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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In This Article...

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

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

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

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

Sometimes More Perks Are Offered

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

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

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

The Free at Sea Offer Runs Consistently

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You May HAVE to Buy the Free at Sea Offer

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

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

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

You Still Have to Pay Gratuity… Even on Free Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian has created an upgrade with the following perks included:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check Prices on Airfare Offers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Sailing NCL:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Home » Cruise » Norwegian Cruise Line » Everything You Need to Know About Norwegian’s Free at Sea in 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Norwegian’s Free at Sea in 2024

We detail everything you need to know about Norwegian's Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus to help you make the right choice in 2024.

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Everything you need to know about norwegian’s free at sea, what is ncl’s free at sea.

Norwegian Cruise Line frequently runs its popular promotion called Free at Sea. Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer entitles guests to free perks like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, kids sail free (or 3rd & 4th guests sail free), and more.

The number of perks that cruisers receive does vary based on the current sale and the stateroom category booked. Usually, guests can get up to 5 free perks with this sale. Occasionally, there are up to 6 perks if airfare is part of the current promotion.

For example, NCL’s Free at Sea previously offered guests who booked Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, or Club Balcony Suite rooms the ability to choose 2 free perks. Guests who booked Suites and the Haven received all 5 free perks. Recently though, guests booking most cabin categories can receive all 5 free perks. Now, that’s a good deal!

This promotion offers guests a more all-inclusive experience, where they will know the majority of their cruise costs upfront and not have to worry about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Related Post: Beginner’s Guide to Cruise Planning

It is important to read the fine print at the time of your booking as the terms of the promotion can change. For instance, some categories like Studio and Inside have only qualified for 1 perk in the past.

Further, the cheapest fares are usually “Sail Away” rates, or guaranteed rates . These rates are often excluded from the promotion.

All perks included in this offer have no monetary value. Thus, if you opt to decline any of the entitled perks (which you can), you will not receive a refund nor can you gift it to someone else.

Further, it can vary as to how many guests in the stateroom receive each perk. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea provides drink packages to all guests but dining packages only to the first 2 guests on the reservation.

This promotion can be combined with other offers being run by the cruise line like 2 for 1 deposits. It can also be combined with travel agent offers, like extra perks or onboard credit. This is one of the easiest ways to save money when booking a cruise.

You must select your Free at Sea choices at least 24 hours prior to sailing. Further, it is important to know that both 1st and 2nd guests in the stateroom need to pick the same perks.

See below for further clarifications on each NCL Free at Sea perk.

NCL’s Free at Sea Terms and Conditions:

• Valid on 3+ night sailings
• Free at Sea choice(s) must be selected at least 24 hours prior to sailing and cannot be changed on board
• Offer is capacity controlled and can be withdrawn at any time
• Singles paying 200% of voyage fare qualify
•  All guests in stateroom must choose same offer
• Government taxes, port expenses & fees, discretionary onboard service charges and/or gratuities are additional
• Not applicable to chartered dates
• This promotion is not applicable on the land portion of Cruisetours
• Components included in this offer have no monetary value, are non-refundable and non-transferable
• Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to cancel or withdraw this offer at any time

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: SAVE WITH NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE CRUISE DEALS !

What are the Norwegian’s Free at Sea Perks?

Free unlimited open bar package.

The most popular of Norwegian’s Free at Sea perks is the Unlimited Open Bar Package. This perk entitles guests 1-8 on the reservation a Norwegian Cruise Line Premium beverage package .

Do know that a 20% gratuity is added to all “free” beverage packages.

Guests under 21 years of age will get a soda package as a substitution, but only if they are the first or second guest on the reservation. If guests 3-8 are under 21 years of age, a soda package will not be given as a substitution.

The retail value of the Unlimited Open Bar Package is $109 per person, per day. The retail value of the Soda Package is $9.95 per person, per day.

Guests can upgrade from the free Open Bar Package (Premium drink package) to the Premium Plus drink package for $29 a day per person.

What does the Free at Sea beverage package include?

The NCL “free drink package”, which is provided as part of the NCL Free at Sea promotion, includes the following beverages:

• Select premium cocktails & spirits under $15 USD
• A variety of beers and wines by the glass under $15 USD
• 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine
• Unlimited soft drinks and juices

The Premium beverage package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15. Further, this package includes unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay (though not Harvest Caye).

Any items over $15 will receive a $15 discount; you will then need to pay only the difference.

Further, eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person per transaction.

The Premium beverage package does not include room service, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated Super Premium brands, bottled wine or liquor, or mini bar purchases. For a list of included brands, see  here . It also does not include Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or flights, Starbucks, Ice Bars, and wine stations.

Unlike most other cruise lines, premium non-alcoholic drinks are not part of this beverage package either. Guests will still need to pay extra for items like bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, specialty coffee beverages, and energy drinks. However, guests will receive a 20% discount on bottles of wine, Wine and Spirit Experiences, and tastings or flights purchased onboard the ship.

Guests who choose to upgrade to the Premium Plus beverage package can enjoy all of the previous inclusions in addition to the following beverages.

• All top-shelf cocktails & spirits
• All beer, champagne, and wine by the glass
• Select premium bottles of champagne and wine with dinner and 40% off all other bottles
• Unlimited still & sparkling bottled water
• All Starbucks coffee & specialty drinks
• Energy drinks

Free Specialty Dining

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its Freestyle approach to dining. This means no set dinner times, table arrangements, or main dining room. Instead, the cruise line offers a variety of dining options.

While there are several complimentary options, many of the dining venues do charge an additional fee. 

Luckily, there is the Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Package (SDP).

This package entitles users to dine at many of the for-fee restaurants on any NCL ship for one set price. More importantly, this specialty dining package is commonly one of NCL’s Free at Sea perks.

The specialty dining package perk is only applicable to the first two guests on the reservation who are at least 2 years old.

At the cruise line’s signature Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro, you can order as many starters, sides, and desserts as you want. However, you can only order one entree. You will need to pay a la carte pricing for any additional entrees.

Further, a SDP meal in Food Republic, Pincho Tapas Bar, and Wasabi includes 4 menu items per person.

Room Service, Starbucks, The Bake Shop, Coco’s, Dolce Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Jazz Brunch, or Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches are not part of the specialty dining package. Beverages are also not included.

Additionally, cruisers can use a specialty dining meal credit for entertainment-based restaurants for an additional surcharge (like Cirque Dreams). However, if you wish to use a SDP meal credit, you will need to wait until you are onboard the ship to book.

Of course, even if you receive the package for free at part of a promotion, you can always purchase an additional specialty dining package for extra meals.

Prior to your sail date, you may receive promotional offers to upgrade your dining package with additional meals for a discounted price.

How many meals are in Norwegian’s Free at Sea?

The number of meals received is based on both the length of the cruise and the stateroom category booked.

Guests receive the following:

• 1 meal for 3-6 night cruises regardless of cabin category
• Balcony and above will receive 2 free meals for 7-11 night cruises
• Guests on 7-11 night cruises who book a studio, inside, or oceanview will only get 1 free meal
• On 12+ night cruises, guests get 2 meals for studio, inside, and oceanview or 3 meals for balcony and above.

See the below chart for the specialty dining breakdown.

Additionally, guests must pay a 20% gratuity on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package prior to their cruise.

Cruisers can use Norwegian Cruise Line Specialty Dining Packages at most specialty venues. These include Cagney’s Steakhouse, Food Republic, La Cucina, Onda by Scarpetta , Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Moderno Churrascaria, Ocean Blue, Bayamo, Pincho Tapas Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse , The Raw Bar, and Teppanyaki.

Free Shore Excursions

Another common perk of Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion is free shore excursions . If you are new to cruising, you may not know the lingo.

The term “shore excursion” can refer to any number of different activities that occur at each port of call. Cruise shore excursions occur off of the ship and are completed during the hours you are docked at the port.

Shore excursions give cruisers the opportunity to maximize their time ashore while eliminating some of the leg work of planning (tickets, transportation, etc.) for a DIY tour. These tours are usually designed to highlight the best attractions that the area has to offer.

NCL’s Free at Sea free shore excursions offer qualifies the first guest only on the reservation for a credit of $50 per port.

Guests can use this credit to purchase any tour offered by the cruise line. If the tour is less than $50, no refund will be issued. If the tour is more than $50, the guest will be responsible to pay the difference.

Latitude member discounts are combinable with this perk. Though, the $50 shore excursion credit does not apply to equipment rentals in Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye ports of call. Pre-cruise and post-cruise land tours are not eligible for this promotion.

The retail value of this perk is based on the number of ports of call scheduled for your itinerary.

Another one of Norwegian’s Free at Sea perks is free WiFi and again, the value of this perk is based on the length of the cruise. While Norwegian Cruise Line does offer an unlimited internet package , guests will only receive a certain number of minutes with this free perk.

NCL’s Free at Sea WiFi perk provides:

• 75 minutes per person for 3-6 Day Cruises
• 150 minutes per person for 7-11 Day Cruises
• 300 minutes per person for 12+ Day Cruises

These minutes are per person , not per stateroom which is an improvement from the past. They apply to the first and second guests in a cabin, meaning that bookings will receive two logins per stateroom.

