Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers a unique and flexible vacation experience known as Freestyle Cruising. Part of this experience is enjoying drinks onboard—whether cocktails, specialty coffee, or soda. Understanding how to pay for drinks is essential for budgeting, maximizing convenience, and avoiding surprises. This comprehensive guide covers all payment methods, beverage package options, onboard account management, gratuities, and tips to simplify paying for drinks during your NCL cruise.

1. Overview of Beverage Options

Onboard NCL ships, passengers can enjoy a variety of beverages:

• Alcoholic drinks: Cocktails, wines by the glass, spirits, and beers

• Non-alcoholic drinks: Sodas, juices, specialty coffees, teas, and mocktails

• Bottled drinks: Bottled water, sodas, or juices available in cafes or room service

• Beverage packages: Prepaid packages covering a selection or unlimited drinks

The method of payment depends on whether you choose individual drinks or a beverage package.

2. Paying for Individual Drinks

If you do not purchase a beverage package, you can pay for drinks individually:

2.1 Onboard Bars and Lounges

• Present your ship key card to the bartender

• Drinks are automatically added to your onboard account

• Charges are itemized and visible in your account via the NCL Hub App

2.2 Specialty Restaurants

• Drinks ordered with meals are charged to your onboard account

• Gratuities (typically 18–20%) are automatically added to each drink

2.3 Room Service

• Many beverages, including bottled drinks or specialty coffees, can be charged to your onboard account

• Premium drinks may incur additional fees beyond the standard room service menu

Paying individually allows you to consume drinks without committing to a package, but prices are higher per drink compared to prepaid packages.

3. Using a Beverage Package

A popular way to pay for drinks on NCL is via a beverage package. This simplifies payment and offers potential cost savings.

3.1 Premium Beverage Package

• Covers alcoholic beverages, cocktails, specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water

• Daily limit: 15 drinks per guest per day

• Gratuities (18–20%) are typically included in package cost

• Purchase options: online pre-cruise, during booking, or onboard

3.2 Classic Soda Package

• Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and iced teas

• Daily limit: unlimited

• Gratuities may not apply or are minimal

• Ideal for families or non-alcohol drinkers

3.3 Specialty Packages

• Focused on wine, beer, or spirits

• Daily limit: 15 drinks per person

• Purchase through NCL Hub App, reservations, or onboard

Pre-purchasing packages can be more economical and convenient than paying for drinks individually.

4. Onboard Account System

NCL uses a cashless onboard account system, which simplifies payments:

• Each guest’s account is linked to their ship key card

• All charges, including drinks, excursions, spa services, and dining, are automatically posted

• Guests can view and manage accounts via the NCL Hub App

• At the end of the cruise, accounts are settled using the payment method on file

4.1 Benefits

• Reduces the need for cash

• Consolidates all charges in one statement

• Allows real-time tracking of spending

5. Accepted Payment Methods

NCL accepts multiple payment methods for settling onboard accounts:

1. Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover

2. Debit Cards: Linked to your onboard account; check bank compatibility

3. Cash Payments: Accepted in some cases at guest services for settling accounts

4. Prepaid Packages: Beverage packages purchased online or during booking are preloaded into your account

5. Digital Wallets / App Payments: In some cases, the NCL Hub App may facilitate payments

It’s recommended to link a credit card at check-in for convenience and automatic settlement.

6. Gratuities and Service Charges

• Automatic gratuities are usually 18–20% for beverage packages

• Individual drinks charged to onboard accounts also include gratuities

• Some specialty drinks or room service items may incur additional charges

• Prepaid gratuities can simplify payment at the end of the cruise

Understanding gratuities ensures accurate budgeting and avoids surprises on the final bill.

7. Tips for Paying for Drinks Efficiently

1. Use the Ship Key Card: Avoid carrying cash; your key card links to your onboard account.

2. Pre-Purchase Packages: Save money and time by buying beverage packages before boarding.

3. Track Spending with NCL Hub App: Monitor drink charges and daily usage of packages.

4. Understand Daily Limits: Maximize the value of beverage packages by consuming within the daily limit.

5. Consider Cruise Length: Longer cruises may benefit more from prepaid packages.

6. Combine Promotions: Look for onboard credits or early booking discounts to reduce costs.

8. Payment for Specialty Drinks

• Certain premium cocktails, rare wines, and limited-release beverages may not be included in packages

• These drinks are charged separately to the onboard account

• Room service specialty drinks may also incur additional fees

Check the package terms to understand inclusions and exclusions before purchase.

9. Settling Your Account at the End of the Cruise

• Accounts are automatically billed to the payment method linked to your key card

• Guests can review charges and request corrections at guest services

• Final statements include beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, and other onboard purchases

• Cash can also be used for final payment in certain locations

Understanding this process ensures a smooth checkout experience.

10. Advantages of Paying Through Beverage Packages vs. À La Carte

MethodProsCons

Beverage PackageConvenience, cost savings for multiple drinks, easy tracking, included gratuitiesUpfront cost, may not be cost-effective for light drinkers

Individual DrinksPay only for what you consume, no upfront costHigher per-drink price, requires tracking, gratuities added per drink

Passengers can decide based on consumption habits and cruise length.

11. Age Restrictions

• Alcoholic beverage packages are available only to guests 21 and older

• Non-alcoholic packages and soda packages are available to all ages

• Valid identification may be required when ordering alcoholic drinks

These rules ensure compliance with international alcohol regulations onboard.

12. Managing Payment Issues

• For discrepancies, visit guest services onboard

• Use the NCL Hub App to track charges in real time

• Keep receipts for specialty purchases or room service drinks

• Ensure your credit card or payment method is valid and authorized

Prompt resolution prevents billing issues at the end of the cruise.

13. International Guests and Currency

• Onboard accounts are typically billed in U.S. dollars

• Foreign credit cards are accepted, but exchange rates and fees may apply

• Check with your bank for international usage policies

International passengers should plan accordingly to avoid unexpected charges.

14. Tips for Maximizing Convenience

1. Link a credit card to your ship key at check-in

2. Pre-purchase beverage packages online for promotions and convenience

3. Track daily usage to maximize package value

4. Understand inclusions, exclusions, and daily drink limits

5. Monitor the onboard account via the NCL Hub App

These strategies ensure seamless payment and reduce stress during your cruise.

15. Conclusion

Paying for drinks on a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise can be simple, convenient, and cost-effective with proper planning. Options include:

• Beverage Packages: Prepaid, daily drink limits, included gratuities, cost-effective for moderate to heavy drinkers

• Individual Drinks: Charged to onboard account, pay-as-you-go, more expensive per drink

• Onboard Account: Centralized cashless system linked to ship key card

• Accepted Payments: Credit/debit cards, some cash, prepaid packages

Understanding package inclusions, daily limits, gratuities, and payment methods helps passengers maximize value and enjoy the cruise without worrying about individual drink payments. Planning in advance, tracking consumption, and utilizing the NCL Hub App ensures a stress-free experience when paying for drinks onboard. Whether opting for a comprehensive beverage package or paying individually, Norwegian Cruise Line provides flexible solutions to fit a wide range of passenger preferences and budgets.