Norwegian drink package ends at Great Stirrup Cay

Published on Oct 10, 2025, 3:00 pm CDT

5 min read

Norwegian Cruise Line will stop honoring its shipboard Norwegian drink package at Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026. NCL says complimentary water, iced tea, juices, and select soft drinks will still be available on the island with a key card. The line will introduce a separate Great Stirrup Cay beverage package, available to purchase starting January 1, 2026, with pricing and inclusions to be announced. The policy shift comes as the Bahamas private island rolls out a new pier, an expanded pool area with cabanas, a kids splash pad, and an adults-only zone this winter, plus a large waterpark next summer.

Key points

Why it matters: Popular Norwegian drink package perks will no longer carry ashore.
Travel impact: Expect to budget separately for alcoholic drinks while on Great Stirrup Cay.
What's next: Island-specific beverage package goes on sale January 1, 2026.
Upgrades include a new pier, pool complex, kids splash pad, and adults-only area.
Great Tides Waterpark opens next summer with multiple slides and a dynamic river.

Snapshot

Effective March 1, 2026, NCL's shipboard Norwegian drink package will not be valid for alcohol purchases on Great Stirrup Cay. Guests will still find complimentary water, iced tea, juices, and other nonalcoholic options at island venues. To cover cocktails, beer, and wine ashore, NCL plans a separate Great Stirrup Cay beverage package, available to buy on January 1, 2026; details are pending. The change aligns with a broad island refresh launching this winter, including a pier designed to handle larger ships without tendering, a new pool zone with cabanas and loungers, a kids splash area, and an adults-only space. A nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark debuts next summer.

Background

Norwegian has been modernizing Great Stirrup Cay to compete with destination-focused private islands in the Bahamas. First announced in mid-2025, the project adds a multi-ship pier, heated pool with swim-up bars, additional cabanas and villas, and new recreation zones. The waterpark opening next summer features 19 slides and an almost 800-foot dynamic river, alongside family splash areas and cliff-style jump elements. Operationally, shifting drink benefits ashore mirrors industry practice at some private destinations. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, does not honor its CHEERS! package on purchases at Celebration Key, where beverages are sold à la carte unless included with specific on-island products.

Latest developments

Island-only beverage package on sale January 1, 2026

NCL confirmed the shipboard Norwegian drink package will no longer apply on Great Stirrup Cay starting March 1, 2026. Complimentary nonalcoholic beverages remain available with a key card. To replace shipboard coverage ashore, NCL will sell a dedicated Great Stirrup Cay beverage package beginning January 1, 2026. Travelers should watch for pricing, inclusions, and refund terms, then decide whether to pre-purchase or buy drinks à la carte based on port-day plans and time ashore.

Winter upgrades now, waterpark next summer

This winter's on-island features include a new pier, an expansive pool area with complimentary loungers, a kids splash pad, and an adults-only area aimed at crowd dispersion and improved flow. Next summer, Great Tides Waterpark brings 19 slides and a near-800-foot dynamic river, targeting both thrill-seekers and families. The added capacity and pier access should reduce tender delays and improve schedule reliability on Bahamas itineraries that call at Great Stirrup Cay.

Analysis

For travelers who rely on the Norwegian drink package value proposition, this change shifts the calculus of port days at Great Stirrup Cay. Cocktails and beer ashore will require either à la carte spending or the new island-only beverage package. If you typically spend limited time on the beach or plan a short morning visit before returning to shipboard venues, à la carte may be more cost-effective. Longer beach days with multiple bar visits could favor the island package, depending on price caps and included brands. Operationally, separating shore-side beverage sales from the ship aligns with NCL's investment in new island venues, where revenue management and staffing differ from onboard bars. The policy also echoes Carnival's Celebration Key approach, suggesting a wider industry trend for private destinations. Monitor final package details, and, if you have 2026 Bahamas sailings booked, adjust budgets to account for on-island beverage costs.

Final thoughts

NCL's move to end the Norwegian drink package at Great Stirrup Cay reflects how private-island offerings are evolving from simple beach days to full resort experiences. With upgrades this winter and a marquee waterpark next summer, travelers get more to do, but should plan separately for drinks ashore or consider the new island-only option. Understanding the policy now helps you optimize port-day spending, avoid surprises, and preserve the value you expect from a Norwegian drink package.