Understanding NCL Cruise Alcohol Policy and Drink Packages

If you're planning to sail with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), it's essential to understand their alcohol policy to avoid any surprises or extra costs. NCL's alcohol policy allows guests to bring their own wine and liquor on board, but there are some restrictions.

The policy also requires that any wine or liquor brought on board be for personal consumption only. No commercial sales or trade are allowed. This means you can't bring on board wine or liquor to sell or trade with other passengers.

To help you budget and plan, NCL offers a variety of drink packages that can be purchased in advance or on board. These packages can save you money and provide flexibility in choosing your drinks.

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You can bring as many wine bottles on board as you like on Norwegian Cruise Lines, but be prepared to pay a corkage fee for each one. The corkage fee applies everywhere, not just in public areas, and you'll be required to pay it on the spot.

The corkage fee for wine bottles is $15 for 750ml bottles, $20 for 1000ml bottles, and $30 for 1500ml bottles. Boxed wine is not allowed on board. This is a key difference from other cruise lines, where corkage fees are often only applied in public areas.

If you're planning to bring wine on board, be aware that it will be counted at a special table when you board the ship. Guests 21 years of age or older are allowed to bring wine on board, but it's subject to screening and corkage fees.

If you're under 21, don't even think about bringing wine on board, as it's strictly prohibited. And if you're 18 to 20, you'll need parental consent to consume beer and wine in international waters, but not in Alaska and Hawaii waters.

You can purchase wine and champagne at ports-of-call or on board, and it will be safely stored for you to pick up on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation.

If you're looking to indulge in some adult beverages on an NCL cruise, you've got several package options to choose from.

The Premium Beverage Package, formerly known as The Ultimate Beverage Package, costs between $89 and $99 per person per day, depending on whether you purchase it in advance. This package includes a selection of beers, soft drinks, cocktails, spirits, and wines by the glass.

You can also opt for the Premium-Plus Package, which costs $128 per person per day. This package includes bottled waters, energy drinks, specialty coffees, select bottles of wine when dining, and all beverages by the glass with no price cap.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Corks and Caps Wine & Beer Package costs between $59 and $65 per person per day. This package includes a selection of beers, soft drinks, and wines by the glass.

For non-alcoholic drinks, the Adult & Teen Soft Drinks Program costs $6.50 per person per day, while the Children's Soft Drinks Program costs $4.50 per person per day. Both programs include unlimited fountain soda.

Here's an interesting read: Ncl Cruise Drink Package

Here's a quick rundown of the prices for each package:

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the length of your cruise and any discounts or promotions that may be available.

The rules around alcohol consumption on NCL cruises are quite specific.

The drinking age on all NCL cruise ships is 21, but passengers between 18 and 20 years old can purchase and consume wine or beer in international waters, except for Hawaii or Alaska sailings.

A parent or legal guardian must be with the minor onboard and sign a consent, which involves completing the line's standard "Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver" form. You can obtain this form at the "Guest Services" Desks upon embarkation on the ship.

Passengers 18 years or older can consume alcohol on round-trip NCL cruises in Europe without having to complete this form.

Sharing drinks is strictly against the rules, and Norwegian Cruise Line makes all people in a cruise cabin buy the package if one person does.

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Sharing drinks is not allowed on a cruise, even if you think you can get away with it.

The cruise line can be tricky to catch in the act of sharing, but if you're extremely obvious, they might notice.

If one person in a cabin buys the drink package, everyone in the cabin must buy it too, to minimize the problem of sharing.

Sharing drinks can be tempting, but it's against the rules and might get you in trouble.

You can buy as many drinks as you want with the Norwegian Cruise Line drink package, there's no daily limit on the number of drinks you can purchase.

However, if you're obviously inebriated, the bartender may refuse to serve you, so it's best to pace yourself.

You can buy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with the package, and there's no limit on the number of non-alcoholic beverages you can purchase.

It's worth noting that some cruise lines, like Carnival, do have daily limits on the number of drinks you can buy, but Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't seem to have one.

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You can bring wine and champagne on board Norwegian Cruise Lines ships, but be aware that a corkage fee will be charged if you consume them in any restaurant, public room area, or in your stateroom.

The corkage fee varies depending on the size of the bottle: $15 for a 750ml bottle, $30 for a 1,500ml magnum.

Guests who purchase a beverage package or have one as part of More At Sea won't be charged a corkage fee.

If you bring wine or champagne on board, you'll be required to pay the corkage fee on the spot, even if you plan to consume it in your cabin.

Boxed wine is not allowed on board, but you can bring as many wine bottles as you like, as long as you're willing to pay the corkage fee.

Note that if you purchase alcohol at a port of call or on the ship, it will be safely stored and available for pickup on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation.

It's worth noting that the policy on bringing wine and champagne on board is different from other cruise lines, and the corkage fee is applied everywhere, not just in public areas.

Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcohol while in US sailings.

You can bring bottles of wine and champagne on board, but a corkage fee will apply if consumed in a restaurant, public room area, or in your stateroom. The fee is $15 for a 750 ml bottle and $30 for a 1,500 ml magnum.

Guests who purchase a beverage package or have a beverage package as part of More At Sea will not be charged a corkage fee. Box wines are not allowed on board.

Parental consent is required for guests 18 to 20 to consume only beer and wine while in international waters, except in Alaska and Hawaii waters where it is not permitted. This consent must be given by completing the Young Adult Alcoholic Beverage Waiver form at the Guest Services Desk.

You can purchase alcohol at ports of call or in onboard shops, and it will be safely stored for you to pick up on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation.

Guests under 21 years old are not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in China/Asia waters.