Complete Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages 2023! - Watch Before You Buy!

If you have a Norwegian Cruise Line trip coming up, consider a Norwegian Cruise Drink Package. To help you sift through all of the details of what's included in each, we have this complete breakdown of the Norwegian Drink Packages for 2023 up next.
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NCL DRINK PACKAGE
0:00 Introduction
1:13 Drinks Included on an NCL Cruise
1:42 NCL Drink Package Basics
3:10 Purchasing an NCL Drink Package
4:02 Using the NCL Drink Package
4:35 Premium Beverage Package Details
6:45 Premium Plus Beverage
8:43 NCL Soda Package
9:20 Unlimited Starbucks Package
10:03 Hawaii Beverage Package
11:04 NCL Drink Prices
12:02 Are NCL Drink Packages Worth it?
GUIDE TO NORWEGIAN DRINK PACKAGES
In 2023, @norwegiancruiseline has several beverage packages.
Regardless of the drink package you purchase, all packages are priced per person, per day. Norwegian Drink Packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise, and all qualifying individuals in a stateroom must purchase a package. All packages are subject to a 20% service charge.
Most cruisers who are interested in a cruise drink package with Norwegian Cruise Line are probably thinking of the Premium Beverage Package. This is NCL's alcoholic drink package. This is the drink package cruisers receive as part of the Free at Sea Promotion.
The premium beverage package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15. Having been on several NCL cruises lately, we will admit this allotment covers most drinks and many of the specialty cocktails. If there is a drink over $15, cruisers only need to pay the difference above this allotment.
The Norwegian Premium Drink Package includes fountain soda, juices at the bars and lounges, and beverages at the private island of Great Stirrup Cay but NOT Harvest Caye.
This package does not include bottled water, coffee at Starbucks, freshly squeezed juices, room service, energy drinks, or vending machines. While cruisers can get two drinks at a time, the package doesn’t work on promotions, like beer buckets.
For Pride of America sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line now offers a beverage package. This Hawaii Beverage package is very similar to the Premium Beverage Package. It has a $15 allotment and covers basically the same beverages.
NORWEGIAN PREMIUM PLUS BEVERAGE PACKAGE
For cruisers looking to upgrade, there is the Premium Plus Beverage Package. This package is the most inclusive beverage package. It includes all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass. Plus, the package includes select bottles of wine at dinner, as well as Starbucks beverages. This was huge for us as we are big coffee lovers.
Although, this package still has restrictions and does not apply to room service, wine dispensers, vending machines, or other experiences. Cruisers do get a 40% discount on non-included bottles of wine, wine and spirit experiences, flights, and tastings.
When it comes to deciding whether to upgrade the drink package, you have to decide if you will purchase enough drinks to make it a good value. Right now, the upgrade price, with a service charge is $34.80 per person, per day. For us, it makes sense as we drink a lot of bottled water, coffee, and cocktails and spirits.
READ OUR UPDATED NORWEGIAN DRINK PACKAGES GUIDE ON THE BLOG: eatsleepcruise.com/norwegian-drink-packages-complete-guide/
------TRENDING VIDEOS FROM EAT SLEEP CRUISE------
Norwegian Encore Alaska Cruise Review 2023: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naK3poGlma19qKc
Norwegian Encore Ship Tour and Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naK3poGlma19qKc
Norwegian Free at Sea Guide for 2023: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Lagp2qnKZsmdU
Everything Included on an NCL Cruise: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHbRppWNa7aBe9k
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[@Skiffdan]

In my opinion Norwegian has the best drink package and the food is awesome compared to others like carnival, mcs, RC, etc. you can order more than one drink at a time with no daily limit whereas on other lines it’s one at a time and some have a daily limit as well as a 20 minute rule between drinks. The dining choices are great as well. The noodle bar and O’Sheenans offer great food included at no charge. We always opt for the free at sea offer which includes the drinks, internet, $50 shore excursion credit and two specialty dining meals. Used to be three 😢. Don’t believe everything you watch or hear. Go see for yourself. Norwegian is also one of the few that have an indoor cigar lounge if you’re into that (I am). Out of the basic non luxury cruise lines Norwegian is my wife and my favorite line.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We are fans of NCL too. What’s your fav ship?

[@mariasheppard83]

I totally agree with you, we cruised on the joy in November 2023 and absolutely loved everything about it, the drink package was well worth it

[@jacquimeier800]

Only NCL for me!!!

