Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced an update to the beverage packages offered aboard the Pride of America in Hawaii, citing its commitment to reducing single-use plastics under its Sail & Sustain initiative. Effective immediately, the cruise line is eliminating the inclusion of single-use bottled water from both the Hawaii Beverage Package and the Vero Water Package.
Instead, NCL is fully integrating eco-friendly unlimited premium Vero Water into both packages. This premium water service is dispensed via specialized, keycard-activated units located throughout the ship. Guests can now find Vero Water stations at various popular locations, including the Aloha Café, Pool Deck, Pink’s Champagne Bar, Key West Bar, main dining rooms, and specialty restaurants, with future units planned for the Gangway. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable bottle or cup to refill as often as they wish.
Details of the Package Shift
The removal of bottled water marks a significant operational change, pushing guests toward a more sustainable, refill-based model for their water consumption.
A few key details about the updated packages:
- Hawaii Beverage Package: This package includes unlimited Vero Water service but does not include a reusable bottle for use at the dispensers. Guests must supply their own or purchase one.
- Vero Water Package: This package, priced at $29.95, now includes the reusable Pride of America branded water bottle (valued at $14.95).
- A La Carte Purchase: Bottled water is still available for purchase individually, but it is no longer included as a complimentary benefit of the pre-paid packages.
- Reusable Bottles: A Pride of America branded reusable water bottle is available for purchase at any onboard bar for $14.95, with sales tables set up on embarkation day in the Atrium and on the Pool Deck.
Environmental Focus vs. Guest Convenience
The cruise line is positioning the change as a positive step toward a more sustainable future at sea. However, the policy requires guests to either purchase a reusable bottle or bring their own, which represents a new, minor transactional point for a formerly included perk. For many guests, bottled water was a highly valued, portable item for off-ship excursions in port. While NCL emphasizes the environmental benefits of removing single-use plastics, the decision shifts the responsibility of carrying a refill container – and the cost of a branded one – onto the consumer.
The company stated that it looks forward to guests joining them on the journey toward a more sustainable future at sea. Both the Hawaii Beverage Package and the Vero Water Package remain available for purchase onboard on the first two days of the sailing.
Pictures: Norwegian Cruise Line
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