Do you have to pay for shows on Norwegian Cruise?

A key piece of what makes a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation a great value is that all of the mainstage entertainment is included in the price. Shows that do cost money also include food (and sometimes wine, as in the case of "Wine Lovers The Musical"), so you still get more for your specialty dining dollar.



For the majority of entertainment options on a Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship in 2026, the answer is no—theater shows and live music are included in your cruise fare. You can enjoy Broadway-style productions, world-class comedians, and acrobatic shows in the main theater without any additional charge. However, there are a few exceptions: "Dining Entertainment" such as murder mystery lunches or dinner theater shows typically require a surcharge. Additionally, while the shows themselves are free, premium activities found on newer ships—like the Galaxy Pavilion virtual reality complex or the Go-Kart racetrack—do come with an extra fee. It is highly recommended to use the NCL app to reserve seats for the popular theater shows as soon as you board, as they can fill up quickly even though they are complimentary.

People Also Ask

Free Shows on a Cruise: Main theater performances are free on cruises. Audience-participation shows are also part of your fare-included entertainment. Shows that Cost Extra on a Cruise: Guests in Norwegian's Deal or No Deal must pay a fee prior to participating.

MORE DETAILS

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion The choice of perks occasionally changes, but Norwegian typically offers the following five: a free drinks package, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi and free third and fourth guests in a cabin.

MORE DETAILS

No refunds will be given on any cruise for no-shows. No refunds will be made in the event of interruption or cancellation by any passenger after commencement of the cruise. Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to the above cancellation fees.

MORE DETAILS

Performances in the Royal Theater, which include award-winning Broadway musicals such as Grease, Hairspray and Mamma Mia! as well as dive shows in the AquaTheater, multimedia performances in Two70® and ice shows in Studio B, are all included in your cruise fare.

MORE DETAILS

Free Activities on Cruises: Trivia, pool games, big-screen movies, dance classes and sports deck activities (basketball, rock climbing, mini-golf, shuffleboard and more) are all normally free on a cruise ship. Ships that offer enrichment classes do not typically charge extra for them.

MORE DETAILS

Is bottled water included in NCL beverage package? Bottled water isn't included with Norwegian's Premium Beverage Package, the once which comes included as a Free at Sea perk. However, you can purchase or upgrade to the Premium Plus drink package, where bottled water is included.

MORE DETAILS

Where can I see a list of all onboard shows, days, times and descriptions? Guests can go to the Cruise Planner see a list of all shows, days, times and descriptions. Guest can easily view all of the shows being offered onboard, the days and times. They can also view all of the shows and their descriptions.

MORE DETAILS

You will most likely need cash while you're off the ship, especially in foreign ports. Not only can it save you money in foreign transaction fees that most credit card companies charge, but if you're traveling to certain parts of the world, you may encounter places where credit cards aren't accepted.

MORE DETAILS

As for your person, you will go through a metal detector. We have yet to go through a port that has the body scanners that have caused so much controversy at airports.

MORE DETAILS

You can order several entrees if you want, or even several appetizers. The wait staff will bring you anything on the menu in pretty much any quantity. If the dish you have been given is distasteful to you in anyway don't feel you have to eat it.

MORE DETAILS

Eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person per transaction. Includes premium spirit brands, cocktails, beer, soda, juices, and wines by the glass up to $15 value. Any items over $15 USD will receive an $15 USD discount and the guest will be charged the difference to their account.

MORE DETAILS

Category BX - Balcony Stateroom (Guarantee) Description: A Sail Away Balcony stateroom guarantees a Balcony stateroom or better! Please note that the view from your balcony may be fully obstructed or partially obstructed.

MORE DETAILS