By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics. Now Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, most Norwegian ships, and many Carnival ships offer some sort of alcohol drink package. It also includes fountain soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beer. Beverage packages do not include drinks purchased from room service, vending machines, or mini-bar purchases. For example, for guests who enjoy Veuve Clicquot by the glass @ $31 per glass, it doesnt take much to make the cost of the package worth it. Boxed wine is not allowed. Any drinks brought onboard are subject to a corkage fee of $15 per bottle for 750 ml bottles and $30 for 1500 ml bottles. Fees are $15 for 750ml bottles and $30 for 1,500ml. NCLs Premium Plus Beverage Package includes everything in the Premium Beverage Package. This package includes everything above plus the following: if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'cruisespotlight_com-leader-1','ezslot_10',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruisespotlight_com-leader-1-0');The cost of the package is typically $138 per person per day (plus 20% gratuity). Or one per meal? With the price of alcohol on a cruise being high (think $10-14 for a cocktail or about $6-8 for a beer), having free bar privileges can be a huge money saver. However, there are other coffee shops onboard that are included in the drink package. Currently, you can upgrade for $29 per day plus the 20% gratuity charge. At one of the highest costs in the industry, we just cant justify the purchase of the Premium or Premium Plus drinks package. Premium Beverage Package The Premium Beverage Package is Norwegian Cruise Line's most popular drinks package. If youre pregnant, have a medical condition, a history of substance abuse, or have religious beliefs that dont allow you to drink any alcohol, contact NCL to ask for an exception. If you chose the free open bar, it doesnt include gratuities. If youre not a cocktail drinker, this package still provides access to the vast majority of available beverages at a lower price. Eligible guests are entitled to two drinks per person per transaction. Can you preorder beers for your room so you have them before your cruise starts. Based on recent menu prices, specialty coffees on ships with a Starbucks are in the $3-6 range. We may receive compensation when you click on those links at no cost to you. We take a look at Norwegian Cruise Lines four basic drink packages to help you better understand the differences and costs. Or, if youre a wine drinker, 12 glasses of wine per day. Take this into consideration if you have a lot of longer shore excursions when you wont be on the ship to use the package. In total, five drink packages are available for purchase. For beer lovers, itll be good to know that everything is included in the Premium Beverage Package! Posted on Last updated: February 25, 2023. A question please: As you can imagine, Norwegian Cruise Line makes it very easy to purchase a beverage package. This is the drink package that guests receive with the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion. See terms: Norwegian Cruise Line's Premium Beverage Package (formerly known as the Ultimate Beverage Package) includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 USD and unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay. The Unlimited Open Bar Package Terms & Conditions You must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to purchase any alcoholic package and to consume alcohol. Theres no daily limit to the number of drinks you can order on Norwegian Cruise Line. I've been able to order bottles of wine both in the MDR as well as in specialty restaurants with the Plus package. Box wines are not allowed to be brought on board. 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine The only real limit is a guest can order only 2 drinks at a time (Or a Double). Now, with the Premium Beverage Package as part of the Free At Sea promotions, it sets NCL apart from other cruise lines when it comes to adult beverage packages. Have a great time on your cruise vacation! For the Premium Beverage Package, its simple, any beverage up to $15 is included in the Drink Package (now called the Unlimited Open Bar). Itd take about 4 5 of these extra drinks per day per person to break even. (The free gratuities you received as part of your package are crew gratuities, not drinks gratuities - you can read more about that in my post What You Need to Know About Cruise Gratuities). And before you make your decision, there is one final consideration Norwegians Free at Sea promotion. Order baggage now The Adult & Teen Soda Package is an excellent choice for passengers who want a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. However, that is a small price to pay when considering the many benefits of the drink package. Norwegian Encore is here too and it towers over Liberty. For wine & Champagne lovers, the Premium Plus Beverage Package starts to make sense! Norwegian also removed the Childrens Soda Program from its options. If you get the Free at Sea Drink package, you will be required to pay the gratuities at a rate of $19.80 per person per day. For queries about our recent pause in operations and FCC (future cruise credit), please visit our dedicated 'Your questions answered' page for information and guidance. Other drinks, such as specialty coffee and water bottles, are unlimited. Our Covid-19 protocols. Bringing alcohol onboard at embarkation: Beer and liquor is not allowed -- items will be secured until disembarkation day. Alls not gloomy on the Norwegian drink package front. Many Norwegian cruises offer their Free at Sea promotion, and the most popular perk for cruisers is the drink package. This new Norwegian beverage package includes all you can drink from the onboard coffeehouse, for the price of just a couple of venti lattes. You can use your NCL drink package at Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay private island. