Norwegian Cruise Line appears to have fully reversed course on one of its most controversial policy changes. The cruise line is now confirming that its Free at Sea beverage package will continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay indefinitely.
The update was reportedly communicated to travel agents on March 18, 2026, alongside updates to Norwegian’s official terms and conditions. The cruise line now appears to be reinstating one of its most popular benefits, allowing guests to use their drink package both onboard and ashore at Great Stirrup Cay.
The welcome change follows months of confusion and shifting communication from Norwegian. Back in October 2025, the cruise line initially announced plans to remove drink package perks from its private island starting March 1, 2026. At the time, Norwegian said a separate drink package would be available for purchase to use at Great Stirrup Cay.
Many cruisers felt blindsided and frustrated by the update, especially those who had already booked Free at Sea with the expectation of using the unlimited drink package at Great Stirrup Cay.
Although Norwegian originally planned to implement the policy change on March 1, 2026, passengers on early March sailings reported that their Free at Sea beverage package was still honored at Great Stirrup Cay. At the time, it wasn’t clear whether this was a long-term reversal or a temporary delay in the policy change.
While Norwegian has not yet issued a formal public announcement, the latest developments strongly suggest the policy change has been abandoned altogether.
Policy change communicated to travel advisors
The latest information was first communicated to travel agents and has since begun circulating in passenger groups on social media.
In one post shared from a Norwegian Getaway Facebook group, a travel agent wrote:
“Great news! The Free at Sea beverage package has been extended indefinitely for Great Stirrup Cay. So if you have the FAS drink package it will still work on GSC after March 31; you don’t need to upgrade to FAS+.”
Multiple sources indicate this update was shared with travel advisors today, even though the cruise line has not yet publicly distributed a press release.
Norwegian’s website updated to remove restriction
Aligning with online reports, Norwegian appears to have updated its beverage package terms on its website.
Earlier versions of the policy explicitly stated that drink packages would not be valid at Great Stirrup Cay for sailings arriving on or after March 1, 2026. That language now appears to have been removed.
The previous restriction read: “Offer is not applicable at Great Stirrup Cay bars, restaurants or venues for port calls arriving on or after March 1st, 2026.”
The removal of this exclusion indicates that Norwegian has officially backed away from the planned policy, even if the company has not yet made a broad public announcement.
Norwegian had already delayed the new policy for select sailings
This latest update follows a series of last-minute adjustments from Norwegian Cruise Line that had already created confusion among guests.
In late February, the cruise line sent a communication to some booked passengers confirming that beverage packages would continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay through the end of March. However, that extension was not applied consistently across all sailings, and many guests reported never receiving the update.
At the time, Norwegian framed the decision as a temporary extension, leaving uncertainty about what would happen after March.
This latest update appears to remove that uncertainty by eliminating the timeline entirely and allowing drink packages to remain valid on the island indefinitely.
Strong guest backlash likely influenced decision
When Norwegian announced that drink packages would no longer be honored at Great Stirrup Cay, the backlash was immediate and widespread.
Many guests felt the decision reduced the value of Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotions, which are often marketed as inclusive perks that extend throughout the vacation experience. Others pointed out that competing cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, continue to honor beverage packages on their private islands.
Some cruisers even said they would consider staying onboard during Great Stirrup Cay visits or limiting their time ashore if their drink packages were not honored.
The negative reaction may have played a role in Norwegian’s decision to first delay, and now seemingly reverse, the policy.
Policy reversal comes amid leadership changes and investor scrutiny
The timing of the reversal also comes amid significant leadership changes at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
In February 2026, the company replaced longtime CEO Harry Sommer with former Subway chief executive John Chidsey, marking a major shift in leadership direction. The transition followed a period of instability for the cruise line.
This included the abrupt departure of Norwegian brand president David Herrera in August 2025 and the subsequent appointment of travel industry veteran Marc Kazlauskas as president just weeks before the CEO change.
At the same time, pressure from investors has intensified. Activist hedge fund Elliott Management recently disclosed a stake of more than 10% in the company and has called for sweeping changes, including board refreshment and a clearer long-term strategy.
In public materials, the firm criticized Norwegian for inconsistent execution, rising costs, and underperformance compared to competitors. In addition, the firm also pointed to missed opportunities with key assets like Great Stirrup Cay. Taking this into consideration, rolling back a controversial policy may indicate a broader effort to stabilize the brand and rebuild confidence with both customers and investors.
Ongoing changes at Great Stirrup Cay
The update also comes as Norwegian continues to make infrastructure improvements at Great Stirrup Cay.
According to the same travel agent communication, the temporary pier currently in use will be removed as construction begins on a permanent pier. As a result, tendering operations are expected to resume beginning in April, with the new pier targeted for completion in July.
These upgrades are part of broader efforts to enhance the private island experience, although they may introduce some short-term operational changes for guests visiting in the coming months.
