norwegian cruise line free shore excursions

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Good Deal? Everything to Know About Norwegian’s “Free At Sea” Sale

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Free at Sea” deal is one of the most appealing cruise line offers out there. After all, everyone likes getting something for free.

But is it a good deal? It is worth buying? And what details should you know when you book?

While cruise passengers have gotten used to shelling out plenty of cash for extras on the ship after they board, not everyone likes being nickeled-and-dimed.

That’s why this offer aims to provide many of the extras you’d normally buy on a trip, all included in your cruise fare at a price that’s normally less than if you booked them all separately. That gives you a more all-inclusive atmosphere on the ship, instead of worrying about more spending once on the ship.

With Free at Sea, you book a cruise and get any number of “free” perks included with your cruise. While what’s offered to passengers does change slightly from time to time, the traditional deal offers a lineup of perks for you to select from:

• Free open bar
• Free specialty dining
• Free shore excursions
• Free third/fourth guests

So with the deal you can pay one price and then get drinks for the duration of your trip, wi-fi, shore excursions, and more.

Norwegian has been offering some version of the sale for some time now. And anecdotally, it’s one of the most appealing offers out there. Who doesn’t want to get free drinks or free specialty dining tacked onto their cruise? In fact, it promises to take away so many of the extra charges that creep into the cost of a cruise these days.

But while the sale sounds mouth-watering, there are definitely some things you will want to know before you purchase your fare in order to get the best deal… and avoid any surprises.

In This Article...

The Number of Perks May Depend On Your Cabin Type (But Often Includes All Perks For Every Cabin)

First things first, while you can get all the perks included with your cruise, the number of freebies you can select may depend on the type of cabin that you purchase. Often no matter which cabin type you book, all the perks are included. Other times, it may be that the higher grade of cabin you choose, the more picks you receive. The offer can change occasionally.

If you book at a time when not everything is included, then if you pick a studio or inside cabin, you might only be offered one or two free perks. Oceanview, balcony, and mini-suites will usually get to pick more offers offers, while suites, and The Haven cabins normally get to select all the perks. 

But it seems limiting the perks based on cabin type is becoming less common . For example, as of this writing all cabins — regardless of if they are inside rooms or top-of-the-line suites — are able to get all the perks included in their fare.

Sometimes More Perks Are Offered

In addition to changing the number of perks included with the room you book, NCL also adjusts the actual perks themselves at times. Typically, this means adding a perk or two occasionally to sweeten the offer.

What you’ll find is the five base “freebies” don’t change. They include: 

But occasionally the cruise line adds in other deals. Most recently we’ve seen seen free airfare for second guests (for those flying to the port) and free cruise credit to put toward booking another trip while onboard the ship.

The Free at Sea Offer Runs Consistently

With the ability to get all the perks included with your cruise, it can be tempting to want to jump at the deal so that you don’t miss out. In fact, normally you’ll see a timer on the Norwegian website counting down until the sale ends.

In this case, you don’t seem to have much to worry about. The offer has run in some form or another (there are small tweaks here and there) for years. And while we don’t check every day, we can’t think of a time in recent history that it hasn’t been offered.

So yes, the sale may change slightly, but some form is seemingly always offered. Don’t think you have to rush to buy or risk missing out. If the time isn’t quite right to book, you’ll most likely see something similar when you are ready.  

Rooms Without Perks Are Less Expensive (If You Can Find Them)

One of the things you might not realize is that you can purchase cabins on the ship without the perks offered. Why would you want to do that? Sailing without the perks is actually cheaper than buying the same cabin as part of the sale.

Take a balcony cabin we found for 7-day Alaskan cruise, for instance. The price per person for a balcony cabin that included the Free at Sea offer was $2,369 per person. 

Norwegian also offers a “Sail Away” balcony, which is a room that’s not part of the promotion, and the cruise line picks your room. In return, you get a cheaper rate. In this case, it was $2,319 per person.

So the Free at Sea deal was actually $50 more per person — or $100 extra for a couple sailing together.

Remember that for that price difference you get all the perks and get to choose your actual cabin on the ship. As well, if you plan to buy things like drink packages ($109 per person, per day), you still come out way ahead despite the higher price. Still, it is a higher price to pay for the same type of room.

If the perks aren’t something you’ll use, then it may not be worth it for you to book the offer. But for most people, it likely will be worth the extra cost.

One thing to note is that it seems the fares without the offer often say they are sold out on NCL’s website. It may be difficult for you to find a fare without the offer.

You May HAVE to Buy the Free at Sea Offer

In years past, there was a rather large difference between the cruise fares with the Free at Sea offer and those sail away balconies (on the order of hundreds of dollars). Then that difference seemed to get smaller and smaller to where booking with the offer was a no-brainer. Now, it can be seemingly tough to find a cruise without the offer included.

During our most recent price checks, we looked at several cruises departing in the weeks ahead all the way to more than a year out. On none of them were we able to find a sail away room available. While the option was shown for all cruises, the website labeled them all sold old — even for cruises leaving more than a year from now. Meanwhile, there were still options available with the Free at Sea perks included.

In other words, if you wanted a fare without the offer, it may be tough to find.

You Still Have to Pay Gratuity… Even on Free Things

One of the biggest draws to the Norwegian sale is that you can get free open bar on your trip. With the price of alcohol on a cruise being high (think $10-14 for a cocktail or about $6-8 for a beer), having free bar privileges can be a huge money saver. Meanwhile, Norwegian charges $109 for an unlimited drink package. On a 7-day trip, that’s hundreds of dollars you’re saving by having it included.

But with the free drink package (as well as other things like specialty restaurants), you are still on the hook for gratuities. With Norwegian, that’s an automatic 20% on the value of the package, or $21.80 per person, per day. For two people, that’s $43.60 each day.

So on a 7-day cruise, a couple will end up paying more than $300 in gratuities for your “free” drinks.

It’s similar with the specialty dining package. There, you will see gratuities on the free meals with the offer, which are paid when booking.

You can opt out of the free drink package and specialty dining to avoid paying the gratuities. (See more on that below.)

You Don’t Have to Select a Perk If You Don’t Want It

With the extra gratuity cost of some perks like free drinks and specialty dining, there can actually be a disadvantage to having it included on your cruise if you don’t use these offers. That’s ok. When you book, you don’t have to take advantage of every single perk that’s offered.

When making your reservation, you have the choice to opt out of those packages that require a gratuity charge such as the drink package and specialty dining. That way if you don’t think you’ll get your money’s worth, you don’t have to pay the gratuity charge.

Understand the Terms & Conditions Before Booking (Lots of Fine Print)

In general the perks from Norwegian are straightforward, but there are some terms you should know about.

Gratuities: We’ve mentioned that gratuities are still charged even on free perks. But if you take advantage of the third and fourth guests in a cabin sail free perk, they will still be charged a daily service charge of $20 per person on the ship like any other passenger.

Specialty Dining: While other things to know include that the free specialty dining perk is only for a some meals (two per person in total for a 7-day cruise if booking a balcony cabin, for example but only one per person in a studio, inside, or oceanview) and gratuities are also charged on the value of the package.

Wi-Fi: The free wi-fi offer is for only 75 minutes on cruises less than seven days or 150 minutes for trips of 7-11 days. It is not unlimited.

Shore Excursions: While the shore excursions are labeled as “free” in fact, it is actually a $50 credit for the first guest, per excursion. If your excursion is more, then you’ll need to pay the difference. And NCL says the “offer is application to first guest on the cruise reservation” — not multiple guests in the cabin.

For the full terms and conditions of the offers, you can click here . And here is a breakdown of what’s included from Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Free At Sea Plus” Offer Could Be Better For You

Maybe you’ve made the choice to book Free at Sea instead of a basic cabin without the perks. There’s one more choice to consider, and that is Free at Sea versus Free at Sea Plus.

Norwegian has created an upgrade with the following perks included:

• Premium Plus Beverage Package (includes all top-shelf spirits)
• Two additional specialty dining meals
• $50 shore excursion credit per tour for both first and second passenger
• Unlimited wi-fi for first and second passenger  

Compared to the regular Free at Sea deal, this includes a higher-tier drink package , more specialty dining meals, an additional $50 credit per shore excursion, and unlimited wi-fi instead of a bundle of minutes.

The price runs $49 per person, per day ($29 pp for kids and $42 pp if traveling solo).

Given the list prices of these services, you do come out ahead with this package if you used the features. For instance, the Premium Plus Beverage Package is $29 more per day while unlimited wi-fi runs $30-40 per day. That alone is more than the $49 per day that you’ll spend. Add on a couple of uses of the $50 shore excursion credit and the additional meals, and you’re well in the black.

But these are also extras that you may not need. For instance, many passengers would be just fine with the basic drink package. Some may not need unlimited wi-fi. Others may take only an excursion or two during the trip, meaning the discount isn’t as big a deal.

Before you book, you’ll want to do the math to figure if the daily cost ($98 a day for a couple traveling) is worth the upgrade. 

Check Prices on Airfare Offers

One of the perks that can be popular for people living a distance from the port is free airfare. Often, it is free for the second guest on the cruise, although the offer specifics can vary.

As you might expect, there are some caveats when it comes to free flights. Most notably, airfare charges will vary depending on where you’re flying from. You’ll be able to select your departure city, and then it will tell you the price of airfare for the guest that does have to pay.

In that case, it’s worth a quick search of flight-search websites like Kayak to see what the airfare rate will be. In a recent search, we found flights on our own for several hundred dollars cheaper than what we were quoted on the NCL website. However, when you consider the free airfare for the second guest, the Free at Sea offer was better overall.  

Good Deal? Likely, but Do the Math Before You Buy

For many people, selecting the Free at Sea offer is a no-brainer (or may be required if a sail away fare isn’t available), and they will end up saving a considerable amount of money. 

But if you aren’t a big drinker or plan to drive to the port instead of fly, or don’t care about shore excursions, it could be that buying the cheaper cabin is worth it for you. After all, you’ll have to pay gratuities on the drink package, still have to pay for some flights, and pay gratuities on specialty restaurant dining.

So if you won’t use the perks that are offered, be sure to consider if the deal is worth paying the higher price. If not, then you might be better off sailing without them. Even so, there’s a reason the offer is popular — for many people it’s a smart move.

More on Sailing NCL:

Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide

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Ncl offers additional 50% off from normal 50% off. It says upon reservation to see as it is added to latitudes account. So in order to actually see total cost I have to book the cruise?

Please Beware, If you take the “Free” drink package you will be charged the $19.80 per day regardless of weather you drink or not, we do not drink. When I asked for a refund of the $200 gratuities Norwegian now says it is a service charge and not refundable. So the “Free” drink package cost us $200, IMO very dishonest and misleading.

Also they advertise a Bingo with a $5000 prize. AFTER you buy the tickets then then tell you the “RULES” You have to get a full card in 47 or less numbers to get this prize. It has about the same odds as getting struck by lightning.

At this point if you are considering a cruise with this company please investigate their claims carefully. This is my 4th cruise and the first with Norwegian while the entertainment and food were decent their business practices are very suspect .

I bough the cheaper inside cabin and got 2 free perks and 50 dolars OBC. The gratuities are included we don’t have to pay more. https://www.ncl.com/es/en/free-at-sea “Offer is applicable to all categories including IX, OX, BX and MX (Sail Away Categories).” “20% gratuities on the retail value of the Premium Beverage Package ($19.80 USD per person per day) and/or Soda Package ($1.59 USD per person per day) are included.”

Looks like you’re booking a cruise in Europe. For U.S. departures, there is still the $19.80 in gratuities you have to pay:

“Guest is responsible for 20% gratuities on the retail value of the Premium Beverage Package ($19.80 per person per day) and/or Soda Package ($1.59 per person per day) prior to cruise.”

What a joke, only get the one free perk when you book inside cabin, if you do not buy the least expensive inside cabin. If you upgrade (pay more) you could get the one free perk of $50 per cabin. Just spoke to Norwegian on the phone, to get the correct information. I Asked about the cost to use the bowling alley on the pearl, which I saw on a review from a past guest was $5. But this rep told me there is no bowling alley, now I am confused. Any body got any more interesting tips around things we should know about before we sail. Love to hear from you.

Been on the Pearl 5 years ago. Yes they have a bowling alley. I believe 4 lanes only. Line to use it was crazy. Not worth it. Also this ship had very few bars and lounges. They used the space to put in many specialty (pay extra) restaurants. I’d never go back on the Pearl.

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NCL Free At Sea: Everything You Need to Know

What exactly is “NCL Free at Sea”? Dive into the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion and explore the latest NCL Free at Sea Plus addition. Is it a worthwhile choice?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea offer includes free specialty dining, unlimited open bar, Wi-Fi minutes, shore excursion credits, and sometimes 3rd & 4th guests free and-or free flights. But is it a fit for every cruiser?

After our Norwegian Joy cruise , we debated the value of the beverage package. One of us is completely sober, questioning its worth. But then, on our Norwegian Encore cruise to Alaska , we upgraded to the NCL Free at Sea Plus .

Let’s look at what’s included in your options and help determine if you should take advantage of the NCL’s year-round promotion offers and if upgrading to NCL Free at Sea Plus is worth it. Follow along as we review Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer in 2024.

Which one is your favorite Norwegian Free at Sea perk?

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

• The pricing and examples provided apply to a seven-night duration and are calculated for two passengers.
• Tasty Itinerary is an independent entity not associated with or employed by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Table of Contents

What is Norwegian’s Free at Sea?

