If you’re planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, there’s a good chance you’ve looked at the drink package and wondered: is NCL’s Free at Sea drink package actually free, and what does it include?
NCL’s drink package works a little differently than many other cruise lines, which is why it can be confusing for first-time cruisers.
Instead of purchasing a beverage package separately, Norwegian typically bundles the Unlimited Open Bar package into the cruise fare through its Free at Sea promotion. Guests don’t pay the full drink package price upfront like you might see on other cruise lines.
Instead, you usually just pay the prepaid service charges and gratuities. It sounds easy up front, but once you add in Free at Sea Plus, Starbucks packages, bottled water upgrades, and soda plans, the pricing can start to feel surprisingly complicated.
At the same time, the cost of Norwegian’s drinks onboard add up quickly. Cocktails are usually around $15, beer averages $10, wine often starts around $12.50 per glass, and specialty coffee can run $6 to $8. For many cruisers, it only takes a couple of drinks each day to come out ahead.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much the NCL drink package costs, what’s included, whether Starbucks and bottled water are covered, how Free at Sea works, and if the package can be used at Great Stirrup Cay.
We’ll also include some breakeven calculations for you to consider and which NCL drink package makes the most sense, depending on your cruising style.
How NCL’s Free at Sea drink package works
Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” promotion allows guests to select perks when booking their cruise. One of the most popular options is the Unlimited Open Bar package.
While the promotion is marketed as “free,” guests still pay gratuities and service charges associated with the beverage package before sailing.
The standard Free at Sea beverage package includes:
- Unlimited cocktails
- Spirits and liquor
- Wines by the glass
- Draft and bottled beer
- Fountain soda
- Juice
- Non-alcoholic beer
The package applies to most sailings fleetwide, excluding Pride of America.
Guests can also upgrade to Free at Sea Plus for additional beverage inclusions, such as Starbucks coffee, premium water, and upgraded wines and liquors.
Cost of NCL’s Free at Sea drink package
NCL’s drink package pricing can be a little confusing at first because Norwegian offers several different options depending on your ship, itinerary, and whether you book the standard Free at Sea promotion or upgrade to Free at Sea Plus.
From the standard Unlimited Open Bar package to Starbucks upgrades, bottled water plans, soda packages, and Hawaii-specific offerings on Pride of America, here’s a breakdown of what each NCL drink package costs.
Guests are responsible for paying beverage package costs before sailing, including any applicable service charges or gratuities associated with the package. Norwegian notes that pricing is subject to change at any time, and some international bookings, including those made through the Australia office, may already include beverage-related charges.
Guests should also be aware that certain itineraries may incur additional taxes or VAT, depending on local regulations and ports visited. In addition, drink packages are generally unavailable on one-night sailings and select charter cruises.
Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar Cost
Norwegian’s standard Free at Sea beverage package includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soda, juice, and many spirits.
Although the Unlimited Open Bar package is marketed as “free,” guests pay daily service charges based on sailing length.
| Cruise Length | Cost Per Person Per Day |
|---|---|
| 2–5 night cruises | $32.00 |
| 6+ night cruises | $28.50 |
For example:
- 7-night cruise: $199.50 per person
- 10-night cruise: $285 per person
- 14-night cruise: $399 per person
Compared to other cruise lines that charge upwards of $700 per person for a 4-night cruise, this is considered one of the best drink package deals in the cruise industry.
Free at Sea Plus Drink Package Upgrade
Guests who want additional drinks and premium inclusions can upgrade to Free at Sea Plus.
Price: $49.99 per person, per day
Free at Sea Plus adds:
- Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks
- Bottled water package
- Premium still and sparkling water
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Energy drinks
- Premium wines and champagne by the glass
- Upgraded liquor selections
- Unlimited streaming Wi-Fi upgrade
- Additional specialty dining discounts
Unlimited Soda Package
The soda package includes unlimited fountain soda served throughout bars, lounges, and restaurants onboard.
Price: $12.50 per person, per day
Unlimited Starbucks Package
Norwegian’s standalone Starbucks package provides unlimited Starbucks coffee, tea, Frappuccinos, Refreshers, and specialty coffee drinks with one beverage allowed per visit.
Price: $16.50 per person, per day, plus a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge added at checkout.
If you normally order two specialty coffees each day, such as lattes, Frappuccinos, or Refreshers, the package can be worth considering.
