Norwegian Cruise Line Reverses Drink Package Decision For Great Stirrup Cay As Tendering Set To Return

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Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed a reversal of its controversial drink package policy for Great Stirrup Cay, while also announcing a temporary return to tender operations at the private island as construction work continues.

NCL Great Stirrup Cay Upgrades

The cruise line has now extended its “Free at Sea” beverage package to include use on Great Stirrup Cay indefinitely, abandoning earlier plans that would have restricted its availability at the destination.

Travel agents were informed of the change, and the update has also been reflected on the company’s website, where the island is no longer listed as an exclusion for the package.

“The Free at Sea beverage package has been extended indefinitely for Great Stirrup Cay. So if you have the FAS drink package it will still work on GSC after March 31; you don’t need to upgrade to FAS+,” a travel agent shared on social media.

Guests who previously upgraded to the more expensive “Free at Sea Plus” package in order to retain drink benefits ashore can still cancel or downgrade, provided they are at least three days away from embarkation.

Why The Original Change Sparked Backlash

The now-scrapped policy would have removed access to standard onboard drink packages while visiting the island, replacing them with a yet-to-be-detailed, destination-specific offering.

In practice, guests were being encouraged to upgrade to the “Free at Sea Plus” package, priced at $49.99 per person, per day, in order to maintain drink privileges ashore.

This marked a notable increase from the standard “Free at Sea” rate of $28.50 per person, per day. Over the course of a seven-night cruise, that difference would total an additional $150.43 per guest.

Great Stirrup Cay Bacardi Bar

The proposal drew widespread criticism from cruisers, prompting Norwegian Cruise Line to first delay its rollout from 1st March 2026 to 31st March 2026, before ultimately abandoning the change altogether.

While beverage packages remain optional, basic drinks such as water, lemonade, tea and coffee continue to be included in the cruise fare, with other options available for purchase individually.

Tendering To Resume During Pier Construction

In a separate update, the cruise line has confirmed that Great Stirrup Cay will temporarily return to tender operations starting in April.

Although a pier began welcoming ships in late 2025, it was only a temporary structure. Work is now set to begin on a permanent pier, requiring ships to anchor offshore while construction is completed.

“Many of you have used the pier built at GSC and noticed it was temporary. NCL will be working on the permanent pier, so tendering will return beginning in April,” the travel advisor’s update continued.

Tendering had previously been a point of frustration for some guests, as it can lead to delays and missed port calls in poor weather conditions.

The cruise line expects construction to be completed by July, in time for the anticipated debut of the new Great Tides Waterpark, which will feature 19 slides and form a major part of the island’s expanded attractions.

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