NCL Free At Sea 2.0 Explained: What’s Included and How It Works
Norwegian Cruise Line has made another change. More at Sea is out, and Free at Sea is back.
I’m calling this updated version Free at Sea 2.0 since it’s not quite the same as before. It keeps the same bundle of perks—drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits—but with simplified pricing and equal perks across all cabin categories.
If your cruise was booked before November 5, 2025, you’ll still sail under More at Sea. New bookings fall under Free at Sea 2.0, and you can reprice your existing reservation if you’d prefer the updated terms.
Rumor has it that a new “Plus” version is coming soon that could bring back bottled water, specialty coffee, and even cover Great Stirrup Cay’s drink package. I’ll update this post once it’s confirmed.
So what’s included in Free at Sea 2.0? Let’s break it down.
What is Norwegian’s Free at Sea?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea is a bundled perks program that adds popular extras to your cruise at a discounted rate. Instead of paying full price for drinks, Wi-Fi, or specialty dining, you can bundle them into your fare and get more value out of your trip.
The name can be a little misleading. The “free” in Free at Sea comes from NCL’s Freestyle Cruising concept—not because everything is actually free. You’ll still pay a set per-day rate for the package, which includes gratuities, but the overall cost is lower than buying each perk separately once you’re onboard.
The program includes:
- Unlimited Open Bar
- Hawaii Beverage Package
- Specialty Dining Meals
- Shore Excursion Credits
- Wi-Fi-Minutes
- Select promotions may also include a Free or Discounted 3rd and 4th Guest or Free or Discounted Airfare for the 2nd Guest, depending on your sailing.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Program Explained
When booking your cruise, you can choose to include Norwegian’s Free at Sea package, which bundles popular perks like drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits for a fixed daily rate. You can also opt out of the package and pay as you go for drinks and specialty dining meals.
While Norwegian promotes this as added value to your cruise, it’s not automatically the best deal for everyone. We still recommend doing the math to see if it makes sense for your travel style.
Important Things to Know About NCL’s Free at Sea Program
Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar
The Unlimited Open Bar Package under NCL’s Free at Sea 2.0 program replaces the previous More at Sea version. Bottled water is still not included, and there’s currently no upgraded beverage package available. Here’s what you need to know:
- One beverage package for all: Guests 1–8 in the stateroom receive the Unlimited Open Bar Package for the entire sailing. Guests 1–2 must be 21 or older to qualify. If either guest is under 21, they’ll receive the Soda Package instead at $12.50 per day. Guests 3–8 do not receive a beverage package if they’re under 21.
- Includes a wide selection: Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages are all featured, with a variety of premium brands. Your favorite NCL cocktail is most likely already included.
- Not included: Bottled water (sparkling or still), minibar items, energy drinks, Starbucks, room service, specialty coffee, and beverages from the Connoisseur’s Collection or Signature Selection.
- Drink limit per order: Guests can order two drinks per person at a time.
- Discounts: Receive 20% off bottles of wine, including champagne and sparkling wines, and $15 off premium drinks from the Connoisseur’s Collection or Signature Selection.
- Pricing: Flat rate of $28.50 per person, per day, with gratuities included.
- Taxes and exclusions:
- The package is not valid for port calls arriving at Great Stirrup Cay on or after March 1, 2026.
- It is not valid on Harvest Caye at any time.
- Drink taxes or VAT may apply to certain sailings, especially in the European Union and Australia.
- Additional details: The package applies for the entire length of the cruise, cannot be shared, transferred, or refunded, and rates are subject to change.
- For Hawaii sailings: On Pride of America, the package is replaced by the Hawaii Beverage Package, which offers a similar drink selection and pricing but follows Hawaii’s local beverage service laws.
Is there a service fee for the Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar?
No, gratuities are already included in the flat daily rate. Under Free at Sea, guests pay $28.50 per person, per day at booking, with no additional service fees added later.
Is the Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar worth it?
It depends on your drinking habits. If you usually have a few drinks each day, this package can still offer good value compared to paying per drink at the bar. Most cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass on Norwegian ships range from $9 to $15 each, so the cost can add up quickly. Paying the $28.50 per person, per day rate upfront often works out to be a better deal—and it’s one less thing to think about once you’re onboard.
