Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2026 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
A Norwegian Cruise Line drink package can make budgeting easier if you expect to order several beverages each day. But the actual cost depends on which package you choose, your sailing, and whether the package is included through a Free at Sea promotion or purchased separately.
For 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line lists its Unlimited Soft Drink Package at $12.50 per person, per day. Its Free at Sea beverage option is different: qualifying guests can receive the Unlimited Open Bar as a promotional benefit, but an additional cost applies to the package selection. Norwegian also offers Free at Sea Plus for $49.99 per person, per day, which adds higher-value beverage benefits along with other upgrades.
This guide explains the Norwegian Cruise drink package prices, what's included, extra charges, age rules, exclusions, and how to decide whether buying one makes financial sense.
There is no single price for every Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package.
The current published prices include:
| Drink package | Published price |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Soft Drink Package | $12.50 per person, per day |
| Unlimited Starbucks Package | $16.50 per person, per day |
| Free at Sea Plus | $49.99 per person, per day |
| Free at Sea beverage package | Additional cost varies by booking/promotion |
Norwegian states that package prices and inclusions can change, and taxes or other charges may apply depending on the itinerary.
The Unlimited Open Bar included through Free at Sea is not simply a standard $12.50 or $16.50 add-on. It is part of Norwegian's promotional package structure and can have an additional package cost associated with the selected Free at Sea offer.
The Unlimited Soft Drink Package costs $12.50 per person per day according to Norwegian's current published pricing.
It covers fountain soft drinks, including options such as Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water and Fanta. A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge is added at checkout. The package is not available on sailings of two days or less.
This package can be useful for travelers who primarily drink soda rather than alcoholic beverages.
Norwegian currently lists its Unlimited Starbucks Package at $16.50 per person per day.
The package covers Starbucks coffee, tea and specialty Starbucks beverages. Norwegian states that guests must be at least 13 years old to purchase it, and a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge is added at checkout.
It is important to distinguish this from the Starbucks benefit available through Free at Sea Plus, which has different terms and allows one Starbucks beverage per visit.
Norwegian's Free at Sea beverage benefit provides an unlimited selection of qualifying beverages.
The current terms say the package includes:
Norwegian also states that guests can use the package at Great Stirrup Cay where applicable.
The exact brands and available beverages can vary by ship and season.
Yes, the package is designed to provide unlimited qualifying beverages during the cruise.
However, "unlimited" does not mean every beverage sold onboard is automatically included. Certain premium and specialty beverages are excluded, and some purchases remain subject to separate charges.
Eligible guests can receive up to two beverages per person per transaction under the current Free at Sea beverage terms.
Norwegian currently lists Free at Sea Plus at $49.99 per person, per day for adults.
This is more than a simple drink package because it bundles several upgrades together.
Depending on the applicable offer, Free at Sea Plus includes benefits such as:
Norwegian states that guests who have already prepaid service charges or received them through a promotional offer can receive a $15 discount from the Free at Sea Plus price.
For someone who wants several of these benefits, Free at Sea Plus can be more useful than purchasing individual beverage upgrades.
This depends on the specific package and how it is purchased.
For separately purchased beverage packages, Norwegian states that a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge is added to package purchases.
For example, a $12.50 daily soft drink package does not necessarily mean your final package charge will be exactly $12.50 per day because the applicable gratuity and service charge can increase the total.
Taxes or VAT can also appear on the onboard account on certain itineraries or in certain ports.
Even a broad Norwegian beverage package has exclusions.
Depending on the package, excluded purchases can include:
Norwegian's terms specifically state that the Unlimited Open Bar package excludes items such as Starbucks, bottled water, room service, mini-bar purchases, fresh-squeezed juices, energy drinks and certain premium brands.
This is one reason it is important to check the exact package attached to your reservation rather than assuming every drink onboard is covered.
Norwegian generally requires guests 21 and older in the same stateroom to have the applicable beverage package when one adult selects it.
The company's beverage information states that the Unlimited Open Bar must be purchased for all guests 21 and older in the same reservation. Guests under 21 receive the applicable soft-drink arrangement rather than the alcoholic package.
This rule matters when calculating whether a beverage package is worthwhile.
For example, an adult traveling with another adult generally cannot assume that only one person can purchase the alcoholic package while the other adult pays separately for drinks.
The easiest way to estimate your budget is:
Daily package price × number of cruise days + applicable gratuities/taxes
For a seven-night cruise, the published $12.50 daily soft drink price would produce a base package price of:
$12.50 × 7 = $87.50 per person
That is before the applicable 20% gratuity and beverage service charge.
The final amount can therefore be higher than the advertised base rate.
For Free at Sea or Free at Sea Plus, use the price shown specifically for your reservation because promotional pricing, eligibility and included benefits can vary.
Whether the package is worthwhile depends almost entirely on what you drink.
Remember that a beverage package normally applies for the length of the cruise rather than only the days when you want drinks.
Paying individually can be better for light drinkers.
