Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages: Guide for 2025

Have you ever found yourself wondering if a drink package is worth it on your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation? I know I did before my first NCL cruise. The question of whether to purchase an NCL drink package or pay as you go can make a big difference in both your budget and overall cruise experience.

When I first started cruising with Norwegian, figuring out their beverage programs felt overwhelming. With NCL’s recent introduction of the “More at Sea” program in 2025, things have changed significantly. After researching these new offerings, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line‘s new drink packages. We’ll cover the updated options, what’s included, and how to decide if a package makes sense for your vacation style. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to answer the important question: Is the new NCL drink package right for your cruise style and budget?

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Drink Package

Norwegian Cruise Line has completely revamped its beverage packages for 2025 as part of their new More at Sea program. The big change? NCL has simplified their previous multi-tier system into one main option: The Unlimited Open Bar Package

The More at Sea program launched January 1, 2025, upgrading NCL’s previous Free at Sea offering with enhanced benefits. These include the revamped beverage package, additional specialty dining experiences, and enhanced high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink.

One important thing to know is that these packages must be purchased for the entire length of your cruise. The program applies to cruises lasting three days or longer and must be selected at least 24 hours before your sail date.

Just like before, all adults in the same stateroom must purchase the same package if one person buys it. The package is non-refundable once your cruise begins. Also, Pride of America sailings in Hawaii are excluded from these offerings.

Unlimited Open Bar Package Explained

What’s Included

The new Unlimited Open Bar Package has absorbed features from both the old Ultimate Beverage and Premium Plus packages. With this simplified option, you get:

• Select cocktails and spirits
• Select domestic and imported beers, ciders, and hard seltzers
• Wine by the glass
• More premium beverage brands included, such as Grey Goose, Casamigos, Woodford Reserve, and more
• Over 100 cocktails to choose from available throughout your cruise
• 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine, wine and spirit experiences, tastings and flights
• Unlimited soft drinks, juices, and sports drinks
• $15 off drinks in the Connoisseur Collection 

The big improvement is that you can now request specific brand upgrades at no additional charge. For example, you can ask for a margarita with Patrón instead of house tequila without paying extra.

What’s Not Included

Even with the enhanced package, some items still aren’t covered:

• Starbucks drinks (these require a separate package)
• Bottled water (though complimentary water is available at bars, restaurants, and self-serve stations)
• Connoisseur Collection premium spirits (though you get a $15 discount per drink)
• Premium wines beyond the standard selections (also with a $15 discount)
• Mini-bar purchases
• Room service beverages
• Drinks from vending machines
• Energy drinks

Pricing for Unlimited Open Bar Package

Norwegian has introduced a tiered pricing structure for the Unlimited Open Bar Package based on cruise length:

• 2 – 7 night cruises: $30 per person per day
• 8 – 11 night cruises: $27 per person per day
• 12+ night cruises: $23 per person per day

Understanding the Connoisseur Collection

The Connoisseur Collection is a new premium section on NCL’s drinks menu featuring high-end spirits like aged whiskies and rare tequilas. These drinks aren’t fully included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package.

However, package holders get a significant benefit: a $15 discount on each Connoisseur Collection drink. This means you only pay the difference between the drink’s price and $15.

For example, if you order a premium whisky that costs $25, you’d only pay $10 with your package. This is a great way to try luxury spirits without paying full price.

Unlimited Starbucks Package

For coffee lovers, NCL now offers a dedicated Unlimited Starbucks Package priced at $16.50 per person per day. This package includes:

• All Starbucks coffee beverages
• Specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, etc.)
• Frappuccinos and other blended coffee beverages
• Starbucks teas and tea-based drinks

Like the Unlimited Open Bar package, all adults in the same stateroom must purchase the Starbucks package if one person wants it. The package is valid only at onboard Starbucks locations, not at regular ship bars or restaurants. Also, this package doesn’t include canned and bottled drinks, Starbucks food items or retail merchandise.

