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You have probably heard of Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion, but you might not know what it is you are getting when you sign up. Let me tell you all about the wonderful extras that are included with Free at Sea and give you a better idea of why Norwegian is a top choice for maximizing the value of your next cruise vacation.
Norwegian's Free at Sea Promotion offers all 5 amenities for all Categories except SAILAWAY categories – MX (Club Balcony Suite), BX (Balcony), OX (Ocean view) and IX (Inside), for 3 night or longer sailings - Fleetwide. Note: Guests booking Sailaway categories can pre-purchase Shore Excursions and receive a $50 USD Shore Excursion credit.
Group bookings will have amenities similar to the Free at Sea, but we will not be covering those here.
Unlimited Open Bar
What is included:
Includes a variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15 USD retail price, per drink. Includes fountain soda, juice, and non-alcoholic beer.
Applicable to guests 1-8** on the reservation. Guests must be at least 21 years of age at the time of sailing to qualify for the Unlimited Open Bar Package.
Guests under 21 years of age, if booked as 1st or 2nd Guest, will receive the Soda Package and may obtain fountain soda at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise excluding Harvest Caye bars, restaurants or venues.
**If guests 3-8 are under 21 years of age, the Unlimited Open Bar Package does not apply and the soda package will not be given as a substitution.
Eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person, per transaction.
Guest's onboard account will be charged the difference plus the 20% gratuity and specialty service charge on the difference of the non-package items for all drinks over $15.
Gin & Vodka
• Bombay Dry Gin
• Beefeater London Dry Gin
• Bombay Sapphire Gin
• Tanqueray Special Gin
• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Avorza Ultra Premium Organic Vodka
• Absolut Vodka
• Belvedere Vodka
• Grey Goose Vodka
• Good Boy Vodka
• Ketel One Vodka
• Prairie Organic Vodka
• Wheatley Craft Distilled Vodka
Whiskey & Brandy
• House of Steward Scotch
• Chivas Regal
• Glenmorangie
• Johnnie Walker Black Label
• Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor Blended Scotch
• Canadian Mist
• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Fireball Cinnamon
• Ten High Bourbon
• Seagrams 83 American
• Irish Jameson’s
• Crown Royal Blended Canadian Whiskey
• Bulleit Frontier Bourbon
• Wild Turkey 101
• Jack Daniel’s Black
• Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack
• Jack Daniel’s Rye
• 1792 Small Batch Bourbon
• St Remy VSOP French Brandy
• Grappa Botegga Sandro
• Hidago Reserva 12 Year Old Spanish brandy
• Pisco Tabernero
• Godet VS Cognac
Rum & Tequila
• Bacardi Superior Rum
• Bacardi 8 Rum
• Brugal Añejo Rum
• Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
• Cachaça 51 Rum
• Flor de Caña 4 Years Old
• Flor de Caña 12 Years Old
• Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
• Malibu Coconut Rum
• Los Corrales Silver 100% Agave Tequila
• 1800 Reposado Tequila
• JAJA “HaHa” Blanco Tequila
• Patrón Silver Tequila
Liqueurs & Cordials
• Amarula Cream
• Aperol Apéritif
• Averna
• Campari
• Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur
• Disaronno Amaretto
• Drambuie
• Fernet-Branca
• Frangelico
• Jagermeister
• Kahlúa
• Limoncello Bottega
• Licor 43
• Maloney’s Irish Cream
• Pernod
• Pimm’s No. 1
• Southern Comfort
• Sambuca Di Romana
Wine
A large selection of wines by the glass from around the world, including the most recognized grape varieties such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, cabernet, pinot noir, merlot, shiraz, tempranillo, port, etc.
Beer, Cider & Spiked Seltzer
• Angry Orchard Cider
• Blue Moon
• Budweiser Light and Regular
• Coors Light
• Corona Extra
• Brok Premium
• Heineken
• Heineken 0.0
• Peroni
• Pilsner Urquell
• Sam Adams
• Stella Artois
• Strongbow
• Truly Hard Seltzer
Other Beverages
• Sodas
• Tonics
• Juices
Plus
20% discount on wine & spirit experiences, tastings and flights, Connoisseur Collection beverages, and all wines by the bottle.
Pricing:
Regular Price = $109 per person, per day (plus $21.80 per person, per day for gratuities)
Free at Sea Price = FREE (only pay $21.80 per person, per day for gratuities)
Gratuity for guests under 21 for the Soda Package is $1.95 per person, per day.
Guest's checks may reflect applicable taxes and/ or VAT for certain ports or itineraries.