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',605,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-605{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}If a drink costs $15 or more, youll be charged the difference plus a 20% gratuity on that amount. Thank you kindly look forward to your reply. This pretty much covers most of what the average drinker could possibly want including all beers, most brand-name spirits, and quite a few wine options by the glass. When you purchase a drink package for your NCL cruise, a 20% gratuity will be added at checkout. Artificial landscape grass from USA direct manufacturer | Relax more. Ill answer the most common ones here. For 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line offers five beverage packages: As a guide, Ive included how much each drink package costs in total (including gratuity) for a seven-day cruise. The package included beverages priced up to $15 per drink, including a selection of cocktails, draft beer, wine by the glass, spirits, juice, and soda. You would need to drink 17 beers daily to get your moneys worth. On ships with a beer bar or pub like the NCL Encore, there will be quite a few more craft beer choices! For all of Norwegians drink packages, you can order an unlimited amount of any included beverages at bars and restaurants on the ship, but drink selection can vary by venue. There are two alcohol beverage packages offered by Norwegian, the Unlimited Open Bar package which used to be called the Premium Beverage Package and is still commonly referred to as the Premium Package by cruisers and travel professionals. The most popular Norwegian Free at Sea perk that cruisers choose is the Free Open Bar. In Norwegian history also it appears with variations again and again. You are able to opt out of this free offer when booking if youre not a big drinker. GoatEatingTroll 4 yr. ago. For guests who dont drink alcohol or guests under the age of 21, Norwegian has a soda package available. Complimentary drinks are available at the Latitudes (past passenger) cocktail party. At La Cucina, we each got an appetizer . With the Free Beverage Package, enjoy a wide selection of beverages both on board and at Great Stirrup Cay. They have one of the higher priced beverage packages and I wouldnt think to purchase it on its own. Likewise, if youre going to be getting the soda package for children, all the children in the cabin must get the package. NCLs Unlimited Open Bar Package(formerly known as the Premium Beverage Package or the Ultimate Beverage Package) costs $109.00 per day. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Part of that deal specifies that visitors must pay for food and drinks ordered on the island. Pride of America Hawaii cruises have their own special drink package (detailed below), and other packages arent available. Drink packages on Norwegian Cruise Line are some of the most straightforward & generous drink package options across all major cruise lines. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. In addition, specialty coffees and teas, energy drinks, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water (still and sparkling), and select bottles of wine are covered in this package. In those instances, a parent or legal guardian must be onboard the sailing with the minor and sign a waiver form at the front desk. Just clarifying if gratuity is added within this package. The reality with the wine selections is that theyre mediocre, but there are the basics and usually something for everyone. If we happen to stay on board. If you choose this perk as part of your cruise fare, you'll still have to pay the gratuities or $21.80 per person per day. But, they can have some healthier options other than just sodas! Pregnancy Policy: Norwegian Cruise Line will not accept any Guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy at the time of their travel with Norwegian Cruise Line. The drink package does not include Starbucks. So the workaround is non-covered drinks. But whenever you order a drink while you're in territorial waters (like if you stay on the ship as you mentioned, or whenever you're within about 12 nautical miles from land), local taxes on the menu price of each drink you order will be charged to your onboard account. These drink packages on NCL are truly unlimited. Share. Your ship has only one beverage package available. At Harvest Caye, guests must purchase drinks individually. Cruise drink packages are a trend in the cruising industry that cruise lines like to promote. Even if youve cruised NCL with a beverage package in the past, youll want to read carefully to see whats changed! However, you'll need to pay tax on the menu price of each drink when you're not in international waters (like when you're in port). A variety of beer and wine by the glass under $15 USD Sailing on NCLs Pride of America in Hawaii? Whiskey & Brandy aficionados will appreciate the selection on NCL ships, but those with really discerning preferences will likely be happier with the Premium Plus package. Its the same as the Premium beverage package. Prioritize drinks that cost close to the limit. If one person purchases the drink package, everyone sharing the stateroom must purchase the same package. Unlike Carnival and Princess Cruises, there is no daily drink limit with any of Norwegian's drink packages. Norwegians alcoholic drink packages are among the most expensive in the cruise industry, so the expense can be significant if youre paying out-of-pocket. But a bartender will cut you off if you appear visibly intoxicated. So, if you plan on drinking 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day, or seven or more soft drinks, the deal is well worth the price. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Drinking just one soda with lunch, an afternoon cocktail by the pool, and a glass of wine with dinner, youve had your moneys worth for the day. It includes everything in the standard package, plus a few extras. Prices for the beverage packages are subject to change. Well correct it right away. