As a frequent cruiser, one of the biggest decisions I face when booking a trip is whether or not to purchase a drinks package. Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) offers a range of options, from the Free at Sea promotion to the Premium Plus Beverage Package, but are they really worth the cost?
In this article, I’ll be decoding NCL’s drinks packages by examining the different types available, discussing their pros and cons, and offering tips to help you choose the best option for your needs. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a cocktail enthusiast, the decision to purchase a drinks package can have a significant impact on your cruise experience.
As someone who values the freedom to indulge in a drink or two while on vacation, I understand the appeal of these packages. However, I also know the feeling of regret that can come with overspending on something that wasn’t worth the cost. So, let’s dive into the world of NCL drinks packages and figure out whether to buy or not to buy.
- Norwegian Cruise Lines offers several adult beverage packages, including the Premium Beverage Package, Premium Plus Package, soda package, Hawaii Beverage Package, and Unlimited Starbucks Package.
- The Free at Sea promotion allows guests to access up to five free offers, depending on the stateroom category they book, but gratuities and additional fees may still apply.
- Guests should calculate whether they would spend more than $21 per person, per day on drinks to determine if the Free at Sea Open Bar is worth it.
- Most coffees and bottled water are not included in the package, and tap water on NCL ships is safe to drink. Guests can bring unlimited bottles of wine onboard with corkage fees.
Types of Packages
So, let me break it down for you: NCL offers a variety of drink packages to suit different needs.
The Premium Beverage Package is the most popular and includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
The Premium Plus Package includes everything in the Premium Beverage Package, plus premium spirits, wines, and champagnes.
The soda package is for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, while the Hawaii Beverage Package is specifically designed for NCL’s Hawaii cruises, featuring local drinks and cocktails.
Finally, the Unlimited Starbucks Package is perfect for coffee lovers who want unlimited access to Starbucks drinks and food.
If you’re wondering which package to choose, it depends on your drinking preferences and budget.
The Premium Plus Package is definitely more expensive, but if you’re a fan of premium spirits and wines, it might be worth it.
The Hawaii Beverage Package is a good option if you’re cruising in Hawaii and want to try local drinks and cocktails.
The Unlimited Starbucks Package is great for coffee addicts, but keep in mind that it doesn’t include any other drinks or alcohol.
Overall, the value of NCL drink packages varies depending on the type of cruiser you are and your drinking habits.
Pricing and Service Charges
I found it helpful to know that there’s a 20% service charge automatically added to each drink package at checkout. This is something to keep in mind when considering the pricing of the packages. This charge can add up quickly, especially if you’re purchasing multiple packages or are on a longer cruise. However, I do appreciate that this charge means the staff are being fairly compensated for their service, and I’m more than happy to pay it.
When comparing NCL’s drink packages to those of other cruise lines, it’s important to take into account the service charge and any other fees or restrictions. While some other cruise lines may offer packages at a lower price point, they may also have more limitations or hidden costs. Additionally, when looking at the impact of the drink package on your overall cruise budget, it’s important to consider how much you’d realistically spend on drinks without the package.
For me, the convenience and peace of mind of having a drink package is worth the cost, but it ultimately depends on your individual preferences and budget.
Free at Sea Promotion
Unlock a treasure trove of free offers with the Free at Sea promotion, allowing you to create a memorable cruise experience at an unbeatable value. This promotion offers guests access to up to five free offers, depending on the stateroom category that they book. One of the most popular free offers is the Free Open Bar, which gives guests access to unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Other free offers include free specialty dining, free shore excursion credits, free Wi-Fi, and discounted rates for friends and family.
However, it’s important to note that there are some benefits and limitations to the Free at Sea promotion. While the promotion can save you money on various onboard activities, it’s important to compare it with other cruise line promotions to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Additionally, it’s important to read the fine print and understand any additional fees or charges that may be associated with the promotion. Overall, the Free at Sea promotion can be a great way to enhance your cruise experience and save money, but it’s important to do your research and understand the limitations of the promotion before booking.
Inclusions and Exclusions
When considering the Free at Sea promotion, it’s important to understand the inclusions and exclusions of the various offers. The drink package, for example, includes a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but there are still some hidden costs to be aware of. Here are some inclusions and exclusions to keep in mind:
- The drink package includes a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Bottled water is included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package, but not in the Premium Beverage Package.