Hawaii Beverage Package (Pride of America Only)
Norwegian uses a separate beverage package for Pride of America sailings in Hawaii. Similar to the standard Free at Sea offer, the package itself is included, but guests pay prepaid package gratuities before sailing.
Price: $28.50 per person, per day
For Hawaii cruises, the gratuity cost is around $399 total per stateroom for two adults on a 7-night sailing.
The Hawaii Beverage Offer includes:
- Unlimited premium spirits and cocktails
- Wine by the glass
- Beer
- Soft drinks
- Juice
What’s included in NCL drink package?
We’ve already covered the basics of what’s included and excluded in Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages, but what does that actually look like once you’re onboard?
The standard Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar package covers a surprisingly wide range of cocktails, premium spirits, wines by the glass, beer, soda, and non-alcoholic drinks. Norwegian has also expanded its beverage program in recent years, adding more premium brands and specialty options.
Some of the popular cocktails you can order with the package include:
- Piña Colada
- Mojito
- Margarita
- Moscow Mule
- Aperol Spritz
- Mai Tai
- Bloody Mary
- Old Fashioned
- Manhattan
- Bellini
- Dark and Stormy
- Daiquiri
- Mudslide
- Martini
NCL’s drink package also includes many recognizable liquor brands, such as:
Vodka
- Grey Goose
- Tito’s Handmade
- Belvedere
- Ketel One
- Absolut
- Chopin
- Skyy
Whiskey, Bourbon & Scotch
- Woodford Reserve
- Buffalo Trace
- Maker’s Mark
- Crown Royal
- Jack Daniel’s
- Bulleit Bourbon
- Johnnie Walker Black Label
- Chivas Regal
- Glenfiddich
Rum
- Bacardi Superior
- Bacardi Reserva Ocho
- Malibu
- Captain Morgan
- Appleton Estate
- Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
Gin
- Hendrick’s Gin
- Bombay Sapphire
- Tanqueray
- Citadelle Gin
Tequila
- Casamigos Blanco
- Patron Silver
- 1800 Reposado
- Cazadores Añejo
- Mezcal Montelobos Espadin
Beer drinkers also have plenty of choices, with brands like Heineken, Corona, Modelo Especial, Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra, Blue Moon, White Claw, Angry Orchard, Sam Adams, and Lagunitas IPA included.
Wine lovers are also covered, as the package includes wines by the glass from around the world, giving guests a variety of reds, whites, rosés, sparkling options, and rotating selections depending on the ship and sailing.
Guests upgrading to Free at Sea Plus receive additional premium labels, upgraded wines and champagne by the glass, Starbucks drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, and fresh juices.
Is Starbucks included in NCL’s drink oackage?
No, Starbucks is not included in the standard NCL Free at Sea beverage package. Norwegian specifically excludes Starbucks beverages from the standard Unlimited Open Bar package.
Guests who want Starbucks have two options: upgrade to Free at Sea Plus or purchase the Unlimited Starbucks Package separately.
The Unlimited Starbucks Package includes:
- Starbucks coffee
- Tea
- Specialty Starbucks Refreshers
- Specialty coffee drinks from restaurants
- One drink per visit
Guests upgrading to Free at Sea Plus also receive Starbucks drinks as part of the package, along with bottled water, premium beverages, fresh juices, and energy drinks.
Keep in mind that bottled drinks, bottled water, food items, and merchandise are not included. The package works at onboard Starbucks locations and Great Stirrup Cay but not at Harvest Caye.
Does NCL’s drink package include bottled water?
No, bottled water is not included with Norwegian’s standard Unlimited Open Bar package. In fact, Norwegian specifically lists bottled water as an exclusion under the standard Free at Sea beverage package terms and conditions.
However, bottled water is available through Free at Sea Plus. The upgraded package includes:
- Filtered bottled water from the bar
- Premium still and sparkling water in restaurants
- Specialty waters, including coconut water
- Fresh-squeezed juice
- Energy drinks
The package also includes Aqua Panna and Pellegrino in restaurants, along with Dasani bottled water from bars. There are still some limitations, though. Premium bottled waters, canned beverages, vending machines, mini bars, and room service are excluded.
Does NCL’s drink package work on Great Stirrup Cay?
Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink package works on Great Stirrup Cay.
The standard Free at Sea beverage package applies at bars, restaurants, and venues on Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian also confirms that Free at Sea Plus includes unlimited open bar access at Great Stirrup Cay where applicable.
However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Norwegian’s private destination in Belize. This is an important distinction because many cruisers assume all private destinations are included automatically.