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',603,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-603{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}New this year, NCLs Unlimited Starbucks Package includes all your Starbucks favorites, from classic coffees and teas and Refreshers to Frappuccinos and other specialty coffee drinks. Please let us know! These are PER PERSON prices and every person must have a package when staying in the same cabin. Before we take a look at Norwegians drink packages, it is essential to consider the prices of drinks on a Norwegian cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Explained. Of course, if you wish to drink alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, energy drinks, or specialty coffee, you will need to pay extra or purchase a beverage package. In fairness, 15 alcohol drinks a day is more than enough for most. Obviously, you should be safe and drink responsibly! Hi Debbie, you can pre-order beer, wine, spirits, and/or mixers to be delivered to your room on embarkation day. If youre a big fan of specialty coffees, bottles of water, energy drinks, or bottles of wine, this upgrade may be worth it for you. 1 Southern Comfort Sambuca Di Romana. So this is why we say this drink package is nearly free because, for a typical 7-day cruise, each passenger will still be charged more than $150 for the required gratuities. Drink packages do not include Starbucks. The Premium Plus Beverage Package is an upgraded version of Norwegians unlimited drink package. Many Norwegian cruises offer their Free at Sea promotion, and the most popular perk for cruisers is the drink package. Drink packages must be purchased by all qualifying passengers who share a stateroom or additional staterooms under the same payment method. Beverage packages are not applicable at Harvest Caye or sailings that are two days or less. Youll find that the Free at Sea deal is almost always running, which is why barely anyone purchases the NCL Premium Beverage Package. As we are in port everyday at a different Hawaiian island. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. For a 7-day cruise, this drink package would cost ($138.00 x 7 x 1.2) $1159.20. These are: Premium Beverage Package (AKA Open Bar) - $99 per day Premium Plus Beverage Package - $128 per day Corks & Caps Wine and Beer Package - $65 per day Adult & Teen Soda Program - $7.95 per day Hawaii Beverage Packag e - $99 per day If you can't finish the bottle, your server can re-cork it and save it for your next meal - even if you're planning to dine in a different venue. If youre sure youll only have a couple of drinks each day, its a far better deal to just pay as you go. This package works at any Starbucks on a Norwegian ship as well as on Great Stirrup Cay. This will not include juices, milkshakes, bottles of water, etc. NCL cruise drink prices listed below are in USD. Thanks for the great info! The Premium Beverage Package is Norwegian Cruise Lines most popular drinks package. Some people choose to tip extra, a personal choice. The guest will be charged the $3 difference + 20% of $3, making the total out-of-pocket $3.60. The one package we do recommend is the soda package. And what are the limits? An example: A glass of wine that costs $17 will be covered up to $15 on the base beverage package. Wine by the glass average of $8. Is the Free at Sea Drink Package Really Free? For those who want a broader selection, drinks can be purchased individually, or guests can buy drink packages to avoid a large bill at the end of their vacation. CruiseSpotlight is an Amazon Associate. The bad news? The Norwegian Encore ship from Norwegian Cruise Line made its debut in November 2019. NCL overhauled its beverage package selection for 2023, removing some fan favorites and adding a new tier. There's a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person in a 24-hour period. NCLs Premium Plus Beverage Package costs $138.00 per day. Passengers can use drink packages in onboard restaurants, bars, lounges, and Great Stirrup Cay. Weve covered everything you need to know before you purchase a Norwegian Cruise Line drink package. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The turmoil left Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings with about US$74 billion of debt combined, including operating leases. As I note in my ultimate cruise guide, the government allows cruise lines to set . If you have a question that I havent answered, just leave it in the comments and Ill answer it. Only fountain sodas are covered (including Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, ginger ale, tonic water, and club soda). ), once you buy a package you need to pay for each remaining day of your cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line Drops a Drink Package Norwegian charges the most for its drink packages and those prices have actually recently gone up. Hello my husband and I are keen to do the cruise on the Norwegian DAWN Bucket List Discovery | Istanbul to Dubai in November 2023. This is before the additional $179.60 that I would have spent in gratuity. Unlimited soft drinks and juices. Happy cruising! hamilton, bermuda department stores; 18-to-20-year-olds can buy wine and beer on some cruises sailing from the US with the signed consent of an accompanying parent. This package works at any Starbucks on a Norwegian ship as well as on Great Stirrup Cay. With the Free at Sea offer, you can choose free perks ranging from a free drink package to free internet. Wine and Champagne are permitted, but you'll have to pay a corkage fee for any that is consumed onboard in staterooms, bars or restaurants. However, if youre paying full price for the drink package, its closer to 8 14 drinks a day per person to get your moneys