norwegian cruise line free shore excursions

NCL’s Free at Sea promotion: What to know before you book

Want a more inclusive experience on a large cruise ship filled with dining choices and activities? If so, Norwegian Cruise Line 's Free at Sea promotion might be just the ticket. This promo provides a number of "free" perks to guests based on the length of their cruise and the cabin category booked ... but what does the fine print say? Are the perks really free?

In this piece, we're diving into everything you need to know about Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion so there are no surprises when it comes time to book your cruise.

Note: NCL will no longer offer Free at Sea perks on cruises departing in 2025 and beyond. The line is replacing the promotion with a new More at Sea offer, with upgraded inclusions.

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion

Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion offers guests several perks covered by the cruise fare, with the number often dependent upon the length of the cruise and the cabin category chosen.

The choice of perks occasionally changes, but Norwegian typically offers the following five: an unlimited open bar, specialty dining credits, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi, and free third and fourth guests in a cabin. Occasionally, free airfare or a 50% air credit for the second person in a cabin is also a Free at Sea option.

The Free at Sea promotion runs almost constantly, with the exact inclusions varying depending on which version of the promotion NCL is running at the time. Currently, you can book and receive all of the Free at Sea perks, though you can decline any you do not wish to receive.

Previously, you could choose the number of Free at Sea perks based on your cabin category. For example, if you booked a studio or interior cabin, you could only choose one perk. Passengers in ocean-view, balcony and minisuite cabins could pick a few, while those in suites and in The Haven cabins received all perks. This version of the deal could come back, but we've been seeing it less frequently than we used to.

Note that this promotion only applies to voyages of three nights or longer, and all passengers sharing a cabin must choose the same offers (if there is a choice). Those booking a "Sail Away" ( guarantee ) cabin are ineligible for the Free at Sea promotion. Charter sailings are ineligible as well.

What's included in NCL's Free at Sea promotion?

Let's take a look at what each Free at Sea perk entails and dive into the fine print so you know exactly what you are (and aren't) getting.

Unlimited Open Bar Package

The Unlimited Open Bar Package is Norwegian Cruise Line's base drink package . It typically costs $109 per person, per day, plus a 20% gratuity, so it is by far the most popular perk chosen with the Free at Sea promotion (when a choice is offered).

The package includes unlimited soda and juice, beer and wine by the glass worth under $15, and select premium cocktails and spirits worth under $15. A 20% discount applies to bottles of wine and Champagne, wine and spirit experiences, tastings and flights purchased on board.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth it?

The package does not include Starbucks, ice bars, room service, bottled water, beer buckets, designated "super" premium brands, minibar purchases, freshly squeezed juices, wine dispensers or energy drinks.

Here's what you need to know before you choose a beverage package as one of your Free at Sea offers: It's not really "free."

You still have to pay the 20% gratuity on the full value of the package. This means that if you're 21 or older, you'll have to pay $21.80 per person, per day for "free" drinks. (That's $152.60 for a seven-night sailing.) If you're the first or second guest in a cabin and under 21 (meaning you have the soda package), you must pay $1.59 per person, per day.

If you drink alcohol and plan to enjoy it during your cruise, chances are good that choosing this perk will be well worth the daily gratuity you're charged. If you don't think you'll drink $22 worth of extra-fee beverages, alcoholic or not, per day, choose another perk or flat-out decline this Free at Sea offer. You'll end up saving money in the long run.

The drink packages extend to Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas , Great Stirrup Cay. However, they do not extend to the line's private destination in Belize, Harvest Caye.

This Free at Sea perk is available to the first through eighth guests on a reservation who are ages 21 and older. If the first and/or second guest in a cabin is under 21, they will receive Norwegian Cruise Line's Unlimited Soda Package (valued at $9.95 per person, per day) as a substitution. If additional guests and beyond are under 21, they will not receive a substitution for this perk. If you're 21 or older but do not drink, you cannot opt for the soda package instead.

Specialty dining credits

With the specialty dining credits that are part of the Free at Sea package, you'll get an included dining package, which lets you dine in one or more specialty restaurants without having to pay the per-person cost and without having to buy the package separately.

Through Free at Sea, the dining package applies to the first and second guests on a reservation who must be at least 2 years old. Here's a breakdown of how many specialty restaurant meals you get if you choose this perk, based on the length of the cruise and the cabin category you have.

You are subject to a 20% gratuity (based on NCL's assessment of the package's value), so as with the beverage package, the package isn't technically "free."

• Three- to six-night cruise, any cabin: One meal ($59 value, $11.80 gratuity per package)
• Seven- to 11-night cruise, studio, inside or ocean-view cabin: One meal ($59 value, $11.80 gratuity per package)
• Seven- to 11-night cruise, balcony cabin or above: Two meals ($99 value, $19.80 gratuity per package)
• Twelve-night cruise or longer, studio, inside or ocean-view cabin: Two meals ($99 value, $19.80 gratuity per package)
• Twelve-night cruise or longer, balcony cabin or above: Three meals ($139 value, $27.80 gratuity per package)

You can use your specialty dining perk toward Cagney's Steakhouse, La Cucina, Food Republic, Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, Q Texas Smokehouse, Teppanyaki, Los Lobos, Ocean Blue, Bayamo and Onda by Scarpetta.