Of note, internet packages are not available on Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye. Further, these minutes can only be used on one device at a time.

It is important to know that while cruise ship internet is getting faster, it may never be as reliable as your internet back home. Cruise ship internet depends on satellite connections and geographical location. The ship’s distance offshore as well as interference from landscapes and weather can all cause variable cruise ship internet speeds.

Thus, you should be able to use these internet minutes for basic tasks like checking email and posting on social media. However, you shouldn’t plan on using these minutes for streaming purposes (though you may be able to stream depending on the ship’s connection strength).

Like the previous perks, you can always upgrade your WiFi package. Cruisers often receive promotions to upgrade at discounted rates prior to their cruise.

The standard price for the Unlimited WiFi package is $29.99 for one device per day. The Unlimited WiFi with streaming package is $39.99 for one device per day. A second device can be added for an additional $15.99 per day for an Unlimited package, and $25.99 per day for the Unlimited Premium package. A 4-device package is also available.

BOOKING BONUS: Get Additional Perks When You Book Your Next Cruise Now!

Free 3rd and 4th Guest

This Norwegian Cruise Line Free at Sea perk is exactly what it sounds like. This promotion is also sometimes called Kids Sail Free. Basically, this offer is valid for guests 3-4 sharing a stateroom with guests 1-2 paying the full fare.

This offer is only applicable on select sailings. Thus, popular times of the year like school breaks and holidays are not usually part of the promotion.

If there are guests 5-8 in a reservation, those guests will pay prevailing fares.

Free Airfare for 2nd Guest

This offer is valid on select 7+ night sailings only. With this perk, the second guest on the reservation flies for free when buying airfare for the first guest. Offer is not applicable to guests 3-8 on the reservation.

Generally, guests must make the reservation more than 75 days prior to sailing to qualify. Further, this air offer applies to economy, round-trip flights from select departure gateways only.

Solo traveling guests will receive 50% off Norwegian Cruise Line’s promotional airfare pricing each way.

Airline-imposed personal charges such as baggage fees are not included and are paid directly to the airline.

Terms and Conditions:

• For Domestic flights, airfare will include a maximum of one connection when possible; air schedules permitting
• For International flights, airfare will include a maximum of two connections when possible; air schedules permitting
• If flying from the West Coast to the East Coast of the U.S., guests may receive an overnight flight
• For cruises concluding on the East Coast of the US, guests may receive a flight that departs up to 10:30 p.m.
• For cruises concluding on the West Coast of the U.S. with guests returning home to a city located on the East Coast or central U.S., guests may be reserved on a flight that departs up to 11:59 p.m.
• Guests embarking or disembarking in PortMiami may be reserved on flights arriving or departing at Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Guests embarking or disembarking in Manhattan Cruise Terminal (New York City) may be reserved on flights arriving or departing at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Guests embarking or disembarking in Quebec City may be reserved on flights arriving or departing from Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to ensure the most convenient schedule

Does Norwegian’s Free at Sea include gratuities?

NCL’s Free at Sea promotion does not typically include gratuities as one of its perks.

The current rates for NCL cruise gratuities are as follows:

• $25 for guests staying in the Haven and Suites
• $20 for all other staterooms, Club Balcony Suites and below

Is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Good for All Itineraries?

Generally speaking, NCL’s Free at Sea is applicable to all sailings of 3 nights or greater. Chartered sailings and land portions of Cruisetours are the exceptions.

Hawaii sailings offer a slightly modified Free at Sea promotion.

The Hawaii Beverage Package is applicable to Pride of America sailings only, for guests 1-8 on the reservation. This package includes a variety of beverages up to $15. It also includes fountain soda, freshly squeezed juice, bottled water (flat and sparkling), non-alcoholic beer, and specialty coffee in the dining room only. The package does not include specialty coffee outside of the restaurants, room service, mini bar purchases, or vending machines.

NCL’s Disclaimer: “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.”

Retail value of the Hawaii Beverage Package is $109 per person, per day.

Like the traditional Free Open Bar perk, guests sailing in Hawaii need to pay the 20% gratuity on this “free perk.”

Is Norwegian’s Free at Sea Really Free?

Some of Norwegian’s Free at Sea perks are truly “free” while some are not.

In terms of the Free Open Bar, guests will still need to pay gratuity on this “free” perk. The 20% service charge for a 7-day cruise will cost each guest $152.60 for the Premium Beverage package. The Soda Package gratuity is $1.59 per person, per day. This gratuity is added to the total cruise fare at the time of booking.

While this is a great value, it is still a considerable amount to pay for a “free” perk. Thus, you can choose to opt out of the drink package if offered all 5 perks. If offered two perks, you could choose 2 alternate instead. This is especially applicable to guests who do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Further, if you enjoy specialty coffee or want bottled water, you will have to pay extra to upgrade to the Premium Plus beverage package, or can purchase them a la carte.

Similarly, guests need to pay gratuity on the specialty dining package as well. This 20% service charge is $11.80 for a 7-11 day cruise in a studio, inside, or oceanview room. The gratuity is $19.80 per package for balcony and above cabins.

This does not include any additional tips that you would like to provide to your waitstaff.

In terms of the free shore excursions, the $50 credit per stateroom will not cover much. So, you will likely need to pay extra to cover the costs of shore excursions.

Of course, if you planned on booking shore excursions anyway, this is free money. Although, if you are booking them just to utilize the credit, it will likely cost you extra.

When taking advantage of the Friends and Family Sail Free perk, you will still need to pay the Government Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses for “sail free” guests. These fees vary based on the itinerary but will likely cost $200+ each guest.

One final thing to consider. Cheaper room categories might qualify for less perks, but they are CHEAPER. If you are paying more money for a higher room category just to score the free perks, you will need to determine if it is worth it for you.

What Perks Should I Pick from Norwegian’s Free at Sea?

What perks should I pick from NCL’s Free at Sea? This is one of our most frequently asked questions. Of course, this only becomes a consideration if you are not receiving all 5 free perks as part of the promotion.

So, let’s review retail values of each perk based on a 7-day cruise.

• Open Bar- $763 per person
• Specialty Dining- $99 per person for 1st and 2nd guests ($59 for lower room categories)
• Shore Excursions- $50 per port, per stateroom
• WiFi- not exactly comparable because purchasing outside of Free at Sea is an unlimited per-day package, which starts at $29.99 per device, per day

Based on retail value, choosing the Free Open Bar is a no-brainer for most. It will save you the most money on your cruise, but only if you drink alcoholic beverages.

Remember, as mentioned above, you are still paying the gratuities on this package. Thus, if you don’t think that both guests will drink at least $150 or so in alcoholic beverages over the week (say 2 drinks/day), then you probably shouldn’t opt for this perk. Or, you might decline this perk if you are given all 5 offers.

If you are sailing with family, the 3rd & 4th guests sail free is the other obvious choice. This perk will save you hundreds of dollars as well.

The other 3 perks are much closer in value. So, it really comes down to your preferences. We usually opt for the specialty dining as we enjoy NCL’s specialty restaurants.

Previously, NCL’s internet was slow when compared to other cruise lines. However in 2023 the line implemented Starlink satellite broadband internet, which has proven faster and more reliable so far. That could make choosing wifi an attractive option if you want to get online every so often but won’t need much internet access throughout your voyage.

If you are planning to book shore excursions in multiple ports, the shore excursions perk might be a good value. However, if you plan to stay on the ship at some ports or have a lot of sea days in your itinerary, this might not be the best option.

Further, you don’t need to book shore excursions through the cruise line. You could wander the port on your own or purchase cheaper and often more authentic experiences through local tour providers.

If given 2 free perks, we always pick the drink package and dining package. But since it has become the norm for NCL to offer all five perks to pretty much all stateroom categories, chances are high that you won’t even have to choose.

Is Free at Sea worth it?

The answer to this question should be based on your own personal habits. However, the answer is typically yes. If you will likely purchase any of these perks, it is probably cheaper to opt for the Free at Sea promotion.

Remember, if you don’t think you will break even on the gratuity aspect of the drink package or don’t want the dining package, you can opt out and still get the remaining perks.

If you don’t care about alcoholic drinks or specialty dining, or your room location, you can certainly save money with a Sail Away (guarantee) rate.

What is Free at Sea Plus?

Norwegian’s Free at Sea Plus is an upgrade from the promotional Free at Sea package. Guests can upgrade their free perks to a more premium level for $49 per person, per day.

The Free at Sea Plus package includes:

• Premium Plus beverage package for Guests 1&2
• Two additional specialty dining meals for Guests 1&2
• Additional $50 shore excursion credit per tour for Guest 2
• Unlimited WiFi (no streaming) for Guests 1&2

If the second guest on the reservation is a child or you are cruising solo, see here for variations to this Free at Sea Plus package. Of note, the upgrade price will be cheaper for the 2nd guest if under 21 years old ($29). It is also cheaper for solo travelers ($42).

