Beverage Policy
In the interest of safety and security of guests and crew Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer allow non-alcoholic beverages brought on board by guests including water, soda and juices. This decision affects all ships fleet wide and does include all Sixthman and other special event charters. Norwegian is not the first in the industry to enact this type of policy. Over the years, the excessive amount of beverages requiring individual examination during embarkation has had a marked impact on the embarkation process and security resources. Please read Norwegian’s official statement and FAQ below. Armed with your survey feedback, we’ve been working with Norwegian on some liquid relief. We’re pleased not only to offer several types of beverage packages, BUT also at a discounted rate! Everything you need to know can be found at 311cruise.com/beverages.
Beverage Policy Update
At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our top priority. To ensure a safe and enjoyable onboard environment for all, guests are prohibited from bringing any beverages -- including liquor, beer and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda and juices -- on board the company’s ships either as carry-on or checked luggage, with the exception of purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the reconstitution of infant formula; and fully sealed and/or corked wine bottles for personal consumption onboard that is subject to screening and a corkage fee (for guests 21 years of age or older). Open beverages of any kind must be consumed or discarded at the security check-point, on embarkation day and at any port of call.
To provide our guests with a smoother and faster embarkation experience, we will be implementing this updated policy effective July 15. This revised policy brings the company in line with other best practice travel security protocols and reduces the need for individual time consuming screening and package inspection of large volumes of beverages.
We thank our guests for their understanding, cooperation and compliance with this change. More information on our beverage policy is available on our website at https://www.ncl.com/faq#what-to-bring.
FAQs
Why the change in policy?
The inspection of large volumes of beverages has an impact on the embarkation process and security resources. As one example, guests who attempt to smuggle alcoholic beverages on board often try to do so in beverage containers. This means all beverages must be personally screened, taking both time and dedicated personnel.
This modified policy will now bring us in line with other travel industry procedures for transporting beverages and allow security personnel to focus on other screening efforts and not individually inspecting all beverages being brought on board.
Purchasing beverages in a port of call
Guests will not be permitted to bring any beverages on board the ship in ports of call and any locally-purchased beverages will be disposed of prior to embarkation. No open containers of beverages, including water, will be allowed on board during a port of call.
If you purchase any alcohol at one of our ports-of-call or in our onboard shops, we will safely store your purchase and either on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation it will be available for pick up in a designated area.
What happens if I bring a case of water to the ship?
Guests who bring beverages to embarkation will be directed to return the items to their vehicle. If the guest does not have a vehicle onsite, the items will be disposed of.
If I need to bring water or milk onboard for a medical reason or infant, what’s the process?
Guests who have special needs or medical requirements should contact the access desk at accessdesk@ncl.com.
Families with infants who require water for formula or milk should advise the security team during embarkation and those items will be inspected at the check point.
Can I still bring wine on board?
Yes, guests may bring sealed bottles of wine on board for personal consumption. They will be checked prior to embarkation and a corkage fee applied at that time of $15.00 for a 750 ml Bottle or $30.00 for a 1,500 ml Magnum bottle. Box wines are not allowed on board. If guests do not wish to pay the corkage fee, the wine will be held onboard and returned to the guests at the end of the cruise.
Why can I bring wine but not other beverages?
As very few guests bring wine on board, the team is able to easily and quickly screen these items.