At a la carte restaurants, the dining package limits you to one appetizer, one soup or salad, one main course, and one dessert. At Cagney's and Le Bistro, you are also limited to one main course per person (in addition to starters and desserts). Additional main courses are charged at the a la carte menu price.

Related: Reasons you should splurge on a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Harvest Caye restaurants, The Bake Shop, the Ice Cream Bar, gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Jazz Brunch, and Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches are not included as part of the specialty dining packages.

Free shore excursions

If you plan to book shore excursions through the cruise line, this perk will likely be well worth it.

You don't necessarily get free excursions, though. Instead, you get a $50 shore excursion credit for the first guest on the cruise reservation in each port. Unlike some Free at Sea offers, this perk does not apply to the second guest. If the tour costs less than $50, no refund is issued. If it costs more than $50, you must pay the difference.

The credit does not apply to Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye equipment rentals. Precruise and postcruise land tours, private tours, and custom shore excursions are not eligible for this promotion; however, group debarkation-day tours are eligible. The first guest may redeem the $50 credit on more than one shore excursion per port but not tickets for them and a travel companion on the same tour.

If a port call or shore excursion is canceled, you'll be refunded the amount you paid. This means that if your shore excursion costs more than $50, you'll only be refunded the amount you paid above $50; you won't be refunded for the credit.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

The free Wi-Fi perk does not give you unlimited internet access for the entire cruise. Instead, you get a number of free minutes, depending on the length of your sailing.

For a voyage that's three to six nights long, you get 75 minutes of internet per person. Seven- to 11-night cruises include 150 minutes of internet per person, while 12-night or longer sailings include 300 minutes of internet per person. Choosing Wi-Fi as one of your Free at Sea offers is actually free, as it includes the activation fee.

This offer applies to the first and second guests in a cabin. Two logins are provided per cabin, and each package can be used on one device at a time. It does not allow streaming.

Related: Do cruise ships have Wi-Fi? A line-by-line guide to internet access at sea

If you think you'll need more internet, you can upgrade to Unlimited Wi-Fi or Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi (with streaming) for a discounted price as compared to the outright cost of those internet packages. This discount is thanks to a "credit" of the value of the minutes that are included in Free at Sea.

Free third and fourth passengers in a cabin

This perk is not available on every sailing, so check before you book if you wish to take advantage of this freebie. Voyages during popular family cruise times (such as school breaks and summer) will not usually have this perk as an option.

The third and fourth guests staying in a cabin will either be free or pay $99 each, with the first two guests paying the full fare. No deposit is required for the third and fourth guests, but they do have to pay taxes and port fees. The exact charge for these taxes and fees varies based on the cruise length and itinerary but can be over $200 per person on some seven-day voyages.

Related: Kids cruise free: Cruise lines offering family deals

If five to eight passengers are on a reservation, those additional guests must pay the prevailing fares.

Can I opt out of Free at Sea?

If your cruise booking comes with more Free at Sea perks than you want, you do not have to choose the amount you are allotted; you can decline any or all Free at Sea perks.

For example, if your booking includes all current Free at Sea offers, but you know you won't drink enough soda, specialty beverages or alcohol to warrant the daily gratuity on the Unlimited Open Bar package, you can decline that perk altogether.

If you choose to decline perks, remember that you can't transfer them to anyone else and won't receive any monetary value for giving them up.

Travelers on a tight budget who don't feel the need to take advantage of the Free at Sea perks can also consider booking a "Sail Away" (guarantee) cabin. Booking a guarantee cabin means choosing a cabin category but not a specific cabin on the ship. Closer to the sail date, the cruise line will assign you a cabin within the chosen category. Guarantee cabins are cheaper than booking a specific cabin and are excluded from the Free at Sea promotion.

What is Free at Sea Plus?

If you want even more perks, you can upgrade to Free at Sea Plus for $49 per person, per day. If the second guest is a child, their upgrade is $29 per day.

Here's what you get with Free at Sea Plus:

• The Unlimited Open Bar Package is upgraded to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. It includes all top-shelf cocktails and spirits; all beer, Champagne and wine by the glass; unlimited soda and juice; unlimited still and sparkling bottled water; all Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks; and energy drinks. It also includes select premium bottles of wine and Champagne with dinner, as well as 40% off all other bottles.
• Two additional specialty dining meals for the first and second guests
• A shore excursion credit of $50 for the second guest
• Unlimited Wi-Fi (no streaming) for the first and second guests

The third guest on a reservation and beyond must purchase the Premium Plus Beverage Package if the first and second guests purchase Free at Sea Plus. They receive it at a reduced rate of $34.80 per person, per day, including gratuity.

If the second guest is a child, they get the same perks except for the Premium Plus Beverage Package; they would still receive the soda package.

Guests who upgrade to Free at Sea Plus can upgrade their unlimited Wi-Fi package to include streaming for an additional $10 per person, per day (applicable to the first and second guests only).

Frequently asked questions about NCL's Free at Sea

Still have a question about Free at Sea that hasn't been covered yet? We address additional concerns below.

Does Free at Sea include daily gratuities?

