Norwegian Quietly Removes Free Open Bar From Two Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to eliminate the popular free open bar from the two Florida-based ships that offered it, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun. The decision was made quietly, without a formal press release announcing the change.

Norwegian Sky made headlines in 2016 with its new open bar program, a virtually unheard of amenity among mass market cruise ships. Norwegian Sun followed shortly after when she was repositioned into the short cruise market to Port Canaveral. Most alcoholic drinks were included, such as premium spirits, mixed cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled and draft beer worth up to $11.

The open bar will be eliminated for all voyages on or after September 7, 2019. However, the open bar program will still be honored for those who already booked cruises sailing after September 7.

Now, both ships will operate under Norwegian’s “Free at Sea” program that has become a mainstay on most of their ships’ voyages, where guests choose a number of perks when they book based on their stateroom category. These perks include free WiFi, shore excursions, dining packages, an open bar, and more.

The line hasn’t said why they abruptly made this change, but we suspect the decision was related to the canceling of all Cuba sailings from America, because the ships’ calls in Havana, Cuba were a big selling point for their short itineraries. 

Both ships currently operate three and four-night voyages to the Bahamas: Norwegian Sun from Port Canaveral, and Norwegian Sky from Miami.

Information: Cruise Industry News and Cruise Radio