Norwegian Cruise Line has issued a new update regarding beverage packages at Great Stirrup Cay, temporarily reversing a previously announced policy that had drawn significant backlash from cruisers.
In a letter dated February 27, 2026 that was sent to booked guests, the cruise line confirmed that unlimited beverage packages will continue to be honored on the private island through the end of March.
“Guests who purchased one of our unlimited beverage packages, including More at Sea, Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus will now enjoy their favorite drinks from ship to shore,” the letter states. “Beverages on Great Stirrup Cay will be included in the above mentioned packages through March.”
The update comes just days before a previously scheduled policy change was set to take effect.
What was the original policy change?
As previously reported by Candid Cruise & Travel, Norwegian Cruise Line had announced that beginning March 1, 2026, drink packages would no longer work when guests visited Great Stirrup Cay.
Under that original change, guests with More at Sea, Free at Sea, or Free at Sea Plus would not be able to use those packages for alcoholic beverages on the island. Norwegian planned to introduce a separate, island-specific beverage package available for purchase beginning January 1, 2026.
Complimentary drinks such as water, iced tea, and juices would remain available, but alcoholic beverages would require either individual purchase or the new island-only package.
In its earlier communication, Norwegian said:
“As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies and made the decision that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be applicable for drinks on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026. Complimentary beverages, including water, iced tea, juices, and more, will continue to be readily available on the island with the use of the guest’s key card.”
Norwegian cruisers were not happy with the changes
The announcement prompted immediate criticism from guests who had purchased beverage packages with the understanding that those benefits would apply on Great Stirrup Cay as well.
Many cruisers were frustrated and disappointed by the change, particularly those who choose Norwegian in part because of its bundled drink package promotions.
Some guests said the change diminished the value of purchasing a beverage package if it did not extend to the cruise line’s own private island. Others noted that Royal Caribbean still allows guests to use their drink packages while visiting the cruise line’s private island.
In online discussions, some passengers said they would consider staying onboard during Great Stirrup Cay visits or limiting their time ashore if their prepaid drink packages were not honored. In addition, several cruisers questioned why a private island experience would require a separate beverage package when the island is marketed as an extension of the onboard experience.
The strong reaction might have influenced the timing of Norwegian’s latest update.
What’s driving the sudden change?
While Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest communication frames the extension of drink package inclusion at Great Stirrup Cay as a guest-friendly update, several other factors may be influencing the company’s decision.
One potential factor is recent leadership turnover at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. In February 2026, the company abruptly replaced longtime CEO Harry Sommer with John Chidsey. The company also appointed a new president for the Norwegian brand, signaling a sudden shift in strategic priorities and executive leadership.
At the same time, activist investor pressure has intensified. Elliott Investment Management, which recently disclosed a stake of more than 10% in Norwegian’s parent company, has publicly called for a strategic overhaul at NCL. This includes changes at the board level and a reevaluation of how the cruise line generates revenue and drives profitability.
In a letter to the board, Elliott criticized years of inconsistent strategy and poor execution, arguing that Norwegian has lagged its peers and underperformed relative to its potential.
More often than not, investor scrutiny can lead companies to reassess decisions that hurt the customer experience or weaken the brand’s value proposition. This is especially true in a competitive cruise market where customer loyalty and perception matter.
Finally, the drink policy change at Norwegian Cruise Line drew negative backlash for the company almost immediately. When NCL announced that drink packages like More at Sea and Free at Sea would no longer be honored on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026, many guests took to forums and social media to express frustration.
Some cruisers described the shift as a “money grab” that eroded a key part of the all-inclusive experience.
Between internal strategic reevaluation, investor expectations for stronger performance, and customer pushback, Norwegian might be pausing or revisiting some of their recent policy changes. Whether this represents a short-term concession or a more significant shift in how the company balances ancillary revenue with guest satisfaction remains to be seen.
Is this a temporary change that could become permanent?
The February 27 letter does not clarify whether this is a short-term adjustment or a longer-term reversal of the policy. The communication simply confirms that beverages on Great Stirrup Cay will remain included in applicable drink packages “through March.”
“As you plan that perfect beach day, we wanted to share an update designed to make this visit feel just as effortless,” the letter reads.
Whether Norwegian ultimately proceeds with a separate Great Stirrup Cay drink package remains to be seen. Given the strong response from cruisers, the cruise line may be reassessing how the change aligns with guest expectations and competitive positioning.
Candid Cruise & Travel will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as Norwegian clarifies its long-term plans for Great Stirrup Cay.