Further, if you want streaming WiFi, you can upgrade the Free at Sea Plus WiFi to streaming for $10.80 per person/day.

• Available on 3+ night sailings except charters
• Available fleetwide except on Pride of America
• Applicable to all stateroom categories except Sail Away rates
• Offer is capacity controlled
• Solo travelers are not entitled to additional shore excursion credit

Is Free at Sea Plus worth it?

So, with this new perk, it comes down to whether it is worth it or not to upgrade. Should you upgrade from the “free” Free at Sea promotion to the Free at Sea Plus package?

Once again, this is an individual decision. Basically, you will need to decide whether you would spend more than $49 per person, per day on these extra perks.

When looking at the shore excursion credit alone, it would not be worth it as the $50 is only for port days.

When looking at the two additional specialty dinners alone, it would not be worth it either. This package is $99 (or less than $15 per day). Not to mention, you can often score a dining package upgrade on the Free at Sea at a discounted price.

In terms of WiFi, the Unlimited WiFi (in the Free at Sea Plus) is only $29.99 per day to purchase.

Looking at the drink package alone, guests can upgrade to the Premium Plus package for $29 per day.

So, generally speaking, if you plan to purchase the drink package upgrade and at least one other perk, then Free at Sea Plus is probably worth it for you. If you are interested in two perks, but one of them is NOT the drink package, it’s probably not worth it. Likewise, if you only want one perk it is not worth it either.

For us, we enjoy the added benefits of the Premium Plus drink package, like Starbucks and bottled water. We also enjoy NCL’s specialty restaurants and would upgrade our WiFi package anyway. Thus, the Free at Sea Plus makes sense for us and helps to save us money.

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What are your favorite Norwegian’s Free at Sea perks? Do you find upgrading to the Free at Sea Plus a good value? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising with NCL.

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We’re doing one of these cruises next summer, and it’s me and my husband, and two kids under 18. When I asked about the free drink package, they said my husband and I (guests 1&2) will receive the premium open bar package, but the kids (guests 3&4) will NOT receive the soda package free. They told me that the free soda package only applied if the minors are guests 1 or 2. ?

Of course, now I’m wondering if I could switch my husband to be guest 2 and make my teen guest 2 for his soda package, since guest 3 over 21 still gets the premium bar option free.

This makes no sense to me.

I mean change my husband to guest 3 and my kid to guest 2.

Or book two staterooms. My family is 2 adults, 2 children. We booked two rooms, each with one adult and one child. The cruise itself cost about $150-200 more, but we’re getting two free airfares instead of one, and everyone gets a drink and upgraded dining package… not to mention twice the cabin space!

Thank you for your detailed description. If I’m traveling with my 17 year old daughter in a balcony room and upgrade to Free at Sea Plus, will she be able to order Starbucks, energy drinks, bottled water or just the soda package? I can’t get an answer from NCL.

Thank you for all info. It was very helpful. If you don’t drink alcohol, do they let you substitute that option for another 2 specialty meals? Also, how do you opt out of alcohol pkg if you get 5 free upgrades? My cruise free at sea pkg was just added. I didn’t see a choice to opt out??

Beverages are not included at the specialty dining venues? even if one has the free at sea dining package and the beverage package?

The info you provided here is priceless. Thank you so much –

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea: Ultimate Guide

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

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

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

Here’s everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian’s Free at Sea Perks

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

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

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

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

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

Free Open Bar

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

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

Editor’s Tip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But it’s not for everyone.

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

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

Free Specialty Dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Shore Excursions ($50 Shore Excursion Credits)

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

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

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

Here are some essential details to consider:

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

Free Extra Guests

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

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

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

A nominal fee considering the cost of a cruise vacation .

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

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

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

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

Which Norwegian Cruise Free at Sea Perks Should I Choose?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The other three perks are close in value.

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

What is Free at Sea Plus?

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

Free at Sea Plus provides several upgraded perks, including:

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

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

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

Is Norwegian’s Free at Sea Really Free?

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

Can You Opt Out of Free at Sea Perks?

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

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

Free at Terms Fine Print

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts: Is Norwegian Free at Sea Worth It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marcello De Lio

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Understanding the Benefits & Catches of NCL's Free at Sea Program

Cruise line marketing teams are crafty folks, and pricing strategies sometimes make figuring out what you’re getting and for how much a bit confusing.  This is perhaps most true with Norwegian Cruise Lines, where they’re always in the midst of a sale that has limited time left, and they look to bundle a lot of extras with their fares.  Looking past the multitude of fine print and options can be tricky - but we’ll help make it clearer so you understand exactly what’s right for you.

What is NCL’s Free at Sea Offer?

Most of NCL’s sailings these days include NCL’s “Free at Sea” offer, bundling drinks, Wi-Fi, dining , and other amenities with the price of a cruise.  Specifically, this includes their premium beverage package, specialty dining credits, shore excursion credits, an internet package, and often, free air for a second guest.  Of course, there are details to hash out with each one of those things, which we’ll address.

When is Free at Sea Offered?

This collection of items may be advertised as “free unlimited open bar, airfare, and more” or some other combination of perks - but the core offer is Free at Sea.  It’s also worth pointing out that NCL often makes it seem as if parts of this offer are about to go away - and maybe that will happen, but we find that while cruise fares vary, this offer is pretty consistent.  In other words, if you’re looking at an NCL cruise, Free at Sea is probably available to you.

The Catch with NCL’s Free at Sea Program

Whether it’s to entice people to book or simply because you can’t fit every detail of an offer in the corner of an advertisement (probably a combination of both), the initial presentation of Free at Sea perks may look much more simple, and perhaps generous, than it is.  That doesn’t necessarily mean the program isn’t valuable - but it’s important to know what’s really included.  Let’s go over the details of each benefit.

Free Unlimited Open Bar

The Premium Beverage Package included with Free at Sea includes drinks up to $15, such as cocktails, beer , wine, and juices.  What’s not included, however, are specialty coffees or packaged water.  This isn’t bad, and while we appreciated the particularly high-end spirits available for an up-charge (or with the Premium Plus package), on our recent NCL Encore Alaska cruise, we found there was no shortage of quality options available with this package.

What many guests don’t expect with an included beverage package is the need to pay anything, and while the core package cost of $109 per person/per day is included, the required gratuities are not.  This means that if you opt to take advantage of the included beverage package when you book, you’ll pay 20% of the value of the package.  So, the included package will actually set back two guests $305.20 on a seven night cruise.

Free Specialty Dining

Specialty dining restaurants are a big deal on NCL, because some of their ships have a lot of them.  The Free Specialty Dining offer isn’t unlimited, but allows for a set number of specialty meals depending on the length of your cruise and cabin type.  On seven to 11 night cruises, the first two guests in a balcony stateroom will get two meals at a specialty restaurant.  While the true value depends on where you choose to dine, the assigned value in this case is $99 (for two people, per meal), which means there will be a $39.60 gratuity charge added with this included offering.

Because this one can be a bit more complex, we’ll put the breakdown for different sailing lengths and stateroom types below (all assuming a stateroom with two guests).

Three- to six-night cruise, any cabin: one meal ($118 value, $23.60 gratuity)

Seven- to 11-night cruise, studio, inside or oceanview cabin: one meal ($118 value, $23.60 gratuity)

Seven- to 11-night cruise, balcony cabin or above: two meals ($198 value, $39.60 gratuity)

Twelve-night cruise or longer, studio, inside or oceanview cabin: two meals ($198 value, $39.60 gratuity)

Twelve-night cruise or longer, balcony cabin or above: three meals ($278 value, $55.60 gratuity)

To start, it’s important to know that for any cruise line, Wi-Fi is always included in order for you to use the cruise line app, and sometimes other services.  What guests actually pay for is internet access while connected to that Wi-Fi network.  If you’re still confused, this is something we help explain in this article .

What is included with this part of the offer can also be a bit confusing, but similar to dining , guests do not get unlimited internet access included with Free at Sea.  What you actually get is a certain number of included minutes of internet access - but that goes very quickly.  The good news is that you can use this as credit to upgrade to other internet packages, such as the Unlimited or Unlimited Premium packages, which are normally priced at $29.99 and $39.99 per device per day, respectively.  For a recent seven night cruise, the included access offered us 150 minutes of access, or $130 credit for upgrade, allowing us to upgrade to the Unlimited Premium (which includes streaming) for $129.93.

Free Excursions

Shore excursions, on any line, can vary greatly in price, and what is included here won’t get you many excursions, but it will get you $50 off of one excursion, for one guest in each port of call.  So, if you want to go to the Baths at Virgin Gorda (and you really should), and NCL offers that tour for $150 per person, then the two of you can go for $250 total, and get another $50 off another tour in the next port.  

