Virgin Voyages will top up the amount when guests pre-purchase the Bar Tab before sailing. Many first-time cruisers are shocked to find that nearly every other beverage must be paid at an extra cost besides basic tea, coffee, and tap water. For the above reasons, we dont think drink package purchases make sense for most cruisers. How Norwegian Cruise Line's Drink Packages Work as long as the regular drink package is offered as the free at sea promotion,i find that this is sufficient for my wife and myself, by nature she is not a big drinker (although neither am I) but we will have a glass of champagne or mimosa at breakast and she will join me in a mojito during the afternoon. How Much Do Drinks Cost On Norwegian Cruise Lines Package, which covers nearly every beverage -- alcoholic or non-alcoholic -- on the ship, up to $20 per drink. Note that the pricing listed is per person, per day. Does the Drink Package Include Gratuities? Package name: Premium Drink Package. If you purchase the drink package, you will be charged for every day you are on vacation, even when you spend the day in port. Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Policy Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Further, there are several other factors you should keep in mind when determining if you should buy a beverage package on a cruise. Based on this cost, if you and your cabin mate will drink on average at least 2 alcoholic drinks/day, then the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package is worth getting as a free perk. Cruisers can upgrade by paying the difference in the retail package price ($29) in addition to associated service charges ($34.80 total per person, per day). Thats because most cruise ship ports are independent of the cruise line. That means you'll pay $19.80 per person per day or $138.60 per person for the 7-day Pride of America sailing. Depending on your ports of call and number of sea days, as well as your hours ashore, you may receive better savings (or less) on your voyage. That is a question that only you can answer based on your own drinking habits. Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $20. What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water. The My Drinks package is included in the All Inclusive Rate and includes soft drinks, Draught Heineken, classic cocktails, soda, liquors, and spirits. The Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Drink Package is good almost everywhere. When considering this option, it is important to note that NCL offers cruisers the ability to purchase a 24-pack of 1L bottles of water for $44.95 on the online cruise planner. The price limit of $20 per drink is the highest among cruise lines. Everything You Need To Know About Carnival's Drink Package - Cruise Radio So six max-priced drinks would be $90, which is still less than the daily price of the premium package. Both cruise lines have a 15-drink limit per 24 hours on alcoholic beverages. Most cruise lines require all guests sharing a cabin to purchase the same beverage plan to prevent sharing between friends and family. I believe that your account is debited the cost of the drink; then it is debited the 18% and finally the cost of the drink is credited. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Trust us; you dont want to spend all that money on a beverage package to have it taken away. Be sure to check the fine print in your particular line's drinks package before placing an order for a drink to your room. Of course, the price may become more justifiable if you plan on drinking soda, juice, and bottled water throughout the day. Is the Drink Package Worth it on a Cruise? You must order at least two drinks in order to be served. On port intensive cruises, like the Mediterranean, you might find yourself spending long days ashore. It costs $49 per day when sailing in North America (pricing will rise to $51 per day in October). Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. All qualifying individuals in the stateroom or additional staterooms under the same method of payment must purchase one. Ultimate Beverage Package - limits? - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise The cruise was 14 days and the package was called their Silver Spirts package. In total, we drank 76 drinks that were included in theNorwegian Cruise Line Premium Drink Package. Further, there is no sharing of the package or using your package to order drinks for other cruisers. If youre looking to save money, its best to purchase the drink package before you set sail. Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or ordered through room service. What it includes: Drinks by the glass including draught, craft and bottled beer; a selection of wine and Champagne by the glass; premium-brand spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of frozen and classic cocktails; soda; juices; nonalcoholic cocktails; energy drinks; hot chocolate drinks; specialty coffees; teas and bottled water. Of course, if you plan to drink more non-alcoholic specialty drinks or like bottles of wine, then this upgrade might be worth it for you. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package: Ultimate Guide Theres a 40% discount on other bottles of wine as well. Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise. A meager time, for sure, but regardless, NCL doesn't have a stated policy. Also, all guests in the same cabin over 18 must purchase this package. Even if you receive a drink package with the cruise lines Free at Sea promotion, you are still responsible to pay this 20% gratuity. They also generally don't apply to drinks taken out of cabin minibars. We've purchased the UBP on each NCL cruise we've been on, and we have never experienced an issue with limits. So, for a 7 day cruise, you will be assessed a charge of $124.60 for each adult beverage package. Note that both prices will have an 18% gratuity tacked on. Dew, Ginger Ale, Tonic water, Club Soda. Cruise ship drink packages cover sodas, juice, and non-alcoholic beverages. The Premium beverage package is currently priced at $99 per person, per day. It adds up and allows us to cruise more. If you forgo the beverage package, you can simply pay for each drink. If you like a glass of fresh juice with your breakfast or a can of pop at lunchtime, you may benefit from buying the beverage packages. More Norwegian Cruise Line Redeployments Announced, Norwegian Cruise Drink of the Day on Norwegian Escape, 31 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips Every Cruiser Needs to Know, Complete Guide to Princess Cruises Drink Packages, Complete Guide to Drink Packages on Celebrity Cruises (2023), Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Guide (2023), Everything You Need to Know About Norwegian's Free at Sea in 2023, The Complete Guide to Popular Cruise Ships With Pickleball Courts, Complete Guide to Drink Packages on Carnival (2023). What's Not Included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package? Below is a list of included beverages. If we had purchased the Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Drink Package out of pocket, it would have cost us $1663.20 total. Through the promotion, guests can receive a free beverage package. On the flipside, if you are visiting NCLs private island of Great Stirrup Cay on your cruise, this gives you more opportunity to use the package while enjoying some fun in the sun. The cost of alcoholic drinks on cruise vessels particularly cocktails can be pricey. https://www.ncl.com/terms/ultimate-beverage-package, The Freestyle Choice information has the following:-, The first two guests can enjoy a drink (who are we kidding, drinks) for the whole cruise vacation for free. Essentially, you will need to decide if you will drink at least $29 a day per person of the additional inclusions. we have been very satisfied with the regular package on most of our cruises. CC Help Jenn October 19, 2021: Log In Issues. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Cost per day: $69, not including a 15% service charge when booked on board. It also includes fountain soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beer. NCL Drink Packages Complete Guide (2023) - EatSleepCruise.com Some people love knowing exactly how much they will spend with the package before stepping on board. The beverage package also covers bottled water, so you can grab a bottle on your way off the ship and not worry about finding a local convenience store. The price is $59.95 per person, per day if bought prior to your cruise or $64.95 per person, per day if bought on the ship. So, comparing $13.80 daily to $9.54 daily, the full-priced Adult Soda Package is $4.26 per day. The Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Drink Package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15. Another upgrade to this plan is the availability of select bottles of wine at dinner. NCL Standard Drinks Menu & Packages - Norwegian Cruise Line My husband did max out once on a sea day, but a couple of the drinks he had "bought" for one of the entertainment staff that we had made friends with [a couple beers while he was singing in the bar], and a couple drinks that had gone to waste when you take a couple sips and decide that it just didn't taste good. Note that the package is valid on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises private island in the Bahamas. For non-select bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings, and flights, guests will receive a 40% discount. You don't need a drinks package to be able to drink alcoholic beverages or any other type of beverage on a ship. Drink packages dont apply when youre running around port or on shore excursions. - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community. The package does not contain any specialty coffees or . As you can see from the different scenarios provided above, the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package is likely worth it if you are receiving it as an included Free at Sea perk. Free Unlimited Open Bar Save up to $1,400 on all the spirits and cocktails, wines, draft beer, juice and soda Learn More Free Specialty Dining Save up to $180 and savor free meals at our Specialty Dining venues. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Credit card showdown: Alaska Airlines Visa vs. Alaska Airlines Business Visa, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Club loyalty program: Everything you need to know, 21 new Hyatt hotels where you can get 500 extra points per night. Finally, many cruise lines have a rule that if one person purchases the drink package, everyone sharing the cabin must also buy the drink package. This beverage package is available as an upgrade to the Free at Sea Premium beverage package option. But, youll still be paying full price for the beverage package. Norwegian Non-Alcoholic Drinks and their specialty coffees. Read More Starting at $6.95 / Child Per Day $9.50 / Adult Per Day Add to cart More Details Drink Packages CHEERS! I plan on setting a record with most drinks consumed using the UBP! Other packages: Celebrity also offers a less inclusive classic drinks package that now is included in the fare for its sailings as part of its new Always Included fare structure. You can not purchase just select days. The maximum beverage price covered by the package is $15. The Premium beverage package is currently priced at $99 per person, per day. If you wait until youre on the ship to purchase the package, be prepared to pay full price. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. I think they were on one of the newer ships, but not sure which. It costs $54.95 per day. This happens for every drink you have on the package. Includes: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mt. Hi All - I just booked my first cruise with NCL and am getting the UBP. BIGGER & BETTER NEW HUGE 40oz BEAST has arrived! Norwegian assesses a gratuity charge of $19.80 per person per day for its basic Premium Beverage Package. 2023 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages If you prefer to order a bottle of wine at dinner or want to choose from a selection of high-end wine, they arent included in your drink package. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I bought a drink package on RCCL, three years ago for around $400.. Home Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? Drink packages that don't include alcoholic drinks, such as soda packages, typically cost far less. A: If a guest wishes to upgrade to the Prestige Select package which includes unlimited premium spirits, champagne, wine and beer, they may do so once on board for an additional charge of $20 per person per day. Technically, you are not supposed to use your package to buy drinks for other people. There are also a number of other restrictions to bear in mind before diving in and booking that booze-inclusive package. Hawaii-based Pride of America has a single drinks package that costs $99 per day (effective Jan. 1, 2023, prices will increase to $109). Soda Package. This equates to a full retail price of $1,075.20 for a 7-day cruise (including 20% service charge). The Premium Beverage Package covers nearly every onboard drink up to $15 per drink, while the Premium Plus Beverage Package covers all drinks served by the glass, with no limit on the drink price. You would only start to see a