Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages

Setting sail with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) promises an unforgettable adventure on the high seas, complete with gourmet dining, thrilling entertainment, and breathtaking destinations. For many, a perfect cruise vacation includes enjoying a refreshing cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, or a frothy beer while watching the sunset. This is where NCL's beverage packages come into play, offering a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to manage your onboard bar tab. However, understanding the nuances of these packages—from what they include to their cost and eligibility—is key to determining if they are the right choice for your voyage.

This guide will demystify everything you need to know about drinking on Norwegian Cruise Line, ensuring you can make an informed decision and focus on what truly matters: enjoying your vacation.

The Foundation: The Standard Open Bar Package

At the heart of NCL's beverage offerings is the Standard Open Bar Package. This is the most commonly promoted package and is often included as a "Free at Sea" perk, which is a cornerstone of NCL's freestyle cruising philosophy.

The Standard Open Bar Package is designed to cover the vast majority of drinks the average vacationer will desire. It includes a wide selection of spirits, cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and fountain soda. You can enjoy a piña colada, a gin and tonic, a domestic beer, or a glass of house wine without worrying about the individual cost adding up. It also covers juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

However, it is crucial to understand its limitations. The package comes with a price ceiling per drink. Any single beverage that costs more than this amount is not covered; you would be charged the full price of that drink, not just the difference. This primarily affects top-shelf spirits, certain vintage wines by the glass, and some elaborate cocktails. Always check the menu for prices, as they are clearly marked. Furthermore, the package does not include bottled water, specialty coffees from the onboard cafés, energy drinks, or wine bottles purchased in the dining rooms. It is strictly for by-the-glass beverages served at the bars and lounges.

The Ultimate Indulgence: The Premium Plus Beverage Package

For those seeking the pinnacle of beverage luxury, Norwegian Cruise Line offers the Premium Plus Beverage Package. This is the ultimate all-inclusive experience for the discerning drinker. Think of it as the Standard Open Bar Package without the boundaries.

The Premium Plus package removes the price-per-drink limit, granting you access to an extensive selection of premium and ultra-premium spirits, including labels like Grey Goose, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, and Patrón Añejo. Your wine options expand significantly to include a vast range of by-the-glass offerings from higher-end vineyards, and—a significant perk—it includes bottled wine with dinner (up to a certain value per bottle). This can be a fantastic value for couples or groups who enjoy a nice bottle of wine with their evening meal.

Beyond alcohol, the Premium Plus package is where you find inclusions that are often missed in the standard package:

• Specialty Coffees: Enjoy espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and other crafted beverages from the onboard coffee bars.

• Bottled Water & Energy Drinks: Stay hydrated with still and sparkling bottled water, and get a boost with energy drinks.

• Soda from the Minibar: While the standard package covers fountain soda, Premium Plus includes canned sodas from your stateroom minibar.

• Discounts on Wine Bottles: For bottles of wine that exceed the included value, you receive a significant discount.

The Premium Plus package is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate fine liquor, quality coffee, the convenience of bottled water, and the pleasure of wine with dinner, it represents a truly all-inclusive beverage experience.

Understanding the Cost: Investment and Value

The question of cost is often the most complex, as prices are subject to change and can vary slightly by ship and itinerary. The Standard Open Bar Package, when not offered as a "Free at Sea" perk, typically carries a daily cost, to which a twenty percent gratuity and service charge will be added. This service charge is mandatory and is how the bar staff are compensated for their service. It is essential to factor this in when calculating your total potential cost.

The Premium Plus Beverage Package is a more significant investment, reflecting its extensive inclusions. Its daily rate is substantially higher than the standard package, plus the same twenty percent gratuity. Given the substantial daily cost, it requires careful consideration of your personal drinking habits to determine if it provides value.

So, how do you decide if a package is worth it for you? The calculation is straightforward. Start by estimating your typical daily consumption. Add up the cost of your morning coffee, a few bottles of water throughout the day, a soda or two, a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with lunch, a couple of beers in the afternoon, and another cocktail or two before and after dinner. If the total approaches or exceeds the daily cost of the package (including gratuities), then the package makes financial sense.

For the vast majority of guests, the "Free at Sea" offer, which includes the Standard Open Bar Package, provides exceptional value. Even though you will still be required to pay the associated gratuities, this is often a fraction of what the package would cost outright. Always compare the cost of the "Free at Sea" fare (which includes the package gratuities) against the "Sail Away" fare (which does not include any perks) to see which offers you the better deal.

Age Policies and Legal Drinking Limits

A common question, especially for families with young adults or for travelers from countries with lower drinking ages, is about the legal age for consuming alcohol onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line's policy is clear and is strictly enforced.

The minimum drinking age for all passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line ships is twenty-one years old.

This policy applies regardless of the itinerary, with one very specific exception: For voyages that embark in Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, the minimum drinking age is eighteen years old. It is critical to understand that this is based solely on the embarkation port of the cruise, not the ports of call. If your cruise begins and ends in Miami, the drinking age is twenty-one, even if you are visiting islands in the Caribbean where the legal age is eighteen. The ship's policy supersedes local laws once you are onboard.

Guests must present valid, government-issued photo identification as proof of age. Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to confiscate alcohol purchased for or by minors and may take further disciplinary action, which could include disembarkation without refund. This policy is in place to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all guests.

Making Your Decision: To Package or Not to Package?

With all this information, how do you make the final call? The decision is highly personal and depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and vacation style.

The Standard Open Bar Package (especially via "Free at Sea") is an excellent choice for the vast majority of guests. It covers the essentials and then some. If your idea of a cruise vacation includes enjoying a variety of cocktails, beers, and glasses of wine without the stress of a running tab, this package provides peace of mind and fantastic value. It is the default "sweet spot" for NCL passengers.

The Premium Plus Beverage Package is a niche product designed for a specific type of traveler. You should seriously consider this package only if:

• You are a connoisseur of premium spirits and wines.

• You cannot imagine your day without multiple specialty coffees and bottled waters.

• You and your travel partner(s) plan to enjoy at least one bottle of wine with dinner each night.

• The convenience of a truly all-inclusive experience, where you never have to think about your drink order, is worth the premium price.

For some travelers, forgoing a package altogether might be the most economical path. This is often the case for very light drinkers, those who primarily drink tap water, coffee, and iced tea (which are available for free in the buffet and dining rooms), or families who may only have one adult who drinks moderately. In this scenario, you simply pay for each drink as you go, and your account is charged accordingly. This pay-as-you-go method offers the ultimate flexibility with no upfront commitment.

Final Tips for a Well-Hydrated Voyage

Before you set sail, keep these final pointers in mind. All passengers of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are typically required to purchase the same beverage package if one person does. This policy is in place to prevent sharing. Beverage packages are for use onboard only and cannot be used on NCL's private islands, Harvest Caye or Great Stirrup Cay, where purchases are made separately. Finally, once you are onboard, take a moment to review the bar menus. Familiarize yourself with the brands and drinks covered under your package to avoid any surprise charges on your final bill.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line's beverage packages empowers you to craft the perfect vacation. By assessing your personal preferences and budget, you can choose the option that allows you to relax, indulge, and toast to the magnificent ocean views without a second thought.