Where you’ll want to be careful here is making sure that it’s not cheaper to abandon the discount in favor of booking an excursion through a third party.  We discuss the pros and cons of this extensively in this article , and include it in our video discussing the multiple things you should consider when planning your time ashore .  This in mind, you might think that NCL’s private islands of Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Cay might be the perfect places to use a $50 credit, and you’re not wrong - but you can’t use this credit on equipment rentals at these locations (though other tours at these destinations are compatible with the credit).

Free Airfare

This isn't technically part of the Free at Sea offer, but it seems to be tacked on as an extra very frequently, so it's worth mentioning.  Few things are as enticing to travelers as free airfare, and what NCL offers here can be a significant value…or a non-starter.  If you book air through NCL’s air-to-sea program they’ll give you two air tickets for the price of one.  This can be a great deal, but there are two big things to consider.  First, air prices vary a ton, so you’ll need to price this out to see if you can get your air taken care of independently for less money.  Fortunately NCL makes this pretty easy, as when you or your travel advisor is pricing your cruise they display the price based on which origin airport you choose.  The second consideration is timing.  We always recommend you arrive to the embarkation city at least a day before you sail.  NCL allows guests to fly in up to two days early, but if you want to extend your trip by more than that, or if you want to pick your flights (airline, arrival time, etc) then this perk may not be of value to you.  

Final Considerations for Free at Sea

The offer, for many guests, is a net positive - but as you can see there are things to know and consider so that you’re not caught off guard by the additional costs or restrictions.  If you don’t think you’ll use these perks, then you can definitely look to see what Sail Away rates might be available, which don’t build any of these things into your cruise cost - but in our experience the rates aren’t so drastically different that it makes sense even if the only perk you’ll use is the beverage package.

Still, you can part out the offer.  If you’re not going to drink at least the cost in gratuities , then opt out of the drinks - the same logic applies to specialty dining.  If you stick with limited internet, don’t forget to log out as soon as you’re done browsing.  In other words, do the math based on what you expect you’ll value and enjoy.  If you’re someone that thinks you’ll benefit from additional add-ons, such as Unlimited internet and the Premium Plus drink package, then look into NCL’s Free at Sea Plus program, which bundles these in, along with more shore excursion and specialty dining credits.  Just know that you can only choose this update before you sail.

The biggest thing that may help you save money and decode these offers?  Use a good travel agent.  They can help clear things up and sometimes get you additional incentives not available by booking directly, in addition to providing valuable service and letting you skip the call centers.  You can find out more about using a travel agent in this article .  However you book, and whatever you do, choose the right cruise for you, and have a great time.

View the discussion thread.

• Norwegian Cruise Line

Free at Sea/Wifi

By Slyfox16 , January 7 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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Is Starlink included in the Free at Sea Wifi package or is it an upgrade option?

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If enabled on the ship, all internet packages use starlink. 

cruiser2015

1 hour ago, Slyfox16 said: Is Starlink included in the Free at Sea Wifi package or is it an upgrade option?

Ships have one internet service connection.

They are all being converted to Starlink.

Sadly, my cruise next week is on the Bliss - not yet changed over.

I've seen some very mixed (a lot bad) reviews.

It can't be any worse than the legacy system. 

There is literally no where to go but up. 

6 hours ago, jules181 said: It can't be any worse than the legacy system.    There is literally no where to go but up. 

Go Elon... 😎

just off Bliss for NYE and the free at sea included WiFi, probably one of the worst we have ever experienced at sea. Constant connectivity issues , and when you finally did connect good luck accessing any social media. For email worked just fine.

Does the Bliss have starlink or the legacy system? 

no, as explained above... not yet converted.

no NCL ships have starlink as a "legacy" system.

Has anyone seen updates on which ships have been deployed and timelines for those that remain?

smarterman64

On 1/8/2024 at 9:39 AM, jules181 said: Has anyone seen updates on which ships have been deployed and timelines for those that remain?

Breakaway and Epic have starlink. 

getaway reportedly has starlink, as well.

reportedly, so do the prima and viva.

you can tell if a ship has starlink by navigating to the ship's wi-fi page on the NCL website. if it has it, it will state that it does as well as claiming that it is the "fastest internet at sea." also included will be an extraordinarily misleading photo with a phone showing a speed check indicating you can get service at 100 Mbps, which is truly a fantasy speed.

Onboard the Prima last November for 12 days ... with Starlink ... it is slower on WiFi "5" despite lower latency and "better" ping time.  The Cisco/Lenovo hardware-servers used onboard are fine, excellent - the bottleneck, shall I say, the problem is NCL - they "throttled" and limited the bandwidth, thus speed for both asymmetrical download and upload connectivity.  Thus, with more than a few hundred "nodes" or users trying, some on the "premium" streaming $$$ plans - end results easily predicted and seen.  

EMC, legacy ISP used by NCL and other maritime vessels - get as much as 5 to 7 Mbps d/l whereas Starlink get no better than 3 to 4 Mbps d/l during off-peak usage time while at sea ... these low orbit satellites can do much, much, much better than analog DSL or digitally at sea, other cruise lines delivered a better product with their offerings, at lower tiered prices.  

It is what it is ... sadly, there is no other options for end users at sea (in the ocean)

so, would you agree... having a picture on the NCL website suggesting a speed of 100 Mbps is aspirational at best, intentionally misleading at worst?

2 hours ago, UKstages said: so, would you agree... having a picture on the NCL website suggesting a speed of 100 Mbps is aspirational at best, intentionally misleading at worst?

On the breakaway last year I connected at 113mbps in the theater on a sea day, not misleading at all.   

5 minutes ago, JamesIowa said: On the breakaway last year I connected at 113mbps in the theater on a sea day, not misleading at all.   

UK stages is never wrong, you must be mistaken

37 minutes ago, JamesIowa said: On the breakaway last year I connected at 113mbps in the theater on a sea day, not misleading at all.   

Impressive. A saved screenshot from a cruise last year.....

BirdTravels

5 hours ago, UKstages said: so, would you agree... having a picture on the NCL website suggesting a speed of 100 Mbps is aspirational at best, intentionally misleading at worst?

You may get it if no one else is using the system including any other ships in the area.   

Viva Actuals on a sea day 

cruiseny4life

I always appreciate @mking8288 's posts, though ones like his above are incomprehensible to this non-tech person. I was on the same sailing as him, so I think I know he's saying everything worked well. But...I'm not him or @PistolPete13  or some of our other resident techies. I feel soooooooo ignorant right now haha...but hey I live in bumf#8k New York,  🤠  so it's to be expected.

For those like me who don't know what he said: We did purchase the unlimited (but not premium) package. We had no issues at all. I don't even remember buffering happening. Cruise Critic, social (YouTube, Insta, Facebook, Snap, etc.) worked totally fine for us. 

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NCL Free At Sea: Everything You Need to Know

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

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

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

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

Which one is your favorite Norwegian Free at Sea perk?

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

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

Table of Contents

What is Norwegian’s Free at Sea?

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

Free Unlimited Open Bar

Free specialty dining, free shore excursions.

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

• Free 3rd & 4th Guests

Free Airfare

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

Upgrades Available:

• NCL Free at Sea Plus Explained

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Original Free At Sea Promotions Explained

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

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

Save now, share with friends, or come back to it later.

NCL Free at Sea Open Bar

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

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

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

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

Is Norwegian Free at Sea Open Bar worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

Cruise Drink Calculator

Option to Upgrade to the NCL Free at Sea Plus

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

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

About the Hawaii Beverage Package

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

Read more: Norwegian Drink Packages Explained

NCL Free Specialty Dining

Free Specialty Dining Package Inclusions (NCL):

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

How many meals are included in NCl free at sea?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Norwegian Free at Sea Specialty Dining worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

NCL Free at Sea Shore Excursions

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

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

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

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

Is Norwegian Free at Sea Shore Excursions worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

NCL Free at Sea Wi-Fi

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

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

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

No service fee.

Is Norwegian Free at Sea WiFi worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free

NCL Free 3rd & 4th Guests

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

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

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

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

NCL Free at Sea Airfare

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

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

How does NCL free airfare work?

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

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

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

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

The Option to Upgrade with Norwegian Free at Sea Plus

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

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

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

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

What is included in the NCL Free at Sea Plus ?

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

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

Is the Free at Sea Plus worth it?

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

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

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

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

NCL Free at Sea FAQs

How many norwegian free at sea promotions can you choose.

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

Is NCL free at sea really free?

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

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

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

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

Does NCL Free at Sea Include Gratuities?

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

When does Norwegian’s Free at Sea sale happen?

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

When does the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion end?

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

Is Norwegian Free at Sea worth it?

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

🚢 Book a CrUISE with NCL

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

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

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

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This was very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

Appreciate your comment. Happy to hear it helped.

Norwegian’s Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

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

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

What is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea?

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

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

Is NCL Free at Sea really free?

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

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

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

What does Norwegian’s Free at Sea include?

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

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

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

Free Open Bar: what you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Is a Cruise Drinks Package Worth It?

