How many drinks can you get a day with a Norwegian Cruise drink package?

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is well-known for its Freestyle Cruising concept, which provides passengers with the flexibility to enjoy their vacation exactly as they wish. One of the most popular options onboard is the drink package. From cocktails and specialty coffees to sodas and juices, these packages allow guests to enjoy beverages conveniently. Many passengers often ask: “How many drinks can you get per day with a Norwegian Cruise drink package?” This comprehensive guide will explore the daily limits, package types, restrictions, and strategies to make the most of your beverage package.

1. Overview of NCL Drink Packages

NCL offers several drink package options, each catering to different guest preferences:

Premium Beverage Package: Includes alcoholic drinks, specialty cocktails, spirits, wines by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Classic Soda Package: Offers unlimited fountain sodas, juices, and iced teas.
Non-Alcoholic Package: Specialty coffee drinks, mocktails, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Specialty Packages: Wine, beer, or spirits-only packages.

Each package has specific inclusions and daily allowances, which determine the number of drinks you can consume per day.

2. Daily Drink Limits on Premium Beverage Package

The Premium Beverage Package is the most comprehensive, allowing passengers to enjoy a wide variety of beverages:

Daily Limit: 15 drinks per guest per day
Measurement: Standard serving sizes apply (e.g., cocktails 5 oz., wine by the glass 6 oz., beer 12 oz.)
Eligible Drinks: Cocktails, spirits, wines, specialty coffees, bottled water, juices, sodas, mocktails

Important Notes:

The 15-drink limit resets each day at 12:00 a.m. ship time.
Drinks exceeding the limit will be charged at regular menu prices.
Sharing drinks among passengers is not permitted.

This limit encourages responsible consumption while providing flexibility for moderate to heavy drinkers.

3. Daily Drink Limits on Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is designed for passengers who prefer non-alcoholic beverages:

Daily Limit: Unlimited fountain sodas and soft drinks
Eligible Drinks: Coca-Cola products, iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water
Restrictions: Does not include alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, or premium bottled drinks

The unlimited nature of this package makes it particularly attractive for families with children or passengers who enjoy frequent soft drinks throughout the day.

4. Non-Alcoholic Specialty Packages

For passengers who do not consume alcohol, NCL offers specialty non-alcoholic beverage packages:

Daily Limit: Usually 15 drinks per day (similar to Premium Beverage Package)
Included Beverages: Specialty coffees, mocktails, smoothies, bottled water, juices

This package is ideal for guests seeking a wide variety of drinks without alcohol while maintaining a daily consumption limit.

5. Specialty Alcohol Packages

Some passengers prefer packages focused solely on wine, beer, or spirits:

Daily Limits: Typically 15 drinks per day per guest
Inclusions:
- Wine Package: Selected wines by the glass
- Beer Package: Draft and bottled beers
- Spirits Package: Selected liquors and cocktails

Specialty packages often cost less than the Premium Beverage Package while catering to specific drinking preferences.

6. Understanding What Counts as a “Drink”

NCL defines a single drink based on standard servings:

Cocktails: 5 oz.
Wine by the Glass: 6 oz.
Beer: 12 oz.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Standard serving size for specialty coffee or soda
Juices and Mocktails: Regular serving sizes

Exceeding the daily limit means that additional drinks are billed à la carte, so knowing serving sizes helps plan consumption.

7. Exceptions and Restrictions

Sharing Drinks: Each drink is for the individual who purchased the package. Sharing is not allowed.
Room Service: Some packages do not cover in-room service; check your package details.
Specialty Items: Rare wines, premium spirits, or limited-release cocktails may not be included in the daily limit.
Ship Time Reset: The drink count resets at midnight ship time, not local time.

Understanding these rules ensures passengers maximize their package benefits without unexpected charges.

8. Tips for Maximizing Your Drink Package

Plan Consumption: Spread drinks throughout the day to enjoy variety without exceeding the daily limit.
Track Consumption: Keep a mental or written record to avoid extra charges.
Focus on Value: Choose higher-priced drinks like cocktails or specialty coffees over basic sodas if you want to maximize savings.
Use App Features: The NCL Hub App can help track beverage usage and remaining daily allowance.
Pair Drinks with Meals: Take advantage of package perks during meals, bars, lounges, and specialty dining venues.

9. Calculating Cost-Effectiveness

To determine if a beverage package is worth the price:

Estimate the number of drinks you will consume per day.
Multiply by the average à la carte price (e.g., cocktails $12–$15, specialty coffee $5–$6).
Compare the total to the daily package cost (Premium Beverage Package $70–$85 per day, depending on cruise length).

For passengers consuming multiple drinks daily, packages typically save money and provide convenience.

10. Purchasing Options

Drink packages can be purchased in several ways:

During Booking: Often discounted or included in promotions
Online Pre-Cruise: Add packages to your reservation via the NCL website or app
Onboard Purchase: Available at bars, lounges, or via the Hub App; prices may be slightly higher than pre-purchase

Pre-purchasing is usually the most economical and ensures availability.

11. Combining Packages with Promotions

NCL frequently offers promotions that can enhance the value of drink packages:

Complimentary drink packages for early bookings
Onboard credits that can be applied toward beverage packages
Discounts during flash sales or holiday promotions

By combining a package with promotions, passengers can maximize both convenience and cost savings.

12. Age Restrictions

Alcohol-inclusive packages require passengers to be 21 years or older.
Identification may be requested when ordering drinks.
Packages for minors are limited to non-alcoholic options like soda, juice, and specialty coffee.

Age verification ensures compliance with international alcohol regulations onboard.

13. Onboard Experience

Having a drink package enhances the overall cruise experience:

Allows guests to enjoy beverages without worrying about individual charges
Encourages trying a variety of cocktails, coffees, and specialty drinks
Simplifies planning and budgeting for families or groups
Enhances social experiences in lounges, bars, and pool areas

Packages make it easy to enjoy the Freestyle Cruising lifestyle, focusing on relaxation and convenience.

14. Comparing Packages Across Cruise Lines

For perspective, similar cruise lines have comparable limits:

Cruise LinePackage TypeDaily Drink LimitNotes

Norwegian Cruise LinePremium Beverage15 drinksIncludes alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages

Royal CaribbeanDeluxe Beverage Package15 drinksSimilar inclusions, serves as comparison

Carnival Cruise LineCheers! Package15 drinksAlcohol and specialty coffee included

This comparison helps travelers understand industry standards and plan accordingly.

15. Conclusion

Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages provide passengers with convenience, flexibility, and potential savings. The daily limit of 15 drinks per person per day (for most premium packages) allows for a balanced, enjoyable cruise experience while encouraging responsible consumption. Understanding inclusions, restrictions, and exceptions is essential to maximizing value. Whether you prefer cocktails, specialty coffees, sodas, or mocktails, the drink package enhances your vacation experience by offering variety, convenience, and predictable costs. Planning, tracking, and strategic use of the package ensures guests fully enjoy their beverages while focusing on relaxation, entertainment, and fun onboard.