Norwegian’s Free at Sea is a promotion that allows cruisers of the following perks:

Free Unlimited Open Bar

Free specialty dining, free shore excursions.

The 5th and 6th perk rotates throughout the year, and sometimes they are both offered at the same time.

• Free 3rd & 4th Guests

Free Airfare

** The NCL Free at Sea package does not apply to Sail Away rates and cabins.

Upgrades Available:

• NCL Free at Sea Plus Explained

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Original Free At Sea Promotions Explained

Let’s dive in and look at the NCL Free at Sea offers so you can decide if they’re right for you.

• Make sure to go through the Terms & Conditions of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free At Sea promotions. While we cover essential details below, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the additional fine print.

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NCL Free at Sea Open Bar

Premium Beverage Package for cruises over three days (valued at $109 per person daily).

• Covers drinks up to $15; extra charges for exceeding this limit.
• Free-flowing cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages (up to $15) from boarding to disembarkation, including some favorite NCL cruise cocktails .
• You can order two drinks at a time.
• Exclusions: Unlimited bottled water, bottles of wine, energy drinks, specialty coffees, mini bar items, high-end spirits, etc.
• Free open bar for guests 1-8, aged 21 and older; minors get the soda package.
• 20% service/gratuities of the value of the package is added to the cruise fare.

Is there a service fee for the NCL Free at Sea Open Bar?

Yes. Opting for the NCL Free At Sea drink package adds a 20% gratuity to your cruise fare, calculated on the Beverage Package’s value ($109 per person per day for double occupancy) at the time of booking. The service charge is automatically included when you add this perk to your reservation.

Is Norwegian Free at Sea Open Bar worth it?

Whether the cruise drink package is worth it depends on your drink preferences and consumption. Calculate daily drinks at $9 to $15 each, reaching at least $305 for a 7-day cruise for two.

• If the estimate exceeds the service fee, it’s worthwhile.
• If it equals the service fee, it’s still worth considering.
• If it’s half the service fee or less, it may not be the best choice.

The beverage package offers convenience for worry-free ordering, whether you prefer soda or virgin frozen drinks.

Alternatively, a soda package at $9.95 per person daily plus a 20% gratuity is an option. However, after doing the math, you might find the Free Open Bar’s gratuities provide better value.

Calculation example: ($10 per drink) x (how many drinks a day) = estimated total for one cruise day. (Total of one cruise day) x (# of days of your cruise) = estimated total for the entire cruise. You can also use our handy Cruise Drink Package Calculator below.

Cruise Drink Calculator

Option to Upgrade to the NCL Free at Sea Plus

Another option is upgrading the Free at Sea Open Bar to the Premium Plus Beverage Package without having to upgrade to the full NCL Free at Sea Plus . The Premium Plus Beverage Package costs $29 per person per day, plus 20% gratuity.

With the NCL Free at Sea Plus , your beverage package will be upgraded to the Premium Plus Beverage Package, which includes Starbucks, all bottled water, high-end spirits, and more.

About the Hawaii Beverage Package

Pride of America sailings does not qualify for the Free at Sea Open Bar offer. It has a similar Hawaii Beverage Package; the difference is that it includes bottled water and specialty coffee (in dining rooms only). It applies to guests 1-8 in the stateroom.

Read more: Norwegian Drink Packages Explained

NCL Free Specialty Dining

Free Specialty Dining Package Inclusions (NCL):

• Guests enjoy complimentary meals at specialty restaurants.
• The number of meals included in the offer depends on the stateroom type and the length of the cruise.
• Applies to guests 1 & 2.
• Covers one appetizer, soup or salad, main entree, and dessert per guest.
• 20% service/gratuities added to the cruise fare.
• Other stateroom guests: Purchase a dining package or pay a la carte.
• Children can order from the kid’s menu.

How many meals are included in NCl free at sea?

The free specialty dining is a great offer if you enjoy eating at the cruise ship’s pay restaurants. As foodies, we take full advantage of this offer.

You can make reservations for specialty restaurant dining starting 90 days before embarkation day . You can also book your dining reservations on embarkation day. So, if they seem to be booked full online, don’t worry; the ship only releases a certain percentage of the reservations online. Just wait till you embark on making the reservations.

What is included in the free specialty dining package on NCL?

When dining at an ala carte restaurant, the NCL free specialty dining package will cover one appetizer, soup or salad, a main entree, and dessert for each guest (guests 1 & 2). If the restaurant cost is a cover charge, then the dining package will cover the cover charge to that restaurant.

Is there a service fee for the NCL Free at Sea Specialty Dining?

Yes, a 20% service fee covers the value of a specialty dining package, which retails at $89 to $119 per person. The service fee is minimal, ranging from $10 to $24 per person.

If you add this perk to your reservation, the service charge is automatically added to the cost of your cruise.

Is Norwegian Free at Sea Specialty Dining worth it?

Since the service fee is minimal, it is well worth the cost of their NCl specialty dining package to dine at the ala carte specialty restaurants. These restaurants serve top-notch gourmet food that differs from the main dining room. Your dinners easily add up to over $100 at a specialty restaurant without a specialty dining package.

This offer allows you to try out some of the best restaurants at sea without breaking the bank.

It may not be worth it if you don’t think you’ll use it or if you plan to eat most of your meals at the buffet.

If you upgrade to the Free at Sea Plus , you will receive two additional specialty dining meals for guests 1 & 2.

Want additional specialty dining meals without upgrading to the Free at Sea Plus ? Upgrade for $69 per person, plus 20% gratuity for an additional 2 Meal Dining Package .

NCL Free at Sea Shore Excursions

• Not a free excursion, but a $50 discount.
• Applies only to the first guest in the reservation.
• Credit is applied to shore excursions booked with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Consider it a discount for shore excursions at all ports of call in your itinerary (excluding pre/post-cruise tours). If you discover a shore excursion priced at $50 or less, it could be a “free” excursion for one person.

Is there a service fee for the NCL Free at Sea Free Shore Excursions?

No. There is no service fee added when booking shore excursions.

Is Norwegian Free at Sea Shore Excursions worth it?

It all depends on your port preferences. If you tend to book cruise line-sponsored excursions at every port, this offer can be a money-saver—a handy discount. However, keep in mind that cruise ship-advertised tour costs can be inflated. Before deciding, compare them with independently run tours.

For cruisers who prefer independent exploration or booking their excursions, as we do, this offer might not be the most valuable choice.

In exceptional instances, you might stumble upon tours, tickets, or transfers at port that align with the discount’s value, essentially converting it into a complimentary tour.

Read more: Tips to Book Cruise Shore Excursions On Your Own

Thinking about upgrading to Free at Sea Plus ? When you upgrade, a $50 credit is added to guest 2 in the cabin. This brings the shore excursion credit to $100 per stateroom per tour ($50 per guest 1 & 2).

NCL Free at Sea Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi Free offers include internet minutes you can use during your cruise.

• 75 minutes per person (guests 1 & 2) for 3-6 day cruises
• 150 minutes per person (guests 1 & 2) for 7-11 day cruises
• 300 minutes per person (guests 1 & 2) for cruises over 12 days

Is there a service fee for the NCL Free at Sea WiFi?

No service fee.

Is Norwegian Free at Sea WiFi worth it?

It depends on your internet usage plans. The free minutes suffice for checking emails and texts a few times on the cruise until you’re onshore.

Choosing this perk won’t incur any extra cost as part of the “choose all perks” offer.

With Free at Sea Plus , you will receive unlimited internet for guests 1 & 2, but it will not include streaming.

You can upgrade your Free at Sea WiFi to Unlimited Wifi without upgrading to the full Free at Sea Plus package.

• Unlimited WiFi (no streaming): $109.03/person (guest 1&2).
• Premium Unlimited WiFi (with streaming): $179.93/person (guest 1&2).

3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free

NCL Free 3rd & 4th Guests

This NCL Free At Sea Offer is free to cruise fare and is known as 3rd & 4th guests Free or at $99 per guest. Sometimes, this promo is also known as “Kids Sail Free.”

• 3 & 4 Guests Sail Free or for $99 per guest, with dates subject to change without notice.
• Only available on select sailings.
• Only valid for guests 3-4 sharing a stateroom with guests 1-2 paying full fare. Guests 5-8 in a reservation must pay fares.

The NCL Free at Sea offer for the third and fourth guests in a stateroom is great for families of four or groups of friends willing to share a cabin.

This offer is not always available as a perk, but it comes up often.

NCL Free at Sea Airfare

This perk offers a roundtrip economy airfare for the 2nd guest, occasionally a 50% credit. The 1st guest will have to pay full airfare via NCL.

• The promotion applies to guests 1-2 only.
• Does not apply to sail away sailings.
• Not available for sailings less than 7 nights.
• Deviation requests of 2 days before or after the cruise need to be submitted in advance.

How does NCL free airfare work?

Norwegian takes charge of your airfare, determining the flight details closer to the cruise date. This could result in multi-stop flights that might have been direct if booked independently.

Opting for flexibility may lead to significant savings, especially for international cruises with embarkation and disembarkation in foreign destinations.

While the potential savings are considerable, the drawback lies in relinquishing control over the airfare details.

We personally don’t favor NCL’s free airfare due to the lack of control over specifics. Our advice is to handle your airfare independently to avoid surprises.

The Option to Upgrade with Norwegian Free at Sea Plus

What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Plus?

NCL Free at Sea Plus is the latest addition to Norwegian’s Free at Sea program. And it is a game changer! You can elevate your Norwegian cruise vacation by upgrading to the NCL Free at Sea Plus for an additional cost per person. It includes an upgraded version of everything in the original Free at Sea promotion.

What is the cost of the NCL Free at Sea Plus ?

Upgrading to NCL Free at Sea Plus is an extra $49 per person daily for guests 1 & 2, plus gratuities. It’s important to note that you must have initially selected the original Free at Sea promo to qualify for this upgrade.

What is included in the NCL Free at Sea Plus ?

NCL Free at Sea Plus (based on a 7-day cruise on a balcony and above) includes:

• Premium Beverage Plus Package
• 4-night Specialty Dining Package (two nights from the original Free-at-Sea promo, plus two nights from the Free-at-Sea Plus upgrade)
• $100 shore excursion credit per tour ($50 for the 1st passenger from the original promo, plus $50 for the 2nd passenger with the NCL Free-at-Sea Plus upgrade)
• Unlimited Wifi (no streaming)

Is the Free at Sea Plus worth it?

That is going to be up to your budget and cruise vacation style. Will you drink an additional $700+ on a 7-day cruise? Is two extra nights of specialty dining and free unlimited Wi-Fi (no streaming) important to you?

We upgraded to the Free at Sea Plus Package on our Norwegian Encore cruise and found it valuable, even though my husband is sober. By the end of the cruise, we came out even.

We ordered all the Starbucks we wanted to drink and multiple pellegrinos throughout the day, and I ordered top-shelf drinks and even enjoyed $30 glasses of champagne at Le Bistro. The unlimited Wi-Fi kept us in touch with our dog sitter and family. We tried two extra specialty restaurants, and was worth it since it was a full-capacity cruise and the MDRs were overwhelmed.

It was fun. It was convenient. And it worked for us and what we wanted out of our cruise.

NCL Free at Sea FAQs

How many norwegian free at sea promotions can you choose.

Typically, the number of perks you can choose is determined by the booked cabin category. However, keep an eye out for limited-time offers where all cabin categories may have the option to select all the available offers. The Open Bar perk extends to guests 1-8, while the remaining perks apply to the lead guests 1 & 2 in the stateroom .

Is NCL free at sea really free?

Not entirely. While the package is labeled as “free,” a service fee/gratuity is attached, depending on the selected offers. If you opt for the “free” Open Bar or the “free” Dining Package, a 20% gratuity/service fee, calculated based on the package value, is added to your cruise fare.

In essence, the package is complimentary, but gratuities/service fees are not covered.

The debate about whether it’s genuinely free due to the service fee is subjective—some argue tipping bartenders for drinks is common.

Another important consideration in marketing and promotions is that the cost of many of these “free perks” is likely already included in the overall cruise fare . Despite this, the allure of complimentary perks remains universally appealing.

Does NCL Free at Sea Include Gratuities?

Cruise gratuities are not part of the NCL Free at Sea package. Although there have been instances when free gratuities were offered as a perk, they typically exclude gratuities on beverage packages, dining packages, and other services.

When does Norwegian’s Free at Sea sale happen?

The NCL Free at Sea promotion is ongoing throughout the year. Perks may vary, offering a choice of 2 or all, with occasional additions of other NCL promotions to enhance its appeal.

When does the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion end?

The Norwegian Free at Sea promotion never ends. The perks rotate or change throughout the year and sometimes with additional perks.

Is Norwegian Free at Sea worth it?

The NCL Free at Sea can be worth it, especially if your drinking habits align with the perks and you enjoy dining at specialty restaurants. It becomes a great promotion when you see the additional gratuities as added value.

🚢 Book a CrUISE with NCL

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• NCL Drink Package List Explained
• Norwegian Cruise Drinks Cruisers Love
• 10 Highlights of Norwegian Cruise Line
• Getting Ready for Your Cruise: 11 Tips

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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Norwegian’s Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: January 30, 2020  - Last updated: June 15, 2022

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion is a popular sale with cruise passengers. But be sure to choose your Free at Sea perks carefully! Some of NCL’s “free” promotions aren’t exactly free.

What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea?