Sometimes, free daily gratuities pop up as a Free at Sea perk option, but not often. Most of the time, you'll have to pay the daily service charge as normal.

It's $20 per person, per day for passengers in Club Balcony Suite cabins and below, and $25 per person, per day for those staying in suites or The Haven. Babies and toddlers ages 2 and under are not subject to the daily service charge.

Does Free at Sea include airfare?

Occasionally, one of the Free at Sea perks is free airfare for the second guest on a reservation when the first guest also books airfare through Norwegian Cruise Line. This offer applies to seven-night or longer voyages and provides economy, round-trip flights from select departure gateways.

Solo travelers paying 200% of the voyage fare qualify for free airfare when offered. You are not eligible for the free air promotion if you book at the last minute (reservations must be made more than 110 days prior to sailing to qualify) or if you choose a Sail Away (guarantee) cabin.

If considering this perk, keep in mind that choosing it puts your air travel arrangements in the hands of Norwegian Cruise Line. While the flights it chooses may be convenient and what you would choose yourself, they could also involve less-than-ideal timing, routing and layovers that you could avoid by booking your own air travel.

While this is a perk to consider if you want the cruise line to handle as much of your vacation as possible or you're looking to save on flights, we don't recommend it.

Related: Should I book my flight through my cruise line?

Do Pride of America cruises offer the same perks?

Hawaii voyages aboard NCL's Honolulu-based ship, Pride of America, offer the same Free at Sea inclusions but have a beverage package perk that's a bit different from the traditional Free at Sea Open Bar package.

The Hawaii Beverage Package perk applies to the first through eighth guests on the reservation and includes a variety of drinks worth up to $15. Those who choose this perk must pay the gratuities, which are $19.80 per person, per day. The retail value of the Hawaii Beverage Package is $99 per person, per day.

The terms and conditions read, "The purchase of any alcoholic drinks within the Hawaii Beverage Package may, in certain individual circumstances, be restricted in accordance with Hawaii's Intoxicating Liquor Law and applicable local rules and regulations."

In addition to alcoholic beverages, the Hawaii package includes fountain soda, fresh juice, bottled water, nonalcoholic beer and specialty coffee ordered in the dining rooms only. It doesn't include specialty coffee outside the restaurants, room service, minibar purchases or vending machine purchases.

The main difference between the Hawaii Beverage Package and NCL's normal beverage package is that the Hawaii package includes specialty coffee in the main dining rooms, while the normal one does not.

What else must I know about NCL's Free at Sea promotion?

Here are some terms and conditions of the Free at Sea promotion:

• Free at Sea selections must be chosen at least 24 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed once on board.
• For bookings made within 24 hours of departure, Free at Sea perks are chosen at the time of booking.
• Solo travelers paying 200% of the per-person voyage fare qualify for Free at Sea.
• Free at Sea is a cruise-only offer — it does not apply to the land portion of cruisetours.

Bottom line

If you book a specific cabin with Norwegian Cruise Line, your reservation almost always includes some form of the Free at Sea promotion.

Free at Sea is a great value if you plan to fully take advantage of each perk. If some inclusions work for you but others do not, carefully consider whether the value is worth the cost (i.e., gratuities). Don't be afraid to decline any perks you don't want.

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Promotional Terms & Conditions

NCL'S More At Sea™

Booking Window: 1st October 2024 – Capacity Controlled

Applicable Sailings: Fleetwide - 3+ night sailings - departing 1/1/25 and forward More At Sea™ upgrade amount is per person for all guests of applicable age in the same stateroom based on sail length upon purchase:

Upgrade is per person and required for all guests of applicable age in Studio through Club Balcony Suites. Guests 3-8 that are aged under 18 or 21 at point of departure for sailings embarking from United States, Canada or China will not be required to pay the More At Sea™ upcharge amounts. Suite and Haven guests receiving VIPATSEA are exempt from the upcharge amounts.

*3rd & 4th Guest Sail for Taxes is available on select sailings only. NCLATSEA is Manual select & VIPATSEA is Auto Select.

Terms and Conditions

Valid on All Open for Sale sailings, 3+ days. Offer(s) are based on number of days. Offer is applicable to all categories including IX, OX, BX and MX (Sail Away Categories). More At Sea™ promotion must be selected at least 24 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board. Bookings made within 24 hours of departure can choose promotion at time of booking. Guest cannot substitute or customise this offer. All guests in the stateroom must select the same promotion code. Anything consumed above the promotional benefit will be the responsibility of the guest at prevailing rates.

Offer is for new individual FIT reservations and new created Traditional groups. Qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into a new Traditional group and count towards tour conductor credits.

OFFICES: UK Office (NCL London); CE Office (NCL Frankfurt, NCL Berne & NCL Oslo) Not applicable to NCL MIAMI, NCL INTL, AUSTRALIA, NCL BRAZIL, NCL MEA, or Asia offices.

INCLUDED COMPONENTS Additional costs apply for discretionary onboard service charges and/or optional package selections. Cancellation fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings. This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of cruise tours. Individual components included in this offer have no monetary value, are non-refundable and non-transferable. Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time at Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

ADDITIONAL TERMS: This is a higher level promotion Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel or withdraw the offer at any time. Offer is capacity controlled. Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions.  