price break once you consumed your 7th max-price drink of the day. When electing to purchase a package, you have to pay for the entire length of the cruise. The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Drink Packages. Does Norwegian have a drink limit? And, the, Couldnt that person just get some type of soda package? Actually, the value "up to $1888" is (and I am assuming) what NCL estimates the package to be worth but the actual cost (at least in CDN on a 7 day cruise is $612.xx per person + 18% grats). Book today and enjoy 50% Off all cruises! Celebrity Cruises. But no, as of right now theres no set limit. The Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Drink Package was formerly known as the Ultimate Beverage Package. Plus you can order unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay. So keep this in mind when you make your decision. Though, given that many non-alcoholic drinks, like bottled water and specialty coffee, are not included in this package, it wouldnt make sense for us to purchase it out of pocket. Of course, convenience is one of the perks we like about having a beverage package. Related: These 15 cruise ship bars are not to be missed when cruising. Fine print: Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or shipboard wine-dispensing machines. 3-5 Day Cruises upgrade for 99 per person 6-8 Day Cruises upgrade for 149 per person9-11 Day Cruises upgrade for 199 per person 12-14 Day Cruises upgrade for 249 per person 15-17 Day Cruises upgrade for 299 per person 18+ Day Cruises upgrade for 349 per person. Bring the whole family and pay only taxes for 3rd and 4th guests on select cruises. She is a self-confessed thrill seeker, obsessive planner, and over-packer. What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, specialty cocktails, soda, juices, nonalcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffees, teas and bottled water. Even as a perk, the service charge for my wife and I require that we consume a minimum of 4-5 drinks per day to break evenand she doesnt drink at all. Plus Ups are excluded. Unlike most cruise lines, the price of Royal Caribbeans beverage package varies depending on the individual itinerary. The majority of town beer shops are open before 8 p.m. or 6 p.m. on weekends. If you pay outright for the, The gratuities for the free premium package are $13.80 per day. Note: Final prices will add a 15% gratuity to the cost of the package. It's actually kind of easy. Cruise drinks packages can cost anywhere between 25 and 106 ($30 to $129) per day for all-inclusive alcoholic drinks. With the Unlimited Open Bar Package, enjoy a wide selection of beverages both on board and at Great Stirrup Cay. The only limit is your own personal weakness and self doubt about having just one more beverage. The even less pricey Easy package only includes a limited number of drinks and is not valid in extra-charge specialty restaurants. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. You still have to pay the 18% gratuities on the list price of the drink package in advance. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. At the time of writing, the cruise line is offering a $50 top-up when guests add $300 to their tab. Unlimited Soda / soft drink package for $9.95 per day + 20% gratuity (FYI, NCL now serves COKE branded products) Water Package which ranges from $19.95 to $49.95 for 6 liters to 24 liters of water. Norwegian's Ultimate Beverage Package is currently available as a FREE offer through its Free at Sea Promotion but it is not completely free as it comes with a gratuity charge of 20% which equals $19.80 per person per day, for a week it equals $138.60. As part of its drinks package price hike on Jan. 1, Norwegian will also raise the cost of a less-expensive drinks package it offers that has a $15 cap on the price level of drinks that can be ordered. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Norwegian offers guests the option pre-order water and have it delivered to their cabin. TPG values it at $1,600. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven We save on the average of $800 when we choose a regular balcony over the free at sea balcony. Just wondering if Norwegian has a similar daily drink limit? For example,Royal Caribbeans CocoCay islandand MSCs Ocean Cay allow you to use your beverage package for drinks on land. No actually it is what the UBP would cost for 16 days for two people (at the previous rate of $59/day). The Classic Package has a value of $70.80 per person per day, including the service charge. Cost per day: $84, not including a 20% automatic gratuity charge, for passengers who have purchased a cruise-only rate. Although you need to be aware of the limit, we dont think most passengers will reach it. Explore more of the shore with $50 USD Discount Per Port Shore Excursions. I found that it wasnt worth it because I didnt drink that much. Related Post: Everything You Should Book Before Your Cruise. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Coffee shops are available onboard as well, and the drink package includes a variety of them. Other brands, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, charge as much as $138 per person, per day for a top-tier package. No votes so far! Other packages: Norwegian has two less-inclusive, less expensive alcoholic beverage packages. Note that the beverage packages can be used not just on Norwegian ships but at Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. Unlike theCarnival Cheers Programwhich limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCLs drink packages are truly unlimited. When you pay-as-you-go, you will get the final bill at the end of your cruise. Remember that bartenders and servers will only serve you one drink at a time. Cruise lines will often offer discounts if you buy the drink package before you sail. This drink package includes everything in the Premium beverage package, along with other higher end offerings. Then, we took the average prices for each drink category to determine how much we would have spent on drinks if we paid a la carte for each item. We usually find the package priced between $65 per person per day and $99 per person per day on most sailings. But once you are on board, the luxury of ordering drinks and restaurants without worrying about the final bar bill can be worth the price of the package. Subscribe to receive travel tips delivered straight to your inbox. Share. Other packages: The less expensive Easy Plus package only includes drinks costing up to $9. Passengers staying in the premium Retreat areas on Celebrity ships receive the Premium Drink Package for free. How Much Does Gray Goose Vodka Cost On An NCL Cruise?