[@lowkey.emilyyyy13]

⁠​⁠@@Eatsleepcruise1 Hi! I am going on a NCL cruise soon and I am unable to drink alcohol I was wondering if there is a Drink Package that includes “virgin” drinks, or how much it would be for one of the virgin drinks. And is it possible to have multiple drink packages at a time.

[@Skiffdan]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 enjoyed the Escape and Epic. Escape is like a larger version of the Epic. Going on the Epic again in march. Chose it over the escape because I didn’t do good in the casino on the escape last year so I figured I’d try the epic again. Lol.

[@sportsMike87]

Free open bar promotion is the best deal of the cruise lines for the drink package in my opinion

[@lotsaringwear2937]

Bring packets of Kool Aid or Pedialyte powder for your kids. Mix with filtered water.

[@KrisseThe]

The premium drink package in the free at sea special is definitely worth it !!!

[@jcinewilliams8819]

well i already did! December can't get here soon enough!!! LOL

[@JosephDickersonUX]

The Premium Plus package is WAY too expensive IMO... For example, for our upcoming 14 day cruise next year it is $2318 per person!! The better choice is either stick with the free Premium Package (if you can get it) or AFTER you get the "Free at Sea" package upgrading to the "Free at Sea Plus" package, which includes the Premium Plus drink package, an extra $50 off shore excursions, unlimited wi-fi and two additional specialty dining seatings. For a 14 day cruise it is $686 per person (basically $49 per person per day no matter what the cruise length). We did this our last cruise and it was AMAZING. When servers see that PP+ on your cruise card they will give you MUCH better service, because (I believe) they get a higher percentage of the service charge tips you pre-pay. And the bottles of wine we had for dinner were easily worth $30 to $50 had we paid for them out of pocket. Finally, you get access to top-shelf spirits, such as Scotch, and they almost always offer a double pour. So one drink is about $44 worth of Scotch!

[@cwdgoff]

Sadly they have moved the Blue Label to the haven bar only if there is a haven bar onboard.

[@Skiffdan]

The standard package is fine for me. I’m not a fancy drinker. Sometimes I pay an extra dollar or two to get a martini of a certain type but it’s still cheaper to pay the extra buck or two to upgrade the package for me. If you’re someone who drinks a lot of scotch or cognac, you might wanna upgrade your package but it’s still might not be worth it. As far as I’m concerned, Norwegian has the best drink package when it comes to the basic one. They also let you order more than one drink at a time which is always nice.

[@Revel214]

We just got back from a one way 3 day cruise to the DR on the Sky out of Miami and it was just ok. They bend you over at every opportunity with extra fees and service charges, a waste of money to get the Priority boarding package. No one in line boarding and leaving in La Romana. The food was meh. Just bring a water bottle and get filtered water next to the bar on by the swimming pool. This will be our last cruise. Would rather spend the cash on 1st class nonstop flights and get to the Caribbean stress free and on the beach ASAP.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

Is it just me or does all of this seem to be designed to confound and confuse to the point where you won't bother thinking about it and just pay whatever bill they hand you?.

[@Hayabusa0268]

Interesting. I do a chartered cruise once to twice a yr. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. And I buy the non alcohol drink package every time. This past May Royal Caribbean tried to make if you had a room mate purchase the same drink packages. So if my room mate purchased an alcohol package, then I would have to purchase the same package. Which is stupid because I don't drink. Alcohol package was $700 to $800 while non alcohol was about $350 on our 7 day chartered ship. Soon as I got onto the ship I bought the non drink and my roommate bought the alcohol package with no problems. A few of us had concerns but Royal Caribbean did not enforce that policy. Same with pass chartered cruises. I don't drink but my roommates do. It's ridiculous to force both cabin mates to buy a alcohol package if one buys it. Not happening. Just sharing my experience on the completely "chartered cruises" that I go on..

[@polivepea]

You can only do that on chartered cruises. On the actual company cruise all legal occupants must buy the alcohol package. This video is clear on that.

[@Hayabusa0268]

@polivepea Not necessarily true. I have on regular cruises bought Non alcohol package. While my roommates have gotten alcohol package. These were on Carnival several yrs back. So for me I have yet to experience having to buy same drink packages. Just did a regular Non chartered Royal Caribbean a month ago here out of San Pedro. No changes I got Non and my brother got alcohol.

