Norwegian is raising its drink package price for people who book short cruises

One popular cruise line increased the price of its drink package on certain sailings. Passengers embarking on 2-5 night voyages with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will now have to pay more for their Free at Sea drink package. 

Now, those going on shorter cruises will pay $32 per day for the NCL drink package, up from $28.50, if booked in advance. This means that, for a five-night cruise, you can expect to pay $160, compared to $142.50.

The hike was revealed to travel agents shortly before it went into effect on May 1, 2026, who were asked not to inform their clients about the change. Booked guests were given no time to lock in the lower fare before prices were suddenly raised. It's now indicated on their website under "Terms and Conditions."

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This change only impacts short cruises. The daily rate for sailings six nights and longer remains $28.50. 

The Free at Sea Unlimited Bar package includes everything from cocktails to beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and seltzers, along with zero-proof options. 

Considering that the package itself is "free" and you're just paying for the daily gratuities, it's a great deal if you're someone who likes enjoying a variety of drinks on vacation. 

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Still, the drink package increase is yet another example of the broader "nickel-and-diming" that many NCL fans have been feeling over the past year. 

Read more: 7 things I loved and hated about my first Norwegian cruise

NCL backtracks on unpopular drink package change

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Recently, Norwegian backtracked on a policy change to its drink packages at its private island in The Bahamas. Initially, packages would no longer work ashore, unless guests upgraded to the pricier Free at Sea Plus option. 

After getting a lot of backlash, the cruise line reversed the previously announced policy in late March, stating that all drink packages would continue to be honored at Great Stirrup Cay indefinitely.

Is Norwegian in trouble?

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This is yet another controversial decision that impacts the onboard experience for Norwegian cruisers, including extra fees for main dining room entrées, scaled-back entertainment offerings, and iffy service. 

For months, loyal fans have argued that the value and flexibility of Norwegian's claim-to-fame "Freestyle Cruising" is disappearing.

While other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Disney, see a resurgence in guest satisfaction and brand loyalty, Norwegian is falling far behind. 

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"[They'd] better fix their act or they’re not gonna have to worry about paying back the loans because nobody’s gonna be sailing with them. From what I’ve seen in recent comments, a lot of people are walking away from [NCL]," wrote one Redditor.

Another added, "Everyone has been doing cuts but NCL has taken it to the next level...Just got off a RCL cruise and it’s night and day...I think we’re done with NCL until things change."

And it's becoming increasingly hard for investors to ignore the cruise line's problems. In 2025, for example, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' stock declined around 9%, as reported by Royal Caribbean Blog.

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Enter Elliott Investment Management. This Florida-based company stepped in and took a stake of more than 10% in the company. They quickly began advocating for changes to the board, with former Royal Caribbean International CEO Adam Goldstein emerging as one of the key figures to help usher in a new era for the cruise line. 

Will Norwegian Cruise Line get better? Only time will tell. However, Goldstein served as President & CEO of Royal Caribbean International from 2007 to 2014, during which the cruise line launched its fan favorite Oasis Class ships.

This was a very transformative period for not only Royal Caribbean but the cruise industry as a whole, and was likely one of the reasons he was brought on to help Norwegian reshape its future. 

Read more: Is Norwegian in trouble? Why the cruise line’s reputation may be slipping