Norwegian Cruise Line is making major changes by replacing its long-standing Free at Sea program with a new offering called More at Sea.
We’re going to break down these changes so you can better understand the changes and what they will mean for cruising NCL in 2025.
What is Free at Sea?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea program launched about a decade ago to enhance the cruising experience.
It offered guests free drink packages, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi. Although first rolled out as a limited-time promotion, it eventually became a year-round program offered on most of the line’s sailings.
Now, NCL has rebranded the program as “More At Sea,” with the perks program available on most sailings beginning January 1, 2025. While it still focuses on the same basic perks — drink package, wi-fi, etc — in most cases, more is now offered… although at a higher price.
Differences Between Free at Sea and More at Sea
| Feature | Free at Sea | More at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage Package | Included drinks up to $15, 20% gratuities applied | No drink cap, 45% more premium brands, 20% gratuity on higher package value (costs more) |
| Specialty Dining | Limited to 1-4 meals based on cruise length and cabin type | Enhanced: Up to 5 meals + more appetizers and desserts |
| Wi-Fi Package | It is the same as Free at Sea | Faster Wi-Fi via Starlink and available to all cabin guests |
| Excursion Credit | $50 credit per shore excursion (1st guest only) | This applies to sailings starting in January 2025 |
| Gratuity Costs | ~$20 per person/day for drink packages, ~$10 per meal | Up to 38% increase: ~$30 per person/day for drink packages, $20 per meal |
| Start Date | This applies to sailings starting in January 2025 | Applies to sailings starting in January 2025 |
NCL’s Free at Sea vs. More at Sea
Beverage Packages: Free at Sea capped drinks at $15 per glass. Those wanting a more expensive drink had to either pay the difference in price or purchase a premium drinks package.
Under More at Sea, this cap is removed, offering more premium drink options like Grey Goose and Casamigos. However, the gratuity rate has increased significantly.
While gratuities for two passengers in the same stateroom cost around $305.20 for a 7-day cruise under the original program, they’ll now cost approximately $420 for the same cruise in 2025.
Specialty Dining: The number of meals offered increases slightly for longer sailings. The big change is that guests are no longer limited to one appetizer, entreé and dessert.
Instead, they can get up to three appetizers, a soup or salad, one entreé and up to three desserts. However, the gratuity per meal rises to $20 under More at Sea, a significant jump from the previous $9.90 to $11.80
Wi-Fi: More at Sea improves Wi-Fi access, with faster internet speeds thanks to Starlink (scheduled to be rolled out across the entire fleet by the end of 2024). Additionally, every guest in the stateroom receives Wi-Fi minutes instead of only the first two guests under Free at Sea.
Excursion Credit: The $50 credit remains unchanged. Like with Free at Sea, it applies only to the first guest in the stateroom.
How These Changes Impact Costs:
With these changes, travelers should be prepared for higher costs, especially regarding gratuities.
Here’s a breakdown of the gratuity impacts based on a typical 7-day cruise for two guests:
| Package | Free at Sea Gratuity | More at Sea Gratuity | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beverage Package | $305.20 (20% on $109/day) | $420 (20% on $150/day) | +$114.80 |
| Dining Package | ~$10 per meal | $20 per meal | +$10 per meal |
Reactions from Guests:
Reactions to Norwegian Cruise Line’s switch to the More at Sea program have been mixed among its most loyal guests.
Many expressed frustration on social media, particularly with removing the Premium Plus Beverage Package, which previously included bottled water, Starbucks drinks, and some premium wines. While the More At Sea beverage package includes more liquors, it does not include Starbucks or bottled water.
One guest told Cruise Radio that their upcoming cruise would “cost significantly more money,” especially since they can no longer buy discounted additional dining nights.
On the other hand, some travelers are optimistic about the enhanced offerings, like the ability to order three appetizers and three desserts at specialty restaurants. While they appreciate the added value, many acknowledge that the upgrades will still increase costs at à la carte dining venues.
READ MORE: Norwegian Says Goodbye to Free at Sea
What You Should Know Before Booking More at Sea
Higher Gratuities: Be ready to pay more, especially if you plan to enjoy premium drinks or specialty dining. Sometimes, the drink package gratuities alone are jumping by 38%.
Booking Strategies: Consider prepaying gratuities before 2025 to lock in lower rates. This could help save on the rising costs of the More at Sea package.
Consider the Value: While More at Sea offers more premium offerings, consumers on a budget might want to consider whether these added perks justify the additional expenses. Remember, guests do not have to accept the package and the accompanying fees if they choose not to.