- Specialty coffees are only included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package, not the standard drink package.
- The package cannot be shared, so all adults in the stateroom must have the same package.
- While the drink package itself is free with the Free at Sea offer, there’s still a 20% service charge that’ll be added to the package at checkout.
When comparing the different packages, it’s important to consider your own drinking habits and preferences. If you’re a heavy drinker or plan to indulge in a lot of specialty coffees, the Premium Plus Beverage Package may be worth the extra cost. However, if you’re more of a casual drinker, the standard drink package may be sufficient. It’s also important to keep in mind the hidden costs, such as the service charge and the fact that bottled water isn’t included in the standard package.
By understanding the inclusions and exclusions of the various packages, you can make an informed decision about whether or not the Free at Sea promotion is worth it for you.
Minimum Drinking Age
The minimum drinking age on Norwegian Cruise Lines is 21, with some exceptions. Guests who are 18 or older can consume alcohol on NCL ships if they are on a cruise itinerary that starts and ends in a European port, or if they are on a cruise itinerary that starts and ends in Australia or New Zealand. However, they are only allowed to consume beer and wine, not spirits or cocktails.
It’s important to note that the drinking age in international waters is 21, regardless of the country of origin of the ship. It’s essential to follow the rules and regulations set by NCL to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited, and the cruise line has the right to confiscate alcohol and remove guests who violate this policy.
It’s also important for parents to monitor their children’s alcohol consumption and ensure that they do not engage in any behavior that may endanger themselves or others. By adhering to the minimum drinking age and other rules, guests can have a fantastic time on their NCL cruise and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Sharing Packages
Honestly, who’d even consider sharing their precious, unlimited drinks package on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship? It’s like sharing your ice cream cone with a stranger. You paid for it, you deserve to enjoy it all to yourself.
Plus, sharing a package would mean that everyone in the stateroom would have to agree on the same package, which may not work for everyone’s taste and preferences.
However, Norwegian Cruise Line does offer group discounts for packages, which can be a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together. This way, everyone can have their own package but still save some money.
It’s important to note that packages cannot be split between individuals, so each person must have their own package. So, if you’re traveling with a group, it’s worth looking into the group discount options to see if it makes sense for your party.
Bottled Water and Coffee
I always make sure to check if bottled water and coffee are included in the package before deciding which one to choose. While many drinks are included in the package, some items like specialty coffees and bottled water are not. It’s important to note that tap water is safe to drink on NCL ships, but sometimes you just want the convenience of having a bottle of water in your room.
Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to bottled water and coffee on NCL:
- Bottled water is included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package, but not in the Premium Beverage Package. If you opt for the latter, you’ll need to purchase bottled water separately.
- Specialty coffees are only included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package. If you’re a coffee lover, this might be the package for you.
- The ordering process for bottled water and specialty coffees can vary depending on the ship. Some ships have designated bars or cafes where you can redeem your package for these items, while others have dedicated machines or stations. Be sure to ask a crew member for guidance.
Overall, the quality of drinks on NCL ships is quite good. However, it’s important to carefully review what’s included in each package to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck. If you’re someone who enjoys bottled water and specialty coffees, it might be worth upgrading to the Premium Plus Beverage Package.
Alcohol Policies
Moving on from bottled water and coffee, let’s talk about alcohol policies on Norwegian Cruise Line. As mentioned earlier, NCL offers multiple adult beverage packages, but it’s important to understand the limitations that come with them. First and foremost, the minimum drinking age on NCL cruises is 21, with some exceptions for certain destinations where the legal drinking age is lower. It’s important to note that NCL reserves the right to refuse service to anyone who appears visibly intoxicated, regardless of age.
To help you decide which beverage package is right for you, here’s a helpful table outlining the major differences between each package:
| Package Name | Price Per Day | What’s Included | Max Value Per Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Beverage Package | $99 | Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages up to $15 per drink | $15 |
| Premium Plus Beverage Package | $128 | Everything included in Premium package, plus top-shelf liquors and wines by the glass up to $15 | $15 |
| Hawaii Beverage Package | $89 | Beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages up to $15 per drink on Pride of America only | $15 |
| Soda Package | $7.95 | Unlimited fountain soda and juices | N/A |
| Unlimited Starbucks Package | $39 | Unlimited premium coffee, tea, and specialty drinks at Starbucks on-board | N/A |
It’s important to note that all adults in the same stateroom must purchase the same beverage package, and drink packages cannot be shared. Additionally, there is no daily limit on drinks with a package, but guests who are visibly intoxicated may not be served. With these drink package limitations in mind, it’s up to you to decide if the package is worth it for your individual needs and preferences.
