Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) simply made a drink bundle change that even Royal Caribbean followers don’t like as a result of they’re apprehensive of the precedent it units.
Efficient March 1, 2026, Norwegian’s “Extra at Sea” drink bundle will now not be legitimate at Nice Stirrup Cay. Nevertheless, complimentary drinks, like iced tea, juices, and water, will nonetheless be supplied.
As an alternative, NCL will launch a brand new bundle particularly to be used on its non-public island — for an extra price. The fee is unknown presently, however Norwegian claims they are going to be out there for reserving on Jan. 1, 2026.
The transfer has sparked discussions amongst cruise fanatics. Some observed that Royal Caribbean is already implementing an identical coverage at its new seashore membership in Nassau.
Learn extra: Norwegian simply made an unpopular drink bundle change at its non-public island
“I’m questioning if there’s a new Bahamian coverage or legislation relating to alcohol gross sales, as a result of it was lately introduced that on Royal Caribbean’s new “non-public membership” in Nassau (the one you can actually throw a baseball to from the tip of the cruise ship pier), the identical factor is occurring,” one particular person shared on Reddit.
They usually’re proper. Royal Caribbean drink packages won’t work on the Royal Seaside Membership at Paradise Island. Fairly, there are totally different day passes that embrace meals and drinks.
The costlier choice contains limitless alcoholic drinks, whereas the cheaper cross contains all non-alcoholic drinks — although alcoholic drinks can be found à la carte.
Everybody who needs to go to the brand new seashore membership should buy a day cross, even when they’ve a Royal Caribbean drink bundle for the ship.
Would Royal Caribbean ever ban drink packages from Good Day at CocoCay?
It is unlikely. Good Day at CocoCay is actually an extension of the onboard expertise. As such, drink packages and Crown & Anchor drink vouchers are accepted throughout the island, from the swim-up bars to the overwater cabanas. Wi-Fi even works on the island, too.
That is totally different from the Royal Seaside Membership at Paradise Island, which is able to perform extra like a shore tour than a non-public island. In case you do not buy a day cross, you’ll be able to’t entry the unique membership and may discover different elements of Nassau as a substitute.
There’s little or no cause for Royal Caribbean to restrict its drink bundle at CocoCay. The truth is, doing so would undermine considered one of its largest promoting factors, particularly for visitors who worth the comfort and value financial savings of pay as you go cruise facilities.
Following Norwegian’s announcement that its “Extra at Sea” drink bundle will now not be legitimate at Nice Stirrup Cay beginning March 2026, many cruisers have taken to social media to precise frustration, with some even debating whether or not to cancel future sailings.
It is much more shocking contemplating that the cruise line is investing $150 million to improve the island to higher compete with CocoCay’s facilities. By the tip of 2026, Nice Stirrup Cay may have a brand-new water park, pier, heated pool with swim-up bar, family-friendly splash pad, and extra.
“Yeah…we’re gold standing in NCL, however stuff like this has me able to look elsewhere. Attention-grabbing…they’re beginning this now {that a} dock might be in place and extra ships will truly cease there,” wrote one Reddit person.
One other added, “Wow!!! I used to be already disenchanted that the Vibe Seaside Membership doesn’t lengthen to GSC. We is likely to be simply staying onboard at that cease! No thanks!”
“Wow this looks like a cash seize particularly with CocoCay throughout the water nonetheless honoring the RCL drink packages,” one remark learn.
Carnival would not settle for its drink packages at Half Moon Cay or Celebration Key, both. Final 12 months, Carnival hiked the value of its CHEERS! bundle to over $80 per day, even when bought prematurely.
Learn extra: Good Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key
Nonetheless, it could possibly’t be used at any of the road’s non-public locations. That is thought of to be one of many largest criticisms from visitors.
As soon as NCL’s new drink bundle rule goes into impact, Royal Caribbean might be one of many solely cruise strains that lets visitors use its drink packages ashore, together with MSC Cruises (Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve) and Princess Cruises (Princess Cays).
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