Is there a limit on free at sea drinks?

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS ON THE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS THAT CAN BE ORDERED WITH THE FREE UNLIMITED OPEN BAR? There is no limit to the amount of drinks consumed under the promotion, however guests who choose to consume alcohol must do so responsibly.



Under Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) popular "Free at Sea" promotion, there is no official "total daily limit" on the number of drinks you can consume, but there are strict rules per transaction. Eligible guests are entitled to two alcoholic beverages per person, per transaction, and each drink must have a menu value of $15 or less. If you order a drink that costs more than $15, you simply pay the difference plus a 20% gratuity on that extra amount. While the "Unlimited Open Bar" is technically unlimited, ship staff are legally required to serve alcohol responsibly and can refuse service to any guest who appears intoxicated. Additionally, the package excludes certain items like energy drinks, bottled water, freshly squeezed juices, and the mini-bar. In 2026, NCL also offers a "Free at Sea Plus" upgrade that includes these premium items and higher-end spirits. It is important to note that all guests in the same stateroom who are of legal drinking age must be on the same beverage package to prevent "sharing" of the benefit.

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Sodas and other applicable non-alcoholic beverages remain unlimited and will not be counted toward the 15 alcoholic beverages limit, and all other policies and procedures remain the same. Guests are expected to enjoy alcohol responsibly and staff members are trained not to serve guests who appear to be intoxicated.

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Firstly, if anyone in a stateroom purchases a deluxe drinks package, everyone over the legal age for drinking on a cruise ship, typically 21, but 18 years can drink on a cruise in some instances, has to buy a drinks package too. This effectively eliminates your sharing with the people you're staying with.

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Most cruise lines include beverages such as tea and coffee to your ticket cost. You can get complimentary tea and coffee options from the cafes and restaurants that are present onboard the ships.

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While purchasing a beverage package prior to your cruise is the most cost effective, you can opt to purchase one on board for a slightly higher price.

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While water, juice, and tea are usually free on a cruise, you often have to go to the ship's restaurants to get them. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic drinks like sodas cost extra (usually around $2-3 per serving), so bringing those on with you when allowed can save you a decent amount.

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On most cruise lines' ships, alcoholic drinks cost extra and incur an automatic 15 to 20 percent service fee. Pricing will vary by line, but it's akin to restaurant and nicer bar prices -- about $12 per cocktail, $8 to $10 per glass of house wine, $14 to $25 for nicer wines.

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How to Hack (and Share) the Royal Caribbean Drink Package
  1. 1 Buy your drink package before the cruise.
  2. 2 Share the drink package with someone else.
  3. 3 Order top-shelf liquor at the bar.
  4. 4 Take advantage of the non-alcoholic drinks.
  5. 5 Take bottled water with you on excursions.


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To the delight of many passengers (or to the chagrin of those watching their waistlines), cruises offer no shortage of nibbles at all hours of the day. Although cruise midnight buffets are nearly extinct, several lines still offer a spread of snacks that are available into the wee hours of the morning.

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Guests are not allowed to bring beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use. Alcoholic beverages (beer, seltzer, or hard liquor) seized on embarkation day will be returned at the end of the voyage provided that they are in the original sealed package.

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The only bar that will be consistently open late and may stay open 24/7 is the casino bar on most ships. As far as am drinks, the main bar in the atrium is usually available earliest, pool bars shortly there after.

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Please Note: All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids. On embarkation day, each guest of drinking age may bring one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited.

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Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. You may be asked to pay a fee for some versions of bottled water. However, you can likely ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant or bar for no added cost. There are several water dispensers present on a cruise ship so that you can help yourself.

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At several of the biggest cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, the main drinks packages that include all types of drinks cost about $60 per person per day. Other brands, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, charge as much as $138 per person per day for a top-tier package.

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According to the FAA, it's all about the alcohol content! Alcohol less than 24% alcohol by volume (ABV) or 48 proof, like most beers and wine: For carry-on you are limited to containers of 3.4oz or less that can fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag.

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