Free Specialty Dining: what you need to know

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

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

Specialty dining venues vary by ship, but they include:

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

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

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

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

Free Shore Excursions: what you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Wi-Fi: what you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Kids: what you need to know

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

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

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

Free Friends & Family: what you need to know

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

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

Free Airfare: what you need to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many Norwegian Free at Sea promotions can you pick?

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

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

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

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

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

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

When does Norwegian’s Free at Sea sale happen?

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

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

Want more tips and info for your Norwegian cruise?

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

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

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Sunday 14th of August 2022

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

Friday 19th of August 2022

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday 27th of August 2020

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

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

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

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

Friday 7th of February 2020

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

ROCK THE BOAT

Cruise Holidays That Rock! ATOL Protected

NCL Free At Sea Explained – Norwegian Cruise Line – Cruise Deals

Everything You Need To Know About NCL Free At Sea Package

Planning a cruise holiday with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and wondering if you should add the Free at Sea package?  From drink packages to speciality dining and much more, there’s something for everyone. Want to know about Norwegian’s Free at Sea and how it can help you save money on your next cruise?  Here’s all you need to know and our review.  Let’s set sail!

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Find out all about Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea package and if it’s right for you.

What’s Included With The Free At Sea Promotion?

The 5 free perks as part of the Free at Sea package are:

• Free Premium Beverage Package  – Quench your thirst with a wide selection of complimentary beverages. The Free at Sea promotions often include the open bar drinks package, allowing you to enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on board.
• Free Specialty Dining  – Indulge in exquisite cuisine at Norwegian Cruise Lines’ specialty restaurants without worrying about the additional cost. With the Free at Sea promotions, you can enjoy meals at selected specialty dining venues free.
• Free Shore Excursions  – Explore the stunning ports of call and immerse yourself in exciting activities with free port excursion credit. Enjoy $50 per cabin at each port.  Take advantage of guided tours, adventurous activities, and enriching cultural experiences without worrying about additional costs.
• Free Wi-Fi Package  – Stay connected with loved ones back home or share your cruise holiday on social media with the free Wi-Fi package. Enjoy a certain amount of data usage or unlimited Wi-Fi access during your voyage.
• Friends and Family Sail Free  – Make unforgettable memories with your loved ones without breaking the bank. With the Friends and Family Sail Free benefit, you can bring along additional guests.  3rd & 4th guests sharing your cabin only pay for government taxes and fees.  However, all of the other benefits such as the open bar drinks package are only for the 1st and 2nd guests in each cabin.

Speciality dining, open bar drinks package and Wi-Fi package are just for the 1st and 2nd guest in each cabin.  If any other guests want a drinks or Wi-Fi package, they would need to pay for it.

What Drinks Are Included With The Open Bar Package?

With a wide selection of beverages available, including premium spirits, wine, beer, and cocktails, there’s something for everyone’s taste. Take advantage of this perk and savour your favourite drinks as you relax and unwind onboard.

Currently, you can enjoy unlimited free drinks including:

• Select, premium cocktails & spirits under $15 • A variety of beer and wine by the glass under $15 • 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine • Unlimited soft drinks and juices

Whether you prefer sipping a refreshing mojito by the pool or toasting with a glass of champagne at dinner, the unlimited open bar package ensures that you can indulge in your favourite drinks without worrying about the cost.

The premium beverage package is included for the 1st two guests in each cabin.  If there’s anyone else in your cabin, they can purchase a drinks package if they want. 

If the second person in the cabin is not old enough to drink alcohol onboard, they’ll receive the soda package instead.

Are The Drinks Really Free?

Yes!  You can enjoy unlimited soft drinks and juices whenever you like.  At the bars enjoy cocktails, beer, spirits and wine by the glass under $15.  If you want to splurge on something more expensive, you save 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine.

Are you new to cruising?

First time cruise help.

If it’s your first time cruising, it can all seem overwhelming and confusing. That’s why we offer a First Time Cruise Help Service at Rock the Boat Travel Agency.

The best place to start is by talking with one of our team members. It all starts with you – finding out what you like and just as important, what you don’t like. Coupled with our cruise know-how, we’ll suggest the perfect first time cruise for you. Request a call with one of our team.

Which Drinks Are Not Included?

The free beverage package includes almost every drink you’d like, but the package does not include things such as:  

• Freshly squeezed juices
• Energy drinks
• Bottles of wine (save 20%)
• Vending machines or wine dispensers
• Tastings or experiences
• Super premium brands
• Bottled water
• Lavazza or Starbucks coffees
• Beer buckets
• Drinks over $15 each
• Mini bar or room service

How Much Are Drinks On Norwegian Cruise Line?

If you don’t have Norwegian’s Free at Sea drinks package or want something that’s not included, here are the prices onboard.  Prices can change depending on which bar you’re in, but prices tend to be around:

• Soft drink: $3
• Bottle of water: $6
• Bottle of beer:  $6 – $7
• Most Glasses of wine:  $8 – $10
• Most Cocktails:  $10 – $13
• Most Beers:  $9
• Most Liqueurs:  $10 – $15
• Energy drink:  $5
• Coffee:  $3 – $4

ATOL Protected Cruises

Putting you first.

As part of Travel Counsellors , we offer peace of mind and are ATOL protected. Established back in 1994, we’re now one of the UK’s largest independent travel companies. Our mission is to bring you exceptional customer service & unbeatable value for money.

Plus, we’re always here to help – our 24 hour duty office means you can always get in touch with us no matter what time of day or night it is. It’s good to know you’re in safe hands when you cruise with us.

How Much Shore Excursion Credit Do I Get?

One of the many fantastic perks of taking advantage of the Free at Sea promotions is the $50 shore excursion credit.  Each cabin gets $50 per port.   Just to clarify, the $50 is per cabin and NOT per person.  So if you’re visiting 5 ports during your cruise, you’ll get 5x $50 per cabin.  However, credit doesn’t rollover.  If you don’t use the credit in one port, you’ll lose it.

This credit allows you to save even more money and enhance your cruise experience by exploring and enjoying exciting activities at various ports of call.

It is important to note that the shore excursion credit applies only to the first person on the reservation. This means that if you are traveling with a group or with your family, only the first person listed will receive the credit. However, this does not mean that others in your party will miss out on the fun!

One interesting aspect of this credit is that you can combine it with the latitudes program discount. The latitudes program is Norwegian Cruise Line’s loyalty program, which rewards frequent cruisers with exclusive benefits and discounts. By combining the shore excursion credit with the latitudes program discount, you have the opportunity to maximize your savings and enjoy incredible shore excursions at a fraction of the price.

Imagine exploring ancient ruins, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, or immersing yourself in the local culture during your shore excursions, all while saving money. 

When planning your cruise itinerary, consider the various shore excursion options available at each port of call. Whether you prefer adventurous excursions such as zip-lining or jet skiing, or you prefer more relaxed options such as sightseeing tours or beach visits, there’s something for everyone.

Make the most of your cruise experience by taking advantage of the $50 shore excursion credit offered through the Free at Sea promotions. Combine it with the latitudes program discount to maximize your savings and create lasting memories during your holiday.

How Do I Use My Shore Excursion Credit?

To take advantage of this fantastic perk, simply book your port excursions through Norwegian Cruise Line’s official website or with the assistance of their knowledgeable staff. Be sure to mention your eligibility for the shore excursion credit during the booking process, and don’t forget to check for any additional promotions or discounts that may be available.

Our Cruise Gurus can also help you book your shore adventures too.

Whether you’re interested in taking a guided tour, embarking on a thrilling adventure, or simply relaxing on a picturesque beach, the $50 credit can make a significant difference in your overall vacation budget. It allows you to prioritise the activities that truly interest you and make lasting memories.

What Is Speciality Dining?

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the free specialty dining package onboard all of Norwegian’s cruise ships. This package allows you to dine at specialty restaurants on board for a set price. From gourmet steak and seafood to international cuisine and mouth-watering desserts, the specialty restaurants offer a wide range of culinary delights. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience, the specialty dining package is perfect for you.

Remember, only the 1st and 2nd guests in each cabin will have this included.  Other guests will need to pay if they want to join you.

The number of speciality dining meals will depend on which cabin type you’re in and the length of your cruise.  Speak with one of our cruise gurus who can help you find out how many are included.

Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner at a steakhouse or craving some fresh seafood, the specialty dining options onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines will surely satisfy your culinary desires. Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience and savour every bite as you dine in style.

How Does The Free Wi-FI Work?

Stay connected with your loved ones and share your amazing cruise experiences on social media with the complimentary Wi-Fi included in the Free at Sea promotion. The number of minutes may vary based on the length of your cruise, ensuring that you can access the internet and stay connected throughout your voyage. Whether you need to check your emails, browse the web, or stay connected through social media, the complimentary Wi-Fi keeps you connected while you’re at sea.

 In today’s connected world, staying in touch with loved ones or sharing your cruise experience on social media is important to many travellers. With this fantastic perk, you can do just that without worrying about racking up additional charges.

However, it’s important to note that the free WiFi package is only available to the first two people on the reservation. If you’re traveling with a larger group, you may need to make alternate arrangements to stay connected.

