CC Help Jenn 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. Drop us an anchor below with your analysis of this beverage program. A few friends of mine have, and really liked the food and the overall cruise. 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. The cost per day was over $57, which in my opinion isnt a great deal. Fine print: If one person in a cabin purchases a package, all people in the same cabin or traveling group also must purchase a package (children in cabins will be charged for a less-expensive, nonalcoholic package). This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. Notably, this restriction does not apply to alcoholic beverages so, you could get bottles or cans of beer, but not sodas or water. The package has limited options compared to the Premium package and only covers drinks served by the glass, up to $9 per drink. The Plus package is included when passengers book suite accommodations. To determine if the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package is a good value, there are a few scenarios we will consider. While you might be able to consume enough drinks on sea days to make the package worth the price, youll have to consider the days that you will spend in port. If the cost of the drink is more than the allowed value ($15 I think) it is a little more complicated. So if you feel like purchasing drinks off of the ship, you will have to pay for them. Package name: Premium Drink Package. 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 Norwegian Cruise Line Premium Drink Package is good almost everywhere. Other packages: Princess also offers a less pricey Plus Beverage package that can be used for drinks priced up to $12. This is a significant consideration for whether the beverage package is worth it. The package includes spirits and cocktails along with a selection of soft drinks, juice, draft and bottled beer, and wine-by-the-glass. Whether you've been daydreaming of hiking to one of Alaska's pristine glaciers, touring ancient ruins in the Greek Isles or exploring one of our other top destinations, get more free when you cruise with NCL. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! The package also features a 25% discount on wine bottle purchases. You Want More than Just Water, Coffee, and Tea. By Ultimate Beverage Package - limits? Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. You aren't charged for any gratuities when you actually get the drinks. If your second passenger is under 21 and only receiving a Soda Package, then you'll be charged $11.13 for that package. Cost per day: $64.95 when purchased on board, not including an 18% automatic gratuity charge; $59.95 plus the gratuity charge when purchased in advance of sailing. Explore more of the shore with $50 USD Discount Per Port Shore Excursions. Q: The included beverage package is the House Select. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The cost of the beverage package varies depending on the length of your cruise. There are five different adult beverage packages available on Norwegian Cruise Line cruises. We save on the average of $800 when we choose a regular balcony over the free at sea balcony. Before deciding to purchase a drink package, we recommend doing a little math to find out if it will save money or be an unnecessary expense. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Two lines that notably don't have such a rule are Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises. No sharing is permitted and is non-transferable. If you decide to purchase a drink package on your cruise, you will have to purchase it for every day of the vacation. The main dining room and buffet are free on all ships in the fleet and there is usually another free option such as a bar/pub. A Norwegian law requires you to be at least 18 years old to purchase wine or beer. It would seem effortless for two people to drink 2-3 adult beverages between the two of them. The Adult Soda Package is $7.95 per day plus gratuity of $1.59 for a total of $9.54 per day. Related Post: Beginners Guide to Cruise Planning. Fine print: Packages do not include drinks from in-room minibars or shipboard wine-dispensing machines. Windstar also has begun offering optional All-Inclusive Pricing rates for cruises that include unlimited drinks at no extra charge. I have been lucky enough to travel on multiple continents, as well as several cruise lines. 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. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. But hurry, this limited-time offer won't last long. And again, thats if you are drinking the more expensive drinks and cocktails. What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks and cocktails (soda, beer and house wines by the glass ordered at lunch and dinner already are included in the fare at Viking; so are specialty coffees and teas at all hours). The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. If you plan to spend the day in port, you wont be consuming as many beverages as you would on sea days. We've purchased the UBP on each NCL cruise we've been on, and we have never experienced an issue with limits. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. That said, many cruise lines will allow you to use the drink package on their private islands. There is no limit to the number of bottles passengers can bring onboard. Although annoying, it still seemed like we could make good value out of the packages even with the required fee. The Corks and Caps Wine and Beer Package, priced at $65 per day, includes beer, wines by the glass priced up to $15, soda and juices. The cost of cruise line drinks packages varies widely by line. CC Help Jenn What it includes: All beverages by the glass (top-shelf spirits, cocktails, beer and wine) and select premium bottles of Champagne and wine. People who want to drink without breaking the bank and enjoy a variety of drinks without . Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $18. Visit our, The drink package promotion applies to the first two guests in the cabin. 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. Is the drink package worth it on a cruise? is one of the most common questions we receive. So, for a 7 day cruise, you will be assessed a charge of $124.60 for each adult beverage package. Home / Cruise Tips / Is the Drink Package Worth it on a Cruise? It also includes fountain soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beer. Bartenders and bar servers receive a portion of your tips, so they want to make sure you're having a good time. Powered by Invision Community. Plus you can order unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants and Great Stirrup Cay. Drinks over $15 (you'll pay the difference) The package also brings a 30% discount on wine bottle purchases for bottles costing up to $100. Wine and Champagne are permitted, but you'll have to pay a corkage fee for any that is consumed onboard in staterooms, bars or restaurants. Norwegian's Unlimited Open Bar Package includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15. Just wondering if Norwegian has a similar daily drink limit? There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. You still have to pay the 18% gratuities on the list price of the drink package in advance. The 15% service charge is waived when pre-booking the package. 