Suppose you normally have only one or two paid beverages each day. You should compare the expected individual drink prices with the package's full daily cost, including applicable service charges.
Heavy drinkers may find the package easier to justify because the cost is predictable and qualifying beverages are available throughout the cruise.
The important mistake to avoid is comparing a package price with the advertised price of one drink. You need to compare the package's total daily cost with what you realistically expect to spend on beverages each day.
Free at Sea makes the calculation more complicated because the beverage benefit can be bundled with other cruise perks.
Norwegian currently promotes Free at Sea as a package that can include unlimited premium beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore-excursion benefits, depending on the offer and booking.
That means the value is not limited to drinks.
If you would already pay separately for Wi-Fi, specialty dining or other included benefits, the overall promotion may provide greater value than purchasing beverages alone.
Yes, Norwegian says Free at Sea can be added after booking, subject to its terms and timing.
The company's current FAQ states that guests can add Free at Sea through their MyNCL account or by calling Norwegian up to 24 hours before sailing. Promotional terms also state that qualifying choices generally need to be selected at least 24 hours before sailing.
Do not wait until you are onboard if you want to take advantage of the promotion.
Alcoholic beverage packages generally require guests to be 21 or older.
Norwegian's Premium Plus terms state that guests must be at least 21 at the time of sailing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package.
Some itineraries can have different legal-age rules, so passengers should check the terms that apply to their particular sailing.
No.
Norwegian states that beverage packages are personal and cannot be shared or transferred.
The Free at Sea beverage terms also limit eligible guests to two beverages per person per transaction.
Trying to use one person's package to purchase drinks for another passenger can therefore violate the package rules.
Norwegian's Hawaii operation is treated differently.
The Pride of America uses a Hawaii Beverage Package rather than the standard Free at Sea beverage arrangement. Norwegian currently lists the Hawaii Beverage Package at $28.50 per person per day, while the Unlimited Soft Drink Package is $12.50 per person per day.
Hawaii-specific alcohol rules can also affect how alcoholic beverages are sold or served during the itinerary.
The Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar can be used at Great Stirrup Cay where applicable.
However, Norwegian states that the beverage package is not valid at Harvest Caye under its current terms.
Therefore, passengers should not assume that the same beverage benefits apply at every Norwegian destination.
Estimate how many paid drinks you normally order each day. This gives you a much more realistic break-even point.
If your reservation qualifies for Free at Sea, compare the promotional package before purchasing an individual beverage package.
Always calculate the 20% beverage gratuity and service charge when estimating the real price of separately purchased packages.
A package may cover your normal cocktails but not the premium wine, bottled drink or specialty beverage you actually want.
Norwegian's published prices and package terms can change. The amount shown in your reservation is the best figure to use for your particular cruise.
Norwegian's current published Unlimited Soft Drink Package costs $12.50 per person per day. Alcoholic beverage benefits through Free at Sea have different pricing because they are offered as part of the promotion, while Free at Sea Plus is currently $49.99 per person per day.
There is not one universal standalone price for the alcoholic package. Norwegian's Unlimited Open Bar is offered through Free at Sea and carries an additional package cost based on the applicable booking and promotion.
The Unlimited Open Bar provides unlimited qualifying beverages, but exclusions apply. Guests can receive up to two beverages per person per transaction, and premium or specialty items outside the package are not included.
Yes. Norwegian states that a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge is added to beverage package purchases. Applicable taxes or VAT may also appear depending on the itinerary.
Generally, yes. Norwegian requires all guests 21 and older in the same stateroom to have the applicable Unlimited Open Bar package when it is selected.
No. Beverage packages are personal and cannot be shared or transferred.
It depends on the package. The standard Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar excludes bottled water, while Free at Sea Plus includes bottled water benefits.
The standard Free at Sea beverage package does not include Starbucks. Free at Sea Plus includes an Unlimited Starbucks benefit with one beverage per visit, subject to its terms. A separate Unlimited Starbucks Package is also available and currently costs $16.50 per person per day.
Yes. Norwegian says Free at Sea can be added after booking through MyNCL or by contacting the cruise line, generally up to 24 hours before sailing.
It can be worthwhile for passengers who regularly drink several qualifying beverages each day. Light drinkers may save money by paying individually. Your decision should be based on your expected daily consumption and the final package price shown for your reservation.
The answer to "How much is the Norwegian Cruise drink package?" depends on which beverage option you choose.
For 2026, Norwegian lists its Unlimited Soft Drink Package at $12.50 per person per day and its Unlimited Starbucks Package at $16.50 per person per day. Free at Sea provides an Unlimited Open Bar benefit through its promotional package structure, while Free at Sea Plus is currently priced at $49.99 per person per day and adds several premium benefits.
The smartest approach is to compare the package's complete cost—including applicable service charges—with what you realistically expect to spend on drinks. Also check the exclusions and the specific terms attached to your sailing before purchasing.
Because Norwegian can change prices, inclusions and promotional terms, the final price displayed in your booking should always take priority over older advertised rates.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
© 2026 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
