Is The Norwegian Unlimited Open Bar Worth It? Calculator Included (2024)
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Are you planning your next voyage with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and wondering if the Norwegian Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package is a worthwhile addition to your cruise cost? You’re not alone! This package promises an all-you-can-drink experience, but is it cost-effective for your drinking habits?
We have sailed on NCL many times, and I’ve sometimes wondered if the beverage package is worth it for us. It does come with the Free at Sea package, which we always use, but what if we decided to cut back on our drinking a little? Would the beverage package still be worth it for us then?
That’s where our new calculator comes in, helping you make an informed decision. Let’s explore what this package offers and how our calculator can personalize your decision.
What is NCL’s Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package?
NCL’s Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package offers cruisers a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. From spirits, cocktails, and wines to draft beer and soft drinks and juices, it covers nearly everything you might crave at sea. Ideal for those who plan to indulge in several beverages of various types each day, this package allows guests to enjoy their vacation without worrying about the bill.
Key Benefits
- Variety: Access to a vast selection of beverages.
- Convenience: Enjoy your favorite cocktails that are included within the package without worrying about the cost.
- Budget-Friendly: Potentially save money compared to buying individual drinks.
Breaking Down the Cost
While the package sounds appealing, it’s important to consider your personal drinking habits. This is where the cost-effectiveness becomes a crucial factor. The package price varies depending on the cruise length and itinerary, but at this writing it costs $109 per day. However, that cost is included in your Free At Sea package. What isn’t included, however, is the gratuities.
Gratuities of 20% are what you are charged, so this is what we have included in our calculations. Twenty percent of $109 is $21.80 per day, so this is the cost we will use for comparison purposes.
What Does The Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package Cover?
The Unlimited Open Bar package covers a variety of beverages, including:
- Vodka
- Gin
- Whiskey
- Brandy
- Rum
- Tequila
- Liqueurs and cordials
- Wine
- Beer and cider
- Spiked seltzer
- Sodas
- Tonics
- Juices
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Plus, you will receive a 20% discount on wine and spirit experiences, Connoisseur Collection beverages, tastings and flights, and included wines by the bottle.
Not all available brands of the above are included in this package, so you will need to reference NCL’s beverage package flyer to determine if your favorites are included in this package. Their flyer is available here.
Introducing Our Cost-Effectiveness Calculator
To help you decide, we’ve developed a simple yet effective NCL beverage package calculator. This tool considers:
- Your Drinking Habits: How many and what type of drinks you usually consume.
- Cruise Duration: The number of days you’ll be on board.
- Comparative Costs: How much you would spend on individual drinks versus the package.
How to Use the NCL Beverage Package Calculator
Using the calculator is straightforward:
- Input the length of your cruise.
- Enter the gratuity cost of your beverage package per day, which is $21.80 for this package.
- Enter the number of each type of drink you might consume per day (e.g., 2 beers, 1 cocktail).
- The calculator will compare your estimated spending on individual drinks against the cost of the beverage package.
NCL Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package Calculator
Note: These calculations are approximate and are for average-cost beverages, not premium beverages.
Case Studies: When is it Worth it?
Let’s consider a few scenarios:
- The Social Drinker: Enjoys 1-2 drinks per day. In this case, the package may not be cost-effective.
- The Enthusiast: Typically has 4-5 cocktails per day, plus sodas and juice. Here, the package will be a good deal.
- The Party Goer: Indulges in 6+ cocktails daily plus other beverages. The package will offer significant savings.
Final Thoughts on the Norwegian Unlimited Open Bar Package
The NCL Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package can be a great deal, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. Use our calculator to assess the package’s value to you based on your personal habits and cruise details.
If you want to see how all three of NCL’s beverage packages compare, check out our post.
Remember, the best choice is one that aligns with your lifestyle and helps you enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
Happy cruising!
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