worth. But when youre in port, some local authorities require cruise lines to collect tax on the menu price of any beverages you buy. However, not all ships carry all of the listed brands, and availability can vary by venue. Thanks! Including specialty. An $8 beer would be closer to $10. For a wine lover, this is a great benefit to this package, until you realize that it includes a limited selection of wines. I love this benefit because (in my experience) wine service by the glass in the MDR is notoriously slow, and ordering a bottle means you'll actually be able to enjoy a second glass before dessert is served :D. They don't have limitations per person/meal/day, within reason. A single glass will cost $31 for Veuve Clicquot, so you can see how having the beverage package can quickly pay for itself for a guest who really enjoys Champagne and a few of the finer spirits available. However, visibly intoxicated guests may not be served at the discretion of the bar staff. Hi Susan, excellent questions! . There are five different adult beverage packages available on Norwegian Cruise Line cruises. Meanwhile, Norwegian charges $109 for an unlimited drink package. Just so you know we also received free gratitudes in the deal. Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises and Carnival, have a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per person/per day. For a 7-day cruise, this drink package would cost ($99.00 x 7 x 1.2) $831.60. Our cruise on the Escape leaves in a week () and it is completely sold out, which is to be expected. They do have a limit of two drinks per person per order, which is helpful to know when theres a long line at the pool bar. The soda package will include Cola, Diet Cola, Lemon Lime Soda, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Orange Soda & Soda Water.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cruisespotlight_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruisespotlight_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'cruisespotlight_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',136,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cruisespotlight_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-136{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Our Drink Package Calculator will run the numbers for you based on what and how much you drink. Galveston 12-Year-Old Spanish Single Malt, The Macallan Enigma Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch Bourbon, Blantons Small Batch Single Barrel Whiskey. So if youre sharing a room, youll be paying a bit more per day for their drinks. Everything i've read so far on the free at sea is that the drinks are only "free" while sailing, and not while docked. You dont need to tip your bartender or server each time you order a drink with your beverage packageyouve already pre-paid your tips. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. So a $10 drink on the menu will actually end up being about $12. CruiseSpotlightSite, Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Menus and Pricing, Carnival Cruise Line 2023 Drink Menus and Pricing, Norwegian to Introduce Free at Sea Plus Option, Norwegian Introduces Unlimited Starbucks Package, See Your Savings with Our Drink Package Calculator, Use Our Drink Package Calculator To See Your Savings, Carnival Celebrations New Venues Honor the Past. Norwegians Free at Sea promotion has proven popular among cruisers. Its a common mistake for cruisers to forget about gratuities when they purchase a drink package. . Norwegian also raised all drink package prices for the new year. Cruisers on Norwegian Cruise Lines have the added challenge that these cruises are marketed as having Open bar at sea Or Unlimited Drink Package Included. But is it really free? Beer and Wine included in the Premium Beverage Package / Unlimited Open Bar package includes relatively basic wines, but generally, there is something for everyone. Dining room wine lists have an asterisk next to bottles that are included in the package. Home / Cruise Tips / Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package: Ultimate Guide. The guest will be charged the $3 difference + 20% of $3, making the total out-of-pocket $3.60. 7 Days. All of the packages above have similar restrictions. There is no limit to the number of bottles passengers can bring onboard. In Haven Bars only In Select Whiskey Bars (Varies by ship). Required fields are marked *, Moet by the Bottle Included in Premium Plus, Specialty Martinis in Premium Plus Packabe, Espresso & Chocolate Martinis Premium Plus Beverage Package. For new or inexperienced cruisers, understanding how drink packages work, and if theyre worth it, is a big challenge. The Unlimited Starbucks Package includes all the made-to-order drinks you can get from a Starbucks, including classic coffees, teas, and Frappuccinos. The beverage selection is subject to change onboard the ship. For the vast majority of people, youll actually spend less money by purchasing individual drinks. Once you reach 15 "covered" alcoholic drinks in a 24 hours period (reset is 6am) the registers will no longer allow the bartenders to ring up alcoholic drinks for you. Thats $165 per day PER PERSON to essentially get any beverage you want with some included bottles of wine. Norwegian Cruise Line's Premium Beverage Package (formerly known as the Ultimate Beverage Package) includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer. list of drinks available with the Premium Plus Drinks Package, decide if purchasing a drink package is worth it, https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/onboard-packages/beverage-packages, Cruise Ship Anchors: Everything You Need to Know, Royal Caribbean RoyalUp (Guide to Upgrading Your Cabin). Hi Judy, when you choose the drink package as part of your Free At Sea perks on any NCL ship, you'll get the Premium Beverage Package (scroll up to read my complete description of the package).