Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is bringing back its popular “Free at Sea” programme, replacing the brief “More at Sea” offer from 2024. This change signals a return to a familiar system for cruise enthusiasts, though with some notable differences based on your booking location. While the core benefits remain consistent globally, the way guests pay for and receive these perks varies significantly between the US and UK markets.
What Free at Sea Offers
The reintroduced Free at Sea package includes the perks NCL guests love. Enjoy an Unlimited Open Bar with premium spirits and over 100 cocktails. Savour meals with the Specialty Dining Package, which varies by cruise length. Stay connected with 150 minutes of Starlink WiFi per guest. Plus, receive a $50 shore excursion credit per port for the first guest in each stateroom. On select sailings, the third and fourth guests can cruise for free. This package is available on a wide range of voyages, from short Caribbean getaways to extended European and transatlantic journeys.
US Guests: “Free” with Daily Gratuities
For those booking through NCL in the US, Free at Sea is included at no upfront cost. However, daily gratuities apply for certain perks. Expect to pay $28.50 per person, per day for the drinks package and $20 per person, per meal for specialty dining. Guests can opt out of the drink and dining perks if they prefer not to pay these gratuities, while still enjoying the Wi-Fi and shore excursion credit at no extra cost. For those who plan to indulge in cocktails and specialty dining, the gratuities can still offer excellent value compared to purchasing these packages separately.
UK Guests: Upfront Upgrade, No Daily Gratuities
In the UK, Free at Sea operates differently. Instead of daily service charges, guests pay a one-time upgrade fee, which varies by the length of the cruise. Prices start at £99 per person for 2-day cruises and go up to £619 for voyages lasting 21 days or more. Discounted rates apply for the third and fourth guests sharing a stateroom. Once the upgrade is added, guests receive all Free at Sea perks, including drinks and dining, with no additional gratuities for these perks onboard. However, regular daily gratuities still apply. Unlike the US model, UK guests who do not purchase Free at Sea will not receive the included Wi-Fi or shore excursion credit. While you can buy WiFi separately, many find it more cost-effective to pay a little extra for the full package.
Key Differences from “More at Sea”
The return to Free at Sea marks a shift from the “More at Sea” programme. While the core benefits remain, the payment structure and availability have changed. This reintroduction offers a more streamlined and familiar experience for NCL cruisers, with clear distinctions between the US and UK markets. Whether you’re setting sail from Southampton or Miami, understanding these differences can help you make the most of your cruise holiday.
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