Norwegian Introduces New Premium Plus Beverage Package

Norwegian Cruise Line is rolling out a new “Premium Plus Beverage Package” for its passengers. The new package carries a higher price tag, but also gives cruisers a wider choice of premium drinks with no price cap.

The new beverage package has already been introduced on Norwegian Pearl, Dawn, Sun, Gem, Jewel, Star, Epic, Breakaway, and Getaway. The package is said to be available fleetwide in March 2019. The only ships that won’t get the package are Norwegian Sky and Pride of America.

More Top Shelf Options

The new package will cover all drinks by the glass, including cocktails, plus energy drinks, specialty coffees, still and sparkling bottled water. The package also includes select wines by the bottle when dining. Additionally, passengers who purchase the Premium Plus package receive a 40% discount on all other bottles of wine.

Previously, NCL’s most expensive drinks package was the Ultimate Beverage Package. That program, which will be re-named the Premium Beverage Package, costs $99 per person, per day (plus 20% gratuity) and allows guests to order cocktails, by-the-glass wines, draft or bottled beers, and sodas that cost $15 or less. By comparison, the Premium Plus Package, with a reported cost of $128 per person, per day (plus the 20% gratuity), does not have a cap on drink cost. It will also include beverages — such as energy drinks and specialty coffees — not included in the Ultimate Beverage Package.

Guests who have the Ultimate/Premium Beverage Package will be able to upgrade to the new plan while onboard. As well, passengers who purchase the less expensive drink package can still order top-shelf drinks and have the price difference above the $15 per drink allowed charged to their accounts.

Grey Goose and Grand Marnier Removed & Added Back

According to CruiseCritic, there was some uproar when some favorite brands — like Grand Marnier and Grey Goose — were removed from the Ultimate Beverage Package. Under the new plan, these would have been included in the more expensive Premium Plus package.

Following the change, Norwegian reversed its policy, adding the drinks back into the lower-priced plan.

A representative of the cruise line stated, “As recent changes to our beverage program caused some disappointment, we have made adjustments which we hope demonstrates our deep commitment to guest satisfaction. Customer favorites including Grey Goose and Grand Marnier have been reintroduced into the Ultimate Beverage Package, which provides guests with unlimited beverages up to $15 per glass during the entirety of their cruise.”

What do you think of the new drink package? Will you be purchasing it for your next cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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2 COMMENTS

    • Right. Energy drinks, room service, mini-bar, fresh-squeezed juices, premium coffee, bottled water, and vending machines are excluded.

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