Important NCL Drink Package Rules
There are several important rules cruisers should know before booking.
- Guests must generally be 21 or older
- Some UK and European sailings allow 18+
- Guests may order two beverages per person, per transaction
- Drink packages are non-transferable
- Sharing is prohibited
- Certain itineraries may charge additional taxes or VAT on drinks
Excluded sailings
- Some charter sailings
- One-day cruises
- Select itineraries
Brand availability may also vary by ship, season, and itinerary.
NCL Drink Package Calculator
Before deciding whether the NCL drink package is worth it, it helps to see how quickly the costs add up onboard. With cocktails averaging around $15 each, beer at about $10, and wine typically starting around $12.50 per glass, many cruisers are surprised by how little it takes to break even.
Using current Norwegian drink prices and package costs, here’s how many drinks you would need each day to come out ahead.
Breakeven for 6+ Night Cruises
For longer cruises, guests pay about $28.50 per day in Free at Sea beverage charges. You would break even with roughly:
- 2 cocktails per day ($30)
- 3 beers per day ($30)
- 2 glasses of wine plus 1 soda ($28.50)
- 1 cocktail + 1 beer + 1 soda ($28.50)
- 2 mocktails ($30)
- 1 cocktail + bottled water + energy drink + soda ($29.50)
Breakeven Point for 2–5 Night Cruises
Short cruises have slightly higher beverage charges at $32 per day. You would reach break-even with:
- 2 cocktails + 1 soda ($33.50)
- 3 beers + bottled water ($34.50)
- 2 glasses of wine + bottled water + soda ($33)
- 1 cocktail + 2 beers ($35)
- 1 cocktail + 1 mocktail + soda ($33.50)
Breakeven Point for Starbucks Package
If you typically grab a morning coffee, an afternoon pick-me-up, and another specialty drink later in the day, the Starbucks package can be easy to justify.
The standalone Starbucks package costs about $19.80 daily after the 20% service charge. Most guests will reach the break-even point with around:
- 3 specialty coffees or lattes ($21)
- 2 Frappuccinos plus a brewed coffee ($18.35)
- 3 mixed drinks such as a latte, Refresher, and seasonal beverage ($21)
- 2–3 premium drinks throughout the day ($22)
Breakeven Free at Sea Plus Upgrade
Free at Sea Plus tends to make the most sense for guests who regularly order premium wines, visit Starbucks daily, grab bottled water throughout the cruise, or enjoy extras like energy drinks and fresh juices.
For example, a day like this would already exceed the upgrade cost:
- 2 premium wines by the glass ($50)
- 1 Starbucks latte ($5.95)
- 1 bottled water ($4.50)
- 1 energy drink ($6.50)
- Total value: $66.95
Even lighter usage can reach the break-even point:
- 1 premium wine ($25)
- 2 Starbucks drinks ($13)
- 2 bottled waters ($9)
- Fresh juice ($6)
- Total value: $53.00
Is NCL’s drink package worth it?
For many cruisers, yes.
In fact, Norwegian’s Free at Sea drink package is often one of the easiest cruise beverage packages to justify because the upfront cost is lower than paying full price for drinks onboard.
Looking at current drink prices, most guests only need about two cocktails per day to come out ahead. Even moderate drinkers can often break even with a glass of wine at dinner, a poolside cocktail, and a soda or beer later in the evening.
NCL’s drink package tends to be worth it for:
- Guests who enjoy 2+ alcoholic drinks per day
- Wine drinkers having drinks with dinner
- Pool deck cocktail fans
- Travelers who regularly order soda or mocktails
- Cruisers who prefer not worrying about bar tabs during vacation
Where it gets more complicated is with Free at Sea Plus. The upgrade can make sense, but it depends more on your habits.
Free at Sea Plus is probably worth considering if you:
- Grab Starbucks daily
- Carry bottled water everywhere onboard
- Drink premium wines or upgraded spirits
- Buy energy drinks or fresh juices
- Want a more all-inclusive experience
For example, one premium wine, two Starbucks drinks, bottled water, and fresh juice can already put you near the break-even point in a single day.
On the other hand, NCL’s drink package may not make sense if you:
- Only drink occasionally
- Prefer complimentary beverages like water, coffee, tea, and juice
- Spend most of your time in port
- Skip alcohol entirely
Overall, I think the standard Free at Sea drink package delivers excellent value for most travelers. Free at Sea Plus feels more niche, but coffee lovers, premium wine drinkers, and bottled water fans can still get their money’s worth fairly quickly.
