Good news for Norwegian Cruise Line fans who were disappointed by the line’s decision to dump its popular Free at Sea promotion. Free at Sea is back as part of what NCL calls its best sale of the year.
Free At Sea Returns for Black Friday
Sure, Black Friday is traditionally considered to be the day after Thanksgiving. But Norwegian Cruise Line is ignoring the calendar in order to launch their sale today.
Not only is NCL offering 50 percent discounts on every cruise, but they’re also trumpeting the return of the wildly popular Free at Sea promotion.
As was true in the past, Free at Sea offers guests a drinks package, shore excursion credits, specialty dining opportunities and more. But this new iteration actually adds numerous benefits to the previous version.
What’s Different About the Free at Sea Now?
One of the biggest changes to the Free at Sea promotion is the fact that it will now offer more perks to a wider variety of guests.
For example, the previous version of the promo based some of the perks on the category of stateroom in which you were sailing.
This time around, all guests on a 7-night sailing will have three specialty dining credits whether they’ve booked an interior or Haven stateroom.
According to NCL, Free at Sea’s amenities offer “over $2,000 in savings.”
So what’s included?
Using the typical 7-night sailing as an example, the Free at Sea package would include unlimited open bar (including premium spirits), 20% off bottles of champagne or wine and 150 minutes of high-speed internet (as well as a discounted rate for those looking to upgrade to unlimited Wi-Fi).
Additionally, the first and second guest on a reservation receive three specialty dining meals and a $50 credit off each shore excursion for the first guest. (The previous version offered only a single credit on one shore excursion, with the amount fluctuating based on the stateroom category booked.)
How Long Will NCL’s Black Friday Sale Last?
While details have not yet been released regarding how long the Black Friday event will go on, it is being billed as a “limited-time offering.”
There is also no indication as to whether or not the Free at Sea promotion will continue once this specific sale ends.
In revealing news of the sale, the cruise line went out of its way to make clear that this deal extends to all ships, including the new Norwegian Aqua as well as the Norwegian Luna, set to join the fleet in Miami on April 4, 2026.
Island Enhancements Coming Soon
NCL is also spending a small fortune on enhancements to their private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay.
By year’s end, the site will feature a new 1.4-acre pool area (including swim-up bars) as well as a new kid zone.
And the summer of 2026 will see Great Stirrup Cay expand yet again with the opening of Great Tides Waterpark. This new area will feature waterslides, what the line is calling a “dynamic river” and Vibe Shore Club.
This adults-only area will essentially be a land-based version of Vibe Beach Club, the for-fee, adults only area featured on many Norwegian ships.