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. For example,Royal Caribbeans CocoCay islandand MSCs Ocean Cay allow you to use your beverage package for drinks on land. Dont make the mistake of thinking beverage packages are only for alcoholic drinks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); High Seas Cruising was founded by couple Marcello and Victoria to share travel tips and insights from over two decades of cruise vacations. 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. Youre on vacation, after all, and whats not to like about an all-inclusive beverage package? Be sure to check the fine print in your particular line's drinks package before placing an order for a drink to your room. Other packages: Norwegian has two less-inclusive, less expensive alcoholic beverage packages. The two major exceptions are Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. If youre planning on purchasing the drink package, the Princess Plus fare is an excellent way to save money. Cost per day: $59.99, including an 18% gratuity charge. The only limit is your own personal weakness and self doubt about having just one more beverage. The 20% service charge for a 7-day cruise will cost each guest $138.60 for the Premium Beverage package. Wine and Champagne are permitted, but you'll have to pay a corkage fee for any that is consumed onboard in staterooms, bars or restaurants. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community. The line's new Premium-Plus package is the "top beverage offering" of Norwegian and is designed for passengers who love top-shelf liquors. What it includes: Beer, wine by the glass, spirits and cocktails. One of the most hotly debated cruise topics are drink packages. NCL has no drink limit per day with the drink package, whether purchased or as a perk. I have no way of knowing if my normal call brand of gin or bourbon is under $15 onboard, or excluded, or even available. All you are paying for each time is 18% of the cost the drink. We dont think the limit will be a problem for most cruise passengers. Related: The 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package. These have bubbles, but theyre not sparkling water. $12 for a drink made with leftover banana peels? Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Learn More Free Wi-Fi 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. Yes. No votes so far! Heres everything you need to know to help you decide if the drink package is worth it on a cruise. This drink package includes everything in the Premium beverage package, along with other higher end offerings. Drink Packages Drink Packages F A Q s Drink Packages Bottomless Bubbles Enjoy ice-cold refreshments during meals, during shows, during, well. In fact, we would have actually lost $685.20 compared to just paying out of pocket for all our alcoholic beverages. And if you wait until the second day, you will still be paying for the first two days of sailing, even though you didnt use the package. It also does not include Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or flights, Starbucks, or Ice Bars. You wont be charged an additional gratuity when you use the beverage package at the bar or dining room because it is already paid for when you purchase your package. Soda, specialty coffees and other nonalcoholic beverages already are included in the fare on Windstar sailings. Norwegian Cruise Line offers its Premium and Premium Plus beverage packages for $99 per person per day and $128 per person per day. Thats the equivalent of 2-3 alcohol drinks per day for the couple depending on price. Check your cruise itinerary to see if you are visiting any private islands or resorts. Includes: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mt. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Limitations related to drink cost: Cannot be used for drinks priced over $15. This website uses cookies. The beverage package includes a selection of hot drinks such as Vergnano coffee, cappuccino, herbal teas, and hot chocolate. Further, there are several other factors you should keep in mind when determining if you should buy a beverage package on a cruise. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Have another, we won't tell.*. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. If youre looking to save money, its best to purchase the drink package before you set sail. Package name: Captains Exclusive Beverage Package. Weve seen similar promotions offering a $100 top-up. 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). Although you need to be aware of the limit, we dont think most passengers will reach it. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, View Cruises with 50% off and 300 Airfare Credit, Select, premium cocktails & spirits under $15, 2 meals to enjoy at any of our specialty restaurants*. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? Some cruise lines will provide discounts on bottles of wine when you purchase a beverage package, but it is best to check with your cruise line as not every package provides discounts on bottles of wine. Package name: Prestige Select Beverage Package. It depends. BIGGER & BETTER NEW HUGE 40oz BEAST has arrived! 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. Other packages: Norwegian has two less-inclusive, less expensive alcoholic beverage packages. The package also brings a 20% discount on wine bottle purchases. That means you'll pay $19.80 per person per day or $138.60 per person for the 7-day Pride of America sailing. You'll notice it doesn't mention a daily limit. Generally speaking, we each drink about 2 non-alcoholic specialty drinks a day plus bottled water. If you are only drinking a few drinks per day, it is probably cheaper for you to not choose the free at sea promos. Norwegian Cruise Line Drops a Drink Package Norwegian charges the most for its drink packages and those prices have actually recently gone up. 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. Learn more. Typical drinks are much less than that. Plus Ups are excluded. 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. It is simple for many cruise . I got the drink package as a perk, for me it will be worth it as I do like to drink well on vacation.