To see if it’s worth it for you:
- If your estimated daily drink total exceeds the $28.50 per day cost of the package, it’s a great deal.
- If it’s about the same, it still offers convenience and flexibility.
- If you drink much less, paying per drink may be the better option.
- For those who don’t drink alcohol, the Soda Package is available separately at a lower cost.
Want to see if the Unlimited Open Bar is worth it for you? Use this quick formula:
($10 per drink) x (how many drinks a day) = estimated total for one cruise day
(Total of one cruise day) x (# of days of your cruise) = estimated total for entire cruise
Or, save the math and use our handy Cruise Drink Package Calculator below.
Hawaii Beverage Package (Pride of America)
Guests sailing in Hawaii follow a slightly different version of NCL’s drink package. The Hawaii Beverage Package includes cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, fountain soda, juices, and other non-alcoholic beverages for $28.50 per person, per day, with gratuities included. Because it follows Hawaii’s local alcohol service laws, the exact inclusions and taxes may vary slightly from what’s offered on other NCL ships.
Not included: Bottled water (still or sparkling), specialty coffee outside dining rooms, minibar items, and room service orders.
Specialty Dining Meals
As part of the new Free at Sea program, specialty dining meals are included based on the length of your cruise. Guests can enjoy a set number of meals at NCL’s specialty restaurants or pay à la carte for additional nights. Here’s what you need to know:
- Applies to Guests 1 & 2: The Specialty Dining Package applies only to the first two guests in the stateroom. If Guest 2 is under 18, they’re not charged for the package.
- Meal entitlements: Guests can order one entrée, up to three appetizers, and up to three desserts per meal at most specialty restaurants. At Food Republic, Pincho Tapas Bar, and Wasabi, guests can order up to four menu items total per meal instead.
- Children’s dining: Guests under 18 can order from the kids’ menu at no charge. If they choose to order from the full specialty dining menu, the regular cover charge applies.
- Number of meals included: The number of meals now depends solely on the cruise length, not on your stateroom category (see the table below).
- Additional dining: Once you’ve used your included meals, you can continue dining at specialty restaurants by paying the standard per-person cover charge.
Meals Included (per person) | Meals Included (per person) | Cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 Nights | 1 Meal | $20 per person |
| 5-6 Nights | 2 Meals | $40 per person |
| 7–8 Nights | 3 meals | $60 per person |
| 9 + Nights | 4 Meals | $80 per person |
Pro Tip: You can start making specialty dining reservations up to 90 days before embarkation. Guests in Haven Suites can book 130 days in advance, while Club Balcony Suites can book 120 days in advance.
Shore Excursion Credit
The $50 Shore Excursion Credit is one of the easiest perks to use in the Free at Sea program. Think of it as a small discount on your NCL-organized tours. In some cases, you might even find an excursion inexpensive enough that it covers the full cost for one person. Here’s what you need to know:
- $50 credit per port: This credit applies only to the first guest in the stateroom, per port.
- NCL excursions only: The credit can be used only on excursions booked directly through Norwegian Cruise Line. It does not apply to independent or third-party tours.
- Use it or lose it: If the tour costs less than $50, the remaining balance does not roll over to another port or excursion.
Is the Shore Excursion Credit Worth It?
Since the $50 Shore Excursion Credit is included at no extra cost, it can be a nice perk if you plan to book NCL’s tours. If you prefer cruise-sponsored excursions at every port, it adds up to a decent savings—but remember, cruise line excursions are usually priced higher than independent options.
Sometimes, you might find a tour or transfer that aligns perfectly with the $50 credit, making it essentially free. However, if you prefer exploring on your own or booking with local operators (as we often do), this benefit may not add significant value.
Free Wi-Fi Minutes
All guests in the stateroom receive 150 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi as part of the Free at Sea program. This is a change from the previous version, where the number of minutes depended on the length of the cruise.
Each guest gets their own login for one device at a time, and the plan covers basic browsing, email, and social media, but not streaming. Wi-Fi isn’t available on Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye, but guests can upgrade to an unlimited plan before sailing or once onboard.
Are the More at Sea WiFi Minutes Enough?