For those who typically drink 2-3 specialty coffees per day, the Starbucks package can offer good value, as most Starbucks drinks onboard cost $6-8 each.

Unlimited Soda Package

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the Unlimited Soda Package costs $12.50 per person per day. This package includes:

• Unlimited fountain sodas
• All Coca-Cola products
• Club soda and tonic water
• Unlimited refills at all bars, lounges, and restaurants

The soda package is automatically provided to guests under 21 when sailing with others who have purchased the Unlimited Open Bar Package. Unlike the alcoholic package, the soda package doesn’t require all guests in a stateroom to purchase it if they’re all over 21.

This package is worth considering if you typically drink 4 or more sodas per day, as individual sodas cost about $3-4 each when purchased separately.

What Happened to the Old Beverage Packages?

NCL has retired the previous Premium and Premium Plus Packages, replacing them with the new Unlimited Open Bar Package. This updated package incorporates almost everything from the former Premium Plus plan, simplifying choices for guests.

If you booked your cruise under the old Free at Sea promotion, you’ve been automatically upgraded to More at Sea, including the new Unlimited Open Bar Package.

Maximizing Value: Is the New NCL Drink Package Worth It?

With the simplified package structure, calculating value is now easier. The big question remains: Is the Unlimited Open Bar Package worth it for you?

The answer still depends on your drinking habits. Compare the daily cost of the package (including service charge) to what you’d normally drink in a day.

Let’s look at some examples:

Light drinker:

• 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day
• 2-3 sodas or juices
• Probably better to pay as you go

Moderate drinker:

• 3-5 alcoholic drinks per day
• A few non-alcoholic beverages
• Package might be worth it

Heavy drinker:

• 6+ alcoholic drinks daily
• Multiple specialty beverages
• Package definitely worth it

With cocktails priced at $12.50 without a package, you’d need to drink about 3 drinks per day to break even on the package cost of $30 (plus service charge). 

A tip from experienced cruisers: Take advantage of the ability to request brand upgrades with no extra charge. This is a new benefit that can significantly enhance your drinking experience.

Fine Print and Package Restrictions

The rules for NCL’s new drink package are similar to before:

• You must be 21 or older to purchase an alcoholic package on most sailings
• There’s a limit of two drinks per person per transaction
• All adults in the same stateroom must purchase the same package
• Packages work onboard the ship and at Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island), but not at Harvest Caye in Belize

Conclusion

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new More at Sea program and simplified drink package structure make it easier than ever to enjoy beverages on your cruise. The Unlimited Open Bar Package now offers more flexibility and value by including brand upgrades and a wide variety of options.

The tiered pricing based on cruise length is a welcome change that rewards guests on longer voyages. And the dedicated Starbucks and soda packages provide options for those with specific beverage preferences.

Whether a package makes sense for you depends on how much and what you drink. Use the information in this guide to make the best choice for your next Norwegian cruise in 2025 and beyond.

FAQ Section

Is NCL’s new Unlimited Open Bar Package worth it? It depends on how much you drink. With cocktails priced at $12.50 without a package, you’d need to drink about 3 drinks per day to break even on the $30 per day package cost. For moderate to heavy drinkers, it’s likely worth it.

Is Starbucks included in the Unlimited Open Bar Package? No, Starbucks drinks are not included and must be purchased à la carte or through the separate Unlimited Starbucks Package at $16.50 per person per day.

Is bottled water included in the new package? No, specialty bottled water (like Aqua Panna or San Pellegrino) is not included and must be purchased separately. However, complimentary water is available at bars, restaurants, and self-serve stations throughout the ship.

Can I order drinks that aren’t on the menu? Yes! NCL bartenders can create a wide variety of drinks, even if they’re not listed on the menu. Don’t hesitate to ask for your favorite cocktail.

Do all adults in my stateroom need to purchase the package? Yes, all guests over 21 in the same stateroom must opt in if one person does. This is to prevent sharing among cabinmates.

What if I don’t purchase a drink package? Without a package, drinks are charged à la carte, with cocktails starting at $12.50.