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How much is the Norwegian Cruise drink package?

  • Cruisefinderpro
  • 14 August 2026

If you are planning a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the costs worth checking before you sail is the price of drinks. Depending on your cruise and the package you choose, a beverage package can cover alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juices, and other beverages for a daily charge.

So, how much is the Norwegian Cruise drink package? The answer depends on which package you select, the length of your cruise, your sailing, and whether the package is included through a promotion such as Free at Sea.

For current U.S. pricing, Norwegian lists the Unlimited Open Bar package at $32 per person per day for cruises of 2 to 5 nights and $28.50 per person per day for cruises of 6 nights or longer under its current Free at Sea promotion terms. Additional costs such as gratuity and applicable taxes or fees can affect the final amount.

Norwegian also offers less expensive options for guests who mainly want soft drinks, as well as upgraded beverage choices through Free at Sea Plus.

What Is the Norwegian Cruise Drink Package?

Norwegian Cruise Line offers several beverage options rather than one single drink package.

The most comprehensive standard alcoholic option is the Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar. Norwegian says this package includes a selection of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass, bottled or draft beer, fountain soft drinks, juice, and non-alcoholic beer.

There are also separate packages for guests who do not need alcoholic beverages, including the Unlimited Soft Drink Beverage Package.

The right option depends largely on what you normally drink during a cruise.

How Much Does the Norwegian Cruise Drink Package Cost?

Norwegian's current promotion terms list the following U.S. prices for its Unlimited Open Bar package:

Cruise lengthUnlimited Open Bar price

2 to 5 nights$32 per person per day

6 nights or longer$28.50 per person per day

These are per-person, per-day prices under the applicable promotion. Norwegian states that rates can change, and additional taxes or charges may apply depending on the booking and itinerary.

For example, at the listed $28.50 daily rate, the package itself would total $199.50 per person for a 7-night cruise, before any applicable additional charges.

For a 4-night cruise at $32 per day, the base package cost would be $128 per person, again before applicable charges.

These examples illustrate the calculation only. Your actual checkout price should be treated as the final price for your specific sailing.

What Does the Unlimited Open Bar Package Include?

The standard Unlimited Open Bar package provides access to a broad selection of beverages.

Norwegian says it includes:

  • A variety of spirits
  • Cocktails
  • Wines by the glass
  • Bottled or draft beer
  • Fountain soft drinks
  • Juice
  • Non-alcoholic beer
  • Selected premium beverage brands
  • Drinks at Great Stirrup Cay, where applicable

Norwegian's beverage information also highlights brands such as Grey Goose, Casamigos, and Woodford Reserve among the included premium selections.

The exact beverage selection can vary by ship, season, and availability.

What Is Not Included in the Standard Unlimited Open Bar?

The Unlimited Open Bar package does not cover every beverage sold on the ship.

Norwegian's current terms exclude certain premium and specialty beverages, including drinks from its Connoisseur's Collection and Signature Selection. It also excludes several categories such as Starbucks, Ice Bars, room service, minibars, vending-machine purchases, bottled wine, beer buckets, and certain super-premium brands.

Fresh-squeezed juices and some energy drinks are also excluded from the standard package.

This distinction is important because a beverage package described as "unlimited" does not necessarily mean every drink onboard is included.

Is Gratuity Included in the Norwegian Drink Package?

You should pay attention to gratuity when calculating the real cost.

Norwegian's beverage terms state that guests can be responsible for a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge on the applicable package price. The final treatment can depend on the booking and promotion under which the package is purchased.

Taxes or VAT may also apply on certain itineraries or in particular ports.

Therefore, do not assume that the advertised daily package price is always the complete amount you will pay.

What Is the Unlimited Soft Drink Package?

If you do not drink alcohol, Norwegian offers an Unlimited Soft Drink Beverage Package.

The current listed U.S. price is $12.50 per person per day. Norwegian says this package provides unlimited fountain soft drinks, with availability including beverages such as Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Fanta, and Soda Water.

The package is available to adults and children aged 3 and older, subject to Norwegian's applicable terms.

A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge can be added at checkout.

What Is Free at Sea?

Free at Sea is Norwegian's broader cruise promotion that can bundle several benefits together.

The current offer can include the Unlimited Open Bar benefit along with other cruise perks. Norwegian says its current Free at Sea offering includes unlimited drinks for guests in the stateroom who are 21 and older, along with other benefits such as specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore-excursion credit, depending on the applicable offer and sailing.

This means some passengers may not need to purchase a standalone beverage package at the standard retail rate.

However, Free at Sea offers are promotional and subject to eligibility requirements, booking windows, capacity controls, and other terms.

What Is Free at Sea Plus?

Norwegian also offers Free at Sea Plus, which is designed for travelers who want a broader range of premium benefits.

The current U.S. price listed by Norwegian is $49.99 per person per day for adults. The package can add upgraded beverage benefits such as premium wines and champagne by the glass, an Unlimited Starbucks package, specialty water and energy drinks, and other cruise benefits.

The premium beverage component is significantly broader than the standard Unlimited Open Bar.

For travelers who frequently order specialty coffee, premium wines, or higher-end spirits, comparing Free at Sea Plus with buying individual drinks can be worthwhile.

Can You Buy the Unlimited Open Bar Package After Boarding?