More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package Guest Eligibility More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package is applicable to guests 1-8 in the same stateroom for the entire length of the sailing. Guest(s) 1-8 that are under 2 years of age will not receive the More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package. Eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person per transaction. Packages may not be shared and are non-transferable and non-refundable. More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer. Includes fountain soda, juice and non-alcoholic beer. Does not include speciality coffee outside of the restaurants, room service, mini bar purchases or vending machines. Does not include Connoisseur's Collection, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or Flights, Starbucks, Ice Bars, room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines. Brand availability may vary by ship and season. More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package is applicable to Pride of America sailings only. The purchase of any alcoholic drinks within the More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package may, in certain individual circumstances, be restricted in accordance with Hawaii’s Intoxicating Liquor Law and applicable local rules and regulations.

Additional information

Guest's cheque may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. An additional cost will be added to all optional package selections. Guests are responsible for the additional cost for the More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package. No substitute for More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package if guest cannot consume all included beverages. Guests are responsible for the upcharge amounts for the More At Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package prior to cruise.

More At Sea™ Beverage Package / Soda Package

Guest Eligibility More At Sea™ Beverage Package is applicable to all qualified sailings excluding sailings that are two (2) days or less, on selected charters, or on Pride of America. Applicable to guests 1-8 on the reservation for the entire length of the sailing. *Guest 1-8 must be at least 18 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the More At Sea™ Beverage Package excluding sailings that start or end in the United States, Canada, or China where guests must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the More At Sea™ Beverage Package. Guest 1-2 under 18*/21 years of age will receive the Soda Package. Guest 3-8 under 18*/21 years of age, More At Sea™ Beverage Package does not apply, and soda package will not be given. Guest 1-8 that are under 2 years of age will not receive the More At Sea™ Beverage Package or Soda Package. Eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person per transaction. Packages may not be shared and are non-transferable and non-refundable.

More At Sea™ Beverage Package More At Sea™ Beverage Package includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer. Includes fountain soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beer. Does not include Connoisseur's Collection, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or Flights, Starbucks, Ice Bars, room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines. Brand availability may vary by ship and season. A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or Flights purchased on board.

Soda Package Soda Package includes fountain soda at any qualifying bar, lounge, or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise.

Exclusions More At Sea™ Beverage Package & Soda Package is not applicable at Harvest Caye bars, restaurants or venues. More At Sea™ Beverage Package & Soda Package does not include speciality coffee outside of the restaurants, room service, mini bar purchases or vending machines.

Additional information Guest’s onboard account may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. Guests with the More at Sea™ Hawaii Beverage Package will receive $15 off the retail value of drinks in the Connoisseur’s Collection. Guests with the More at Sea™ Beverage Package will receive $15 off the retail value of drinks in the Connoisseur’s Collection. An additional cost will be added to all optional package selections. No substitute for More At Sea™ Beverage Package & Soda Package if guest cannot consume all included beverages. Other terms and conditions may apply. Please note that rates are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Norwegian Cruise Line. Where applicable, guests are responsible for the upcharge amounts for the More At Sea™ Beverage Package and/or Soda Package prior to cruise.

Speciality Dining Guest Eligibility Speciality Dining Packages is applicable to guest(s) 1-2 in the same stateroom. Guest(s) 1-2 that are under 2 years of age will not receive the Speciality Dining Package.

Speciality Dining Packages Speciality Dining Packages are awarded based on Sail Length and Meta Category, please see table below for reference.

Speciality Dining Package meal includes up to three appetisers, one main course and up to three desserts per person. Additional main courses, or items subject to a surcharge will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu. There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed in a day, however each meal is counted towards the package. Speciality Dining Package is applicable to all qualifying sailings excluding sailings that are two (2) days or less or on selected charters.

Any Harvest Caye bars, restaurants or venues, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Speciality Dining Packages.

Speciality Dining Package cannot be used for dining with entertainment.

Wi-Fi Package

Guest Eligibility

Wi-Fi Package is not available at Harvest Caye or Great Stirrup Cay.

Provides 1 login per guest for all guests in the same stateroom, login can be used on one device at a time. Package is limited to number of minutes and does not allow streaming. Wi-Fi Package includes activation fee. Wi-Fi Package is applicable to all qualifying sailings excluding sailings that are two (2) days or less on selected charters. Wi-Fi Package is only available onboard.

Exclusions For port calls in Harvest Caye and Great Stirrup Cay, the promotion and $50 Shore Excursion Credit does not apply to equipment rentals. $50 Shore Excursion Credit is not applicable to the shipboard Behind the Scenes Tour. Pre-cruise and post-cruise land tours are not eligible for this promotion. Additional information In the event a port of call or shore excursion is cancelled, the guest will be refunded the amount that the guest has paid for the shore excursion. For shore excursions purchased prior to cruise, the $50 Shore Excursion Credit will be applied to the first guest at time of purchase. For shore excursions purchased onboard, the $50 Shore Excursion Credit will be applied to the first guest’s onboard account. Where guests purchase shore excursions tickets for other guests, the $50 Shore Excursion Credit will not apply to such tickets. The first guest cannot purchase shore excursions for themselves where the duration of such excursion over-laps in time. $50 Shore Excursion Credit has no monetary value, is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for actual currency of any value. $50 Shore Excursion credit can be redeemed by booking online via NCL.com, by calling 00800 0310 21 21 or onboard.

