here’s a breakdown of the current drink prices:
- Cocktails: Included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package, featuring options from “Bartender’s Choice” and “The Classics.” Without the package, these cost $12.50 each.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: The package includes mocktails ($12.50), energy drinks ($6.50), fountain soda ($3.50), refreshers ($3.50), wine ($10), and zero-proof beers ($7.50), offering plenty of options for non-alcoholic drinkers. Prices are without the package.
- Wines by the Glass: Standard wines are included in the package, or $10 per glass without it.
- Premium Wines: High-end wines aren’t fully included but come with a $15 discount for package holders. These wines typically range from $17–$23 per glass, so you’d only pay the difference with the discount. For example, a $20 glass would cost $5 with the package plus gratuity.
- Spirits: Popular liquors like vodka, rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey are included. Without the package, these are priced at $12.50 per drink.
- High-end liquors aren’t fully included but come with a $15 discount for package holders. These spirits typically range from $20–$35 per drink, so with the package, you’d pay the difference. For example, a $25 drink would cost $10 plus gratuity with the discount applied.
- Bottled Water: Flat and sparkling bottled water aren’t included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package and are priced at $3.50–$7 each.
Gratuities: A 20% gratuity is automatically added to the difference you pay for drinks priced above $15 when using the Unlimited Open Bar Package or for any drinks not fully covered.
These updates reflect how NCL’s drink menus and pricing now operate. Use this guide to calculate what makes the most sense for your drinking habits.
Estimate Your Cruise Drink Costs
Not sure which drink package is right for you? Use our cruise drink package calculator to determine if the gratuities for NCL’s More at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Package are worth it or if paying as you go is better.
See which option offers the best value for your cruise. You may find that you won’t drink enough to justify the cost of any package, making à la carte pricing the smarter choice.
Cruise Drink Package Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Are drinks free on Norwegian Cruise Line?
No, drinks are not free on Norwegian Cruise Line. Even with the NCL Drink Package included in the More at Sea program, the package is discounted as part of the bundle, but you will still need to pay the associated cost. For a 1–7 day cruise, the cost is $30 per person per day, totaling $210 per person for a 7-day cruise.
Does the NCL drink package include gratuities?
Yes, the pricing of the Unlimited Open Bar Package under the More at Sea program includes gratuities. However, if you order a drink that exceeds the $15 limit, you’ll need to pay the difference, and a 20% gratuity will be added to the overage amount.
Is the NCL drink package worth it?
The NCL drink package can be worth it if you plan to enjoy multiple beverages daily. The discounted price through the More at Sea program makes the package more affordable than purchasing it outright, and it can provide excellent value for guests who regularly enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, or mocktails.
How to Calculate Your Drink Costs:
($10 per drink) × (number of drinks you plan to have each day) = Estimated total for one cruise day(Daily total) × (number of days of your cruise) = Estimated total for your entire cruise
Are frozen drinks included in the NCL drink packages?
Yes, frozen drinks are included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package and the Hawaii Beverage Package.
Does my More at Sea Open Bar apply if the 2nd guest is a minor?
If your 2nd guest is a minor, they will not receive the Unlimited Open Bar Package. Instead, they will automatically receive the soda package. Note that with the Open Bar Package, you can order two drinks at a time, including non-alcoholic frozen drinks, which can be shared with others in your party.
Before you set sail, here are some related articles you don’t want to miss:
- NCL Tips Not to Miss
- Frustrating Changes NCL Has Made Recently
- NCL’s Priority Access: Worth Adding or Not?
- 10 Things to Love About Norweigan Cruise Line
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
Why is the “Plus” package not offered on Pride of America? The article mentions that the Hawaiian Package is comparable to the NCL Ultimate Beverage Package. Why don’t they also offer a comparable “Plus” Package? My wife and I enjoy fine wine and the Hawaiian Beverage Package limits us to glasses of wine of $15 or less. This is unfair and will ultimately cost NCL revenue as it encourages us to bring our own bottles, and incur the corkage fee, instead of purchasing them from NCL.
