Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) “Free at Sea” promotion is a special offer that provides additional perks and amenities to passengers booking a cruise.
The details and options of NCL’s Free at Sea promotion can vary depending on the specific cruise, but here are the general elements of how it works:
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Eligibility
In order to be eligible for NCL’s Free at Sea promotion, you need to book a cruise longer than 3 nights. So if you see any short breaks that are only for 2 nights, sadly, it won’t be applicable.
Available Perks
By standard, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion allows guests to choose perks from the following list:
Free Open Bar (guests 1 and 2):
Unlimited drinks, including spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer – by default, this covers most alcoholic beverages, but it may differ depending on your cruise length, destination, and time of year. Premium brands and bottled water are excluded.
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
Free Specialty Dining (guests 1 and 2):
Meals at specialty restaurants onboard. The number of free meals typically depends on the length of the cruise. It’s worth noting that if you choose the speciality dining package, you’ll be required to pick your food options from a specific menu (meaning your fancy steaks may be excluded).
3-6 Nights (all categories rooms): 1 Meal
7-11 Nights (Balcony & Above): 2 Meals
7-11 Nights (Studio/Inside/Oceanview): 1 Meal
12+ Nights (Balcony & Above): 3 Meals
12+ Nights (Studio/Inside/Oceanview): 2 Meals
Free $50 Shore Excursions Credit (guest 1 only):
A $50 amount of onboard credit to be used towards shore excursions when booked onboard. Any shore excursions booked with a third party would be excluded.
Free 150 minute WiFi Package (guests 1 and 2):
A limited number of free WiFi minutes.
Free Extra Guests:
Sometimes, the third and fourth guests in the same cabin sail for free or at a reduced rate. Note, if there’s a promotion where the third and fourth guests sail for free, you would still be required to pay the taxes.
By default, guests who are sailing in suites or with The Haven, will receive all five options. Regardless of sale. Norwegian Cruise Lines run many promotions that actually allow you to receive all five. When I sailed onboard the Norwegian Viva in May 2024 for my Greek Isles cruise, we received all perks.
How much does NCL’s Free at Sea promotion cost?
The price for the Free at Sea promotion differs per cruise length and by time of the year – occasionally, there’s a reduced price sale. But by standard, it follows:
3-5 Nights – £149 per person upgrade
6-8 Nights – £199 per person upgrade
9-11 Nights – £249 per person upgrade
12-14 Nights – £299 per person upgrade
15-17 Nights – £349 per person upgrade
18-20 Nights – £399 per person upgrade
21+ Nights – £449 per person upgrade
NCL Free at Sea + Additional Benefits
It’s been known that NCL may run additional perks alongside the Free at Sea upgrade, such as air fare credit, further reduced pricing, and even onboard credit. It’s worth checking the Norwegian Cruise Line website for the latest promotions.
NCL Latitude Members
In great news, if you’re a regular cruiser onboard NCL then you’ll be pleased to know that you can combine your Latitude Rewards and the Free at Sea promotion. For example, if you receive 50 minutes internet package as part of your loyalty status, and you receive 250 with Free at Sea, your total will be 300. Now, these numbers are just examples and it would be worth checking with NCL directly.
Free at Sea Plus
Recently, Norwegian introduced an upgrade to their Free at Sea promotion titled “Free at Sea plus”. In essence, it’s a deluxe version that includes premium beverages, additional dining, a second $50 credit for guest 2, and unlimited internet. If you’re someone who spends a lot on board, this one may be perfect.
Is Free at Sea worth it?
The Free at Sea promotion may be worth it if you’re someone who likes an alcoholic beverage. In my opinion it is worth it. Especially when you compare it to the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises who can charge up to $100 per person, per day for their Deluxe Drinks Package, the NCL Free at Sea promotion is worth it even for the drinks alone. Excitingly, the way I looked at it was that all the additional benefits were added on extras!
For additional reading, have a look at what Norwegian Cruise Line say about their Free at Sea promotion.