3rd & 4th Guest Free (Taxes Only): Guest Eligability Offer valid for guests 3-4 guests only. 3 & 4 Guests Sail Free (Taxes Only) Offer valid for guests 3-4 (taxes only) sharing a stateroom with guests 1-2 paying full fare on select sailings, dates are subject to change at any time without notice.

Additional information No deposit is required for qualifying 3 & 4 guests. If there are guests 5 - 8 in a reservation, those guests will be required to pay prevailing fares.

Up to €300 PER PERSON AIRFARE CREDIT ON SELECT SAILINGS Booking Window: October 18th - October 28th, 2024 7:59 pm EST Applicable sailings: Select sailings Studio - Oceanview: €150 pp Balcony & above: €300 pp

Terms & Conditions Offer is applicable to ALL Categories, Excluding Pseudo Categories (IX, OX, BX & MX) Offer is applicable for 1st and 2nd guest only. Offer is NOT valid on 3rd/4th adult sharing, child, or infant prices. Promotion code will be available on all bookings. Promotional discount will be applied once air is added to the booking up to 31 days prior to sailing. Promotional discount will be applied once air is added to the booking up to and including 30 days prior to sailing. Guests must add flights to receive the discount. Full discount applies to roundtrip airfare only. One-way air will receive half the discount amount. Singles (solo travelling guests) receive the entitled discount. Selected low fares are not eligible for promotion and the reservation cannot be stored. FIT Terms : Offer is for new individual FIT (GROSS) reservations only. GROUP Terms New individual FIT reservations cannot be moved into an existing speculative/traditional/gross group. Offer cannot be held as group block. Office : UK Office (NCL London); CE Office (NCL Frankfurt, NCL Berne & NCL Oslo) Included Components This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of cruise tours or bundles. With all bookings made under guarantee rates, stateroom assignment is subject to Norwegian Cruise Line discretion and can be assigned at any time up to day of sailing. Government taxes, port expenses & fees, and discretionary onboard service charges are additional. Standard payment and cancellation policy apply. Guests, who cancel and rebook, must accept this promotion's terms and conditions. Cancellation fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings. Offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time. Combinability: Offer is combinable with general market pricing. Offer is combinable with public promotions. Offer is not combinable with Interline rates or any NET rates Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

10% OF CRUISE FARE REDUCED DEPOSIT | CLUB BALCONY SUITES & BELOW Booking Window: March 31st, 2023 - October 31st, 2024 5:59 PM EST Applicable Sailings: Fleetwide Terms & Conditions

• Offer is applicable to club balcony suites and Below. Haven & Suite categories are not applicable for this offer.
• Offer is applicable to all guest in the stateroom.
• Singles paying 200% of voyage fare qualify
• Bookings made during the above-mentioned booking window and outside final payment will have a 10% reduced deposit applied.
• Offer will automatically be applied to the reservation at time of booking.
• Offer is applicable to fly-cruise and cruise only pricing.
• All offers are only applicable to EUR and NOK currency only booked through Berne, Oslo and Frankfurt offices..
• Offer is for New Individual FIT Reservations and New Group Delegates added as FIT to include into existing CE gross or net groups.
• Offer is for new delegates with names created within the booking window for new CE gross or net groups, new allotment, and existing group allotment for CE gross or net groups.
• Promotion cannot be held as group block.
• Applicable to CE Offices. Not applicable to NCL MIAMI, NCL INTL, NCL ASIA, NCL MEA, AUSTRALIA, NCL BRAZIL and UK offices
• For an upgrade into a Suite or Haven, full deposit is due immediately.
• Full deposit amount (not reduced deposit amount) will be penalized for reservations cancelled in the loss of deposit penalty period.
• Government taxes, port expenses & fees, general excise tax (GET), and discretionary on-board service charges and/or gratuities are additional.
• Components included in this offer have no monetary value, are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Cancellation fees for club balcony suites and below outside final payment will be reduced to match the amount of deposit collected. Cancellation Fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings.
• Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply.

CRUISENEXT CREDIT Terms & Conditions for CruiseNext Credits purchased on sailings embarking on or after January 11, 2024 CruiseNext Credit, CruiseNext Haven Credit and Sixthman CruiseNext Credit