Norwegian’s Free at Sea is a promotion that NCL consistently runs for sailings of three nights or more. Passengers can take advantage of free perks including a free drink package, free specialty dining, and free friends & family on a cruise voyage, based on your choice of stateroom category.

Guests in higher categories can choose more perks than those traveling in a lower-category cabin.

Is NCL Free at Sea really free?

Some of Norwegian’s Free at Sea options are really, totally free. Others aren’t truly free, because you need to pay a mandatory charge to take advantage of the free part of the promotion.

One option is sometimes free, but it depends on where you’re traveling from and which type of stateroom you pick.

Confusing, I know! Don’t worry, I’m about to explain it all so you can make the best choice for your upcoming Norwegian cruise.

What does Norwegian’s Free at Sea include?

Norwegian’s Free at Sea sales aren’t always the same. They often offer a “Take Five” sale, where guests can choose among five offers. The most common choices include:

• Free open bar
• Free specialty dining
• Free excursions
• Free airfare
• Free friends and family

The choices can vary from one sale period to another, and not all choices will be offered in any one sale.

Free Open Bar: what you need to know

The most popular Norwegian Free at Sea perk that cruisers choose is the Free Open Bar . Cruisers can enjoy unlimited soft drinks, spirits, cocktails, wine by the glass, and bottled or draft beer, priced at up to $15 per drink.

But be aware that if any guest over 21 chooses the free open bar, all other guests over 21 on the same reservation need to choose or purchase the open bar as well.

At a $99 value per day, choosing the open bar perk will save you the most money, but only if you’re planning to drink several adult beverages per day.

You’ll also have to prepay a 20% gratuity on the entire value of the package, which works out to $19.80 per person per day.

If you’re not planning on having at least a few alcoholic drinks per day, it may be a good idea to choose a different free perk.

If you have kids or young adults booked in your stateroom, the first two passengers on the reservation need to be at least 21 by embarkation day to qualify for Free Open Bar.

Guests under 21 will receive the soda package, normally $5.95-$7.95 per day. You guessed it, you have to pay 20% gratuity on the free soda packages as well.

Unlike drink packages on many other cruise lines, Norwegian’s Free Open Bar doesn’t include specialty coffees or bottled water. You also can’t use it for fresh-squeezed juices, room service, minibar items, and a few other exceptions. (Many of these restrictions are lifted on Pride of America sailings in Hawai‘i.)

Be sure to factor this into your budget when deciding if the open bar is right for you.

Read more: Is a Cruise Drinks Package Worth It?

Free Specialty Dining: what you need to know

Although all of Norwegian’s ships have plenty of dining options included in your cruise fare, eating at one of their specialty restaurants can be a treat.

Choosing Free Specialty Dining from Free at Sea will usually only credit the first two passengers in a stateroom with a free dining package. You’ll also have to pay a 20% gratuity on the value of each package.

Specialty dining venues vary by ship, but they include:

• American Diner
• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Food Republic
• Moderno Churrascaria
• Bayamo by Ocean Blue
• Pincho Tapas Bar
• Q Texas Smokehouse

You can also use your Free Specialty Dining package to dine in an entertainment-based restaurant, for a small additional charge. Just visit the ship’s box office on board to upgrade.

As with the Free Open Bar option, choosing Free Specialty Dining requires passengers to prepay a 20% gratuity on the value of the dining package.

• 3-4 night cruises: 1 specialty meal (valued at $44.95) gratuity = $8.99
• 5-6 night cruises: 2 specialty meals (valued at $79.00) gratuity = $15.80
• 7-8 night cruises: 3 specialty meals (valued at $99.00) gratuity = $19.80
• 9-10 night cruises: 4 specialty meals (valued at $114.00) gratuity = $22.80
• 11+ night cruises: 5 specialty meals (valued at $129.00) gratuity = $25.80

Free Shore Excursions: what you need to know

Norwegian’s Free Shore Excursions option could be a good value for you, but be sure you know exactly what you’re getting for free before you choose this option.

The Free Shore Excursions perk will give you a $50 credit towards a Norwegian-sponsored shore excursion in each port you visit. However, note that the credit is per stateroom, not per passenger!

If you have a port-heavy itinerary, and you’re planning on taking an excursion in each port, this perk could be a good choice. For cruises with a lot of sea days, you may find that it’s not the best value.

If you’re able to find low-priced shore excursions that you like in every port, this could be a fantastic option for you. Before you make your Free at Sea selection, check NCL’s Shore Excursion Search to see what shore excursions are offered in each port. You can sort the list by price.

If you want to make this perk completely free, you may find that there aren’t any options at or under the $25 mark, assuming that you’re cruising with one other person in your stateroom. But the $50 credit can knock a decent percentage off of some of the shore excursions you’ll see listed.

If you have more than two in your stateroom and you’re all going on shore excursions, this perk will just give you a small discount on your excursion bill.

Also remember that it’s always nice (but not mandatory) to tip your shore excursion tour guide. These folks don’t work for the cruise line, so they’re not covered under your automatic gratuities.

Free Wi-Fi: what you need to know

If you’ve cruised before, you’ll know that the internet on a ship is EXPENSIVE! Norwegian’s Free Wi-Fi perk is great if you need to stay connected, and it’s completely free. But (you knew there’d be a but, right?) it’s not unlimited.

The free Wi-Fi package is limited to 100 minutes per stateroom for 3- to 6-day cruises and 250 minutes per stateroom for 7-11+ day cruises. That can go fast!

The package will be credited to the first passenger on the reservation, and they’ll be able to make one login profile. You can share the login profile with your cruise companions, but it can only be used on one device at a time.

In my experience, Norwegian’s Wi-Fi is pretty decent. I usually don’t choose the Wi-Fi perk because I actually like the novelty of being disconnected!

On my Norwegian cruise to Bermuda , one of our pets had a medical issue at home, so I purchased Wi-Fi by the minute when I needed it. It wasn’t too outrageously priced for the few five-minute FaceTime calls I needed to make, and the connection was reasonably fast.

Tip: You’ll usually be able to find free Wi-Fi when you’re in port at cafés and restaurants, or at public access points. If you’re fine with just checking in on port days, you may not need a Wi-Fi package on the ship.

Free Kids: what you need to know

If you’re planning to cruise with the whole family, Norwegian’s Free Kids perk can help make your cruise vacation much more affordable.

When this promo is offered, cruise fares are waived for two kids (age 17 and under) sailing in a stateroom along with two or more adult guests. Any additional children are charged the regular fare.

You won’t need to pay an extra deposit at booking for the two free kids’ fares, but you will be responsible for paying taxes and port fees.

Free Friends & Family: what you need to know

Much like the Free Kids promotion, choosing Free Friends and Family allows two extra people to sail in the same stateroom with a free cruise fare. There are no age restrictions on this perk.

Taxes and port fees will be charged for the two extra passengers on the reservation.

Free Airfare: what you need to know

When Norwegian runs a Free Airfare promotion, you can save significantly if you need to fly to your cruise port. Depending on where you’re flying from, you may be able to take advantage of free or significantly-reduced coach airfare for up to two guests booked in the same stateroom.

If you book an oceanview, balcony, or mini-suite stateroom, you’ll get free or discounted airfare from select gateways.

If you have a Concierge-level or Haven suite, you’ll receive complimentary airfare from all eligible airports. Usually, NCL doesn’t extend this offer to interior or solo cabin passengers.

Over 200 airports in the US, Canada, and Europe are included in the promotion when passengers fly to some of Norwegian Cruise Line’s home ports.

You’ll need to book your plane tickets through NCL to take advantage of this perk. The 3rd through 8th guests in the stateroom will receive a small discount on their airfare.

This offer does include taxes, fees, and surcharges. So if you’re eligible, this could be a completely free perk!

How many Norwegian Free at Sea promotions can you pick?

Norwegian lets you choose free perks based on your stateroom category. The higher (and more expensive) the category, the more promos NCL allows you to take.

During a “Take Five” sale, for example, passengers in various stateroom categories are entitled to choose:

• Inside Staterooms: choose one offer
• Oceanview, balcony, and mini-suites: choose two offers
• Suites and The Haven: get all five offers

Sometimes Free at Sea is available with NCL’s Sail Away fares ( guarantee staterooms ) and sometimes it’s not, so be sure to read the fine print for your specific Free at Sea sale. You may have to upgrade to a higher category stateroom to take advantage of the promotion.

Can you choose different Free at Sea options than your cabinmates?

Unfortunately, you can’t each choose different Free at Sea options. When booking your cruise, you’ll choose your perks for the reservation, not as individuals.

When does Norwegian’s Free at Sea sale happen?

Norwegian always seems to be running some kind of Free at Sea sale. If there isn’t one going on right now, just wait a minute and there’ll be another one! Kidding, but NCL’s sales are so frequent that I’d never book a Norwegian cruise without a Free at Sea sale.

If you want to check what they’re currently offering, check NCL’s Promotions page to find out the dates and specific terms and conditions of each sale.

Want more tips and info for your Norwegian cruise?

• 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know
• 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages
• How to Get Onboard Credit for Owning Norwegian Cruise Line Stock
• Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay

Have you taken advantage of Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion? What was your favorite perk? Do you think it was a good value? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

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Sunday 14th of August 2022

I was ready to give up on NCL until I read your explanations on the beverage packages and the Free at Sea article. Are all the cruise lines this different from my little 7 day Bahama cruise 25 years ago? I want to go to either Alaska, NZ or upper Europe in the next 12-18 months and just the speciality dining alone had me confused. thanks!

Friday 19th of August 2022

Hi Rita! I'm so happy that you loved my articles about Free At Sea and NCL beverage packages. I'm literally just hours off of my last NCL cruise (we did Bermuda from Boston again on Norwegian Pearl and got in this morning).

Norwegian Cruise Line can be SO confusing with what's included and what's not. That's precisely why I write these articles! Make sure you read all of my NCL posts before your next cruise!

You mentioned some epic potential itineraries in your upcoming plans. If you haven't cruised in 25 years (and don't have any particular loyalty or status on a certain brand) I'd shop around, especially for the locations you mentioned.

Princess and HAL are great for Alaska, and I highly recommend UnCruise Adventures for an adventurous small-ship option. Princess and P&O are the best for NZ, although Carnival also has some nice itineraries (and I'm doing one myself next February).

Northern Europe depends on where you want to go - If you're thinking a Baltic cruise I'd hold off for now - St. Petersburg is usually the highlight. But I did just do a nice two-week Royal Caribbean British Isles cruise, and there are several cruise lines that also do a nice job with the Norwegian fjords.

Thursday 27th of August 2020

Very valuable information. Thank you for explaining all this . I was kinda lost til I read your brief 🙂

Hi Wendy, thanks so much for stopping by! Free At Sea can be confusing - I'm so glad I could clear it up for you! :D

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

Wow all of these guidelines and plans are tough to get a grip on. I'd need a holiday to get over the exertion of trying to figure them out! Thanks for providing a simplified overview of what's free and what's not so free.

Friday 7th of February 2020

Free at Sea can be so confusing, and Norwegian's website doesn't do a great job explaining it. I'm glad you liked my guide!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea: Ultimate Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion is one of the most popular offers in the cruise industry.

The cruise line offers cruise passengers a choice of free perks that include free drink packages, shore excursion credits, free internet, and more.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion is a flagship offer that bundles a selection of complimentary perks designed to enhance your vacation at sea. The Free at Sea program allows you to customize their cruise package with several addons at a free or reduced rate.

The promotion offers five free perks to enhance your cruise vacation:

• Free Open Bar : Enjoy a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise, making your vacation truly all-inclusive​ ​.
• Free Specialty Dining : Experience the cruise line’s exquisite specialty restaurants with complimentary meals, adding a gourmet touch to your journey​ ​.
• Free Shore Excursions : Get credits towards exploring the ports you visit, enriching your travel experience with new adventures​ ​.
• Free WiFi : Stay connected with free internet minutes, allowing you to share your experiences or stay in touch while at sea​ ​.
• Free Guests : Benefit from special rates where the 3rd and 4th guests in your cabin might sail for free, perfect for family vacations or group travel​ ​.

Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line periodically enriches this promotion with new benefits, like free airfare for the second guest and onboard credits for future cruises.

The number of perks you can select varies by promotion and your stateroom category. The higher the stateroom category, the more bonuses you can choose.

Studio and inside cabins can select one perk, while Suites and The Haven receive all five benefits.

NCL sometimes runs a promotion where you’ll receive all five perks regardless of your cabin category. It’s a great way to enhance your cruise experience without breaking the bank.

Norwegian’s Free at Sea Perks

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion offers a variety of perks that can significantly enhance your cruising experience.

The cruise line offers five core perks that are always available:

• Free Open Bar : Enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise​ ​.
• Free Shore Excursions : Get credits to use for tours and activities, allowing you to explore the ports you visit.
• Free Third and Fourth Guests : Benefit from special rates where the 3rd and 4th guests in your cabin sail for free, perfect for family vacations or group travel​ ​.

While the core perks remain a staple of the Free at Sea offer, Norwegian periodically enhances the deal with additional bonuses. Recent additions have included free airfare for the second guest, onboard credit, and discounts on future cruises.

Let’s look at the five core perks to help you choose the right one for your cruise vacation.

Free Open Bar

The Free Open Bar perk is the most popular choice among Norwegian cruisers. Guests who choose the Free Open Bar receive the  Norwegian Cruise Line Unlimited Open Bar Package for free. It allows you to enjoy unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your cruise.

This perk provides the greatest cost-benefit as the drink package typically costs $109 per person per day plus a 20% automatic gratuity.