It’s important to note that the Wi-Fi is based on minutes rather than bandwidth. While the exact duration of free Wi-Fi may vary depending on the length of your cruise, it provides you with ample time to check emails, browse the internet, and stay connected. However, if you have more than two people in your cabin who need Wi-Fi access, you may need to purchase additional Wi-Fi packages.

Get Ready To Rock The Boat!

So if you are looking for the perfect cruise and need some expert advice, look no further than Rock the Boat! We’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for to make sure your cruise holiday dreams become reality. Get ready to Rock The Boat!

What Are The Other Free At Sea Perks?

If you’re traveling with your family, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea offers a fantastic perk – kids sail free. With this option, the third and fourth guests in the stateroom can sail for free, making it more affordable for families to enjoy a memorable cruise vacation together. Whether your children want to splash in the onboard pools, participate in age-appropriate activities at the kids’ club, or enjoy delicious meals at the various dining venues, the kids sail free perk ensures that the whole family can have a wonderful time without breaking the bank.

How Much Is The Free At Sea Offer?

Prices depend on the length of your cruise and any promotions.  Speak with your Cruise Guru and they’ll help you with all the latest prices.  You can upgrade to Free at Sea when you book or later.

Is It Worth Getting Free At Sea?

Even if you’re only going to drink soft drinks throughout your cruise, we think it’s still worth getting.  Plus, you’ll get a free meal at one of the speciality restaurants too.

If there’s 4 people sailing, it can work out better value to take 2 cabins instead of 1.  As the open drinks bar package, speciality dining and Wi-Fi are only for the first 2 guests, it can be better to book 2 cabins ensuring 4 people instead of just 2 can benefit from all that’s on offer.

How Do I Find A NCL Cruise?

Want a hassle-free NCL cruise?  The easiest way is to let one of our Cruise Gurus do all the hard work for you.  They’ll find the best cruise deals tailor-made for you.  Plus, you won’t pay any more compared to booking directly with NCL.  In fact, they pay us to look after you and make sure you have the best cruise holiday ever.

Which is the best way for you to contact us?

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What Is Norwegian's Free at Sea Promotion?

Editor's note: In April 2020, Norwegian Cruise Line announced it was extending all of its Free at Sea promotional offers to every new booking, with a slight reduction in specialty dinners. For more information, visit the news story .

Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion allows cruisers to book a cruise and choose from a variety of perks, onboard extras and bonuses, depending on the cabin type you choose.

What Is Norwegian Free at Sea?

Through its Free at Sea promotion, Norwegian Cruise Line offers passengers the chance to select from a slew of extras worth up to thousands of dollars per sailing. Perks can include free specialty dining, free beverage packages (essentially an open bar), free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi and even a "kids sail free" option. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may also be eligible to receive onboard credit and/or free or reduced airfare.

Most typically, passengers sailing in an inside cabin choose one perk and passengers sailing in an outside, balcony or mini-suite can choose two perks. Those sailing in The Haven suites receive all of the perks. Occasionally, Norwegian will offer passengers all of the perks no matter the sailing or cabin category selected, as an extra booking incentive.

Only sailings of three days or longer are eligible for Norwegian's Free at Sea promotion and passengers must select their choice of perks at least 24 hours before boarding. All passengers sharing a cabin must choose the same freebies.

Passengers who choose the free open bar or free specialty dining options are still responsible for paying a 20 percent gratuity on the retail value of those options. The "kids sail free" option applies to children (under 18) staying as third and fourth passengers in a cabin. Onboard credit offers apply only to the first and second passengers in a cabin.

The shore excursion option only applies to the first passenger in the cabin and is for a shore excursion valued at $50 or less in each port. If the passenger chooses a more expensive shore excursion, a $50 credit can be applied toward that excursion. Shore excursion credits are nontransferable.

The offerings and details of the program can change throughout the year, so it's always best to check directly with the cruise line or your travel agent to see exactly what's on offer when you're ready to book.

Passengers who do not wish to select any Free at Sea offers can instead choose a Sail Away rate, which might be lower than the Free at Sea rates. However, the cruise line assigns the cabin categories for passengers who choose this rate type.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

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

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

If you want to cruise while staying connected, you usually must fork over some serious cash for onboard Wi-Fi access.

How much are we talking? If you're a family of four with two teens addicted to their cell phones, it would cost $380 to get Royal Caribbean's cheapest Wi-Fi package on four devices on a weeklong cruise if you book in advance; prices onboard are 20% higher.

If you're wondering how to avoid this expense and get free cruise Wi-Fi, you'll be relieved to know you do have options. Here are some tips and tricks for getting onboard internet with no charge.

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

Book a cruise with inclusive fares

The rule of thumb for getting free Wi-Fi on a cruise is the opposite of getting Wi-Fi free when you stay in a hotel. On land, low to mid-priced hotels often include Wi-Fi for free, while premium and luxury brands are more likely to charge for internet. At sea, mainstream cruise lines usually do not include Wi-Fi in their cruise fares, but premium and luxury lines almost always do.

Cruise lines that include free Wi-Fi for all passengers are luxury lines like Seabourn , Silversea and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, along with upscale cruise lines Oceania Cruises and Viking .

Among the big-ship lines, Celebrity Cruises , adds Wi-Fi as part of their "Always Included" program that also includes drinks and tips, but you should know that they offer lower-priced cruise-only base fares for those who don't want those add-ons. The newest North American cruise line, Virgin Voyages , rounds out the list of cruise lines offering Wi-Fi for no additional charge.

Book a suite that comes with free Wi-Fi

Some cruise lines offer free Wi-Fi to guests sailing in their top suites. With Star and Sky Suite Class perks, suite guests onboard Royal Caribbean 's Oasis and Quantum class ships get free premium Voom Wi-Fi. The free Wi-Fi perk applies to Grand Suites and above.

Passengers who choose to sail in MSC Cruises ' Yacht Club suites, an exclusive luxury cruise area within each ship, get free premium unlimited Wi-Fi for the duration of their cruise.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise

Choose free Wi-Fi as a booking perk

Certain cruise lines choose to offer free perks instead of price discounts as booking incentives, and a common add-on is free cruise Wi-Fi.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has frequent (almost perpetual) sale deals known as "Free at Sea," that allow you to pick from among a menu of perks. One of those perks is free Wi-Fi. Just beware, the line's lowest fares, designated as "Sail Away" fares are cruise-only fares and typically do not include complimentary internet regardless of the deal being offered for standard fares.

Other cruise lines occasionally offer deals that include Wi-Fi as a perk, especially during "wave season," which runs between January and March. Holland America 's "Ultimate Upgrade Event" is a good example; book during the promotion and you can score free Wi-Fi.

Related: The best cruise booking perks -- and which ones are actually free

Use onboard credit to pay for a Wi-Fi package

Many cruise lines offer onboard credit as a booking perk; it's a credit to your onboard spending account that results in free money you can only spend onboard the ship. You can use your credit to pay for onboard internet access, thereby getting Wi-Fi on your cruise for free!

On most cruise lines, you'll need a minimum of $100 in onboard credit per device for a week's worth of free basic Wi-Fi. On lines that offer premium plans designed for streaming, you'll need around $20 per day per device.

How do you acquire this onboard credit? You have several options. The most common is taking advantage of limited-time cruise sales offering onboard credit You can find these directly through the cruise line, but also cruise-specific travel agent sites, which may have access to onboard credit offers not found anywhere else. The same holds true for airline and credit card travel planning sites such as United Cruises, Delta Vacations and Cruises or the Amex Cruise Privileges program.

You can also earn this free spending money by booking your next sailing while onboard a ship at the future cruise desk. Even owning a cruise line's stock can get you onboard credit each time you cruise with the line.

One caveat: When looking at booking bonuses to cover your Wi-Fi costs, be sure to compare prices and perks across sites.

For example, The Points Guy did a recent sampling of fares on the Amex site, checking them against Holland America's and found that the fares were quite similar, but the bonuses were not. Amex was offering onboard credit of $150 on a seven-night Alaska sailing in a balcony cabin, with no mention of any other specials or perks. The same fare on Holland America's website included four perks with a total value well over $150. One of the perks the cruise line offered was free Wi-Fi for the cruise.

Join a cruise line loyalty program

Cruise line loyalty programs would seem to be a good fit for free Wi-Fi for frequent cruisers, but historically, these programs have leaned more toward discounts than freebies. Only Cunard offers genuine free Wi-Fi, starting at two free hours after two voyages or 20 nights onboard. The free time online increases to four hours at the Platinum level and eight complimentary hours at the Diamond level.

Celebrity Cruises does have a free Wi-Fi perk in its Captain's Club loyalty program , but only the top Zenith tier. You can get unlimited free internet (the faster plan since everyone gets the basic) but you have to earn 3,000 points first, a feat that requires you to first spend 1,000 days at sea with the cruise line.

Internet discounts in the mainstream programs top out around 25% off packages if they offer a discount at all. Only Princess Cruises was better with a 50% discount on the line's MedallionNet Wi-Fi packages after only five cruises.