• CruiseNext Credit (CNC), CruiseNext Haven Credit (CNHC) or Sixthman CruiseNext Credit (SCNC) (CNC, CNHC and SCNC may hereinafter be referred to as, collectively, or individually, a “Credit”) are issued by Goodwill Credit, Ltd. and are available for purchase on Norwegian Cruise Line and Sixthman sailings, as applicable. CNC and CNHC are only redeemable as payment towards new reservations on future Norwegian Cruise Line sailings. SCNC are only redeemable as payment towards new reservations on future Sixthman sailings. To redeem your CNC or CNHC, please call your Travel Professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 00800 0310 21 21 and advise you wish to apply your Credit to the reservation at time of booking. You may also apply as payment towards new reservations booked through www.ncl.com by logging into your MyNCL account where your Credit will be visible for redemption. For guests outside the US and Canada, please call your Travel Professional or the Norwegian Cruise Line phone number listed at www.ncl.com . To redeem your SCNC towards a Sixthman sailing please contact Sixthman at 1-877-749-8462 or proceed with making your reservation online and apply your Credit towards your reservation.
• When you purchase a Credit, your onboard account will be charged in US Dollars. You will also receive a non-refundable onboard credit ("Non-Refundable Onboard Credit") to use on your current sailing. The amount of your Non-Refundable Onboard Credit is based on the number of Credit(s) purchased and the Non-Refundable Onboard Credit promotional offering at the time of Credit purchase. The purchased Credit will be added to your Norwegian Cruise Line guest record (Latitudes Rewards account) within three (3) days of your sailing end date and will be added in the same currency you used to book the sailing you were on at time of purchase of the Credit. Currency exchange rates are set at the time of purchase.
• The Non-Refundable Onboard Credit given for purchasing Credit(s) on your current sailing will be used as payment towards for your final onboard bill for your current sailing and will be applied first to your Credit charge(s) before being applied to any other fees in your onboard account.
• CNC ($250 each) and CNHC ($500 each) are valid for sailings of three (3) days or longer. A CNC can be applied as the full deposit for a stateroom up to a Club Balcony Suite or can be applied as partial deposit payment towards a higher stateroom category. A CNHC can be applied as the full deposit for any one stateroom. CNC and CNHC are not available for use on Sixthman sailings.
• Limit of one Credit (regardless of type) used per stateroom. You may apply two Credits to one stateroom only when booking a sailing that qualifies for the DoubleUp! promotion. DoubleUp! promotion eligibility is based on redemption date and not on Credit purchase date. DoubleUp! promotions may be subject to change and are subject to availability. Visit www.ncl.com/cruisenext for offer details when you are ready to book your next sailing.
• You must be 21 years of age or older to both charge a Credit to your onboard account and to use as payment towards a future sailing. A maximum of eight (8) Credits (regardless of type) may be purchased per person.
• Credit(s) are refundable only within 30 days of purchase in the amount paid minus the amount of the Non-Refundable Onboard Credit received for purchasing the Credit(s) that was applied to your final onboard bill. All Credits are valid for purchase of new reservations only and do not expire. Credits may not be applied to existing reservations. Credits are not redeemable or exchangeable for cash, except where required by law. Credits are unable to be applied in partial values.
• Credits are transferable to another guest at no charge. Once transferred, the new Credit owner is subject to all Credit terms and conditions. The original Credit owner forfeits rights of ownership once the transfer has been completed.
• No black-out dates apply to use of Credit(s). Reservations are subject to availability. Credit(s) cannot be combined with CruiseFirst Credit(s), chartered cruises (except for SCNC on Sixthman sailings), incentive cruises, barter cruises, employee discount(s), friends and family discount(s), interline rates, non-NCLU travel partner rates, Bingo Winners, or Diamonds Resort International bookings.
• To cancel a reservation made with a Credit, submit your request in accordance with Norwegian Cruise Line cancellation policies and procedures. Once a Credit is applied to a reservation, it is subject to the same cancellation policy, rules and regulations (which can be found on your reservation confirmation) as any other payment made for that reservation. If refundable, any Credit applied to a cancelled reservation will be refunded back to the guest Latitudes Rewards account minus any cancellation fees.
• Your personal data will be processed in accordance with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s (including its brands and subsidiaries, “we”, “us” or “our”) privacy policy, which describes how your personal data may be processed, and is available at https://www.ncl.com/about-us/privacy-policy . You agree that we may (1) keep your personal and sensitive data, (2) use such personal data in our business worldwide in accordance with our published privacy policy, (3) share such personal data with our affiliated or related companies, and (4) subject such personal data to processing worldwide. You agree that we may disclose personal or sensitive data to unaffiliated third parties (1) with your consent or authorisation, (2) to help complete a transaction for you, (3) to comply with laws, regulations, governmental and quasi-governmental requests, orders or legal processes, (4) to enforce these terms and conditions or other agreements or to protect the rights, safety or property of us or others, (5) as part of a purchase, sale, or transfer of assets or our business, (6) to our agents or service providers to perform functions on our behalf, or (7) as otherwise described in our privacy policy.
• In addition to these terms and conditions, you must comply with the Norwegian Cruise Line and/or Sixthman brochure terms and conditions including the Norwegian Cruise Line guest ticket contract.
• All Credit(s) are issued by Goodwill Credit, Ltd. and any claims or concerns with respect to Credit(s) are to be directed to Goodwill Credit, Ltd. at www.goodwillcruisecredit.com . NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., d/b/a Norwegian Cruise Line (including its affiliates other than Goodwill Credit, Ltd.) takes no responsibility for any claim related to Credit(s), including for the loss of identifying Credit information. Please contact [email protected] for all requests related to onboard practises or permissible services including but not limited to application of Credit(s), Credit refunds, Credit transfers and currency exchange requests.