Free at Sea Savings Example:
Unlimited Open Bar for a 7-night cruise including gratuity for one person is regularly $915.60, but with Free at Sea, you only pay the gratuity amount of $152.60. For two people, that would regularly be $1831.20, but with Free at Sea, you only pay the gratuity amount of $305.20. That is over $1500 in savings! By pre-paying the gratuity with your booking, Norwegian has made it so you won't need to worry about signing or tipping when you order your drinks onboard unless you want to leave extra at your discretion.
But what if you were to pay per drink instead?
*If a guest wishes to have juice at any other time besides breakfast, there will be a charge.
Note: All offerings, pricing, and availability are subject to change at any time.
Soda:
$3.50 for Coke Cola, Coke Zero, Diet Coke Cola, Ginger Ale, Lemon-Lime Soda, Diet Lemon-Lime Soda, Orange Soda, etc. plus 20% Gratuity and Beverage Service Charge applies.
Alcoholic Beverages:
Alcoholic beverages are priced from $9.00 and up. Check the menus onboard for specific prices. Prices are subject to change. The check may reflect applicable VAT for certain ports or itineraries.
Wines that are not purchased through Norwegian Cruise Line are subject to the corkage fee including wine sent directly to the Ship by Travel Agents, friends, family, from another source, etc.
At check-in, the bottle will be stickered and given to the guest to carry onboard. The corkage fee will be charged to the guest’s onboard account. Wines that come in boxes are not allowed onboard.
Your drink package is FREE, and the gratuity for your entire cruise comes to just $21.80 per day. Depending on what you order to drink, a $15 glass of wine and two sodas at $3.50 each plus gratuity is going to cost more than the daily gratuity you would pay to get unlimited drinks. Or, if you want to order a $20 glass of wine, you would only pay the amount above $15, which would be $5 plus gratuity. Order two glasses, and you are saving $30 right there!
Another plus to having Norwegian's Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar is that you won't have a bill to worry about settling at the end of the cruise. You might have trouble remembering what you ordered over several days or several weeks depending on your cruise. If so, you might have trouble making sure all your charges are correct. You know what I mean? It could be stressful, and no one wants to be worried about that on their cruise.
Important to Know:
• You must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to purchase any alcoholic package and to consume alcohol. See the terms of our guest alcohol policy.
• Applicable to guests 1-8 on the reservation for the entire length of the cruise. If 3-8 guest is under 21 years of age, Unlimited Open Bar Package does not apply, and soda package will not be given as a substitution.
• Packages may not be shared and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person per transaction.
• Includes premium spirit brands, cocktails, beer, soda, juices, and wines by the glass up to $15 value.
• Any items over $15 USD will receive an $15 USD discount and the guest will be charged the difference to their account.
• A 20% discount will be given on non-select bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), Wine and Spirit Experiences, Connoisseur Collection beverages, tastings and flights purchased on board.
• Does not include Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or flights, Starbucks, Ice Bars, room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions, Connoisseur Collection beverages, bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines.
• Guests who receive the Soda Package may obtain fountain soda and juices at any bar, lounge, or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise, excluding Harvest Caye bars, restaurants, or venues.
• Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, sailings that are two (2) days or less, on selected charters, or on Pride of America.
• Brand availability may vary by ship and season.
• A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added to all package purchases.
• Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries.
• No substitute for package if guest cannot consume all beverages included.
• Other terms and conditions may apply.
• Please note that rates are subject to change at any time at the discretion of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Specialty Dining
What is included:
Applicable to 1st & 2nd Guests on the reservation, but only to those guests 2 years and older.
The Package is based on a per-meal basis. There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals** that can be redeemed in a day; however, each meal is counted towards the package based on cruise length.
**Note: One entrée (main course) per person @ Cagney's Steakhouse or Le Bistro/ Jefferson Bistro restaurants is offered on the specialty dining package. Additional entrées (main courses) will be charged à la carte prices listed on their respective menus.
Select menu items at certain restaurants may have an additional charge (Dining Package Supplement listed on the menu) as part of the Specialty Dining Package.
The number of dining credits that you get included with your Free at Sea will depend on the number of nights and the category cabin that you book.
• 3-6 Nights (all categories rooms): 1 Meal
• 7-11 Nights (Studio/Inside/Oceanview): 1 Meal
• 7-11 Nights (Balcony & Above): 2 Meals
• 12+ Nights (Studio/Inside/Oceanview): 2 Meals
• 12+ Nights (Balcony & Above): 3 Meals
Restaurants may vary depending on ship and availability.
Cagney's Steakhouse
(À la carte)
This American steakhouse is a perennial fan-favorite for a reason. Take your pick from choice cuts of Premium, Certified Angus Beef® like our traditional T-bone or tender Prime Rib. Start with the legendary crab cake, sip your favorite cocktails, and don’t forget to order our famous Parmesan dusted truffle fries!