[@soulfullmusic100]

Great Vlog, thanks.

[@user-tc3iv2fe1d]

Is it worth buying the bottle water for your rooms?

[@avv1435]

NCL drink package is the best deal of all cruiseline drink packages. All the “negatives” you mention are the same on every other line.

[@21400]

I got my moneys worth by far using the drink package and the only drink I got that was over $15 was a chocolate martini

[@It-Mit]

Wait can anyone let me know, im going on one with the Premium Beverage Package included and Pre-paid Gratuities Included so when I go to order a drink will I be paying anything at all?

[@Skiffdan]

The only thing you should have to pay is the amount over what the drink package covers per drink. I think for Norwegian it’s $15. Also, if you want to add extra gratuity, but I personally prefer to tip my favorite bartenders individually with cash.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Here are some basic things you need to know. I go months and months without a drink and then it's jest one to three. But I'm 6'2" and 240 pounds and while on vacation, especially a cruise vacation, I _can_ start at 9 am and go non stop to midnight for 10 days straight, never feeling of seeming intoxicated and never getting hungover. *_I need a drink package!_*

[@jennprad]

Um gratuities ARE included in the Unlimited drink package.

[@ticketyboo6435]

I only paid 300 for a 12 day Transatlantic when I booked my cruise that was for Open Bar

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

That's a great deal, which ship?

[@guidine7]

I only paid 200 Euro for an 11 day unlimited open bar Transatlantik Norwegian Pr1ma in November 2023

[@helenalovelock1030]

@@guidine7 did you like Prima ?

[@guidine7]

@@helenalovelock1030 I liked it very much. I recommend a drinking package if it is not too expensive because the drinks itself are very expensive. The free food was awesome

[@helenalovelock1030]

@@guidine7 did you find the Prima really hectic and noisy or chilled ?

[@joeborromeo8693]

The premium drink package is absolutely worth it for the Starbucks and bottled water alone. My family drink 3 bottles of water at dinner alone. I prefer higher end whiskey and enjoy at least 2 Starbucks a day.

[@helenalovelock1030]

How is that different to the “Free at sea” package? That costs £249 for … drinks/wifi/50% reduction on excursions and Speciality dining. Is the “premium drink package” different?

[@joeborromeo8693]

@@helenalovelock1030 the premium package includes all alcohol, Starbucks and bottle water among other things

[@younghahn-pt6hr]

Since it is shown on KZbin, all the videos are commercial and you can't find any bad comments like it is related to the cruise line. Don't think about KZbin videos that are fair and truthful, but watch KZbin videos and throw away any fantastical thoughts.

[@jerseyfinest7152]

Great video, thank you! I tried a Google search but came up still being clueless. You mentioned NCL doesn't offer freestyle soda machines. What does that mean? Freestyle Soda Machines? Also, do you have to get the sodas upon ordering or is it a walk up and get your own or is that was freestyle mean? I'm lost LOL. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Glad the video was helpful. Freestyle coke machines are self service machines. They are a particular type of machine that offers a variety of options. Royal Caribbean ships have them, but NCL doesn’t. So, you would need to order a soda from a bar or server at a restaurant. There are no self serve options. Which ship are you sailing on?

[@jerseyfinest7152]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 NCL - so that would mean I need to purchase a soda package. Great info and very helpful. Thanks so much! 👍

[@Skiffdan]

Freestyle are the coke fountains that have all the flavors in one machine. The cups have sensors built in so you can only use the cup they give you. It’s a souvenir cup. Most cruise lines don’t have these, and you have to go to the bar to order a soda.

[@russellmancillas4464]

I just went on an Alaskian NCL cruise, and did not drink on board, i did drink in local ports.

[@guidine7]

That is my strategy as well

[@michellevincent8338]

Is that because it’s cheaper?

[@helenalovelock1030]

Does the drinks package that comes in the “free at sea” package include non alcoholic cocktails ?

[@Skiffdan]

Sure. I would think you could order any drink minus the alcohol. Might not taste exactly like it should.

[@vickiavery2732]

Can you start using the drink package once on board or did you have to wait until the first full sea day 😊

[@JosephDickersonUX]

Once on board.

