Norwegian Cruise Line has long been known for its popular Free At Sea perks program. But it has now rolled out a new and improved version known as More At Sea.
We’ve got the details on when it’s being rolled out and what changes are being made… not to mention how much the “free” perks will cost.
What Is ‘More At Sea’
While the name isn’t as catchy as the previous Free At Sea, the new moniker is accurate.
Why? Because More At Sea, which was rolled out on October 1, expands upon the perks offered by its predecessor.
Across the board—from the open bar to the free Wi-Fi—what guests are offered is an improvement over what was offered before.
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More At Sea is available on sailings booked on or after October 1, 2024 and sailing after January 1, 2025. It features what NCL calls “enhancements” to the previously existing package.
For example, where as the previous program’s drink package, those wanting premium brand liquors such as Casamigos, Grey Goose or Woodford had to either pay the price difference or buy a supplemental package to the one they received as a “free” perk with their booking.
The More At Sea beverage package, however, includes nearly all brands carried on the ship and is inclusive of gratuities.
Those who may already have purchased an upgraded beverage package for a sailing after January 1, 2025, will have the price refunded.
The More At Sea beverage package does not include bottled water or Starbucks, which the previous add-on package covered.
How the More At Sea Dining Plan Is Different
Similarly, those receiving the More At Sea package have more options, including more meals in specialty restaurants and a major change to what’s included in the meals.
According to information provided to travel agents by NCL, passengers will receive “additional specialty dining nights based on sailing length and stateroom category.”
This will include gratuities and be free of upcharges.
In addition, what constitutes a meal has changed… and before the nickel-and-dime crew prepares to storm the barricades, know that it is for the better: Norwegian says a specialty dining meal now includes “up to three appetizers, one soup or salad, one entreé and up to three desserts.” (Additional entrees will be charged at a la carte prices.)
Wi-Fi For All
Another of the perks being upgraded is the wi-fi. Whereas the original Free At Sea offered wi-fi for the first two passengers in a cabin, the new program covers Starlink access to everyone in the stateroom.
It’s worth noting that this is not unlimited Wi-Fi (which is sold separately) but rather a number of minutes based on the sailing length and stateroom category.
Several of the perks that were included in the Free At Sea promotion remain unchanged.
The first guests on each booking will still receive a $50 shore excursion credit; the second guest on a reservation can receive a free flight after the primary guest has purchased their plane fare; and the third and fourth guests in a stateroom sail free.
How Much More It Will Cost
In order to determine how this change impacts pricing, we did several mock bookings. In each case, we looked at an aft-facing balcony on a seven-day sailing.
Under the previous Free At Sea promotion, the beverage package came with an automatic gratuity of $305.20 for two guests, while the charge associated with dining gratuities was $39.60, also for two guests.
Under the More At Sea program, the charges on the same bookings went to $420 for the drinks package gratuity, with the dining package gratuities jumping to $120.
Terms and conditions apply, and more information about the More At Sea program can be found here.
