Norwegian Unlimited Open Bar: Free at Sea and Plus Prices

Where these numbers come from

Norwegian's drink offer is tied to its Free at Sea promotion. On eligible bookings, the Unlimited Open Bar is included or sold as a low-priced add-on. The line's cost page says the package starts at $28.50 per guest per day. Free at Sea Plus raises that to $49.99 and adds more premium drinks plus other perks.

What you get under base Free at Sea is unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wine, draft beer, juice and soda, with no limit on the number of drinks. The catch is on cost per drink. Premium collections receive a $15 discount off their retail value, and servers may limit you to two beverages per person per transaction. Free at Sea Plus applies a $25 threshold on premium items. Package terms can differ by ship, so confirm on your own sailing.

Break-even is easy to test. The line's FAQ says a drink averages about $15 on board. With the 20% service charge, that is $18.00. At $28.50 a day you break even at 28.50 / 18.00 = 1.6, so 2 drinks. At Plus's $49.99 you need 49.99 / 18.00 = 2.8, so 3 drinks. Over a 7-night trip for two adults, the base package costs 2 x 7 x $28.50 = $399, before any extra charge. Use the drink package calculator for your own prices.

One item to verify at checkout: the packages page says a 20% gratuity and beverage service charge is added to package purchases, while the promotional terms say gratuity is included in the package pricing for Free at Sea. The safest step is to read your itemized total before paying.

The age rules are firm. The Unlimited Open Bar must be bought for all guests 21 and older on the reservation, and younger guests must take the Unlimited Pop Package instead. Packages are personal, non-transferable and non-refundable. The promo also excludes sailings shorter than five days on the cost page, and applies to bookings made on or after November 5, 2025.

Who is it for? Couples who would order three or more drinks a day, and anyone who values Starbucks and higher-end spirits, which points to Plus. Families with teens can use the $12.50 Pop Package. Look at the Norwegian service charge page and the Norwegian overview, then test the cruise vs all-inclusive calculator.

Sources

• NCL Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar cost FAQ
• NCL Free at Sea offer
• NCL beverage packages
• NCL promotional terms
• NCL Free at Sea Plus FAQ

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.