Editor’s Tip

It’s important to note that the Open Bar isn’t truly free. The Open Bar perk gives you the Premium Beverage package at no cost, but you’ll have to pay the 20% daily gratuity at checkout.

The Free Open Bar includes unlimited soda, juice, beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and spirits up to $15 per drink. If you order an item over $15, you simply pay the difference between the price of the beverage and $15.

You’ll also receive a 20% discount on bottles of wine and champagne , wine experiences, tastings, and flights.

It’s important to note that the Unlimited Open Bar Package doesn’t include room service, specialty coffee, energy drinks, fresh-squeezed juices, ship-specific promotions, buckets of beer, mini bar purchases, bottles of wine, Starbucks, or drinks designated Super Premium brands.

The Open Bar drink package excludes Starbucks, room service, beer buckets, mini bar purchases, energy drinks, bottled water, beer buckets, and super-premium brands. However, guests can use the drink package to purchase bottles of wine or liquor and tastings and flights at a 20% discount.

While you can enjoy unlimited drinks on the cruise ship, the package doesn’t extend to Norwegian’s private island , Great Stirrup Cay, or their private resort, Harvest Caye.

The Open Bar perk is by far the most popular choice among cruisers. It offers the biggest cost savings and provides you with unlimited beverage choices .

It’s also my preferred pick as I love a good espresso martini, and drink a bit more soda than I’d like to admit.

But it’s not for everyone.

I advise choosing the Open Bar perk if you have an average beverage consumption of $20 per day. Otherwise, you’re better off selecting another bonus.

Note: Passengers under the age of 21, who are the first or second guests on the reservation, will instead receive the soda package valued at $9.95 per person, per day.

Free Specialty Dining

The Free Specialty Dining perk provides the first and second guests in your reservation (aged two years and older) with a Norwegian Cruise Line Dining Package. The package includes one or more meals at the ship’s specialty restaurants, depending on the length of your cruise and your cabin category.

However, like the Open Bar perk, you must pay a 20% gratuity on the package’s value—underscoring that while the dining experience is included, it’s not entirely “free.”

The number of meals you get varies by the length of the cruise:

• Three- to Six-Night Cruises : Any cabin category receives one meal, with a $59 value and an $11.80 gratuity per package.
• Seven- to 11-Night Cruises : Guests in studio, inside, or oceanview cabins are granted one meal ($59 value, $11.80 gratuity), while those in balcony cabins or above enjoy two meals ($99 value, $19.80 gratuity).
• Twelve-Night Cruises or Longer : Two meals are included for guests in studio, inside, or oceanview cabins ($99 value, $19.80 gratuity), and three meals for those in balcony cabins or above ($139 value, $27.80 gratuity).

You can use the package to dine at several of the onboard specialty restaurants, including:

• Cagney’s Steakhouse
• Food Republic
• Moderno Churrascaria
• Q Texas Smokehouse
• Onda by Scarpetta

When dining à la carte, the package entitles you to one appetizer, one soup or salad, one main course, and one dessert with additional main courses available at their à la carte prices.

Also, certain venues and items like those at Harvest Caye restaurants, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, gelato, Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers, and Murder Mystery lunches are not covered by the dining packages.

To fully enjoy the benefits of the Free Specialty Dining perk, make reservations early, especially for popular venues as they book full quickly.

If you need to stay connected at sea, you can opt for NCL’s free wifi perk.

Unlike Norwegian Cruise Line’s unlimited internet package , the free wifi perk provides you with a limited number of minutes for each cruise. With the free wifi perk, you’ll receive:

• 75 minutes on 3-6 day itineraries
• 150 minutes on 7-11 day sailings
• 300 minutes on 12+ day cruises

The WiFi perk applies to the first and second guests on the reservation, with each room receiving two internet logins. You can use the internet on one device at a time.

You’ll receive the basic internet service, which provides web browsing, email support, social media, and access to chat messaging. But you can’t stream or use a VPN.

You can use the WiFi from anywhere on the cruise ship, but the package doesn’t include internet access on Norwegian’s private islands , Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye.

It’s important to note that cruise ship internet is improving, but it’s much slower than you’re used to back home. While the internet will be fast enough for basic browsing, instant messaging, and email, be prepared for longer loading times.

To make the most of your Free WiFi perk, consider the following tips:

• Log Out Properly : Ensure you log out correctly after each session to avoid using up your minutes inadvertently.
• Manage Usage : Save data-heavy activities like video streaming or large downloads for when you’re on shore and can access free WiFi spots.
• Prioritize Your Activities : Use your onboard internet access for important tasks like checking in for flights, making reservations, or staying in touch with loved ones.

Free Shore Excursions ($50 Shore Excursion Credits)

Exploring new destinations is a cornerstone of the cruising experience, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free Shore Excursion perk, part of their Free at Sea promotion, adds incredible value to this aspect of your journey.

The Free Shore Excursion perk provides a $50 credit per port for the first guest on the booking. You can apply the shore excursion credit towards any Norwegian-sponsored shore excursion.

However, it’s important to note that any unused portion of the credit for a particular port cannot be rolled over or refunded. If your tour costs more than $50, you only need to pay the difference.

Here are some essential details to consider:

• Equipment rentals at Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye
• Pre/post-cruise land tours or private or custom excursions; however, group tours on debarkation day qualify
• The first guest can use the credit across multiple excursions per port, but not for purchasing tickets for themselves and a companion on the same tour.
• If a port visit or excursion is canceled, refunds will be issued for any amount paid beyond the $50 credit, not for the credit itself.

Free Extra Guests

The “Free Third and Fourth Guests” offer is designed with families and groups in mind. It makes cruising more accessible and affordable.

When two guests book a stateroom at a regular fare, they can bring along two more guests—whether they’re children, friends, or extended family members.

The first two guests pay the full cruise fare, while the third and fourth guests sail free. Sometimes, the perk is modified, where the third and fourth guests pay $99 per person.

A nominal fee considering the cost of a cruise vacation .

The third and fourth guests must pay and are responsible for paying taxes and port fees. These fees can fluctuate depending on the cruise’s duration and route, sometimes exceeding $200 per person for week-long journeys.

This deal is particularly appealing for families, allowing parents to take their children on a memorable vacation without the financial strain of additional full fares. You may find the perk renamed “Kids Sail Free” because it is typically used by families.

This offer isn’t available on all sailings. As you can expect, popular times of year are excluded from this perk, such as Christmas, New Year, and March Break.

If more than four guests are on a reservation, guests five to eight will pay the total cruise fares.

Which Norwegian Cruise Free at Sea Perks Should I Choose?

If you only have a limited number of perks, which perk should you choose?

Before deciding which perk you should choose, here are the retail values of the extras for a 7-night cruise:

• Open Bar:  $763 per person
• Specialty Dining:  Up to $89 per person for the 1st and 2nd guests
• Shore Excursion Credit:  $50 per port, per stateroom
• Free Internet:  $125 for 150 minutes
• 3rd and 4th Guest Sail Free:  Varies

The Free Open Bar is a no-brainer based on the retail value alone. This perk is the most popular choice as it has the highest retail value, saving you the most money.

But it’s not worth it if you’re not a big drinker.

In making your selection, weigh your personal preferences and potential savings of each perk. If the open bar doesn’t align with your drinking habits, its cost savings won’t translate into real savings for you, making it less appealing.

Similarly, if you’re cruising with a larger party, choosing the “3rd & 4th guests sail free” perk is an obvious choice. Though the retail value varies, this perk can save you hundreds of dollars on your cruise fare.

The other three perks are close in value.

So, it comes down to choosing which perk is best for your preferences . Given the three remaining choices, I usually select the free dinner package for a fun night at one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty restaurants.

What is Free at Sea Plus?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Plus offers even more perks for $49 per person or $29 per child per day.

Free at Sea Plus provides several upgraded perks, including:

• Upgraded Open Bar: With Free at Sea Plus, your drink package is upgraded to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. The Premium drink package includes top-shelf cocktails, beer, Champagne, glasses of wine, bottled water, Starbucks coffee, specialty coffee and tea, and energy drinks. You also receive a 40% discount on premium bottles of wine and Champagne.
• More Specialty Dining: The first two guests on the reservation receive an additional two specialty dining meals.
• More Shore Excursion Credits: The second guest on the reservation also receives a $50 shore excursion credit at every port of call.
• Unlimited WiFi: The first and second guests receive the Norwegian Cruise Lines Unlimited WiFi Package. The internet plan provides unlimited web browsing, email, social media, and messaging but no access to streaming. You can upgrade to NCL’s Unlimited Premium WiFi with streaming for an additional $10 per person per day.

Free at Sea Plus upgrades four perks, providing a wider selection of beverages, extra dining options, and unlimited Wi-Fi.

In my experience, it’s worth upgrading to Free at Sea Plus for most people. I love the extra two specialty dining meals, unlimited WiFi, and my partner receives a shore excursion credit. Upgrading to Free at Sea Plus is a no-brainer if you prefer top-shelf liquor.

Is Norwegian’s Free at Sea Really Free?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion offers enticing perks, but it’s essential to understand that not all the perks are truly “free.”

The Free Open Bar and Free Specialty Dining have an automatic 20% gratuity . While not completely free, these perks still offer incredible savings.

At $109 per person per day, you’ll be paying $21.80 per day when you select the Free Open Bar. That’s $152.60 for a 7-night cruise.

If you choose the special dining package, you’ll pay $20 per person for a 7-day cruise in a studio, inside, or oceanview stateroom and $27.80 per package for a 7-day cruise in a balcony or above stateroom category.

Even the free sailing perk for the third and fourth guests has hidden costs. Although the base fare is free when using the extra, you’re required to pay the taxes, fees, and port expenses for the third and fourth guests.

The free shore excursion credit provides $50 at each port of call. There aren’t any strings attached, but you’ll have a hard time finding a tour for less than $50. That means you’ll often pay a portion of every shore excursion.

My Thoughts

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea offers incredible value for passengers. But calling it “Free” at Sea is a bit misleading. The perks provide incredible value, and I’m always happy to take advantage of the savings. But Free at Sea isn’t truly free.

Make sure you understand the fine print before making your selection.

Can You Opt Out of Free at Sea Perks?

You can opt out of specific Free at Sea Offers . For example, if you want the Open Bar package but not the Specialty Dining, you can choose to keep the Open Bar and forgo the Specialty Dining Package.

My sister doesn’t drink much alcohol. So for her it’s not worth paying the $21.80 daily gratuity. She finds it more cost-effective to purchase individual drinks. But she loves trying new foods. My sister always opts out of the Open Bar but keeps her Specialty Dining offer.

Free at Terms Fine Print

Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to change the promotion terms at any time. For example, the number of choices you receive fluctuates throughout the year.

Further, Norwegian’s “Sail Away” rates are often excluded from the Free at Sea promotions.

Tip: If you aren’t interested in the Free at Sea perks, booking “Sail Away” cabins is a great way to save money. Often, you can find balcony cabin rates that are $130 cheaper or more for a 7-night cruise.

All perks included in the promotion have no monetary value, are non-refundable, and are non-transferable. If you choose to decline any bonuses to which you are entitled, you will not receive a refund and cannot gift it to anyone else.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea offer can be combined with other offers being run by the cruise line, except for the aforementioned “Sail Away” rates. You can combine the Free at Sea promotion with travel agent offers like extra perks, onboard credit, or free drinks. Stacking benefits is one of the easiest ways to save money when booking your cruise vacation.

As with any promotion, it is essential to read the fine print when booking.

You can read a complete list of terms and conditions at  https://www.ncl.com/ca/en/termsandconditions/promotions

Final Thoughts: Is Norwegian Free at Sea Worth It?

Despite not being truly “free”, Nowegian’s Free at Sea is worth it. The perks provide incredible savings for passengers.

The value you receive depends on how you use the perks.

For example. When you select the Open Bar offer, you’ll still pay a $21.80 daily gratuity. If you don’t consume $22 worth of drinks, you’ll spend more than you receive. As long as you drink more than $22 in beverage value Free at Sea is worth it.

You should follow a similar thought process when looking at the other perks. Consider the hidden costs of each perk before making your selection.

If you plan to take full advantage of the offerings, such as enjoying multiple drinks a day or dining in specialty restaurants, Free at Sea is worth it.

Don’t forget, you can opt out of perks if you don’t want to spend the hidden fees.

Marcello De Lio

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Free pre-paid gratuities *, free shore excursion credits *, free pre- or post-cruise airport transfer *.

Offers only available for select sailings departing at least 6 months from today in Balcony or above; call for details. Excludes categories IX, OX, BX & MX (Sail Away Categories). Published prices are not combinable with promotion; call 1-800-377-9383 for applicable fares.

PLUS, our exclusive offers are combinable with Norwegian Cruise Line's Take All Free  deals with up to 5 FREE Perks :

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* Rates and offers are subject to select dates and categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, and include NCCF. Government taxes, port expenses and fees are included in advertised fares. Discretionary onboard service charges are additional. Cancellation fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date. Offers are not applicable to categories IX, OX, BX, MX (Sail Away Categories). Offers valid on select sailings only; exclusions apply. Exclusive Cruise Web Offers: Free pre-paid gratuities refers to the complimentary pre-payment of the automatic service gratuities for guests 1-2 ( NOT applicable to categories BX or MX ). Free pre-paid gratuities offer applies to select sailings only. 20% service charges for optional beverage package and/or specialty dining package perks are additional and required prior to cruise, if applicable. Free shore excursion credit is provided in the form of a voucher redeemable with Shore Excursions Group. Free Pre- or Post-Cruise Airport Transfer includes one free transfer per person for guests 1-2 (either pre- or post-cruise); availability based on itinerary and air gateway. Exclusive offers only available for select cruises departing at least 6 months from today. Limited time offer; call for details. For Free at Sea offer terms, please call 1-800-377-9383. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact The Cruise Web at 1-800-377-9383 for full terms and conditions. Ships' registry: The Bahamas and United States. The Cruise Web is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.