CRUISENEXT CREDITS (Formerly Known As CruiseNext Deposits) Terms & Conditions for CruiseNext Credits purchased on sailings embarking prior to January 11, 2024 To redeem your Norwegian Cruise Line CruiseNext deposit(s) please call your Travel Professional or Norwegian Cruise Line at 00800 0310 21 21. At the time of booking, you must advise your booking agent that you wish to apply your CruiseNext deposit to the reservation. For guests outside the US and Canada, please call your Travel Professional or the Norwegian Cruise Line phone number listed on NCL.com. When purchasing a CruiseNext Deposit on a Sixthman cruise, you can purchase Sixthman CruiseNext deposit(s) which are only redeemable towards future Sixthman sailings. Or, purchase CruiseNext deposit(s) that are only redeemable towards future Norwegian Cruise Line Sailings. To redeem your Sixthman CruiseNext Deposit(s) towards a Sixthman cruise please contact Sixthman at 1-877-749-8462 or proceed with making your reservation online and apply your credit towards your total deposit due.

• When you purchase a CruiseNext Deposit (CND), your shipboard account will be charged in USD and you will receive an instant shipboard credit (listed on your final bill as Non-Refundable Onboard Credit) towards your current cruise. Once the cruise has concluded, the CND will be converted into the currency of your current reservation and your CND(s) will be added to your Norwegian Cruise Line guest record (Latitudes Rewards account). Currency exchange rates are set at the time of purchase. To change the currency of a CND; simply email [email protected] with your Latitudes Rewards number and request the currency for your new reservation. Guests who elect to use their CND toward a Sixthman event at the time of purchase will have their CND added to their Sixthman Username profile in USD. Only refundable Onboard Credits and the Non-Refundable Onboard Credit given for purchasing CruieNext deposits may be used towards your CruiseNext purchase.
• You must be 21 years of age or older to both charge a CND to your shipboard account and to use on a reservation.
• A maximum of eight (8) CND(s) may be purchased per person.
• CND(s) are refundable only within 30 days of purchase, in the amount paid minus the amount of the instant shipboard credit (listed as Non-Refundable Onboard Credit) received. A CND can only be applied to a new reservation and otherwise has no cash value and is not redeemable or exchangeable for cash. CND(s) are transferable to another guest at no charge. Once transferred, new CND owner is subject to all CND terms and conditions. Original CND owner forfeits rights of ownership once transfer has been completed.
• CruiseNext Deposits ($250 each) and CruiseNext Haven Deposits ($500 each) are valid for sailings of 3 days or longer. CruiseNext Haven Deposits act as the full deposit for all staterooms onboard qualified sailings. CruiseNext deposits act as a full deposit for rooms up to a Club Balcony or can be applied as partial deposit payment towards higher categories. Haven is not available on Sixthman events.
• Limit of one (1) CND may be used per stateroom. You may apply two (2) CNDs to one (1) stateroom only when booking a cruise that qualifies for the DoubleUp! promotion. DoubleUp! promotion eligibility is based on redemption date and not on CND purchase date. DoubleUp! promotions may be subject to change and are subject to availablitly. Visit www.ncl.com/cruisenext for offer details when you are ready to book your next cruise.
• You must ask Norwegian Cruise Line or your Travel Professional to apply your CND(s) towards your new reservation. No black-out dates will apply. Reservations are subject to availability. CNDs cannot be combined with chartered cruises (excluding Sixthman events), incentive cruises, barter cruises, employee, friends and family, interline or travel partner rates, Bingo Winners, or Diamonds Resort International bookings. If you have selected at the time of purchase to apply your CND to a Sixthman event, you will apply your CND towards a new reservation at the time of booking directly with Sixthman online or by phone.
• To cancel a reservation made with a CND, submit your request in accordance with Norwegian Cruise Line cancellation policies and procedures. The CND will be refunded back to the guest Latitudes Rewards account minus any cancellation fees, and will retain its original expiration date. Once a CND is applied to a reservation, it is subject to the same cancellation policy, rules and regulations as any other deposit which can be found on your reservation confirmation.
• In addition to these Terms and Conditions, you must comply with the Norwegian Cruise Line, the Norwegian Cruise Line (Bahamas) Ltd. d/b/a NCLH, NCL America Inc.’s (together “NCL”) and/or Sixthman LTD, Terms and Conditions of the Cruise Brochure and Passenger Ticket Contract.

Terms & Conditions Offers are applicable to NEW reservations only. Offer is based on priced category. CruiseNext Lite, CruiseNext and CruiseNext Haven are valid on any sailing length. The standard CruiseNext terms and conditions apply which will cover the category restrictions that are in place. Currency exchange rates are set at the time of purchase. Government taxes, port expenses & fees, general excise tax (GET), and discretionary on-board service charges and/or gratuities are additional. Cancellation Fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings. Offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time. Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion. Other restrictions may apply. Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE. Applicable to all offices. -->

CRUISENEXT DOUBLEUP! OFFER Booking Window: October 8th – October 28th, 2024 11:59 PM EST Offer Details: Book any stateroom on any sailing and apply TWO CruiseNext, CruiseNext Haven or CruiseNext Lite credits

