Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has sparked backlash among loyal cruisers after announcing two major onboard and onshore changes – both of which many guests see as yet another example of the line “nickel-and-diming” passengers.
Just days after introducing a new $5 fee for second entrées in the Main Dining Room, the cruise line has quietly rolled out restrictions on room service orders (at least on one ship for now), and confirmed that its popular “More at Sea” beverage package will soon no longer apply at its private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
The timing of both policy shifts has left many NCL fans frustrated, particularly as both follow a pattern of increased onboard fees and reduced inclusions.
New Room Service Limits Leave Guests Confused
Guests onboard Norwegian Sun were the first to report the new room service restrictions, which limit each stateroom occupant to one hot item and one cold item per delivery.
The notice, displayed on cabin TVs and paper menus, reads:
“Each stateroom occupant may order 1 hot item and 1 cold item (bento box) per delivery.”
The rule appears to have been implemented between September and October sailings, and so far applies at least to Norwegian Sun’s 16-night Hawaii to Vancouver voyage – though it’s unclear if or when the policy will extend fleetwide.
The change has caused confusion among passengers, since the policy doesn’t define exactly what constitutes a “hot” or “cold” item. For instance, it’s not known whether a pot of coffee, which serves multiple people, counts as a single item or one per guest.
“I’m wondering if a pot of coffee, eggs, hash browns and toast would be considered four hot items?” one puzzled cruiser posted.
NCL’s room service already carries delivery fees – $4.95 for breakfast and $9.95 for the all-day menu – plus a 20% gratuity on all paid orders. Those fees remain unchanged, meaning guests are now paying the same rate for fewer options.
This effectively prevents guests from ordering a traditional three-course meal in their cabins, such as a salad, entrée, and dessert, unless they pay additional delivery fees for multiple orders.
“Now you cannot get a salad, an entrée, and a dessert. You can only get two items,” one guest complained.
The move comes just after NCL introduced the $5 fee for a second entrée in the main dining rooms – a change many guests saw as a needless cost-cutting measure disguised as food waste reduction.
While both updates could help the line control inventory and limit waste, loyal guests argue that they undermine the all-inclusive appeal of cruising and make NCL feel increasingly like a pay-as-you-go experience.
“More at Sea” Drink Package No Longer Valid at Great Stirrup Cay
Adding to the controversy, Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that, starting 1st March 2026, guests will no longer be able to use their “More at Sea” unlimited drink package at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.
Until now, the package has covered beverages both onboard and ashore at the island – one of the biggest draws for many cruisers. Going forward, however, it will only apply while the ship is at sea.
“As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies and made the decision that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be applicable for drinks on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026,” the line confirmed.
Complimentary drinks such as water, iced tea, and juice will still be available, but guests wishing to enjoy alcoholic beverages will need to purchase a new island-specific drink package, which NCL says will launch in early 2026.
No pricing details have been released yet, but it will be sold separately from the onboard package.
This decision follows NCL’s ongoing $150 million transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, which includes a new multi-ship pier (expected late 2025), an expansive pool area, upgraded lounging spaces, and the Great Tides Waterpark, opening summer 2026.
While these upgrades are intended to enhance the guest experience, many passengers see the separate drink package as a cash grab.
“NCL nickel and diming every chance they get. This is disgusting,” one cruiser wrote on Facebook.
“Your cruises are already overpriced. Here we come Royal,” said another.
Others noted that they would rather book an all-inclusive resort than pay for multiple add-on packages that used to be included in cruise fares.
Mounting Frustration Among Loyal Cruisers
The back-to-back policy changes have sparked growing frustration among NCL’s repeat guests, many of whom have sailed with the line for years.
Several long-time passengers said these latest decisions have eroded their trust, especially when compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, which still allow multiple entrées or apply drink packages to their private island destinations.
“It’s just one thing after another – new fees, new rules, less value,” one Platinum-level guest wrote. “I love Norwegian, but they’re making it really hard to stay loyal.”
Some speculate that NCL is tightening policies to offset higher operating costs and fund new developments such as the Prima-class expansion and the ongoing Great Stirrup Cay enhancements.
However, many believe the line risks alienating its core base of returning customers – the very travellers most likely to spend heavily onboard.
As one commenter put it:
“We understand costs are up for everyone, but these small charges add up fast. NCL used to feel premium – now it just feels petty.”
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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