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Shore Excursions

Go Green-Plant A Tree For The Earth

Kotor, montenegro.

Go Green-Sustainable Pineapple & Cosmetics

Ponta delgada, azores.

Atlantis Aquaventure

Nassau, bahamas.

Best of Corfu

Corfu, greece.

Go Green- Nature Reserve Skocjan

Koper, slovenia.

• Display Results:

Shore EXCURSIONS

Shore excursions (3151).

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Duration 4 hrs

Enjoy the serenity of several natural settings, including the Big City Park in Tivat, where you will plant a tree that will benefit the Earth for years to come. The urban park is a green oasis full of indigenous and exotic plants that include eucalyptuses, magnolias, Chilean firs and unusual herbs. By planting a small tree on the grounds, you will add to the botanical diversity and perhaps most important help the environment, as trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air. A bit of free time in Porto Montenegro will follow, after which you will wander through Solila Reserve on the Bay of Tivat. Although salt was once produced in the pools along the shore, birdwatching is now the main activity in the protected wildlife reserve. Keep an eye out for auks, ibises and curlews. A leisurely and informative walk through Old Town Kotor will perfectly complement the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS • Plant a tree in a park known for its botanical diversity. • Meander about a protected bayside reserve that supports abundant birdlife. • Enjoy free time in architecturally important Porto Montenegro and Old Town Kotor.

HELPFUL HINTS • Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. • Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

• Adult from: € 111,57 EUR
• Child from: € 102,19 EUR

Boka Bay Blue Cave By Speedboat

Duration 4 1/4 hrs

Race through Boka Bay in a speedboat and enjoy a refreshing swim in the Blue Cave and in the sparkling waters that rim a nearby beach. Although officially known as the Bay of Kotor, Boka – as it is called locally – is considered the southernmost fjord in Europe because of its wild landscape and precipitous cliffs that plummet into the sea. Zipping along its rocky coast in a speedboat will be an exhilarating experience, especially on the approach to the Blue Cave. Expect to be awed by the brilliant blue water and the hue that it casts on the cave’s interior, both the result of the way the sunlight reflects off the sandy bottom of the sea. You will have the opportunity to swim in this enchanting setting before zipping off to Rose Beach on the tip of the Lustica Peninsula. Sheltered by the surrounding mountains and forests, the water there is typically calm.

HIGHLIGHTS • Zip through the typically calm waters of Boka Bay on a speedboat. • Swim in a seaside cave known for its brilliant blue water, which reflects on the interior. • Pause for a swim at Rose Beach, yet another idyllic spot on the bay.

• Adult from: € 120,95 EUR
• Child from: € 120,95 EUR

See how pineapples are sustainably grown on São Miguel Island and how cosmetics are made in ways that don’t harm the environment. Because of climatic conditions in the Azores, pineapples can’t grow outdoors, so to meet the demand farmers grow them in greenhouses. While visiting an eco-friendly pineapple farm, you will learn about the innovative methods used to coax fruit from the tropical plants. Azorean pineapples are intensely flavorful and exotically aromatic. The islanders also sustainably and ethically produce cosmetics using natural ingredients rather than chemicals. The ingredients are locally sourced and may include natural extracts, aloe vera and oils derived from plants. While participating in a hands-on workshop in a cosmetics laboratory, you will learn how to produce items such as soaps, face masks and shower gels without negatively impacting the environment. At the end of the workshop, you will receive your creation as a memento.

HIGHLIGHTS • Tour a pineapple farm that sustainably grows this distinct Azorean fruit in greenhouses. • Visit a cosmetics laboratory whose products are made without harming the environment. • Join a workshop to create a cosmetic product that you will be given as a memento.

• Adult from: € 158,45 EUR
• Child from: € 158,45 EUR

Duration 6 1/2 hrs

Aquaventure, Atlantis Paradise Island’s Water Park, is a one-of-a-kind 141 acre waterscape. Aquaventure features over twenty million gallons of water, thrilling high-speed water slides like the Mayan Temple and the 7-story Power Tower, a mile long river ride with rolling rapids, a spectacular kids water-play fort, 20 swimming areas, refreshing pools, and access to the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean! Plus access to view the renowned Atlantis marine habitat, home to more than 50,000 fish representing 250 species and the Caribbean’s largest casino and stroll through Marina Village, a charming and vibrant marketplace featuring 20 retail shops, restaurants, and local entertainment for a distinctly Bahamian vacation experience.

• Adult from: € 205,33 EUR

Pompeii On Your Own

Naples, italy.

If you would like to explore archaeological site of Pompeii on your own, this private motor coach transfer is ideal.

Boarding your coach at the pier, you’ll head to Pompeii and be dropped off in a central location. A tour escort will be traveling with you to and from the ship and will answer any questions you may have about sightseeing or shopping.

After your allotted time in Pompeii, you’ll rejoin your motor coach for the return to Naples.

• Adult from: € 46,88 EUR
• Child from: € 46,88 EUR

Let's Take a Selfie - Split

Split, croatia.

Capture the moment by taking the perfect selfie photo in Split! Instantly share your experience with family & friends on your favorite social media site as many of the stops will include wi-fi in real time.

Your tour begins with an orientation drive thru Split with designated selfie stops at: • Bacvice Beach • Split National Theatre • Vidilica Viewpoint • S. Dominous Cathedral • And MORE!

To make this experience even more fun you will be provided with a selfie stick to help catch your best pose. Your picture-perfect day includes a local snack of smoked ham, cheese and a glass of wine. End the day with some free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship.

• Adult from: € 130,32 EUR

Duration 5 hrs

Discover the best of Corfu on this tour. You’ll tour the island, visit a stunning palace and enjoy a traditional lunch with live entertainment at a local taverna. Drive through Corfu and arrive at Mon Repos Palace built by order of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and completed in 1891. The empress had fallen in love with the natural beauty of the island during her 1861 visit and also developed a great appreciation for Greek history and mythology.

After a guided visit of the grounds and palace, you’ll continue to the traditional village of Kinopiastes. Enjoy a rich and traditional lunch at the famous Tripas Tavern accompanied by live Greek music and dancers. Board your coach for the drive back to the Old Town of Corfu where you’ll have the opportunity to either be dropped off, to walk through the narrow lanes and browse on your own, or return with the coach directly to your ship.

• Adult from: € 149,07 EUR
• Child from: € 92,82 EUR

Go Local - Local Cheese Lovers

Seville (cadiz), spain.

Duration 4 1/2 hrs

Drive through the beautiful Andalucia region to an acclaimed cheese-producing village for an insider’s look at the artisanal process and to sample the most representative cheeses. Your host will be a farmer that tends payoya goats and Grazalemeña sheep, whose milk is used to produce the cheeses. The most well-known and award-winning cheese is El Bosqueño, a smooth textured, light-colored cheese. The farmer will lead you through the fields where the goats and sheep graze and walk you through the cheese-making process step by step. You will also browse a cheese museum with displays of cheese-making hand tools and exhibits detailing the history of cheese production in the area. Afterwards, you will enjoy a sampling that may include an emborrado cheese cured in olive oil and wheat bran. Other cheeses produced here are cured with fresh spices such as rosemary and paprika. To complement the experience, you will be served a glass of locally produced wine.

HIGHLIGHTS: • See how several award-winning cheeses are produced at a farm in the town of El Bosque. • Browse a cheese museum with displays that trace the importance of cheese in this region. • Sample various cheeses made with milk from payoya goats and Grazalemeña sheep.

• Adult from: € 139,70 EUR
• Child from: € 139,70 EUR

Duration 2 1/2 hrs

Explore a wetland nature reserve on reclaimed land that now supports an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna. Salt pans covered much of this area for centuries, and it wasn’t until about 50 years ago that the brackish wetlands became an important habitat for flora and fauna. As you walk through this wonderfully unique ecosystem, a naturalist will describe the transformation of the reserve and how environmentalists prevented it from becoming an industrial zone. Nearly 250 types of birds—more than half the species in the entire country of Slovenia—have been spotted there, including Eurasian reed warblers, black-winged stilts and squacco herons. You can also expect to see a huge variety of colorful butterflies flitting about. Halophytes are among the more intriguing plants found in the wetlands, as they thrive in salty ground. From a distance, these succulents appear to have ice on their leaves, but it is actually dried salt that the plants exude from their glands.

HIGHLIGHTS • Gain insight into how former salt pans were transformed into a thriving wetland. • Walk through a now-protected nature reserve with a naturalist guide. • Observe abundant wildlife that includes more than half the bird species in Slovenia.

Beach Getaway at Beach Escape

Costa maya, mexico.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Beach Escape Beach Club in nearby Mahahual. After a brief orientation to help you maximize the experience, you will be free to enjoy the club’s amenities, which are considerable and all offered for your enjoyment. You might stretch out on a lounge chair and bask in the sun, take a refreshing swim in the sea and gather around the thatched-roof poolside bar, which will be open for unlimited drinks the entire time. One end of the Beach Escape is typically busier and more party-oriented, while the other end by the pier is quieter, allowing you to easily find an ideal spot to make the most of your free time. If you wish to explore offshore, kayaks are available. The beach club is located right on the boardwalk at Fisherman’s Village, a great place for people-watching and dining on your own as there are plenty of restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS • Spend hours of free time doing whatever you please at the Beach Escape Beach Club. • Enjoy the festive atmosphere around the poolside bar or relax at the quieter other end. • Swim in the sea and freshwater pool, use the included kayaks and enjoy unlimited drinks.

• Adult from: € 74,07 EUR
• Child from: € 55,32 EUR

NANORTALIK WALKING TOUR

Nanortalik, greenland.

Duration 2 Hours

Enjoy an enlightening introductory walk through Nanortalik, the southernmost town in Greenland. Founded in 1797, Nanortalik is the country’s 10th-largest town despite having only about 1,350 residents. Even the translation of its name, which means “the place with polar bears,” indicates that nature not people rules supreme.

For an authentic glimpse into daily life in this rather remote town, you will see the local school, police station and fire department. As you walk about, the guide will describe in detail the challenges and joys of living in Nanortalik. You will also browse the open-air museum in old town, a collection of colonial-era buildings such as turf huts that reflect the area’s history. Inside, you will find exhibits of model boats, leather clothing able to withstand harsh conditions and fishing gear that the indigenous Inuits use. It is believed that the Inuits were among the Arctic people that invented the kayak about 4,000 years ago.

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & All Inclusive Blue Lagoon

Experience Mayan history and a jungle retreat with an open bar & buffet lunch. Your tour begins when your bilingual guide meets you at the end of the pier and escorts you to your air-conditioned transfer vehicle waiting on site. Listen to your guide and learn about the interesting local area and culture from onboard commentary as you pass through the fishing village. Continue this tour inland to visit “The Place of the Red Corn”, Chacchoben, learn about the fascinating Mayan culture during the journey from our knowledgeable guides.

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique archaeological site set in beautiful surroundings still partially covered by the rain forest. Climb to the top of the “Gran Basamento” taking you above the tree line and visit two sacred temples. Before leaving, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from shops on site. Your journey continues to a buffet lunch waiting for you at our Blue Lagoon Restaurant, the most beautiful lagoon with fresh water, located 20 minutes away from Chacchoben Mayan ruins. After your meal, sunbathe on a sun lounger, take a swim and enjoy all complimentary drinks including your favorite cocktails. Feeling fully relaxed, well-fed and in good spirits, your transfer awaits to return you to the ship. The color of the lagoon varies depending on the weather, season of the year, and time of the day.

• Adult from: € 177,20 EUR

*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions

NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.

Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.

Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.

Die Teilnahme an Aktivitäten und Exkursionen kann körperlich anstrengend sein und unter Umständen Risiken und Gefahren beinhalten. Jeder einzelne Gast trägt die Verantwortung dafür, einzuschätzen, ob er/sie in der Lage ist, an entsprechenden Aktivitäten teilzunehmen. Die Teilnahme an Aktivitäten und Exkursionen erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr.

Die Fotos dienen ausschließlich zur Veranschaulichung der Exkursionserfahrung und bilden möglicherweise die entsprechende Exkursion, den Ort oder die Aktivität nicht akkurat ab.

A participação em atividades e excursões pode envolver esforço físico e pode ser perigosa. É sua responsabilidade determinar se você é capaz de participar das atividades. A participação em qualquer atividade ou excursão é por sua conta e risco.

As fotos são apenas para fins ilustrativos, usadas para representar a experiência da excursão e podem não retratar com precisão a localização ou atividade indicada.

アクティビティや寄港地観光ツアーには激しい活動を行うものもあり、危険が伴う場合もあります。 内容がご自身に適したものかは各自でご判断ください。 アクティビティや寄港地観光ツアーへは、あくまでもご自身の責任でご参加いただきますようお願いいたします。

写真は寄港地観光ツアーの体験を表現するためのもので、実際のツアーや場所、アクティビティとは異なる場合があります。

La partecipazione ad attività ed escursioni potrebbe prevedere sforzi fisici e potrebbe essere potenzialmente rischiosa o pericolosa. È responsabilità di ciascun individuo stabilire se si è in grado di partecipare a qualsiasi attività. La partecipazione a qualunque attività o escursione è a proprio rischio e pericolo.

