Norwegian cruise packing list
The short answer
For a Norwegian cruise, pack cruise casual for day and night, with one smart-casual outfit for the upscale restaurants; there are no mandatory formal nights. Don't pack water, soda or juice: NCL prohibits bringing beverages, except water for medical or infant needs and sealed wine for guests 21 and over, with corkage.
Norwegian additions
0 of 4 packedNCL's own rules
Norwegian Cruise Line: the rules, from Norwegian Cruise Line's own pages
- Dress code
Cruise casual, and no mandatory formal nights
Smart casual applies in the upscale dining venues.
Norwegian states plainly that there are no compulsory formal nights — you can dress up if you want to.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Bringing alcohol
Only wine and champagne, and a corkage fee applies
All other alcohol is prohibited on board.
Corkage is $15.00 USD for a 750 ml bottle and $30.00 USD for a 1,500 ml magnum, charged when the bottle is served or consumed in a restaurant, public room or your stateroom.
Box wines are not allowed.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line, checked September 21, 2026
- Bringing water and soda
No drinks of any kind, with two narrow exceptions
Since sailings on or after July 15, 2016, no beverages may be brought on board in carry-on or checked luggage. That includes water, soda and juice, not just alcohol.
Exception 1: purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers, for use with a medical device or to make up infant formula.
Exception 2: fully sealed or corked wine bottles for personal use on board, for guests 21 and over. These are screened and a corkage fee applies.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line, checked September 21, 2026
More: Norwegian tips for first-timers and the complete cruise packing list.