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Norwegian Cruise Line recently canceled its popular “Free at Sea” promotion and launched a new program called “Free at Sea” More sea activities. Effective October 1, 2024, these changes will affect all NCL cruises starting in January 2025.
NCL’s Free at Sea is a very popular cruise benefit package, and while it’s not perfect, many cruise passengers find it to be great value for money. The two most popular aspects are “free” All-you-can-drink package and “free” specialty dining.
These benefits are not going away, but products and cost structures are changing. In addition to these key features, there are some differences you’ll want to know about NCL’s new More at Sea.
In this article, I’ll detail what Norwegian’s More at Sea includes, how much it costs, and how it compares to Free at Sea. I will also answer some frequently asked questions you may want to know about the new benefits program.
As with all cruise benefits packages, there are some pros and cons and they won’t be suitable for everyone. With the cost breakdown, you will be able to decide whether More at Sea is worth your while.
NCL What else at sea?
What exactly is More at Sea? More at Sea is an add-on promotion you can choose when booking a Norwegian cruise, just like the old Free at Sea. Key benefits include unlimited open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credits.
Like Free at Sea before it, NCL More at Sea also includes perks such as free air travel (or at a discount) for the 3rd and 4th passengers on select flights and free air travel for the 2nd passenger.
I’ll share below how much the package costs and what you can expect.
What is the difference between More at Sea and Free at Sea?
The benefit packages of the old and new NCL are similar, but there are some differences.
Unlimited open bar
One of the perks of More at Sea is the enhanced unlimited beverage package, which no longer caps the drink at $15, which was applicable on the old plan.
Guests can choose from premium spirits, cocktails, wines, sodas and juices. Norwegian is committed to offering more choice than ever, with premium brands including Gray Goose, Casamigos, Woodford Reserve and more. There are over 100 cocktails to choose from.
This is an improvement over past offerings in the basic Free at Sea program.
Related: What’s included (and what’s not included) with Norwegian Cruise Line
Specialty catering
Specialty dining packages have been streamlined and offer more content. NCL Cruises can now order up to 3 appetizers and 3 desserts at each specialty restaurant, including More at Sea.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s specialty dining is popular. Prices for meals without a set menu range from $60 per person at steak, seafood and French restaurants to $40 per person at Mexican restaurants.
How many specialty restaurants are included? NCL More offshore action?
Balcony Cabins and Above receive:
- 3 nights: 1 meal
- 4-6 nights: 2 meals
- 7 nights: 3 meals
- 8-11 nights: 4 meals
- 12 nights or more: 5 meals
open plan apartment, interior, sea view The cabin receives:
- 3-7 nights: 1 meal
- 8-11 nights: 2 meals
- 12 nights or more: 3 meals
Shore excursion points
The first guest in the cabin receives a $50 credit for every shore excursion booked through Norwegian Cruise Line. This does not change in Free at Sea, other guests will not receive additional points.
If you plan on booking your excursions directly with Norwegian Cruise Line, this benefit can lead to significant savings.
Related: What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Pack
WiFi package
All guests in the cabin can now receive Wi-Fi minutes under More at Sea, an improvement over Free at Sea, where only the first two guests had access.
Minutes vary depending on cruise length. For cruises of 3 to 6 nights, each guest has 75 minutes. Each guest has 150 minutes Sailing 7 nights or more.
Norwegian Cruise Line says WiFi speeds have increased thanks to Starlink.
This is a great improvement for families of 3 or 4 people as each passenger now gets wifi minutes. This is less favorable for solo cruisers, as they only get a few minutes per person, rather than time per cabin (as seen in previous “Free at Sea” promotions).
The number of minutes on offer is still relatively limited. Cruisers who need more service can upgrade to unlimited Wi-Fi, similar to the older plan.
Related: 15 Cruise Ship WiFi Tips, Secrets, and Mistakes to Avoid
How much does it cost to be more offshore?
You may be wondering how much NCL’s More at Sea costs and how it works.