Le fotografie utilizzate per raffigurare l'escursione sono unicamente a fini illustrativi e potrebbero non rappresentare accuratamente l'escursione, il luogo o l'attività indicata.

La participation aux activités et excursions peut demander un effort physique et peut parfois être potentiellement dangereuse. Il revient à toute personne de déterminer si elle est capable de participer à une activité ou non. La participation à toute activité ou excursion se fait à vos propres risques.

Les photos sont affichées à titre d'illustration uniquement et de représentation de l'expérience et peuvent ne pas représenter l'excursion, le lieu ou l'activité indiqués avec précision.

השתתפות בפעילויות ובסיורים עשויה לכלול מאמץ פיזי, ועלולה להיות מסוכנת. זוהי אחריותו של כל אדם לקבוע האם הוא מסוגל להשתתף בכל פעילות. השתתפות בכל פעילות או סיור היא על אחריותכם בלבד.

תמונות מוצגות לצורך הדגמה בלבד, הן משמשות כדי לייצג את חוויית הסיור ועלולות שלא לתאר במדויק את הסיור, המיקום או הפעילות.

Las fotografías son solo para fines ilustrativos y se utilizan para representar la experiencia de la excursión y es posible que no reflejen con precisión la excursión, el lugar o la actividad indicada.

The best cruise booking perks — and which ones are actually free

These days, if you book a cruise and don't get drinks, tips or other perks thrown in for free, you're leaving money on the table.

In order to incentivize travelers to book a cruise in advance and to choose them over a competitor, many cruise lines run promotions that allow you to pick a perk — or sometimes get a whole host of included freebies. Especially during " wave season ," the booking-heavy period between January and March, you want to maximize the free stuff you get when you reserve a cabin.

Norwegian Cruise Line's long-running " Free at Sea " promotion, MSC Cruises' "Drinks & Wi-Fi Included" and Royal Caribbean 's "Kids Sail Free" deals are among the perks-promising promotions you're likely to see. Before you choose your favorite freebie or happily take them all, you will want to read the fine print and make sure your "free" bonus is actually worth what you'll be paying for it.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

You read that right — some supposedly free cruise booking perks come with associated fees. Other times, what you get for free isn't exactly what you were led to expect by the promotional copy on a cruise line's homepage. By accepting the offer, you might actually be out more money than you intended.

Don't have time — or strong enough reading glasses — to search through all that fine print? Below, we list the most common "free" cruise booking perks you'll encounter and alert you to what you are actually getting and paying when you take that bonus offer.

Open-bar packages

Open bar on a cruise ship is not like your college friend's debauched wedding. You don't get all the drinks for free; instead, you're gifted a beverage package . For heavy drinkers, that's still a huge perk, but be aware of what you're actually getting.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an Unlimited Open Bar Package as a free cruise booking perk (with a soda package subbed in for the second guest on the reservation if they are under 21). The package only covers select spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, soda and juice valued at up to $15 per drink. Exclusions include Starbucks drinks, room service, bottled water, minibar drinks, energy drinks and "super premium brands."

And here's the kicker: Passengers who say yes to Norwegian's "free" bar package are required to pay gratuities of 20% of the package's retail value, which comes to $21.80 per person, per day. For a weeklong cruise, your "free" beverage package will cost $152.60 per person. For most vacationers, that's far less than their normal bar bill and still a good deal. For occasional drinkers, however, it may be more than you want to spend on alcohol.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

Free cruise Wi-Fi

Free onboard internet access is another cruiser favorite because cruise Wi-Fi can be amazingly expensive. Lines such as Norwegian and MSC Cruises have been known to lure cruisers with the option of free Wi-Fi. You can stay in touch with family, flaunt your vacation photos on social media and even check your stocks without worrying about paying sky-high satellite connectivity rates.

The good news is that free Wi-Fi is actually free. The less stellar news is that access may be limited. MSC Cruises offers free Wi-Fi on one device per passenger (on up to two devices per cabin); Norwegian limits its bonus to one device at a time for the first two passengers in a cabin.

Norwegian only gives a limited number of free minutes (150 minutes per person on weeklong cruises, for example), and streaming is blocked. MSC also blocks streaming and won't let you switch your plan from one device to another even if you will only be online on one at a time.

And if a mountain is blocking your ship's line of sight with the satellite, no one is getting any Wi-Fi — no matter what they paid.

Related: How can I get Wi-Fi on a cruise for free?

Onboard credit

Onboard credit is essentially a cruise ship gift certificate that you can spend in multiple ways on board: visiting the spa, booking tours, buying drinks, shopping for souvenirs, and so on. It's truly free — no taxes or tips involved. You can hit the shops worry-free.

That doesn't mean there aren't caveats you should consider. MSC Cruises is currently offering up to $400 in onboard credit, which is a generous offer. However, the fine print indicates that only passengers booked in suites or the pricey Yacht Club on 10-night or longer sailings get the full amount. A balcony cabin on a weeklong cruise only receives $100 onboard credit per cabin — which might buy one person in your cabin a cheap tour or spa treatment.

If you fail to spend the credit, you will not get it back in cash. And let's be honest: You are unlikely to spend exactly the amount given. More likely, you'll be tempted into buying something more expensive on board and using the credit as a discount. (Such as the time I used a $50 credit to book a $129 spa treatment that I wasn't planning to treat myself to … until I got the credit. This means that the cruise line's $50 offer convinced me to spend $79 I didn't intend to give it.)

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

Free specialty dining

You can spend a ton of dough checking out all the cool specialty restaurants on modern cruise ships, so it's a great booking bonus when cruise lines offer a couple of meals on the house. Choose the priciest restaurant you can to get the most value from this perk.

Norwegian cruisers should be aware that, as with its "free" beverage packages, Norwegian charges passengers a 20% gratuity on their complimentary dining perk. A weeklong cruise comes with one or two free meals (based on cabin category and only applicable to the first two passengers in a cabin) and a charge of $11.80 to $19.80 per person in tips for wait staff.

Also, note that additional main courses and select premium dishes will incur an additional fee. This isn't an all-you-can-eat-free deal.

Related: The best meals you can have at sea

Free shore excursions

If you don't sail a high-end line, such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Viking , you will pay for all your tours in port — unless you select a booking promotion that includes free tours. Many tours can top $100 per adult, so a freebie sounds like an amazing money-saver.

On a line such as Oceania Cruises , that's definitely true. Its "simply MORE" fares currently offer up to $1,600 per cabin to spend on shore excursions however you want. You can certainly find value in that offer.

However, Norwegian Cruise Line only offers the first person on a reservation $50 in shore excursion credit per port. And that person cannot use the credit to book tours for another person or purchase equipment rentals on private islands. As you won't find many tours priced under $50, you'll likely be paying extra to take advantage of this offer.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Free kids or 3rd and 4th passenger fares

Cruise fares are priced based on double occupancy (assuming two passengers in a cabin), so third and fourth passengers sharing the room and sleeping in bunk beds or pullout sofas are bonus revenue for cruise lines. Therefore, the third and fourth passenger fares are typically lower than the first two passengers and are often thrown in for free as a booking bonus. (From the cruise line's point of view, it's worth it to comp that extra person, who will then spend money on food, drinks and tours on board.)

When cruise lines offer "kids sail free" promotions , they're not offering a free adjoining cabin to house your sullen teenagers with their own bathroom. No, these promos only apply to kids sailing as third and fourth passengers in your room. It's still a fabulous deal if you were planning on sharing accommodations anyway.

Do note that whether you're cruising with kids , Grandma or your best friends as the third and fourth passengers in your room, you will likely still have to pay taxes and port fees for their "free" cruise.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Prepaid gratuities

Many cruisers don't realize that cruise lines put automatic gratuity charges on their final bill, which can add $100-plus to each passenger's cruise fare. You could request to have the charges removed, but as they're factored into crew paychecks, I strongly urge you not to do that. However, it's definitely a bonus when cruise lines offer free prepaid gratuities and take care of tips, so you save money.

Currently, we could not find a cruise line offering a free gratuities promotion. However, should you see one around Black Friday or wave season, know that this perk is a true freebie to you. It's a win-win if the crew gets paid but not out of your pocket.

Related: 9 times you do not need to tip on a cruise

Free cabin upgrade

Everyone dreams of paying for an inside cabin and getting bumped to a suite, gratis. Keep dreaming, folks. I've yet to see a free upgrade promotion that is so generous. However, you can get an arguably better room without paying extra when cruise lines run free-upgrade promotions.

In general, cruise cabin upgrades fall into two types: upgrades within cabin types (from a cheaper balcony cabin to a more expensive one) or from one cabin type to the next (from an ocean-view cabin to a balcony). Occasionally, you will see this presented as "book a balcony cabin for the price of an ocean view."

Azamara 's recent "Double Stateroom Upgrade" sale offered a veranda cabin for the price of an inside or a veranda-plus cabin for the price of an ocean view. Such a generous promotion is the exception, not the norm.

The fine print of Carnival's mid-December "Triple The Perks Early Saver Sale," on the other hand, clearly stated that upgrades were "in like to like categories only (interior to interior, ocean view to ocean view, and balcony to balcony)."

You'll definitely need to dig into the terms and conditions to figure out what exactly a given upgrade offer will get you. If you are upgrading within a cabin class, you're essentially getting a more desirable location as decided by the cruise line (usually on a higher floor and more centrally located). You might or might not agree with the line on what constitutes a better room within the same category.

Sometimes you can pick the location of the upgraded room; other times, you book the lower-priced cabin, and the cruise line moves you where it sees fit. If you are picky about location, don't accept a free upgrade that doesn't allow you to pick your cabin number.

Also, know that upgrades are not guaranteed. If the higher-category rooms have sold out, you will forfeit that aspect of your perk package.

Related: How to get a free or cheap cruise ship cabin upgrade

Bottom line

Even if certain free cruise booking bonuses are actually just discounts, they can still represent significant savings on your final vacation price.

It's wise to time your cruise booking to coincide with a generous promotion. Just watch out for supposed freebies that result in your paying more than you would have without the perk. If the bonus offer isn't worth it to you, cruise lines will generally let you opt out of unwanted perks.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Perks Explained

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If you’re like many cruisers, you love the idea of getting a perk or two included in your cruise fare! Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion is just that!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Promotion

Are you planning a cruise on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship? Then you’ve probably heard about Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion.

NCL’s Free at Sea perks promotion is very popular with cruisers. However, whether you’re planning your first cruise  or a seasoned cruiser, you’ll want to know the details and see if it’s the best option for you.

Recently, Norwegian Cruise Line has updated their free offers and promotions. In this post I share what perks are included with Norwegian Free at Sea, if some of the perks are actually “free” and if they are worth it. I’ll also answer some common questions many people have about NCL’s popular free perks.

Since Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotions change periodically, always check with Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s website or with your travel agent for the most current information.

What is Norwegian’s Free at Sea?

Norwegian Cruise Line runs a very popular Free at Sea promotion consistently throughout the year. The Free at Sea offer includes a choice of free perks, which guests can use to enhance their cruise experience and save money.

The most popular free perks on NCL include a free beverage package, a specialty dining package, a shore excursion credit, free internet, and free or reduced pricing on 3rd and 4th passengers. Occasionally free or reduced airfare is offered.

There are times when you may see more offers that combine with the Free at Sea offers. These include reduced 2nd passenger fares, additional onboard credit, and on rare occasions, free gratuities on certain cabin categories.

Since the Free at Sea offers can change and be withdrawn, when you see a great deal on a future cruise, it’s a good idea to act quickly and book your cruise .

Looking for a good cruise essentials list? I put this post together with the most recommended items on Amazon, that cruisers love!

50 Most Recommended Cruise Essentials

What to Expect on a Norwegian Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line  is a cruise line in the Contemporary category, along with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Norwegian markets the cruise as Freestyle, so a relaxed cruise ship experience where you can NOT dress up if you don’t want to , although many still do in the evening. Think very casual during the day and resort casual at night, but it really is up to you!

What they do well is offer a casual fun ship for families and individuals who generally prefer having a lot to do, including water-slides and other on board activities such as a ropes course. The entertainment is generally very good quality and high energy.

There are no set dining times, so you can eat at a different time if you like each evening. Just keep in mind that sometimes it may be busy and there can be a wait time. You may choose one of the dining rooms with the menu of the evening, or a more casual venue for pub style food or maybe the buffet.

You can also choose to book a specialty restaurant which will offer generally more upscale dining such as the French Bistro or the Japanese Teppanyaki.

Read more:  What to Wear on a Norwegian Cruise (day & evening)

Norwegian’s Free at Sea Perks

At this time, Norwegian Cruise Line is offering a choice of 5 free perks as part of the Free at Sea promotion for all sailings of 3 nights and longer. The actual value of some of the perks will depend on the length of your cruise and cabin type.

The Free at Sea offers are applicable for single passenger studio cabins, inside cabins, ocean-view, balcony cabins, club balcony cabins, suites and Haven staterooms. For those book Sailaway cabin categories, often guarantee cabins that are priced lower but not eligible for the Free at Sea perks, a $50 US onboard credit is being offered.

Please note that Free at Sea offers and prices can change. Always check the the terms and conditions on the cruise line website and on your booking.

5 Free at Sea Offers (detailed)

Free open bar beverage package.

