Norwegian Cruise Line is making main modifications by changing its long-standing Free at Sea program with a brand new providing referred to as Extra at Sea.
We’re going to interrupt down these modifications so you possibly can higher perceive the modifications and what they’ll imply for cruising NCL in 2025.
What’s Free at Sea?
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea program launched a couple of decade in the past to reinforce the cruising expertise.
It supplied visitors free drink packages, specialty eating, shore tour credit, and Wi-Fi. Though first rolled out as a limited-time promotion, it will definitely turned a year-round program supplied on a lot of the line’s sailings.
Now, NCL has rebranded this system as “Extra At Sea,” with the perks program accessible on most sailings starting January 1, 2025. Whereas it nonetheless focuses on the identical primary perks — drink bundle, wi-fi, and so on — generally, extra is now supplied… though at the next worth.
Variations Between Free at Sea and Extra at Sea
| Function | Free at Sea | Extra at Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage Bundle | Included drinks as much as $15, 20% gratuities utilized | No drink cap, 45% extra premium manufacturers, 20% gratuity on increased bundle worth (prices extra) |
| Specialty Eating | Restricted to 1-4 meals primarily based on cruise size and cabin sort | Enhanced: As much as 5 meals + extra appetizers and desserts |
| Wi-Fi Bundle | It’s the similar as Free at Sea | Quicker Wi-Fi through Starlink and accessible to all cabin visitors |
| Tour Credit score | $50 credit score per shore tour (1st visitor solely) | This is applicable to sailings beginning in January 2025 |
| Gratuity Prices | ~$20 per particular person/day for drink packages, ~$10 per meal | As much as 38% improve: ~$30 per particular person/day for drink packages, $20 per meal |
| Begin Date | This is applicable to sailings beginning in January 2025 | Applies to sailings beginning in January 2025 |
NCL’s Free at Sea vs. Extra at Sea
Beverage Packages: Free at Sea capped drinks at $15 per glass. These wanting a dearer drink needed to both pay the distinction in worth or buy a premium drinks bundle.
Beneath Extra at Sea, this cover is eliminated, providing extra premium drink choices like Gray Goose and Casamigos. Nonetheless, the gratuity price has elevated considerably.
Whereas gratuities for 2 passengers in the identical stateroom price round $305.20 for a 7-day cruise beneath the unique program, they’ll now price roughly $420 for a similar cruise in 2025.
Specialty Eating: The variety of meals supplied will increase barely for longer sailings. The massive change is that visitors are now not restricted to at least one appetizer, entreé and dessert.
As a substitute, they will stand up to 3 appetizers, a soup or salad, one entreé and as much as three desserts. Nonetheless, the gratuity per meal rises to $20 beneath Extra at Sea, a big soar from the earlier $9.90 to $11.80
Wi-Fi: Extra at Sea improves Wi-Fi entry, with sooner web speeds due to Starlink (scheduled to be rolled out throughout your entire fleet by the tip of 2024). Moreover, each visitor within the stateroom receives Wi-Fi minutes as an alternative of solely the primary two visitors beneath Free at Sea.
Tour Credit score: The $50 credit score stays unchanged. Like with Free at Sea, it applies solely to the primary visitor within the stateroom.
How These Modifications Influence Prices:
With these modifications, vacationers must be ready for increased prices, particularly concerning gratuities.
Right here’s a breakdown of the gratuity impacts primarily based on a typical 7-day cruise for 2 visitors:
| Bundle | Free at Sea Gratuity | Extra at Sea Gratuity | Value Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beverage Bundle | $305.20 (20% on $109/day) | $420 (20% on $150/day) | +$114.80 |
| Eating Bundle | ~$10 per meal | $20 per meal | +$10 per meal |
Reactions from Company:
Reactions to Norwegian Cruise Line’s change to the Extra at Sea program have been blended amongst its most loyal visitors.
Many expressed frustration on social media, notably with eradicating the Premium Plus Beverage Bundle, which beforehand included bottled water, Starbucks drinks, and a few premium wines. Whereas the Extra At Sea beverage bundle consists of extra liquors, it doesn’t embody Starbucks or bottled water.
One visitor advised Cruise Radio that their upcoming cruise would “price considerably more cash,” particularly since they will now not purchase discounted extra eating nights.
Then again, some vacationers are optimistic in regards to the enhanced choices, like the power to order three appetizers and three desserts at specialty eating places. Whereas they admire the added worth, many acknowledge that the upgrades will nonetheless improve prices at à la carte eating venues.
READ MORE: Norwegian Says Goodbye to Free at Sea
What You Ought to Know Earlier than Reserving Extra at Sea
Larger Gratuities: Be able to pay extra, particularly should you plan to take pleasure in premium drinks or specialty eating. Typically, the drink bundle gratuities alone are leaping by 38%.
Reserving Methods: Contemplate prepaying gratuities earlier than 2025 to lock in decrease charges. This might assist save on the rising prices of the Extra at Sea bundle.
Contemplate the Worth: Whereas Extra at Sea provides extra premium choices, customers on a price range may need to contemplate whether or not these added perks justify the extra bills. Bear in mind, visitors shouldn’t have to just accept the bundle and the accompanying charges in the event that they select to not.