If you choose the More at Sea option, you’ll receive a variety of benefits including unlimited beverage packages, dining packages, Wifi, and shore excursion credits.
Beverage and meal packages are only available for an additional charge, which is a tip or fee of the package value.
It’s worth noting that you can opt out of the premium package.
Cost breakdown:
Ultimate Beverage Package Cost:
- 3-7 night cruises: USD 30 per person per day
- 8-11 night cruise: USD 27 per person per day
- 12+ Night Cruise: USD 23 per person per day
For a seven-night cruise in 2025, the unlimited bar package will cost a total of $210, up from the $152.60 tip under the previous Free at Sea program.
A cabin for 2 people staying 7 nights is $410, originally priced at $305.20. Although prices have increased, you now have a wider selection of premium beverages.
It is worth noting that the cost of long-distance voyages will decrease. If you go on an 8-day cruise, you’ll pay just $6 more per person for the entire cruise. The longer your voyage, the greater your savings and benefits.
Special dining fees:
- a meal: $20 (more at sea) vs. $11.80 (free at sea)
- two meals: USD 40 (more at sea) vs. USD 19.80 (free at sea)
- three meals: $60 (more at sea) vs. $27.80 (free at sea)
Meal package costs vary based on your cabin type and voyage length. Take a 7-night cruise as an example, Guests in balcony or above cabins will receive three meals for a $60 fee under “More at Sea.” Guests in cabins on the night cruise can enjoy one meal for $20.
Related: 7 Best Norwegian Cruise Lines for Families
Advantages and Disadvantages of NCL More at Sea
As with any change, there will be some positives and negatives.
Let’s start with the advantages of More at Sea
- This package is relatively simple and easy to understand. “Free” at sea used to cause some confusion and complaints because people thought it wasn’t really free.
- While the cost has increased, it’s still a good value for most people who drink alcoholic beverages and is cheaper than paying by the drink.
- Another little-known benefit of the new More at Sea package is that NCL will no longer charge guests beverage taxes while in port, as is the case with Free at Sea.
- Dining packages offer more food options and a simpler price structure. That means guests can opt out if they don’t want to go to a specialty restaurant.
Here are some of the disadvantages of More at Sea
- Prices for meal packages have gone up, so the bottom line is it will be more expensive.
- NCL has eliminated the option to upgrade to a package that includes specialty coffee and bottled water. Many passengers like Free at Sea Plus because it includes Starbucks and Pellegrino.
- While the Wi-Fi has more minutes and is faster, it’s not as good as some other cruise benefit packages that offer basic, unlimited packages. Longer sailing takes less time compared to Free at Sea
Related: Is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ambiance Beach Club Worth It?
FAQ
When does More at Sea start?
The “More at Sea” package is available for cruises booked from October 1, 2024, and cruises starting from January 1, 2025.
What happens if you have booked Free at Sea or Free at Sea Plus?
If you’ve booked a cruise before October 1, 2024 for a 2025 sailing, you’re in luck. You’ll keep your Free at Sea package benefits, as well as the new enhanced More at Sea beverage package. Your price will not change.
If you booked Free at Sea Plus for flights after January 1, 2025, the upgrade package will be canceled and refunded.
Related: What to pack for your first cruise (packing list and tips)
Is Norwegian’s More at Sea worth it?
As with any cruise add-on, the value depends on what you like most. The great thing about More at Sea at NCL is that you can opt out of the dining package and keep the free benefits if you wish.
However, for anyone who enjoys fine alcoholic beverages and wine, the price of $23 to $30 per day (depending on the length of the cruise) is excellent value. Any foodie will appreciate the specialty dining options available for an additional fee.
While I prefer some features of NCL’s Free at Sea (such as being able to upgrade to the Plus package because it includes Starbucks), that package is no longer an option.
When January comes, I will definitely try More at Sea and experience the new packages for myself. We’ll likely get more information and comments from the cruiser by then.
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Have you booked an NCL cruise? Let me know what you think of Norwegian Air More at Sea in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ilana
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