If you like to have a few drinks a day on a cruise,  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free Open Bar perk (free premium beverage package) is one of the best parts of NCL’s Free at Sea.

Norwegian’s free beverage package perk includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15 US per drink. It also includes fountain soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beer. Specialty coffees and water bottles are not included.

It has a retail value of $99 US a day. All guests under 21 will receive the soda package, which has a value of $7.95 US a day.

For guests sailing to Hawaii on Pride of America, you’ll receive the Hawaii Beverage Package.

Something important to be aware of, is that the “free” beverage perk does have an additional gratuity charge on the value of the package. If you opt for the free premium beverage package offer, you’ll be charged a %20 gratuity at the time of your booking.

Read more:  Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages (what’s included)  

Free Specialty Dining Package

Norwegian’s free specialty dining package option is available to passengers 1 and 2 on your cruise reservation. If you’ve had the free specialty dining package in the past, you’ll notice that Norwegian Cruise Line has made some significant changes.

As noted with the free beverage package perk, be prepared to be charged a 20% gratuity on the free meal package.

Cruises 3-6 nights

If your cruise is 3-6 nights, you’ll receive one meal in a specialty restaurant for all cabin types (studio cabins, inside cabins, ocean-view, balcony cabins, club balcony cabins, suites and the haven).

Cruises 7-11 nights

If your cruise is 7-11 nights, you’ll receive one meal in a specialty restaurant for all cabin types. Balcony cabins and above receive 2 specialty dining meals.

Cruises 12 nights & Longer

If your cruise is 12 nights and longer, studio, inside and ocean view cabins receive 2 meals at specialty restaurants. Balcony and above cabins receive 3 free specialty dining meals.

Free Internet Package

Guests 1 and 2 will receive free internet minutes on their cruise, for use with 1 device at a time. The amount of minutes depends on the length of your cruise. There is no additional gratuity or other charge for this free perk.

Cruises 3 – 6 nights receive 75 minutes

Cruises 7 – 11 nights  receive 150 minutes

Cruises 12 nights and longer receive 300 minutes

$50 US Shore Excursion Credit

If you’re planning a cruise, it’s likely that you’ll book some shore excursions, so the free shore excursion credit is a nice perk. With Norwegian’s free shore excursion credit, a $50 credit will be applied to the first guest on the reservation.

If you’re planning excursions before your cruise, you can pre-reserve shore excursions online before your cruise and the credit will be applied. As well, excursions can be booked onboard.

Something to note is that there won’t be a refund given if you don’t book excursions in certain ports, and there is no additional monetary value.

Free 3rd & 4th Guest (or $99 US on select sailings)

This free perk is an amazing value for families in particular. If you’re cruising with a 3rd and 4th passenger, you can opt to have them cruise for free or at only $99 US (on select sailings) as long as they are staying in the same cabin as you.

While the free 3rd and 4th passenger offer isn’t available on every sailing, it’s worth checking different sail dates and ships and even checking back occasionally. Unfortunately, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays often aren’t applicable, and summer sail dates may be scarce. However, we’ve found cruises in March or “Spring Break” dates in the past where the free or discounted rate applied.

Is Norwegian’s Free at Sea Really Free?

It may surprise you to know that although NCL’s Free at Sea offers are free, there will still be some extra costs to pay on certain free perk options. If you choose the free beverage package perk or the free specialty dining offer, you’ll be charged a 20% gratuity on the value of the package. The gratuity charge is added to the price of your reservation and payable before your cruise, and will not be charged on board.

How much is the gratuity charge on Norwegian’s free beverage package perk?

Currently the value of Norwegian Cruise Line’s premium beverage package is $99 US per person, per day. A 20% gratuity ($19.80 US per day) will be added to the total charge for your cabin on your reservation.

The gratuities for the free premium beverage package perk for 2 people is 7 day cruise for 2 people is $277.20 US (138.60 US p/p). Those under 21 years of age will get the soda package, and will be charged a gratuity $1.59 US per day at the time of booking.

How much is the gratuity charge on Norwegian’s free specialty dining perk?

The gratuity on the free specialty dining package perk is 20% of the total cost of the meal package.

1 night of specialty dining is $50 US and a 20% gratuity charge will be added to your reservation when booking your cruise. Therefore 1 free specialty restaurant will cost $10 US per person, or $20 US per cabin (double occupancy).

2 nights of specialty dining is $89 US. A 20% gratuity will be added to your reservation at a cost of $17.80 US per person, or $35.80 US per cabin.

The 3 night specialty dining package is $119 US per person. The additional gratuity added to your booking will be $23.80 per person, or $47.60 per cabin.

Is Norwegian’s Free at Sea Worth it?

People often ask if Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea is worth it, especially since the some of the most popular “free” perks do have an additional gratuity charge. It’s true, additional charges on the free open bar, can add up to almost $300 US per couple on a 7 day cruise and the free dining package another $20-40 for the cabin.

However, the value and worth of the free perk depends on how much you realistically save by getting these perks. At about $20 US per day, per person in gratuity fees on the Free Open Bar perk, you get unlimited alcoholic drinks up to $15, soda or pop, and several types of juice. If you would otherwise spend more, daily, then likely this is worth it for you.

You can also opt out of certain Free at Sea offers. For instance, since my brother rarely drinks alcohol, he’d rather pay for a beer or an occasional cocktail during his cruise. As well, since my sister in law really enjoys her specialty coffees, and this isn’t included in the Open Bar perk, it’s even less worth it for them.

However he’s a big fan of Norwegian’s specialty restaurants and doesn’t mind paying the gratuity fee of about $10 a person for this.

The value of Free at Sea is there, but you do need to calculate the costs and see what is worth it to you.

In some cases, Norwegian will have a much lower rate on certain cabins that don’t include access to any free perks. If you aren’t going to be taking advantage of the free 3rd and 4th passenger offer or the free drinks and specialty dining package, this may be worth looking at and comparing.

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Final Thoughts: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Perks

In this post we went over Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea perks in detail, including some changes that came into effect recently. NCL’s popular Free at Sea promotion has been popular for years, and offers some good inclusive options that can save money and make your cruise more enjoyable.

Have you cruised with Norwegian or are you planning to, and booked any Free at Sea offers? Please share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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37 Comments

Yes the NCL UBP is the best. MSC does offer the beverage packing but does no5 include all types of liquor, you have to upgrade but not cheap. I will be sailing with celebrity and they off the classic free with cruise, you can upgrade to premium and not too expensive , and only one person can upgrade not everyone.

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am not familiar with the MSC packages, so that’s interesting to know. I do LOVE the Celebrity beverage package and agree that upgrading can be worth it!Here’s a link to a Guest Post I wrote for another site with some details about the beverage and perks on Celebrity https://cruisingisntjustforoldpeople.co.uk/2018/06/03/celebrity-beverage-package . Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks for your informative blog regarding NCL and the Breakaway. Booked one for March 2020 and this will be our first with NCL however, very familiar with Carnival.

I do have a question for you regarding the shows. Do you have to make reservations for all the entertainment on board? If so, how does that work? On Carnival, you just show up at the place and watch. Also, same question regarding the Specialty dining, have to make the reservation prior?

Thanks in advance for your time!

Great questions. When we were on the Breakaway we made reservations for shows, including comedy shows, onboard. However this may have changed so I recommend checking your online cruise personaliser, as usually you’ll find any places to make reservations there. You can also check the Norwegian Cruise Line fanpage on Facebook, as they’ve got great info there from recent cruisers.

Have an amazing cruise!! Hope you love it!

I recommend booking your dining and shows the second it comes available (usually 60-90 days before the cruise. Shows fill up fast as well as good dining times. We’re sailing in 3 weeks and looking forward to it. Enjoy your cruise.

Great point for the large ships! Thanks for sharing the advice!

i have food allergies. We are used to being spoiled by Holland America where I choose my entree the night before and my dinner appears garlic, onion, etc., free the next night with no fuss. Compare? Also, we are used to the tight sanitation practices of Holland America. Compare? Thank you! Nancy

While I can’t compare to HAL, they are quite different, Norwegian will still accommodate and work with you.

My friends were on the Breakaway a few years ago and were able to choose Gluten free meals one night in advance. That being said, I can’t guarantee that’s the case. I would give them a call or work with a Travel Agent specializes in cruises to help you with this, just to be sure.

Hope that helps a little 🙂

I haven’t cruise with HAL yet, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about Norwegian and their accomodations for special diets and food allergies. I hope you end up getting spoiled there too 🙂

I’ve never cruised Holland American, so I can’t compare the sanitation practices, but I have always found NCL ships to be very sanitary. As far as food allergies, we’ve cruised many times on NCL and my husband has a very restricted diet. All his information is in the computer, so his restrictions came up wherever we dined (excluding the buffet). All the managers, from the dining rooms to the specialty dining, were incredibly accommodating, even if he waited until the afternoon to order. We’ve cruised with NCL many times, and since they first entered his dietary restrictions, I’ve never had to remind them. As a matter of fact, when I do book a new cruise, as long as I book via telephone, they’ve always asked if there have been any changes or additions that need to be added. It’s one of the things I really like about NCL.

Great to read about your good experiences, especially with food restrictions which are so important!

it’s one of the frustrations that many cruisers have, when they see the initial base price of a cruise and want to book that, but then are disappointed that the low price applied to the sail away categories, which don’t include the Free at Sea. However, I have still found it to be worth it. Even when my daughter and I went on a Baltic Sea cruise a few years ago on the Getaway, we got the beverage package perk and even though she was given the soda package because she was 17, it was still great and saved us a lot of money. it really took a lot of scrimping and saving to send us for that one (our airfare was pretty expensive from Canada) and so having the beverage package included, with only the applicable gratuities being included in our cruise fare was amazing. we really had everything we needed on board. At one of the ports, my daughter didn’t really want to go there (she takes political issue with one of the places we went due to their treatment of a segment of the population that she supports) and so we stayed on board and had a great time! After all, we had everything we needed! food, drinks, entertainment, hot tub, comfortable cabin… having a beverage package really does offer a great peace of mind. my friends and I never cruise without one anymore. our first cruise, where the beverage package used to be around $400usd for a 7-day cruise, we ended up spending more than $1500usd in beverages between the two of us. we could have spent $800 instead! the next time, we bought the packages and had peace of mind and control over our spending. we also had more drinks! 🙂

But I have done the math. and for me, it works out great to have a beverage package. and it works out twice as great to have it from Free at Sea, because it’s TWO people who get the package! so if you’re not sure, run the math quickly and you’ll likely agree that it’s a great perk to have 🙂 in the case of our next trip, the free beverage packages equal our cruise fare! for us, who now always get the beverage packages, that’s like sailing half price!(our cruise is approx $1,295 CDN. our beverage packages (for two) would have cost approx $1,325 CDN (two people, 5 day cruise). for those who’d like that in USD, our cruise cost around $967, and beverage packages would have cost approx $990 for two people. so we’re effectively sailing for half price, considering we would have bought the beverage packages

I used to cruise more with another line, but now that I cruised NCL with Free at Sea and had a great time, I want to give NCL as many chances as I gave the other line (I went 4 times with the other line) so now I have 2 more booked with NCL already (the getaway again, and the jade). one of them even had the free airfare promo!

You have a great point! Definitely the value is there for many (we love it too), but as you said, people have to make their own calculations. I have to agree there’s some peace of mind that comes with having a package too!

Enjoy your next cruise!

Our first NCL cruise included our tween daughter. We had the soda package for her, but found at the end of the trip that we had an additional $400+ ‘smoothie bill’ because they weren’t included and we never thought to ask.

Oh my goodness! That’s a lot of money for smoothies. You’re so right, that especially as cruise lines do make changes, it’s important to know what’s included and what’s not. Thanks for that great warning for others 🙂

We have sailed with NCL four times. Have never used another cruise line because we just like everything about NCL so much. Our next cruise is the 9-day Baltic cruise in Aug 2020. We have the Beverage Pkg and the Excursion Pkg picked, but now we are thinking of booking our own tours instead of NCL ones. We will have to find out if we can exchange the Excursion perk for another one. But we are not sure which one would be best for the money. Do you have any thoughts? I see you mentioned that the Specialty Dining has free dinners. I had thought that you just get a discounted rate on those dinners. Could you let me know if they are free. Thanks.

What a great cruise you have coming up!

So, typically your shore excursion credit does not have an additional charge, and you can use 50$ per port (for the cabin) towards their own excursions. If you switch to dining, then you will get 3 specialty dinners (check your cruise though as perhaps a 9 day is more?). There is an additional gratuity charged for the dinners. Only the dinner is “free”, service/gratuties are additional.

I suggest calling NCL and asking about your options and exact amounts, to see what is best for your specific cruise and situation. Here’s a tip – ask them to also check if the price has decreased or if there are any new promotions that might be advantageous for you. Since you are still before final payment changes can often be made.

Good luck and hope this helps – feel free to let me know how it turned out.

You failed to mention one thing in your friends sail free. They must stay in the same room to be free. Don’t kid yourself, the balcony rooms are much to small for 3 much less 4.

Great point Elmer. You’re right, 3rd and 4th passenger must cruise in the same cabin. This is most often used by families, who weigh the pros and cons of the savings versus staying all in one cabin.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

My wife and I took A 12 day cruise to Canada. We had all four fee at sea. With $50 of per port and 10% Latitudes credits. We were joking making money on our cruise. All said and done we had a 258 dollar credit. We used it and got a CruiseNext Credit. (Wouldn’t give us cash)They gave us one too. $500 for our next cruise. Basically 500 off our next cruise.