[@21400]

When I was in New York and PR they charged me tax on the drinks

[@cwdgoff]

Just so I am understanding. The premium Plus package is charged 20% at the time your purchase the package and not at the time of ordering a drink? Is that what you are saying? The way I read it is that it is all paid before sailing so when you order drinks you don't have to worry about them adding the 20% per drink as it was collected on the total amount of the packaged instead of each drinks value. Thanks for anwering my question.

[@helenalovelock1030]

It wasn’t answered ?

[@blackestincarnation3794]

I'm wondering the same thing. He didn't specifically answer the question but at 7:57 he says the total for a 7 day cruise when you purchase the premium drink package is $1159.20, which is the total with the 20% included. So it seems like it's a one time 20% charge added at the time you buy the package.

[@cwdgoff]

I call NCL to verify that it has been included when I did the upgrade to the fAS drink package and they did verify that I had already paid the 20% service charge/gratuity. @@blackestincarnation3794

[@Skiffdan]

If I’m understanding your question properly, I’m pretty sure the 20% is your savings if you purchase the drink package online before the cruise. If you pay for the drink package once you get on the ship it’s the full price without the 20% discount. The only thing add it to your price if you Order a drink is the amount over the maximum which I believe is $15. But that’s the basic package, if you have the premium plus or upgraded package, I believe your more expensive drinks are covered.

[@michellevincent8338]

If someone buys the bottled water on a cruise , can they add on more bottles throughout the cruise ?,or must that be done before setting sail?

[@kaylaeloisa]

I’ve always bought them pre boarding. I’m pretty sure you are able to purchase them in ship, but they may be a bit more expensive. I’ve always tended to buy too much. Taking a lifestraw water bottle for my next cruise.

[@ryansulli]

Has anyone been on one where vat is applyed to drink package?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

We haven’t. Sorry.

[@billkallas1762]

It's not worth it if your spouse doesn't drink, or if you only have one drink a day.

[@airmanma]

No, they are not worth it. Bring a thermos for any drink they have at the buffet. The buffet coffee is very good, and they offer various types of juicesm and flavored waters. I fell in love with the sugar free kiwi strawberry drink at the self serve juice bar.

[@thescallytrader]

Why do I have to Pre Pay Gratuites before boarding and pay for the Drinks Package (free at sea) and then still pay further 20% gratuities at the end on every drink. WTF.

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

You don’t. You prepay the gratuity when booking. You don’t get charged again on the ship. You might be thinking about the $20 a day service charge which is separate from the drink package. Happy cruising.

[@DB-zp9un]

The plus package says unlimited sparkling and still bottled water. Is the still water the flo cardboard ones or some other bottled water?

[@JosephDickersonUX]

Nope, the still water is in bottles when you order it in most bars and restaurants. If you ask for water at a bar they will sometimes only have the cardboard water ones.

[@DB-zp9un]

@@JosephDickersonUX thank you for the info!

[@AlvinHack]

How do they know u have the package? Do u get a bracelet or something?

[@etiquettecoachjuanitawalke6939]

Yes

[@ValMarty]

It's your card too ones the ring your card

[@Skiffdan]

You can look online at your booking. It says what is included in your booking.

[@pamhayes3465]

Will they let you bring a twelve pack of soda or water on board from your stops?

[@airmanma]

No, you have to buy it.

[@erikhicks1600]

Can you opt out of any drink package and save money on your cruise fare?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

You can do the Sail Away rate, which doesn't qualify for the free at sea. That rate is usually the cheapest. What NCL ship are you thinking of cruising on?

[@erikhicks1600]

@@Eatsleepcruise1Norwegian Bliss to Alaska

[@candicebaker7980]

On an Alaskan cruise, are there taxes on the drinks while in port?

[@jcinewilliams8819]

I think there is a Tax while at all U.S. ports.

[@candicebaker7980]

@@jcinewilliams8819 I just know that Alaska doesn’t have a state tax but wasn’t sure if the cruise port cities would have one

[@Cruisingfoodies]

We just did an Alaska cruise, and the taxes were applied twice, once while in seattle, and the second time while sailing into victoria bc we were considered to be in Seattle waters again.

[@Skiffdan]

Sales tax at any US port.

[@Blackjack691]

I fail to see why anyone would purchase the drink package when the line is offering Free At Sea? The cost of the Free At Sea is only $20/day. This would pay for itself after 2-3 drinks.