Yes, Norwegian says the Unlimited Open Bar package can be purchased onboard during the first two days of the cruise.

Its current FAQ lists an onboard price of $45 per person per day, plus 20% gratuity and applicable taxes and fees.

This is considerably higher than the current promotional rates listed for qualifying reservations.

For that reason, if you already know that you want the package, it can make financial sense to compare the pre-cruise offer before waiting until you are onboard.

Do All Adults in a Stateroom Have to Buy the Package?

Norwegian's current terms state that the Unlimited Open Bar package must generally be selected for all guests aged 21 and older in the same reservation. Guests under 21 receive the applicable soft-drink package under the stated promotion terms.

This rule matters when deciding whether the beverage package is worthwhile for a couple or family.

For example, if only one adult in a cabin drinks alcohol, you should not simply calculate the package price for one person. The applicable reservation rules may require both eligible adults to have the package.

How Many Drinks Can You Order?

The current Free at Sea terms state that eligible guests can order up to two beverages per person per transaction. The package is personal, cannot be shared, and is non-transferable and non-refundable.

The two-drink rule does not mean you have to order two drinks every time. It simply establishes the transaction limit under the package terms.

You also should not purchase drinks for another person using your package because sharing is not permitted.

Is the Norwegian Cruise Drink Package Worth It?

Whether the package is worth the money depends on your drinking habits.

It may make sense if you regularly order:

  • Cocktails
  • Beer
  • Wine by the glass
  • Spirits
  • Soft drinks
  • Juice

It may be less attractive if you mainly drink complimentary beverages such as water and basic coffee and only occasionally buy a soda or alcoholic drink.

The best approach is to estimate how much you would realistically spend on drinks each day and compare that amount with the package's total cost, including applicable charges.

How to Calculate the Break-Even Point

A simple calculation can help.

Daily package cost ÷ average price of your individual drinks = approximate number of drinks needed per day to break even.

For example, if your effective package cost were $34 per day after applicable charges and your average individual beverage cost were $10, you would need roughly 3.4 drinks per day to reach the same spending level.

But this is only a budgeting method. Actual drink prices vary, and the package includes different beverage categories.

You should also account for days when you spend significant time ashore. The package generally operates according to Norwegian's cruise-package terms rather than allowing you to skip individual days.

Important Things to Check Before Buying

Before adding a Norwegian beverage package, review these points:

Check Your Current Promotion

You may already have a beverage benefit through Free at Sea. Do not pay for a second package without checking what your reservation includes.

Compare the Final Price

Look beyond the advertised daily rate. Gratuities, service charges, taxes, and itinerary-specific charges can affect the final amount.

Check the Beverage List

If your preferred brands or drinks are excluded, an expensive package may not provide the value you expect.

Consider Your Cruise Length

A package is charged per person per day, so the total cost increases quickly on longer sailings.

Check the Guest Rules

If multiple adults are traveling in the same stateroom, verify whether everyone who meets the eligibility requirements must have the package.

Frequently Asked Questions?

How much is the Norwegian Cruise drink package per day?

Under Norwegian's current U.S. Free at Sea promotion terms, the Unlimited Open Bar package is listed at $32 per person per day for 2-to-5-night cruises and $28.50 per person per day for cruises of 6 nights or longer. Applicable gratuities, taxes, and fees can increase the final cost.

How much is the Norwegian soft drink package?

The current listed price for Norwegian's Unlimited Soft Drink Beverage Package is $12.50 per person per day in U.S. pricing. Additional gratuity and beverage service charges may apply.

Does the Norwegian drink package include alcohol?

Yes. The Unlimited Open Bar package includes a selection of spirits, cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and other eligible beverages. However, certain premium and specialty drinks are excluded.

Is the Norwegian drink package really unlimited?

It provides unlimited access to eligible beverages during the cruise, subject to Norwegian's package rules. The current terms specify a maximum of two beverages per person per transaction, and packages cannot be shared.

Can I buy the drink package onboard?

Yes. Norwegian's FAQ says the Unlimited Open Bar package can be purchased during the first two days onboard. Its listed onboard price is $45 per person per day, plus applicable gratuity, taxes, and fees.

Is the Norwegian drink package included with Free at Sea?

The Unlimited Open Bar benefit can be part of Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion for qualifying reservations and sailings. The exact offer depends on the applicable promotion and its terms.

Does everyone in the cabin need the beverage package?

Norwegian's current terms state that the Unlimited Open Bar package must be purchased for all guests aged 21 and older on the same reservation when applicable. Guests under 21 receive the applicable soft-drink package under the stated promotion rules.

Conclusion

The answer to “How much is the Norwegian Cruise drink package?” depends on the package, sailing, promotion, and booking terms.

For current U.S. Free at Sea promotion pricing, Norwegian lists its Unlimited Open Bar package at $32 per person per day for 2-to-5-night sailings and $28.50 per person per day for sailings of 6 nights or longer. Its Unlimited Soft Drink Package is listed at $12.50 per person per day, while Free at Sea Plus is currently listed at $49.99 per person per day for adults.

The most important step is to check the price and inclusions attached to your specific reservation rather than relying only on a general advertised rate. Norwegian's package prices, promotions, beverage selections, and terms can change, so the final price shown for your cruise should be treated as the authoritative amount.

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