Hi Russell,

That’s fantastic! I’m so glad it was such a good value for you!

I agree, those Cruise Next certificates are awesome!!

We’ll be going on the Dawn 1/21/2020. It’ll be cruise #22 for us with 15 on NCL. We still got sticker shock when we booked a cabin for $1500 p/p and it’s over $2,000 after port taxes, prepaid service charges and Beverage package tips. However, after using our CruiseNext certificates, getting the $50 cabin rebate and $50 per port for excursions – it balances out and we have very little to pay when we get off the last day. The Open Bar drink package is costing us $475 for this 12 day cruise, but it only works out to just under $20 per day/per person. We aren’t big drinkers, but at $10-15 per drink retail, you’re ahead after two drinks a day. We can do that with morning Mimosa’s or Bloody Marys! (Granted, it’s not as good as the old UPB, but it’s still a great deal.) The shore excursions from NCL can of course be cheaper if you get them independent of the cruise line, but we’ve seen too many pier runners over the years who literally missed the ship because they didn’t make it back in time. Book through NCL and the ship WILL wait for you. Being Platinum level, we always wind up with extra liquor because of the bottles we get in the room and the specialty restaurant. Keep in mind, if you do get those perks, the dining rooms will hold your bottle if you don’t finish it! Good Sailing y’all!

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation of the perks and the value. I think you’re right, even for moderate drinkers, this package can be a great deal!

You’ve got a great point about excursions as well. We are pretty cautious when booking excursions or sometimes going on our own, but missing the ship is always our biggest concern. Booking with the cruise line definitely buys peace of mind.

Have an amazing cruise!!!

I have an upcoming cruise on the Norwegian epic. There are 3 adults and 1 kid in the room. The first two guests chose the ultimate beverage package for the promo, but on the website it states every adult has to have the same package. Does the 3rd guest have to buy the package also, or can they choose not to? Mind you, they drink a lot, but are weighing out whether to purchase drinks just on their own

Hi Janessa,

Recently the perks were only available for the first 2 passengers in the room. Perhaps give them a quick call just to make sure, in case they’ve had a change.

To answer your question through, to my knowledge you do not need to buy additional packages for 3rd and 4th passengers.

Have a great cruise!

So …. you pay the gratuities for the Beverage Pkg and the Dining Pkg upfront. What are the expectations regarding additional gratuities for other services?

Yes exactly. On Norwegian you’ll have a set service fee charged daily which is given to those who serve you on the ship like the cabin steward and waiters. Here’s more info on gratuities and service fees that might be helpful: https://lifewellcruised.com/cruise-tipping-guidelines/

I’m still unclear about the beverage perk. We booked a cruise to Bermuda for July and it included the beverage, WiFi, Dining packages. There is nor an option on the booking site to upgrade the beverage package to premium for 243.00 PP. Why would I even consider that if we already have the free at sea beverage deal??

If you have the beverage perk, it sounds like you’ll be just fine and have what you need. However, for specific questions pertaining to your booking, please call Norwegian directly and they’ll be able to go over your options.

Hello, I was wondering what you know about the internet packages. I have WIFI calling on my phone and all I need is access to the internet. Do you know if I would need to purchase the unlimited or premium package? Also I will not be using an app to make calls just simply have to put phone in airplane mode, turn on wifi calling and it works, well it did on my Royal cruises. Any help on this would be great! I’ve seen that others state you need the premium but they were using apps. I don’t really see why I would need that when that is suppose to be for streaming.

Hi Shannon,

I’m not sure unfortunately. I usually buy internet these days so I haven’t tried. If you’ve done this on RC, I can’t see why not – but I don’t know.

Perhaps try the Facebook group for Norwegian Cruisers. Hope you’ll get your answer.

Enjoy your cruise,

Could you please tell me if Ncl is going to make passengers do they excursions only and that passengers won’t be able to come in to port on their own Just that we are going on a med cruise in August 2021 I would hate to think that we would be forced into purchasing the excursions from Ncl which costs a lot . Any ideas would be a bonus.

I totally understand your concerns. NCL hasn’t announced yet, however I would hope that by August 2021 things will be somewhat different and this may not be the norm.

As soon as I hear, I’ll update the information on this site and as well chat about it on YouTube.

Let’s hope we hear more soon and that with several months to go, we see progress.

The beverage package is a great option, for example if you and your partner had a cocktail before dinner and a cocktail at one of the shows after dinner at $15.00 a pop that is potentially $60.00 a day so on a 5 to 14 day cruise it does not take long to run up costs without the package and with out consuming a lot of alcohol;….

Very true. Thanks for sharing Damien. I know it will help others to make a decision as well.

Hi Ilana We are cruising on NCL 12+ days in January

We were told we have to book Both free at sea beverage & dining. Told we can not choose just free at sea dining without the beverage. We don’t drink but love to eat. Have you run into this?

I believe you can book only the dining. Try going on the website and just checking this off, or asking your travel agent for assistance.

Enjoy your cruise!

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NCL Excursion Reviews

By Coastalbreezes , May 16, 2016 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Coastalbreezes

When I was deciding on what excursions to take on my upcoming cruise, I found it so helpful to read the reviews on NCL's website. Some excursions that sounded great had some terrible reviews and others enlightened me that it might be an hour catamaran ride followed by a 45 minute bus ride to get to a particular place (something I wouldn't be interested in).

One thing I did notice is that most excursions only had a few reviews (maybe a few had 10 or more but that was the minority).

Considering the thousands of people who take excursions, I was surprised that there weren't more reviews.

To those who post them, thank you. And if you do take a ship-sponsored trip, I would love to read about your experience. It really helps especially with the high cost involved for most of them.

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BirdTravels

One thing I did notice is that most excursions only had a few reviews (maybe a few had 10 or more but that was the minority).   Tracy

I am a "Top 10" shoreex reviewer on NCL.com. The majority of the reviews that I have done over the years are no longer on the NCL website. I've never tied to figure out how it all works.

I had originally assumed that between seasons, tours were removed from the website when they were no longer offered. Then when the cruise line contracts with a tour provider for the next season, they were created with no reviews. Now I just don't know.

All I can say is that there were many more reviews written than what you find on the web site.

You would be shocked at how many posters just walk aimlessly around the ports and don't venture further...so no reviews needed

Many just take a cab to the beach...which is a perfect thing to do in the Carib...so no reviews

Sent from my iPad using Forums

When I was deciding on what excursions to take on my upcoming cruise, I found it so helpful to read the reviews on NCL's website. Some excursions that sounded great had some terrible reviews and others enlightened me that it might be an hour catamaran ride followed by a 45 minute bus ride to get to a particular place (something I wouldn't be interested in).   One thing I did notice is that most excursions only had a few reviews (maybe a few had 10 or more but that was the minority).   Considering the thousands of people who take excursions, I was surprised that there weren't more reviews.   To those who post them, thank you. And if you do take a ship-sponsored trip, I would love to read about your experience. It really helps especially with the high cost involved for most of them.   Tracy

Something to remember is that when booking an ncl excursion....you are basically using the same operators that you would book if booking on your own

Price notwithstanding....it is quite likely that you won't even be able to book a particular say snorkel excursion on your own in many case as ncl has already booked the boats for their excursions

When you can find a private snorkel excursion the prices are usually very high but you are getting more time

While you can dig around to find one I myself have found it easier to do certain excursions through the ship

Fwiw the last thing I want or need is a bus tour of an island. If I book ncl tours I want snorkeling or I can just grab a cab to a beach....which btw in a place like st kitts will also get you a stop on a mountaintop to see the monkeys and where the Atlantic and Carib meet.

Any taxi driver worth their salt in st kitts knows to stop there if you are going to that part of the island

99% of the time I am cruising solo so I only take NCL excursions because I don't feel comfortable jumping in a taxi alone.

I love going to the beach and for my upcoming cruise, I was about to book a certain beach excursion when I decided to read the reviews. Most of them talked about how rocky the beach was, lots of seaweed and how the local vendors refused to leave you alone. Not my idea of fun so I nixed the idea.

Fortunately by continuing to read additional reviews, I found the perfect beach trip.

I submitted a review of an excursion in Tangier that was a bit critical - NCL never published it.

Check out the ports of call you are visiting here on CC you will get more info than you will ever find on NCL's web site. Or any one ships web site.

Or check out Trip advisor.

The posted ones are approved by NCL so not everything gets posted.

That's too bad because I would think it would help others make an informed decision. I've also written some critical (yet honest) reviews and have had both my positive and negative ones published.

99% of the time I am cruising solo so I only take NCL excursions because I don't feel comfortable jumping in a taxi alone.   I love going to the beach and for my upcoming cruise, I was about to book a certain beach excursion when I decided to read the reviews. Most of them talked about how rocky the beach was, lots of seaweed and how the local vendors refused to leave you alone. Not my idea of fun so I nixed the idea.   Fortunately by continuing to read additional reviews, I found the perfect beach trip.   Tracy

I don't actually believe you would be solo in a taxi to the beach anyway.

They usually wait until the van is full or semi full and then try to agree on a pick up time at the beach for the group

That's been our experience anyway

We get in taxi...with others whom we do not know...but who usually are agreeable to whatever beach the group wants....although you can go to any beach you want but the dispatchers know to group riders by beach preference....then....

Upon drop off at the beach the group usually agrees to a pick up time....as no one wants to miss the ship

Its all very civilized and easy

The group can agree to make sure they locate you before they leave just to be sure you don't miss the ride back

No need to stay with them at the beach but honestly just agree to meet up at agreed upon time

All pax have the same concerns so you will be ok doing this IMHO

I have to debate the NCL sanctioned excursions. Coming off the Getaway back in the end of April, this was the first time I booked third party excursions (and one NCL) for this trip. And to be honest, I did a lot of reading here (CC) and with TripAdvisor to select my excursions. The cost savings is substantial when you are a family; (I had two adults and two kids). Every NCL excursion was a budget buster and I saved at least close to $200 per excursion going third party. Each one had absolute assurances to make sure you didn't miss your boat. Many rely on reviews to maintain their business model and they know we (Americans) like to speak our mines so many won't risk a bad review.

I did Cozumel (last port) on NCL as a "last minute" selection since we had nothing planned. The cost was the highest of all the excursions.

Do your homework and have confidence that there are plenty of good third party excursions out there.

Hope this helps.

Don't forget to join your roll call and go to the Meet & Greet! Most people on the roll call have already researched/arranged independent tours (many based on Trip Advisor reviews and are looking for people to round out their groups. If the groups are full, you can contact the tour operator directly about starting another group.

We have never done a ship-operated tour, most because they are so expensive, and the groups are always sooo large! On private tours, you have smaller groups/buses, so it is easier and faster to get around/stay ahead of the ship tours.

On our most recent cruise, we met up with a couple from our M&G. The husband would go ashore as soon as the ship was cleared, survey all the tour operators selling tours, and then negotiate a price for a group of us (made up of M&G'ers and other people we met on the cruise). We ended up saving a ton of money on these private excursions, and the service was often better because the companies are smaller and more reliant on good reviews on sites such as TA.

Last three posts = great suggestions!

• 5 years later...

Has this not changed in the last 6-years?  Still no way to post a tour review (I just poked around for 20 minutes and couldn't figure it out)?  The descriptions on their reviews leaves MUCH to be desired (ex. recent "7 hour tour including Mayan ruins etc"....but 6 of it is BUS transport time). 

I guess as the seller (and profiter), they are likely not going to want any negative reviews so I suppose I am not surprised, but I never realized they were so curated.

Happycrafter123

I really wish there were reviews posted for the NCL excursions too.  Upcoming Baltic cruise, and I’ve compared prices with other tour operators, when factoring in the free at sea discount, it really is about the same price give or take a couple dollars as going with non-NCL operators, but not sure of the quality, and really don’t like the risk of missing boat…. 

Sailing12Away

Best bet is to search in the port of call forums. That's where you'll get unfiltered and honest opinions on the best (and worst) cruise-sponsored tours, as well as options for ones found via Viator or private companies.

• 1 year later...

On 5/16/2016 at 8:43 AM, BirdTravels said:   I am a "Top 10" shoreex reviewer on NCL.com. The majority of the reviews that I have done over the years are no longer on the NCL website. I've never tied to figure out how it all works.   I had originally assumed that between seasons, tours were removed from the website when they were no longer offered. Then when the cruise line contracts with a tour provider for the next season, they were created with no reviews. Now I just don't know.   All I can say is that there were many more reviews written than what you find on the web site.

do you have a place where you posted your reviews? looking for the mediterranean

littlelulu01

18 hours ago, Joan18 said: do you have a place where you posted your reviews? looking for the mediterranean

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2727265-mediterranean-ship-excursions-review/page/2/#replyForm

Not Bird travels but I posted reviews of about 14 Mediterranean ncl excursions on this review.  It was just prior to the pandemic but same excursions still on offer through ncl so you might get some ideas. 

12 minutes ago, littlelulu01 said: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2727265-mediterranean-ship-excursions-review/page/2/#replyForm Not Bird travels but I posted reviews of about 14 Mediterranean ncl excursions on this review.  It was just prior to the pandemic but same excursions still on offer through ncl so you might get some ideas. 

I remember reading your review, it was great!

19 hours ago, Joan18 said: do you have a place where you posted your reviews? looking for the mediterranean

Sorry. They were NCL reviews which are probably OBE. The pandemic cancelled our last med cruise and we have been staying closer to home since. 

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