We’ve got some disappointing news for Norwegian Cruise Line fans. In a disappointing turn of events, NCL officially confirms big changes to their their popular More at Sea Drinks Package. Norwegian Cruise Line drops Drink Package perks that cruisers love.
Norwegian Cruise Line Drops Great Stirrup Cay Perks!
In an October 8, 2025 announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line shared that the More at Sea Drinks Package will no longer work at Great Stirrup Cay. Starting March 1, 2026, cruisers will have to either purchase drinks outright, or spend more on a brand-new package.
You read that right!
NCL confirmed that guests will soon be able to purchase a separate Great Stirrup Cay drinks package. It will be available for purchase beginning January 1, 2026. That means the brand will be able to charge you twice for the same drinks that you pay for with the current program!
Norwegian is giving cruisers the option to purchase a secondary drinks package on top of their already purchased drinks package!
Who This Change Impacts
Guests currently booked on itineraries that stop at Great Stirrup Cay before March 1, 2026 will not be affected.
However, if your cruise visits the island on or after that date, you’ll receive an email from Norwegian notifying you of the operational changes.
Our Reaction
We predicted this change the moment we saw the plans for the new Great Stirrup Cay. With new beach clubs, swimming pools, rentable cabanas, and a staggering amount of other revenue opportunities, a drinks package inclusion seemed highly unlikely.
We love that the More at Sea Drinks Package is extended for use at Great Stirrup Cay. The Bacardí Bar is one of our all-time favorite island stops! The drinks package extension to Great Stirrup Cay gave Norwegian a huge competitive advantage. Especially over Carnival, which has always charged guests twice for drinks on its private islands.
As cruise lines compete for who can make the most money off of each cruiser, the Great Stirrup Cay change will no doubt please NCLH investors. Carnival Corporation has long touted its ability to generate more profit from existing ships and guests, arguing that cruising is still undervalued compared to land travel. Operators believe there’s a lot of cash to go after. This change from Norwegian Cruise Lines is just one more example of a short-term mindset.
Sadly, this is one cut that cruisers will feel in their pockets. It’s hardly the “more” Norwegian promised us with the rollout of More at Sea.
What are your thoughts about Norwegian Cruise Line discontinuing the use of your purchased drinks package on Great Stirrup Cay? Let us know below. We’d love to hear how you feel about this change.