Best cocktails to try on Norwegian Cruise Line, according to cruisers
Norwegian Cruise Line makes the decision about whether to cruise with a drink package easy for most passengers. With the cruise line's Free at Sea cruise package, vacationers can set sail with an unlimited open bar beverage package for a bargain price.
Although called Free at Sea, the package does require passengers to pay a fee for service gratuities, which cost $28.50 per day for sailings of six days or longer, and $32 for sailings of two to five days. With most of Norwegian's cocktails priced at $15, you only need to order two cocktails each day to cover that cost on a weeklong cruise.
Cruising with unlimited open bar makes it easy to try different cocktails during your vacation that you might not have ordered if you were paying for each drink individually. The package includes most any beverage served at onboard bars and lounges that's priced at $15 or less. That gives you a lot of refreshing options to choose from - including more than 100 cocktails.
What are the best cocktails to try on Norwegian Cruise Line? Here are the top five Norwegian cruise cocktails that were recommended most by cruisers in a recent discussion in the NCL community on Reddit.
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1. Norwegian's Mango Meltdown
When it comes to frozen drinks, if you want to branch out from classic piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris, try Norwegian's Mango Meltdown. A popular poolside sip, the Mango Meltdown is a sweet, tropical cocktail that blends Flor de Caña rum and Disaronno amaretto liqueur with mango and strawberry mix.
"That's like an adult Icee, and I don't mean that in a bad way! Those and strawberry daiquiris are two of my favorites for refreshing drinks," cfutch commented in the Reddit discussion.
"I think this is the NCL frozen drink go to! So good. Sweet without rotting your teeth," Ok-Tough-963 added.
2. Norwegian's Mudslide
For a dessert-like treat, many passengers love Norwegian's take on a classic mudslide. Norwegian's mudslide blends Avorza vodka, Irish cream, Kahlúa liqueur, ice cream mix, simple syrup, and chocolate.
"The mudslides are great! Like an ice cream shake," croc-roc said.
Related: 3 Mistakes people make ordering alcoholic drinks on cruise ships
One passenger even shared a hack for upgrading your mudslide to a true spiked ice cream shake.
"They will literally make it with soft serve ice cream if you get it from the poolside bar. I'll have one a day," gmanisback shared.
3. Norwegian's Whiskey Orchard Press
For whiskey cocktails, cruisers recommend Norwegian's Whiskey Orchard Press, a ready-to-drink cocktail on tap that includes Kentucky Gentleman bourbon, apple, cinnamon, lemon, ginger, and spiced tea bitters.
"Whiskey Orchard was a pretty good apple-based cocktail. Hard to find good summery whiskey drinks," pixlfarmer commented.
4. Norwegian's Espresso and Pistachio Martinis
For martini lovers, cruisers suggest ordering espresso martinis with Grey Goose vodka, a premium option included with the Free at Sea beverage package. Pistachio martinis are also popular for a twist on the traditional martini.
"My husband loves the pistachio martini from the Atrium Bar," disneyme shared.
5. Norwegian's Pineapple Surplus
From Norwegian's line of sustainable cocktails, cruisers recommend the Pineapple Surplus. This eco-friendly tequila cocktail features Los Corrales 100% agave tequila, Chinola passion fruit liqueur, pineapple juice, pineapple peel, and turmeric honey.
"The Pineapple Surplus from the old Sail and Sustain menu is killer. I started making my own as soon as I got back from the trip," QuidiferPrestige said.
Other cocktails recommended multiple times in the Reddit thread include Norwegian's mojitos, mai tais, Baileys Banana Colada, Dark & Stormy, and Red Bubbles, a ready-to-drink-cocktail on tap.
Related: Norwegian Cruise Line's beverage packages explained
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 5:47 PM.