Norwegian just made an unpopular drink package change at its private island

Norwegian Cruise Line is investing $150 million to enhance its private island and take it to the next level. However, not all of the upgrades coming to Great Stirrup Cay have been well-received by guests.

Effective March 1, 2026, Norwegian's popular "More at Sea" drink package won't work on Great Stirrup Cay. Instead, the cruise line plans on releasing a new package specifically for use on the island for an additional cost. 

"As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies and made the decision that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be applicable for drinks on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026," reads a beverage package update. 

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"Complimentary beverages, including water, iced tea, juices, and more, will continue to be readily available on the island with the use of the guest's key card."

The update continues, adding that there will be a new beverage package available for use on the island. Details will be shared in the future. However, the new drink package for Great Stirrup Cay can be reserved starting Jan. 1, 2026. 

"We look forward to opening these new experiences on the island for guests to enjoy, including the all-new Great Tides Waterpark in the summer of 2026, featuring 19 waterslides, a dynamic river, and more attractions for the whole family." 

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17 Norwegian ships are expected to visit Great Stirrup Cay between March 2026 and Oct. 2027, including the brand-new Norwegian Aqua and upcoming Norwegian Luna. 

Although there are a lot of exciting changes coming to the island, including the waterpark (which is set to compete with Royal Caribbean's Thrill Waterpark), swim-up bar, and pier, the line's sudden beverage package change cannot be overlooked. 

Cruisers are expressing frustration over Norwegian’s drink package change at the private island

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"Not right! [The beverage] package isn’t cheap to begin with, and now NCL wants more? Sounds like they want the people to pay for GSC now!" one frustrated guest wrote on Facebook. 

Another added, "...[O]ne of the appeals with Norwegian’s private island was [that the] drink package [was] included. What a shame that if you want to have a drink or two while relaxing on that beautiful island you will have to pay for it……disappointing!"

"Wow. Just wow...[time] to change cruise lines, nothing but downhill in service and value for 10 years now," read another comment. 

Read more: 60 Best Norwegian Cruise Line Tips, Tricks & Hacks

Norwegian launched its new "More at Sea" drink package earlier this year

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Norwegian Cruise Line revamped its "Free at Sea" program to offer guests a more inclusive and valuable cruise experience. 

One of the major changes was the introduction of the "More at Sea" drink package. All NCL cruises departing on or after Jan. 1, 2025, featured the new drink package, which includes unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wines, draft beers, juices, and sodas.

Moreover, compared to the previous beverage package, there's a wider selection of drinks to choose from. They also got rid of the $15.00 USD cap. 

Norwegian isn't the only cruise line that bans drink packages from being used at its private islands

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Most famously, Carnival's CHEERS! beverage package can't be used ashore at Celebration Key or Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas. 

Even if you have paid over $80 per person, per day, for Carnival's drink package, you must pay for alcoholic beverages ashore. 

Moreover, Norwegian guests have never been able to use their drink package while at Harvest Caye, Belize. An agreement with the Belizean government requires local vendors to supply and sell food and beverages, including alcohol.