What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.
Money on board · Norwegian Cruise Line
Already in the fare
Most meals in the Main Dining Rooms and Garden Cafe buffet are included.Access to various casual dining venues like O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, The Local, and some poolside grills is part of the fare.Many on-board entertainment options, such as Broadway-style shows, live music, and comedy acts, are included.Youth programs for children aged 3-17 are provided at no extra cost.Use of the fitness center and most sports facilities is included.
The drinks package
The Unlimited Open Bar package typically costs around $130-167 USD per person, per day, including the automatic 20% service charge.
Break-even: It generally takes about 6-8 alcoholic drinks per day, such as cocktails, wines, beers, or premium coffees and sodas, to break even on the package cost.
This package suits guests who plan to consume several alcoholic or premium non-alcoholic beverages daily, but light drinkers may find paying per drink more economical.
- Gratuities
- An automatic daily service charge, typically around $20-25 USD per person per day, is added to the folio; it is usually higher for guests in suites. These charges can often be prepaid or adjusted at Guest Services on board.
- Wifi
- The cheaper internet packages allow for social media, email, and messaging apps, but typically do not support streaming or video calls, costing around $15-35 USD per day. More comprehensive plans are available at a higher daily rate.
Costs that surprise people
- ◆Specialty Dining. Many highly-rated restaurants like Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro, and Teppanyaki carry an additional cover charge or à la carte pricing.
- ◆Shore Excursions. While you can explore ports independently, all guided shore excursions booked through the cruise line incur an additional fee.
- ◆Spa and Thermal Suite Access. Treatments in the Mandara Spa, and often access to the thermal suite with its saunas, steam rooms, and thalassotherapy pool, are not included in the base fare.
- ◆Gratuities on 'Free at Sea' Drinks Package. If you receive an 'Unlimited Open Bar' package as part of a 'Free at Sea' promotion, you will still pay the automatic 20% service charge on the retail value of that package.
- ◆Room Service Convenience Charge. Most room service orders, with the exception of continental breakfast, incur a convenience charge of approximately $9.95 USD per order.
- ◆Select Fitness Classes. While gym access is free, some specialized fitness classes, such as spinning or Pilates, may have an additional per-session charge.
Ways to spend less
- ◆Book 'Free at Sea' Promotions. Many NCL fares include 'Free at Sea' options that can provide a complimentary drinks package, specialty dining credits, or free Wi-Fi, often saving you hundreds of dollars.
- ◆
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