[@avv1435]

You don’t need both. Free at sea is the same as a drink package

[@joebarrett4353]

We need to know what the regular price is for a glass of wine before we know if a drinks package is worth it

[@avv1435]

11/12 dollar

[@macp21]

these prices are all USD?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Yes, in USD.

[@highspec_tech90]

It's even better if booking in the UK we they don't charge us the gratuities.

[@helenalovelock1030]

Gratuities are always added at the end of the cruise I thought ?

[@highspec_tech90]

@helenalovelock1030 there are two sets of gratuities. The one you're thinking of covers restaurant staff/cabin steward etc, NCL charges everyone this unless you pre pay them or remove them. On these American cruise lines, leaving an 18-20% tip on every drink is common. If you have an all inclusive drinks package, your bill will be zero so they just charge 20% on the cost of the package when you book. Since tipping on drinks isn't a thing in Europe, NCL doesn't charge us it.

[@helenalovelock1030]

@@highspec_tech90 ok so does the UK drinks package include the gratuities?

[@helenalovelock1030]

@@highspec_tech90 The other NCL gratuities are the room and crew ones is that right they charge you that on the ship at the end of cruise or do you have to pre pay those ?

[@highspec_tech90]

@helenalovelock1030 yes it does, just make sure you book it as a free at sea (at the time of booking) 😀

[@bonnieralston1706]

Something not mentioned: Is there a charge for children to have a glass of milk?

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Milk is included in the buffet and should be included in the main dining rooms. Happy cruising.

[@bonnieralston1706]

@@Eatsleepcruise1 Thanks for the reply.

[@madgeclarke6128]

Wowo i dount need the dress packed too much money

[@ducatiofsflarideclubtony1177]

Let me ask. Do you have to buy a drink package for everyone registered in the cabin? Like royal or can you buy for 1 person. My wife doesn't drink, maybe 1 glass of wine at dinner. Royal made me pay for 2 packages, needless to say I got hosed .. smh

[@Eatsleepcruise1]

Yes, you must buy the drink package for everyone in the room of legal drinking age.

[@etiquettecoachjuanitawalke6939]

You don't have to purchase any drink package. If you don't purchase them, you will just have that drink added to your cabin, and you pay your fees before you get off the ship.

[@Skiffdan]

Same for most all companies.

[@masarati7315]

Thank God I don't drink.

[@TheThisisliving]

15 cruises on different cruise lines and NCL is by far the worst.

[@733DMPILOT]

Don't think that NCL is going to be a good cruise. The food is bad, the service is worse! The drink package was very expensive and not worth the money. We were on the fence on which cruise line to use. and the fact is Royal Caribbean is far superior in all but one thing. NCL's bathrooms are bigger than even some of the suites in RC. That being said the rest of the check boxes go to RC hands down. Even NCL's Cagney's premier steak house falls flat on its face in both serve and food quality and understanding how to cook a fillet Mignon . The fillet was bland had no taste and it was served overcooked. When we requested to get a replacement, they could not do it. They were so slammed with tables, we had to leave without eating. our main course. They only make up the rooms once a day now, and with that they could take the whole day, We waited till 4 :30 pm most days. one of the pillows we got smelled like perfume!. Come on! get it together NCL. !!. Goeas from boarding! till the end with disappointments about food and service. The shows are dated and low budget. Stay AWAY!!!

[@Skiffdan]

Sorry, but never had a bad experience on NCL. Haven’t been on RC in some time so it’s hard to compare, but from what remember I still go with NCL. I would say they are pretty much equal because they each have good and bad points. The lines to avoid are Carnival and MSC. One nice thing we noticed on NCL every time is that it is mostly adults.

[@chrisarthur8431]

i would vomit all cruise if i drank more than 15 a day lol

[@DB-zp9un]

But the nice thing is you can try different drinks / spirits and if you really dont like something you didnt just "waste" a drink on something you are just going to throw away.. That''s what I'm looking forward to the most. Being able to try different things I donnt know if I'd like or not.

[@bonnieralston1706]

I would vomit if I had more than two drinks a day.

[@21400]

@@DB-zp9unon my last two cruises I have this drink app on my phone and all day I would just pick random drinks to try

[@Dani-cu7ip]

This video is a bit misleading! You just complained about Virgin for reviews, when in reality you gave the luggage to the wrong person and your girlfriend chose to buy $140 trunks… make it make sense! Also, you praised Virgin but titled this video for clicks… smh…