I have never been on NCL before, so I am not sure exactly how good they are or if it is a good fit for me. However, I have read about some changes and watched some other YouTubers talk about the changes. So, let’s talk about it.

Drink Package

Like any other cruise line, NCL offers drink packages. NCL is famous for including drinks in the cruise fare. You know it is never free; they just raise the cost of the cruise fare.

Like most cruise lines, they have a private island, Stirrup Cay. Starting on March 1, 2026, they have decided that the drink package will no longer work on the island.

So, starting on March 1, 2026, be prepared to pony up for those drinks, but there are some free items on the island.

Free items:

• Water
• Ice Tea
• Juice

However, you will have to show your room card. Well, how in the world did someone get on the private island?

I know, right? What the heck? Are they just nickel-and-diming the customers?

Rumor has it

NCL will launch a drink package just for the island—I’m not sure what it is yet—in January 2026.

The Change

Reading on the internet, I see that this is due to the ongoing transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, such as a new waterpark and multi-ship pier. So, I guess the fastest way to pay for it is from customers drinking on the island.

Main Dining Room

Now, in the mine dining room, they are charging an extra $5 for a second entrée. Yes, you have read that right. If you want a second entrée, you will have to pony up $5 more.

I know there are times when I would like to get the steak and the chicken and consume them both. But now on NCL you will have to pay extra.

I wonder if I could order two desserts?

I guess you go to the buffet after dinner if you are still hungry.

They might be doing this to reduce the amount of waste; however, if someone goes to the buffet afterwards and wastes food there. Isn’t it the same?

I get it

Cruise lines are in it to make money, but charging for a second entrée is kind of lame. I have heard that some cruise lines charge for the third and fourth ones, and I can understand that.

I went on a cruise once, not going to say which one, but we had lobster one night, and it was more money for a second one. I mean I love me some lobster, but not enough to get a second one. I could get a second entrée if I wanted to; they don’t charge for the second one. The lovely waiter asked my father-in-law if we wanted a second one. We said no since there was a charge for it. She said I had two extras here, and they are free. I said free? She said yes. So we took them and enjoyed them.

I guess being good-looking and friendly gets you places.

But charging for a second entrée seems like a money grab.

The no-drinks policy on private islands is all about the money grab. I mean, people are on the island having a good time and want a beer, a cocktail, a soda, or several drinks. They can make good money from the drinks.

Now, certain foods are still free, but you can purchase other types of food. I think if they started to charge for all food on the island, there would be an uprising, or no one would go to the island.

My Opinion

This is all about money. How can they get more and more of your money? You are going to spend the money anyway, so you might as well spend it with NCL.

They could start charging YouTubers a fee for filming and an extra fee for taking pictures with your phone, since you should be using the ship’s photographers. When will the nickel and dining stop?

YouTube

Coming soon to YouTube!!