NCL Drink Package Breakdown: Is a Beverage Package Right for You?

Purchasing an NCL drink package is a great way to save some money while budgeting your cruise vacation. One of the best aspects of a cruise vacation is how much of it is paid for up front, taking out the guesswork and money management that can easily dampen a good time. With a beverage package in hand, you won’t have to worry about overspending on drinks or tipping your bartenders while you are trying to relax by the pool or enjoying a show. To help you decide if a Norwegian drink package is right for you, we’ve got the breakdown on each of their beverage packages to help you make the right choice for your cruise vacation.

Ultimate Beverage Package

The Ultimate Beverage Package is probably the most well rounded of the Norwegian drink packages, giving you plenty of options to make sure you always have a drink in hand and won’t need to worry about overspending. This is also the package you will automatically be signed up for if you book a Free at Sea cruise deal. With this package, you’ll get select premium cocktails under $15, a variety of beer and wine glasses under $15, 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine, and unlimited soft drinks and juices. This NCL drink package covers your drinks both all across the ship, as well as at Great Stirrup Cay. This is a great deal if you aren’t interested in ordering top-shelf cocktails or many bottles of wine, as you can drink standard spirits to your heart’s content without having to worry about any extra charges.

Premium Plus Beverage Package

Next up, Premium Plus is NCL drink package for big spenders who know they are going to want to order top-shelf spirits and premium wine and beer. With this package, you will get all cocktails, spirits, beers, wine glasses, and even their exclusive brand of rosé Champagne by the glass. You can also get select complimentary wine bottles with dinner, plus 40% off any wine bottles you order beyond that. In addition to the alcoholic drinks, you’ll get unlimited soft drinks, juices, still & sparkling waters, Starbucks coffee, and energy drinks. This is the Norwegian drink package that will give you the most peace of mind for your entire trip by making sure that you never have to spend another dime to get exactly what drink you want at any given moment. If you are already getting the Ultimate Package through the Free at Sea deal, Premium Plus is offered as an upgrade, should you desire to elevate your cruising experience.

Unlimited Soda Package and Unlimited Starbucks Package

If you are not a big fan of alcohol, there are still NCL drink packages that can help you save some cash during your cruise. The Unlimited Soda Package is exactly what it sounds like, providing you with all the Coke products, ginger ale, tonic water, Fanta, and soda water you can drink. This package is available for anyone over the age of 3, so it can be a good idea to get if you have kids so that you don’t get nickeled and dimed to death by their unquenchable thirst. There is also the Unlimited Starbucks Package, which covers coffees, teas, and even specialty drinks like Frappuccinos. This is a good Norwegian drink package for both caffeine addicts as well as avid tea drinkers, as even though non-alcoholic drinks aren’t as expensive, they can still add up over the course of an entire cruise!

Gratuities and Additional Charges

To figure out which drink package to select, check the updated price list and decide whether you are likely to spend more than the package price by going a la carte. Factoring this shouldn’t be too hard, because most of the additional charges are priced in up front. When you purchase an NCL drink package, you will automatically be charged a 20% additional service charge. This money goes to the hardworking staff who are responsible for the exceptional service you will receive onboard and at Great Stirrup Cay. The benefit of this is that it takes out the hassle of having to worry about tipping at all during your cruise, removing the chance for you to overspend. The only extra charges you will have to worry about would be for some premium brands that fall outside of your selected Norwegian drink package, so be sure to inquire about extra costs when ordering high-end drinks!

Free at Sea Promotion

If you are interested in an NCL drink package, then consider the Free at Sea promotion, as they typically include the Ultimate Beverage Package as one of a few complimentary perks that come with the deal. This promotion is a great way to customize your vacation while also ensuring that you stay under budget, thanks to complimentary offerings like airfare, additional guests, specialty dining, excursions, and of course, open bar. When you book with Cruises.com, you can stack additional savings onto any such deals offered by the cruise line and a Cruises.com travel agent can walk you through any additional questions you may have!

To book Norwegian cruises with an NCL drink package attached, visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying cruise line offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Book online at Cruises.com or call 800-288-6006 today.

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