I understand the frustration. You will have to contact Norwegian Cruise Line to give them your thoughts. Hopefully, they are working on a special “plus” upgrade program for the Hawaiian Beverage Package. Meanwhile, I wish that the bottled water included in the Hawaiian Beverage Package was included in the Premium Beverage package without having to upgrade to Plus for an additional cost.
So here is our issue.
I drink strictly Starbucks, no sodas whatsoever. My husband only drinks Diet Coke. There are only two of us in the cabin. So do we have to get drink packages galore or what?
Hi Holly – That’s where it gets tricky. NCLs policy is that all passengers within the same cabin must purchase the same package. It is not helfpul in situations like this.
I can totally relate as my husband doesn’t drink alcohol and yet I do, this becomes an issue sometimes when cruising. I pay for alcohol as I go now. However, from personal experience we have been able to purchase a soda package just for him and not me once onboard NCL ship in the past. I’ve read others that have done similar, even with upgrades when one person upgrades a package and the other doesn’t, once onboard. You can try to go that route and wait to see if they’ll allow you to make these separate purchases on board, but it is not a guarantee.
The other dilemma is that I believe that the Starbucks package is sold online and not onboard, don’t believe that has changed. We do have an upcoming cruise on NCL and I’ll be on the lookout to see.
Thank you so much for all the incredible info! Headed out of NYC to Bermuda this summer with our giant family of 21 people ranging from 5 to 80 years old! Trying to manage the expectations of the 20-year old’s in the group in regards to the drinks package. A promotion that was included is the Ultimate Beverage Package for Groups. During a phone call with NCL they explained it as 2 drinks per person per transaction. So I assume that works great say at the pool bar or casino, but they said that would be 2 drinks per sit down meal. Do you know if that’s enforced or is it a little more open at the dinner table to order say a pre-dinner drink, 2 glasses of wine with dinner and then a cordial? Would tipping the waiter help or make things awkward? Sorry first cruise for all of us! Thanks again 🙂
Hi Catherine – NCL’s policy states, a passenger with the Unlimited Beverage Package can order 2 drinks per transaction. Meaning that you can order 2 pina coladas at a time, if you wish.
Perhaps when speaking to customer service, they are see dinner as one transaction and stating that you’ll only be able to have 2 drinks max. That’s not the case, I’ve never experienced any limits ordering multiple drinks at dinner, including a cordial.
What I have experienced at times is the waiter being so busy that I don’t get the chance to order another drink. You should be able to order unlimited drinks that are included in the package.
It doesn’t hurt to get a pre-dinner drink and bring that with you to dinner. Many passengers do this, especially during busy dinner times. There are bars usually easily accessible not far from the dinner venues.
Tips are always appreciated. We always tip at the end of our meal if the service was excellent. Of course, you can tip ahead when placing your drink order and whisper, “keep ’em coming.” I’m sure they’d be happy to oblige.
We have the beverage package and three specialty dinners on the Getaway this fall. Is the beverage package included when we are at one of the specialty restaurants?
Hi Claudia – Apologies for the late reply, we just got off an Alaskan cruise on Norwegian. To answer your question, the beverage package can be used in the dining room and are subject to the same guidelines and restrictions. So if you have a Premium Beverage Package, you can order cocktails and wine up to $15 (you can always pay the difference if you do order anything over $15). If you have the Premium PLUS Beverage Package then you can literally order anything from top shelf cocktails, expensive glasses of wine and even the specialty coffee.
Have a great cruise!
Why don’t any of these blog entries state how much a soda costs? If I knew how much a soda costs, I can determine if the ~$10/day is worth it for me. Thank you!
Hi Ann – Actually, yes, as stated above in the blog a cup of soda is around $3-4.
@Kathy, Thanks! I must have missed it.
No problem. Lots of info to absorb.
I am not a heavy drinker. I plan to only buy 2 beers a day. How much for a single can of say Bud or Miller light?
Hi Andy – A bottle of beer is around $7-8 each.