‘It kind of takes the joy out of cruising.’ Some Norwegian Cruise Line passengers balk at new food-and-drink insurance policies. | Latest Travel News
Norwegian Cruise Line’s new guidelines call for a $5 surcharge with each extra entree ordered in the main eating rooms. – Getty Images/iStock
For many cruise passengers, the make-or-break facet of a journey is the food and drinks. And that goes doubly for the option to indulge in an all-you-can-enjoy fashion, as in ordering a number of entrees at mealtime and bellying up to the bar whenever they select — without paying an additional penny past the price for the cruise and maybe an add-on drink bundle.
But Norwegian Cruise Line, the flagship model of NCL Holdings Co. NCLH, has put new restrictions in place that curb some of that enjoyment.
And some passengers are none too pleased about the modifications.
The cruise operator will now be charging an additional $5 for any extra entree ordered in the main eating rooms. And it is going to be proscribing those who order room service to two meals per individual — as opposed to the earlier no-limit coverage.
Finally, beginning next March, Norwegian will no longer prolong its onboard drinks bundle, which permits passengers to order limitless alcoholic drinks each day, to those touring to Great Stirrup Cay, its non-public island in the Bahamas. That means cruisers may have to pay an extra charge for their cocktails, wine and beer once they step off the ship. Up until now, those drinks have been included as half of the island expertise, supplied passengers opted-in for the onboard bundle.
NCL said the modifications have been made for a selection of causes. Specifically, in the case of the new room-service coverage, a company spokesperson said, “This update will help us to improve our efficiency, maintain freshness, reduce waste and wait times so that all guests can receive their room-service orders in a prompt and timely manner.”
The spokesperson also famous that the change in the drink coverage at Great Stirrup Cay comes as NCL is “rolling out significant enhancements to the guest amenities” at the island vacation spot, including a new pier, an expansive pool space and a kiddie-oriented splash-pad space. “As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies,” the spokesperson said, noting that sure drinks, such as iced tea and juice, will likely be complimentary.
Still, none of this could appease sure Norwegian regulars, who told MarketWatch that the new restrictions communicate to a nickel-and-diming strategy that takes the enjoyable out of crusing the high seas.
“It does give me pause for wanting to book future cruises with Norwegian. It makes me wonder about their financial stability and if there are going to be more cost cuts coming,” said Allie Hubers, a data analyst and freelance journey author who’s behind the Candid Cruise & Travel website.
On online boards, passengers have been equally vocal about the modifications.
Norwegian’s new restrictions come at a time when its mother or father company has seen its share price decline — it’s down more than 8% in 2025, as of Wednesday’s close. That’s in spite of the fact that the cruise industry has been having fun with booming business of late and Norwegian’s chief opponents — Carnival Corp. CCL and Royal Caribbean Cruises RCL — have seen strong share-price positive aspects.
Wall Street analysts who spoke with MarketWatch said NCL, whose manufacturers also embrace Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has had a popularity for being considerably looser with managing prices, and the new insurance policies for its flagship line may communicate to a change in that mindset. In that regard, analysts also said it’s maybe not coincidental that the modifications come after a management shakeup at the flagship line, with President David Herrera departing earlier this 12 months.
The company is “just trying to make sure they’re being as efficient as possible,” said Melius Research analyst Conor Cunningham.
And while the new restrictions gained’t essentially have a super impression on the backside line, they will doubtlessly add up to some financial savings, analysts said. NCL’s food prices top $300 million a 12 months, after all.
But there’s always the risk issues may backfire, said Truist analyst C. Patrick Scholes. “You risk your customer loyalty and reputation for excellent customer service,” he said.
Other industry watchers usually are not so sure the modifications will matter that a lot to prospects.
“I don’t think this is going to make or break someone’s decision to cruise or not,” said Northcoast Research analyst Drew May.
Not every cruise line has the same restrictions in place as NCL. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line permits passengers to order an extra entree in the main eating room with no surcharge, though it can apply a charge beginning with a third entree. And Royal Caribbean extends its drink bundle to passengers who are visiting CocoCay, its non-public island.
However, Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic, warns that it’s commonplace for one cruise line to comply with another’s lead when it comes to modifications in pricing and other insurance policies. “It’s entirely possible,” she said.
For some NCL passengers, the new insurance policies are hardly trigger for alarm.
Michael Geake, a Roanoke, Va., resident who travels commonly with the cruise line, says he appreciates NCL’s exemplary service, particularly as a disabled particular person who requires particular help.
“They fall over themselves helping us,” Geake said. He added that when it comes to room service, all he wants is espresso and a pastry in the morning, not an limitless unfold.
Similarly, Debbie Cabral, another NCL common who calls Warwick, R.I., home, says she’s acquired no need for an extra entree at dinnertime, given the ample parts.
“I can barely eat the food they give you now,” she said.
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