• Offer is applicable to all qualifying categories, Including applicable Sailaway categories.
• Not applicable for Charter or Inaugural sailings.
• Offers are applicable to NEW reservations only.
• Offer is based on priced category excluding casino booked reservations.
• Offer is based on paid for upgraded category for casino booked reservations only.
• All CruiseNext coupon class coupons are valid on sailings 3 nights or longer.
• The standard CruiseNext terms and conditions apply which will cover the category restrictions that are in place.
• Currency exchange rates are set at the time of purchase.
• For NCL Miami (US & Canada), NCL CE and NCL UK offices:  taxes, fees and port expenses are included in the cruise fare.
• Additional costs apply for discretionary onboard service charges and/or optional package selections.
• For NCL Asia, NCL Brazil, NCL INTL and NCL MEA offices:  taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.
• Cancellation Fees also apply based on the booking/sailing date; therefore, Norwegian Cruise Line strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection on all bookings.
• Offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Offer and combinability with other promotional offers is subject to change at any time per Norwegian Cruise Line's discretion.
• Other restrictions may apply.
• Not applicable to chartered dates and group types: CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE. Applicable to all offices.

ONE EXTRA LATITUDES POINT PER NIGHT ON SELECT CRUISES Booking Window: October 1st - October 31st, 2024 11:59 pm EST

Applicable sailings: Picks of the Month Select Sailings Terms & Conditions

• Not applicable to categories: IX, OX, BX, MX (Sail Away Categories).
• Offer is applicable to the 1st and 2nd guest on the reservation only.
• Guest must be enroled in the Latitudes programme and have completed at least one sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line.
• Offer valid for all Latitudes tiers: BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, PLATINUM, SAPPHIRE, DIAMOND or AMBASSADOR
• Offer is not applicable to 1-2-night sailings.
• Offer is for new individual FIT reservations.
• Qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into an existing FS or Traditional group and count towards tour conductor credits.
• Promotion cannot be held as a new or existing traditional or FS group block.
• Promotion is not applicable to Traditional Groups/Type: Affinity, Nettour, NettourC, CHARTERS, CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE.
• Promotion is not applicable to FS Groups/Type: Affinity, Nettour or NettourC (classification type).
• Offer is not combinable with charter or inaugural sailings.
• One extra Latitudes points are per person, per night on the reservation.
• To take advantage of this offer and ensure receipt of Latitudes benefits on board, guest needs to provide Latitudes membership number at time of booking.
• Following the sailing completion, the Latitude points will be added to the applicable accounts.
• This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of Cruise Tour packages.
• Anything consumed above the promotional benefit will be the responsibility of the guest at prevailing rates.
• Government taxes, port expenses & fees, discretionary onboard service charges and/or gratuities are additional.
• Taxes, port expenses and fees are included in the cruise fare
• Applicable to AUSTRALIA, NCL ASIA, NCL BERNE, NCL BRAZIL, NCL FRANKFURT, NCL INTL, NCL LONDON, NCL MEA, NCL MIAMI, NCL OSLO.

TWO EXTRA LATITUDES POINTS PER NIGHT ON SELECT CRUISES Booking Window: November 9, 2022 - January 31, 2023 11:59 pm EST Applicable sailings: Fleetwide - 3+ night sailings in 2023 only Terms & Conditions Not applicable to categories IX, OX, BX, MX (Sail Away Categories). Offer is applicable to the 1st and 2nd guest on the reservation only. Two extra Latitudes points are per person, per night on the reservation. Offer is for new individual FIT reservations. Qualifying new individual FIT reservations can be moved into an existing FS or Traditional group and count towards tour conductor credits. Promotion cannot be held as a new or existing traditional or FS group block. Promotion is not applicable to Traditional Groups/Type: Affinity, Nettour, NettourC, CHARTERS, CMI OP EVENT, CMI OP LG EVENT, INCREG & INCLARGE. Promotion is not applicable to FS Groups/Type: Affinity, Nettour or NettourC (classification type). Offer is not combinable with charter or inaugural sailings. To take advantage of this offer and ensure receipt of Latitudes benefits on board, guest needs to provide Latitudes membership number at time of booking. In order to qualify guest must be enrolled in the Latitudes program and have completed at least one sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line. Offer valid for all Latitudes tiers: BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, PLATINUM, PLATINUM PLUS, or AMBASSADOR. Following the sailing completion, the Latitude points will be added to the applicable accounts. This is a cruise only offer. This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of Cruisetour packages. Anything consumed above the promotional benefit will be the responsibility of the guest at prevailing rates. Government taxes, port expenses & fees, discretionary onboard service charges and/or gratuities are additional. Applicable to AUSTRALIA, NCL ASIA, NCL BERNE, NCL BRAZIL, NCL FRANKFURT, NCL INTL, NCL LONDON, NCL MEA, NCL MIAMI, NCL OSLO. -->

• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Star

Terms & Conditions

Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to charge a fuel supplement without prior notice should the closing price of West Texas Intermediate Fuel increase above $65.00 USD per barrel on the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index). In the event a fuel supplement is charged, Norwegian Cruise Line will have sole discretion to apply the supplementary charge to both existing and new bookings, regardless of whether such bookings have been paid in full. Such supplementary charges are not included in the cruise fare. The fuel supplement charge will not exceed $10.00 USD per passenger per day. Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships' registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2024 NCL Corporation Ltd

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.

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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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