Norwegian Cruise Line is shaking up its beverage policies at Great Stirrup Cay. Starting March 1, 2026, guests will no longer be able to use their shipboard beverage packages on the island—a perk many cruisers have come to expect as part of their all-inclusive experience.

While NCL says complimentary beverages like water, iced tea, and juice will still be available with a key card, guests wanting alcoholic or premium drinks will need to purchase a separate beverage package exclusively for use on the island. That new package becomes available on January 1, 2026, with details still under wraps.

The move appears aimed at monetizing the increasingly popular island destination and encouraging guests to spend more onboard and ashore. Travel industry insiders are already debating how the change will impact customer satisfaction, especially among loyal cruisers accustomed to using their beverage perks seamlessly across all parts of their vacation.

"These changes reflect our commitment to delivering the best vacation experience not just aboard our ships, but at our destinations as well," NCL said in a carefully worded message to travel partners.

For now, travelers will have to weigh whether the added amenities are worth the added costs or if this signals a shift toward more à la carte pricing at private island stops across the cruise industry.