Corkage Fees
Well, I gotta say, understanding the corkage fees on NCL can be a bit confusing, but it’s important to know if you plan on bringing your own wine on board.
Corkage fees vary depending on the type of alcohol you bring. For example, if you bring your own wine, you’ll be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. On the other hand, if you bring your own beer, you’ll be charged a corkage fee of $3 per bottle.
Bringing your own alcohol on board can have its pros and cons. On one hand, it can save you money, especially if you’re a wine lover and have a specific bottle you want to bring on board. On the other hand, it can be a hassle to transport and store the alcohol, and you’ll still need to pay the corkage fee.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if bringing your own alcohol is worth it or if you’d rather just purchase the drinks packages on board.
Max Value and Daily Limit
It’s important to note that the maximum value per drink with the NCL drink package is $15, and guests can order up to two drinks in each transaction, with no daily limit.
This means that if you’re someone who enjoys drinking expensive cocktails or high-end wine, then the Premium Plus Package may be the better option for you. However, if you’re someone who is content with drinking beer and house wine, then the Premium Beverage Package may be the more economical choice.
When comparing the daily limit and value in NCL’s Premium Beverage Package and Premium Plus Package, it’s essential to consider your drinking habits and preferences. If you’re someone who enjoys high-end, premium drinks, then the Premium Plus Package may be worth the extra cost. However, if you’re content with lower-priced drinks, the Premium Beverage Package may be a more cost-effective choice.
It’s also worth considering the effect of location and itinerary on the value of NCL’s drink packages, as prices may vary depending on the destination and local taxes. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide whether or not the NCL drink packages are worth the investment.
tips and Advice
Honestly, I’ve found that the best tips and advice for navigating NCL’s drink packages come from fellow cruisers and online forums.
One helpful tip I came across is to choose the package that suits your drinking habits and budget the best.
If you’re someone who enjoys a few drinks a day, then the Premium Beverage Package might be sufficient for you.
However, if you’re someone who likes to indulge in premium wines and spirits, then the Premium Plus Beverage Package might be worth the extra cost.
It all comes down to your personal preferences and how much you’re willing to spend.
Another important aspect to consider when purchasing a drink package is the gratuities and fees.
It’s important to note that Norwegian Cruise Line adds a 20% service charge to each drink package at checkout.
This means that even if you choose the free drink package as part of the Free at Sea promotion, you’ll still be charged for the gratuity.
It’s also worth mentioning that additional fees and charges may apply for drinks purchased outside of the package, such as specialty coffees and bottled water.
Therefore, it’s important to read the fine print and calculate the total cost before making a decision.
Can guests purchase drinks individually without purchasing a package?
Yes, guests can purchase individual drinks without purchasing a package. However, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a package, especially if you plan on having multiple drinks per day. Do a cost comparison before deciding.
Is the Free at Sea promotion only available while at sea or also in port?
As someone who loves to explore ports, I was curious if the Free at Sea promotion is only available while at sea. The good news is that the benefits of NCL drinks packages are valid both in port and at sea. However, if you’re looking for alternatives to purchasing drinks packages, it’s best to bring your own beverages or purchase individual drinks.
Are persons 3 and 4 in a stateroom required to purchase the Premium Beverage Package?
Persons 3 and 4 in a stateroom are not required to purchase the Premium Beverage Package, but it may be beneficial to do so for group discounts. The package benefits, such as unlimited drinks and discounted wine bottles, may make it worth it.
What are the sizes of bottled water included in the Premium Plus Beverage Package and can guests order a jug of water for their room?
Did you know that the Premium Plus Beverage Package includes bottles of water? The sizes vary by ship, but I always order a jug of tap water for my room to save money. It’s easy and convenient.
Are there any restrictions on bringing alcohol on-board NCL ships?
Bringing alcohol on-board NCL ships is restricted. The cruise policies state that guests are not allowed to bring any kind of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, on the ship. However, NCL offers a wide selection of beverages to choose from with their drink packages.