You can turn a discount into free Wi-Fi by combining two perks. For example, you could use onboard credit to cover the remaining cost of Internet after your loyalty program Wi-Fi discount.

Use cruise line credit card points to buy Wi-Fi

Cruise line credit cards vary in their rewards programs, especially when you are looking at how to earn and redeem enough points for a free cruise. What they all have in common, however, is the ability to redeem smaller batches of points for either onboard credit or a statement credit for your onboard purchases, including Wi-Fi packages.

Related: Best credit cards for booking cruises

Carnival Corporation brands each have their own branded card, but fall under the same Barclays rewards program, sharing points you earn across the brands. That means you can pay for your Carnival Cruise Line cruise with a Princess Cruises credit card and still receive double points. You can redeem those points for statement credit for the Wi-Fi you paid for onboard your cruise.

Similarly, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity each have branded Bank of America cards, but share a points program administered by My Cruise Points. Points are then redeemed for everything from onboard credit to free cruises. The Disney® Premier Visa® Card by Chase earns points which can be redeemed for Disney reward dollars to use on your Disney Cruise Line cruise, including for Wi-Fi.

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Norwegian to Introduce Free at Sea Plus Option

Last Updated on August 1, 2022

If you’ve watched TV or YouTube in the past year, you’ve likely heard “I want to break free” by Queen play during a commercial break. It’s the jingle Norwegian Cruise Line uses to advertise their “Free at Sea” program. Free at Sea is a signature of Norwegian, where guests who book a cruise can get “free” offers like drink packages, wifi, and specialty dining. Now, thanks to a leak on social media, we see that Norwegian is offering a new “Free at Sea Plus” program. 

Free at Sea Plus gets leaked

Norwegian Cruise Line hasn’t officially announced this program yet. However, these Free at Sea Plus details have been leaked across social media and message boards. The details are below:

Guests can add the Free at Sea Plus onto their cruise to enhance their existing Free at Sea offers. The cost is $49 per person per day for an adult and $29 per person per day for a child. 

Free at Sea Plus – beverage package enhancements

Guests who choose Free at Sea Plus will be upgraded from the Premium Beverage Package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. 

The standard drink package, officially called the Premium Beverage Package and also referred to as “Open Bar” in the past, is already comprehensive. It covers alcoholic drinks up to $15 along with a selection of “standard” liquors and wines. 

Guests who upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package see a few added benefits. The biggest is the inclusion of Starbucks coffees, bottles of water, premium liquors, and bottles of wine. 

Normally, this upgrade costs $29 per person per day (plus 20% gratuity). 

Free at Sea Plus – shore excursions

The “free” excursions that Norwegian offers as part of their Free at Sea package is probably the most deceptive of the offers. Guests don’t actually receive a free excursion. Instead the first guest in a cabin gets $50 towards an excursion for each port.

The Free at Sea Plus upgrade gives both the first AND second guests $50 towards their excursions.

Free at Sea Plus – specialty dining

Norwegian is known for its specialty, or extra-charge, dining venues on their ships. In fact, they have more extra-fee restaurants than any other North American cruise line (on their newest ships, less than 30% of all the restaurants are included in the base cruise fare). Unfortunately, that means eating at these venues can get pricey. 

The standard Free at Sea package includes 1 – 3 meals at specialty restaurants during the cruise. The number of free meals will vary depending on the length of your cruise and the cabin type. 

The Free at Sea Plus upgrade allows for an additional 2 meals at specialty restaurants for the first and second guests. This upgrade usually costs $89 per person, so it’d save $178 for two people. 

Free at Sea Plus – wifi package

Under the newest revision to the Free at Sea program, guests receive 75 – 300 minutes of internet depending on the length of the cruise. This benefit applies to the first and second guests in a cabin. Each guest gets an equal number of minutes rather than having to share. This benefit is pretty meager, especially for longer sailings. For example, on a 10-day sailing, guests would only get 15 minutes of internet a day. 

Guests who upgrade to the Free at Sea Plus package get rid of the time limits. Their program offers unlimited wifi but at the base speed. That means no streaming video or music, but you’ll still have access to email, websites, apps, and wifi texting. Normally this upgrade costs $19.99 per person per day. 

Is Free at Sea Plus worth it?

Whether or not Norwegian’s Free at Sea Plus plan is worth it depends on which upgrades you would normally get.  

Here’s a breakdown comparing the upgrade cost of a 7-day cruise versus the Free at Sea Plus cost. We ran the numbers based on two adults in a cabin.

Cost for a 7-day cruise with 2 adults

As you can see, if you were going to buy all the upgrades separately, you’d save 36% using the Free at Sea Plus Package. That being said, most of the savings come from the upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. If you don’t care about top-shelf liquor, bottles of wine, or premium coffees, then you’d be paying 4% more by going with this package. 

Also, the numbers will vary depending on if you have 3rd or 4th guests, or if a child is in the cabin.

You should note that gratuities will also be added, but we don’t yet know if that additional 20% will be over the entire $49 daily charge or just the portion with services (food and liquor). 

How to book the Free at Sea Plus program

Since the program isn’t yet announced, you can’t book their package on the Norwegian website. However, people online have indicated that they have been able to book this promotion by calling Norwegian or using the chat function. According to reports, people booking new sailings and adjusting existing sailings were able to add this promotion.

Once Norwegian officially releases details, we’ll update this page. To stay up to date, follow us on Facebook, Twitter , or , sign up for our monthly newsletter . 

CruiseSpotlight is an Amazon Associate. We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods.

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Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 19 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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Starlink on cruise ships: Which lines have faster internet connections on board?

N o matter how far your cruise roams, staying connected to the internet can be as important for some cruisers as oxygen and water. Whether you're keen on live-streaming penguins from your balcony on an Antarctica cruise, catching up on your favorite TV series or hopping on a Zoom call in the middle of the Pacific, connectivity and high-speed access are now considered essentials when cruising.

In the past, cruise lines struggled to keep up with the demand for seamless connectivity at sea. In the middle of an ocean, ships had to rely on satellite systems that could be unreliable, prohibitively expensive and maddeningly slow. Satellite systems allotted only so much broadband for each ship, and every ship carried thousands of people, each with multiple devices.

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A better solution was required. Enter Starlink, the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet. Part of Elon Musk's SpaceX program, Starlink now provides many cruise ships with bandwidth that can support streaming, online gaming, video calls and more worldwide. Starlink debuted in 2019 and has quickly revolutionized how hundreds of cruise ships provide internet access, boosting connectivity and capacity as ships roam the world.

Will your next cruise offer landlike Wi-Fi speeds? Here is everything you need to know about Starlink on cruise ships.

How does Starlink work?

Compared to standard communications satellites, which orbit from 22,000 miles away, Starlink's thousands of satellites orbit the atmosphere from about 340 miles above the Earth's surface. With much closer proximity to Earth, Starlink's data connections offer stronger and faster connections and provide the opportunity for more bandwidth on cruise ships.

The coverage of the Starlink satellites is extensive and growing, with more than 5,400 satellites currently in orbit and plans in future years to reach up to 42,000 satellites in orbit at once. Traditional satellite networks have a much more limited fleet and reach, especially in some of the ocean's most remote areas. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation, with near-complete coverage of all the world's oceans and waterways.

The Starlink system is affixed to ships as a series of flat panels positioned on upper decks, replacing the now antiquated domes often placed near the ship's funnel and radar masts.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

How fast is Starlink internet access?

Starlink's website estimates download speeds that range from 40 to over 200 Mbps and upload speeds that come in at 8 to more than 25 Mbps, with a latency of less than 99 milliseconds. These are wide-ranging estimates that don't factor in cruise ship-based throttling, cruise ship capacity, global positioning and the costs and challenges of outfitting a cruise ship with bow-to-stern Wi-Fi connectivity.

The industrial-strength steel frames and fireproof materials used throughout the ship make a strong, consistent signal throughout a cruise ship an industry-wide challenge. There will be patches on a ship, regardless of which line you're sailing, where you'll find a weaker signal. Signals are often at their strongest in the main public gathering areas.

Similar to traditional satellites, severe weather can be a factor in Starlink connections while at sea. Intense storms can bring temporary service interruptions or reduced speeds, while heavy rain or snowfall can cause signal attenuation, which might cause a brief loss of connectivity.

Cruises with Starlink

Here's a full rundown of all the major cruise lines sailing with the new Starlink technology. How much will the connectivity cost you? Check TPG's guide to Wi-Fi access on cruise ships.

Note: Starlink on cruises can be a white label service, depending on the line. While the cruise line might not advertise that it uses the new Wi-Fi technology, the list below will help to identify which lines are sailing with Starlink.

Azamara 's fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Social Wi-Fi (with access only to popular social media and airline websites), Value Wi-Fi (for email, news, weather, banking and other basic websites) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Basic Wi-Fi (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Cunard 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Essential (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line does not currently use Starlink Wi-Fi.