The included 150 minutes are fine for short sailings and light use—like checking emails, texts, or social media every now and then—but if your cruise is longer than a week, it’ll be tough to make those minutes last. For anything beyond basic browsing or to stay connected throughout your trip, it’s worth upgrading to an unlimited plan before sailing or once on board.
NCL Free 3rd & 4th Guests
Also known as Kids Sail Free, this offer applies to any additional guests sharing a stateroom—not just children. It’s a great deal for families or groups traveling together. Availability is limited, so it’s always worth checking if it applies to your sailing before booking.
- Who qualifies: Guests 3 and 4 sail free or for $99 per person when sharing a stateroom with Guests 1 and 2, who must pay full fare.
- Limited sailings: The offer is available only on select cruises and can change or sell out without notice.
- Additional guests: If your stateroom accommodates more than four guests, those beyond Guest 4 will be charged the standard fare.
- Taxes and fees: Even when sailing “free,” Guests 3 and 4 are still responsible for taxes, fees, and port expenses.
- No deposit required: Guests 3 and 4 do not pay a deposit when booking under this promotion.
NCL Free Airfare Offer
The Free Airfare Offer can be a good way to save money—especially on pricier flight routes—but it does come with restrictions and less flexibility than booking flights on your own. Here’s what you need to know:
- How it works: Guest 1 pays full airfare, while Guest 2 either flies free or at 50% off, depending on the sailing.
- Who qualifies: Applies only to Guests 1 and 2 in the reservation.
- Eligible sailings: Available on cruises seven nights or longer, but not valid for Sail Away categories (IX, OX, BX, MX).
- Flight changes: You can adjust flights up to two days before or after the cruise for a $25 per person fee. Requests must be made at least 110 days before sailing.
- Travel Protection: Cancellation fees apply; NCL recommends purchasing travel insurance.
How does NCL’s free airfare work?
Norwegian arranges your flights, but you won’t receive the details until closer to your sailing date. This often means connections or multi-stop itineraries instead of the nonstop routes you might book yourself. It can still be a great money-saver—especially for longer or international cruises—but you’ll give up some control over flight times and routes.
Because of that, I usually don’t recommend NCL’s Free Airfare offer unless the savings are significant. Booking your own flights gives you more flexibility and fewer surprises.
How Does NCL’s Free at Sea Save You Money?
Free at Sea is a bundled package that combines drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and more at a lower price than purchasing them individually. But does it really save you money? Let’s take a look.
Unlimited Open Bar Savings
With the new Free at Sea pricing, guests pay a flat rate of $28.50 per person, per day, including gratuities. If you were to buy the Unlimited Open Bar Package onboard, it would cost $109 per person, per day—so booking with Free at Sea saves up to $80 per day per person.
| Package | Free at Sea Rate (Per Person, Per Day) | Onboard Price (Per Person, Per Day) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Open Bar | $28.50 (gratuities included) | $109 per day | Up to $100 per day |
Gratuities are already included in the Free at Sea rate, making it a clear value compared to purchasing them onboard.
Specialty Dining Savings
Dining at Norwegian’s specialty restaurants isn’t cheap—most meals cost around $45 to $65 per person when purchased individually. With Free at Sea, you’ll pay a small flat fee upfront that brings your per-meal cost down to about $20 per meal, depending on the length of your cruise.
Because the pricing is now the same for all stateroom categories, it’s much easier to know exactly how many specialty meals you’re getting and what you’re paying for them. If you already plan to dine at restaurants like Cagney’s or Le Bistro, the savings can add up quickly.
Shore Excursion Credit
Guest 1 receives a $50 shore excursion credit per port when booking through Norwegian Cruise Line. If you usually choose NCL-sponsored tours, it’s an easy way to save a little on each port stop.
3rd & 4th Guests Free or Discounted
Guests 3 and 4 in the same stateroom sail free or for $99 per person (plus taxes and fees), depending on the sailing. It’s one of the best value perks for families or groups traveling together, especially when you’re sharing a cabin with Guests 1 and 2 who pay full fare.
Example Savings with Free at Sea
I’ve done some math for you…
If you’re booking a 7-day cruise in a balcony cabin for two passengers, here’s what Free at Sea could actually save you compared to paying onboard prices (assuming you’d usually purchase the drink package).
