Norwegian Cruise Line Takes Freestyle Cruising to the Next Level

Starting in January, Norwegian Cruise Line will include wine, beer, spirits and soda up to $11 in the cost of the cruise fare on Norwegian Sky. Cruisers also will be able to get unlimited beverages when visiting the line's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay. This is quite the unprecedented move for a contemporary cruise line! Usually the inclusion of free liquor is reserved for luxury cruise lines.


Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer for Norwegian Cruise Line states, ""Norwegian Sky guests will have the freedom to enjoy a cruise vacation the way they desire -- whether it's lounging by the pool with a margarita, having a laugh at a comedy show, catching up on their favorite book on their balcony, or indulging in fine dining -- all included in their cruise fare.""

Is this new policy just a means of attracting new cruise passengers or could this possibly be a way of testing the waters for a fleet-wide change in the future? This year many cruise lines have offered a free beverage package as a limited time booking incentive and it seems to be a very successful strategy for driving up bookings.

The new policy takes effect starting in January 2016, only on Sky three- and four-day sailings from Miami to the Bahamas.