Holland America

Holland America offers fleetwide Starlink Wi-Fi. There are three levels of bandwidth available: Surf (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging), Premium (for Wi-Fi audio and video calls) and Stream (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic

Lindblad Expedition offers complimentary, basic Starlink Wi-Fi to all guests aboard their ships, with the exception of Delfin II. There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: Enhanced (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet, with two-thirds of the line's ships currently sailing with the upgraded service. The ships in the fleet that do not have the service include MSC Opera and MSC World Europa (both will receive Starlink in the coming weeks) and MSC Armonia, MSC Bellissima, MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida (scheduled to receive Starlink before the summer 2024 season.)

There are two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Browse Internet Cruise Package (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and the Browse & Stream Cruise Package (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage).

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently rolling out Starlink throughout its fleet this year, with select ships presently sailing with the upgraded service. Currently, the ships with upgraded internet include Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Pearl.

NCL offers two levels of bandwidth available for purchase: the Unlimited Wi-Fi Package and the Unlimited Premium Wi-Fi Package. As part of the line's Free at Sea promotion , guests can receive a limited number of Wi-Fi minutes for free.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is rolling out Starlink Wi-Fi on all its ships and will have its entire fleet outfitted with the service by the end of 2024. Oceania Cruises offers fleetwide basic complimentary internet with a premium option available for streaming.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises ' fleet features MedallionNet, the only Wi-Fi network in the cruise industry that combines multi-orbit satellites — Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Mid-Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO/Starlink) with 5G terrestrial networks to deliver a strong connection regardless of ship location. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Starlink Wi-Fi can currently be found on two Regent Seven Seas ships, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Grandeur. The entire Regent Seven Seas fleet will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi by the end of 2024. There are two levels of bandwidth available on Regent Seven Seas: A complimentary basic package for emails and news and an upgraded package for streaming services and high-bandwidth usage that's available for a fee.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at an additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Seabourn offers fleetwide complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi. There is one level of bandwidth available.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi. There are two levels of bandwidth available: Standard Internet (for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging) and Premium Internet (for streaming and high-bandwidth usage). Your suite and ship class determine which option you receive at no extra charge. Upgrades in service are available for an additional fee.

Viking 's entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. There is one level of bandwidth, though the line advises users that it can limit heavy-bandwidth usage to ensure all have equal access.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages ' entire fleet features Starlink Wi-Fi at no additional cost. The included plan allows for social media, email, web browsing and internet-based messaging. There is an upgraded Premium bandwidth option available for streaming and high-bandwidth usage for an additional fee.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Frugal Traveler

Standby Cruising: A New Option for Bargain Seekers

Are you a flexible traveler? Holland America’s standby cruises may be for you. The cost: $49 a day, excluding fees, taxes and extras. The catch: It might be a hair-raising, last-minute scramble.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

In February, Barb McGowan took a seven-day cruise on Holland America Line, visiting the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic for just $343, or $49 a day, excluding taxes, port fees and extras. By comparison, Holland America currently lists a seven-day Caribbean itinerary in October from about $700.

The catch: She had just 48 hours’ notice.

Ms. McGown, a 64-year-old from Naples, Fla., who runs a restaurant franchise, took one of the line’s new standby cruises , which are aimed at travelers who live near departure ports and intended to fill ship vacancies.

“I look for deals, and this was an especially good experience,” Ms. McGowan said, praising the food and entertainment. “I was impressed enough to put down a deposit on a future cruise.”

A way to keep ships full

Holland America introduced its standby program last August to maximize ship occupancy, knowing that cancellations are inevitable. So far, the rest of the cruise industry has not followed its lead.

“If cancellations are within a week or two of sailing, it’s difficult to resell that space in the open market,” said Dan Rough, the vice president of revenue management at Holland America.

In the same way that airlines oversell seats, cruise lines may compensate for cancellations by overselling staterooms. Filling in with standbys, however, reduces Holland America’s reliance on overselling, which runs the risk of bumping passengers to distant departures or potentially offering generous cash incentives to coax volunteers to cancel.

Though the company does not heavily promote the new practice, it has attracted a following among the thrifty by dangling a bargain rate — $49 a person, whether sharing a cabin or traveling solo, before taxes and fees — on a web page that lists available departure dates to attract flexible travelers. Standbys should expect an inside cabin, according to the company, though ocean-view and veranda cabins have been assigned. (The company declined to say how many standby cabins it has offered.)

“Forty-nine dollars per person, per day is pretty exceptional,” said Colleen McDaniel, the editor of CruiseCritic.com , a website that reviews cruises, noting that the price covers all meals and entertainment. “You can’t find a cheaper rate at a land resort for what’s included.” (In 2023, the average nightly rate for a hotel room in the United States was nearly $156, according to STR, a data analytics firm that monitors the hospitality industry.)

To participate, travelers choose an itinerary from the standby list on the website — current embarkation ports include Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Montreal; Quebec City; San Diego; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska — and pay for the trip in advance by calling Holland America or booking through a travel adviser.

There are no refunds for standby cruisers who want to back out. However, if the gamble fails to pay off, and the cruise line cannot offer a cabin to someone on the standby list, it issues a refund.

The company says standby offerings are added on a rolling basis and usually lists itineraries within two to three months of departure. Current offerings include seven-day sailings in Alaska’s Inside Passage from April through September and seven-to-11-day trips cruising the coast of New England and Canada’s Maritime Provinces between May and October.

Proximity is a bonus

Standby cruisers don’t learn of their acceptance or denial until a week to two days before departure, complicating transportation arrangements.

“Last-minute airfare could offset the savings on a cruise,” wrote Crystal Seaton, the owner of Road to Relaxation Travel , a travel agency based in Raleigh, N.C., in an email. Though she has not booked a client on a standby sailing yet, she surmised that it is intended for travelers who can drive to a port.

“We were lucky; we found out Tuesday we were going on a Friday 3 p.m. sailing,” said Sheila Valloney, 66, of Clermont, Fla., who with her husband spent nine days aboard a Holland America ship in the southern Caribbean in February by going standby.

Before being cleared, she reserved a parking spot near the ship dock in Fort Lauderdale, which would have set her back about $6 if she canceled. She also kept their vacation clothes ready to go at the last minute for the three-and-a-half-hour drive to port.

Booking a refundable airline ticket — or at least one that guarantees a credit in loyalty points or cash in the event of cancellation — is one way travelers who must fly can take advantage of the deal.

For her standby sailing, Ms. McGowan drove 90 minutes from her home to the ship in Fort Lauderdale. But her travel companion was coming from Indiana, so when she joined the standby list a few months before the departure date, she booked her friend a Southwest Airlines flight using frequent flier points that would be refunded if the last-minute cruise didn’t come through.

Avoiding extra charges

Once on board, charges for extras like cabin upgrades, Wi-Fi, alcohol and shore excursions can inflate the bill, though the thriftiest travelers try to avoid them.

Ms. McGowan sprang for the $17.50-a-day charge for an upgraded drink package (basic nonalcoholic drinks are included in the cruise) and took one shore excursion, focused on coffee growing, which she deemed a good value at $89.

On their Caribbean cruise, the Valloneys asked around for recommendations for good beaches, where they went to relax on port days, and waited until they were on land to check emails, in order to avoid paying for Wi-Fi on the ship.

“We didn’t miss it at all,” Ms. Valloney said. “For beverages, we would wait until happy hour, when it was buy one, get one free.”

Will other companies follow suit?

To date, no other cruise lines have adopted standby programs.

Princess Cruises said it did not plan to offer cabins on a standby basis, but noted that it already offers last-minute deals , which tend to run about $50 to $60 per passenger per day. For example, a seven-day Alaska sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage departing on May 8 is listed at $399 a person in a double-occupancy cabin.

Several other major cruise lines did not respond to inquiries about potentially adopting standby programs, though operators like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also offer last-minute deals on their websites.

“We would be surprised to see many mainstream cruise lines begin to adopt a similar model” to the standby system, wrote Kimberly Coyne, the head of sales and content strategy for Cruiseline.com , a cruise review site, in an email. She said the standby fares might be financially unsustainable for cruise lines and cited the potential that travelers might become too accustomed to late-booking deals.

More ways to save

With the recent surge in cruise bookings, companies are discounting less, said Ms. McDaniel of CruiseCritic.com.

She identified more reliable ways to get a deal compared with going standby, such as booking during “ wave season ,” a sales period that generally runs January through March, or taking a repositioning cruise, in which a ship relocates from one region to another seasonally. A repositioning itinerary might sail in the fall from Alaska to the Caribbean via the Panama Canal.

“It’s not unusual to see a repositioning cruise at less than $75 per night,” Ms. McDaniel, said, noting that other expenses such as an airline itinerary into one city and returning from another may cost more than a standard round-trip ticket.

Repositioning cruises tend to stop at fewer ports and add more shipboard enrichment programs, such as lectures and activities like cake decorating classes and craft spirits tastings.

“For a lot of people the ship is the destination and this is the perfect activity for people who like to be on the ship,” she said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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