1️⃣ Unlimited Open Bar
- Without Free at Sea: $109 per person, per day + 20% gratuity → $1,526 total for two guests
- With Free at Sea: $28.50 per person, per day (gratuities included) → $399 total for two guests
- Savings: ≈ $1,100
2️⃣ Specialty Dining (3 meals per guest)
- Without Free at Sea: $45–$65 per meal → Around $420 total for two guests
- With Free at Sea: $60 per person total → $120 total for two guests
- Savings: ≈ $300
3️⃣ Shore Excursion Credit
- Guest 1 gets $50 off excursions per port
- If you book NCL excursions, that’s a $50 discount
- This can add up quickly—on a 7-day cruise with three or four ports, that’s $150–$200 in savings if you book tours in each one.
💰 Total Potential Savings: $1,550 to $1,600, depending on how many excursions you book.
When Free at Sea Might NOT Save You Money
While Free at Sea includes popular perks at a discounted rate, it may not be worth it if:
- You don’t drink much and wouldn’t usually buy a beverage package.
- You prefer the complimentary dining options instead of specialty restaurants.
- You book independent excursions instead of ship-sponsored ones.
- You’re traveling with just two people in a stateroom, so the 3rd & 4th Guest offer doesn’t apply.
Free at Sea can be a great deal, but it really depends on your travel style and how much you plan to use what’s included.
Reader Questions About Free at Sea
When Does Norwegian’s Free at Sea Sale Happen?
The Free at Sea program is available year-round and includes the same core perks: drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and a shore excursion credit.
From time to time, Norwegian adds limited-time bonuses—like Free or Discounted Airfare, 3rd & 4th Guests Free, or even Prepaid Gratuities (though that one’s rare). These promos change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking NCL’s site or a travel advisor to see what’s currently offered before you book.
Is NCL Free at Sea Worth It?
It can be—especially if you plan to enjoy a few drinks each day or dine at specialty restaurants. Paying for the Free at Sea package upfront often saves money compared to purchasing those perks individually, and it lets you relax onboard without worrying about add-on costs.
However, it may not be worth it if you mostly stick to the complimentary dining options and included beverages. If you’re happy with the main dining room, buffet, and basic drinks, you might not get enough value from the package to justify the added cost.
Does NCL Free at Sea include gratuities?
Yes. Gratuities are already included in the flat daily rate for all Free at Sea packages. There are no additional service charges added to the package cost, whether for drinks, dining, or Wi-Fi.
Can I reprice my cruise to get Free at Sea?
Yes. If you booked before November 5, 2025, your sailing is under the More at Sea program. You can contact NCL or your travel advisor to reprice your cruise to the new Free at Sea program if you’d prefer those terms.
It’s usually worth it if:
- Your cruise fare hasn’t gone up since you booked.
- You want the simplified structure with equal perks for all cabin types.
- You prefer having gratuities already included in the daily rate.
It’s not worth it if:
- Your original booking included better promotions (like extra onboard credit or a lower fare).
- You already got a discounted or early-booking rate that’s no longer available.
Before making any changes, compare your total price and inclusions carefully. If you’d lose a better deal by switching, it’s smarter to keep your More at Sea booking as-is.
Is Starbucks included in NCL Free at Sea?
No. Starbucks is not included in any of the Free at Sea offers. You’ll need to purchase drinks à la carte or buy a separate Starbucks package if it’s available on your ship.
What Happened to NCL’s Free at Sea Plus?
Norwegian Cruise Line discontinued Free at Sea Plus when it introduced the More at Sea program in January 2025. Now that More at Sea has ended and Free at Sea is back, there’s currently no upgrade option like the old Plus package.
However, rumors suggest that a new version of Free at Sea Plus may be reintroduced in the future. It could include perks like bottled water, specialty coffee, and even Great Stirrup Cay’s drink package. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but I’ll update this post as soon as Norwegian makes it official.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:
- NCL Drink Package List Explained
- Norwegian Cruise Drinks Cruisers Love
- What’s Changed on Norwegian Cruise Line
- 10 Highlights of Norwegian Cruise Line
- Getting Ready for Your Cruise: 11 Tips
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
This was very helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Appreciate your comment. Happy to hear it helped.