*Oceanfront seating available on our Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class ships.
Food Republic
(À la carte)
Take your palate on an international journey of Asian and Latin Flavors at Food Republic. Travel to Mexico and scoop up some tasty street food. Jet away to Japan and try a new kind of sushi roll or have a hearty helping of Thai noodles. The tapas-style dishes and sushi are made for sharing, so bring the whole crew and savor a new world of flavors.
Hasuki
(Cover Charge Applies)
Sit at a lively shared table as a skillful chef perfectly prepares shrimp, steak, chicken and fried rice on a large steel grill. And you've got a front-row seat to all the sizzles and surprises in our Japanese restaurant.
La Cucina
(À la carte)
Buona sera! Enjoy the finest ingredients at our vibrant Italian ristorante, La Cucina. Spark a conversation amongst friends over a great bottle of wine and freshly baked artisan farm bread. Dine on classic dishes like pasta carbonara, then order the affogato and indulge in espresso over vanilla or macadamia nut ice cream. Your good evening just got better.
*Oceanfront seating available on our Breakaway and Breakaway Plus Class ships.
Le Bistro
(À la carte)
If you’re looking for a sophisticated night on board, look no further than Le Bistro. Elegant, refined and delectable, Le Bistro promises an upscale dining experience with crisp white linens, an intimate atmosphere and attentive service.
*Waterfront seating at Le Bistro is available on Norwegian Joy.
Los Lobos
(À la carte)
Bienvenido a Los Lobos, a premium Mexican restaurant celebrating traditional flavors with a modern twist. Chefs serve up new favorites like Carne Asada marinated in guajillo chiles and tequila or Tres Leches Cake with Coconut Cream.
Moderno Churrascaria
(Cover Charge Applies)
If you’re looking for a unique experience, our authentic Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Start with an impressive salad bar of imported cheeses, olives, cured meats, ceviche and specialty salads. Be sure to save room for the delicious skewers of slow-roasted meats including beef, pork, lamb and chicken – all carved tableside by our authentic Pasadores.
*Waterfront dining at Moderno is available on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway.
Nama
(À la carte)
Pull up a stool at our glamorous new sushi bar, Nama. Custom rolls with creative ingredients, live preparation of sushi and more, Nama will leave you satisfied and refreshed. Everyone needs a sushi night when sailing the seas. Complement the experience with a carefully curated Sake list.
Ocean Blue
(À la carte)
Step inside Ocean Blue and experience a temptingly delicious dining experience not to be missed. Guests have the option to sit indoors or out on The Waterfront.
*Waterfront seating is available on Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway.
Bayamo by Ocean Blue on the Escape
*Waterfront seating is available on Norwegian Escape.
Onda by Scarpetta
(À la carte)
Onda, or “wave” in Italian, brings the charm and effortless elegance of its critically acclaimed sister restaurant, Scarpetta, to sea. Uncork your favorite bottle of wine and let la dolce vita (the good life) flow. Indulge in a modern Italian culinary experience from Scarpetta’s signature pastas like the famous Spaghetti Tomato & Basil to unique, mouthwatering seafood creations. And leave room for dessert. Sharing is optional.
Palomar
(À la carte)
Explore the best flavors of the Med at Norwegian’s first-ever Mediterranean restaurant. Seafood is the star attraction here, with European essence. With a casually - sophisticated setting, diners will be treated to dishes created from the finest ingredients, including fresh fish, perfectly paired wine selections and cocktails.
Pincho Tapas Bar
(À la carte)
Enjoy a taste of Spain's cuisine at this lively tapas bar. Sip on delicious sangria as you savor an array of small plates, like Manchego Cheese and Iberico Ham, or Cod Croquettes and Garlic Shrimp.
Q Texas Smokehouse
(À la carte)
Dig into some authentic Texas BBQ at Q Texas Smokehouse. All our smoked meats are infused with delicious flavors and come with all the traditional sides.
The Raw Bar
(À la carte)
Located right beside Ocean Blue, The Raw Bar is an easy casual place to grab a snack or settle in for a meal. A menu of oysters, shellfish, crudos and signature wines by the glass keep things light. Counter seating allows for guests to easily dine solo or with a group. This is a perfect place post-show to enjoy a dessert or a cocktail as well.
Teppanyaki
(Cover Charge Applies)
The sizzles and surprises never cease at our authentic Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. Sit around a lively shared table as a skillful chef slices, dices, chops and twirls while preparing flavorful steak, shrimp, chicken, vegetables, seafood and fried rice. Watch your meal unfold on a large steel grill right before your eyes.
Wasabi & Sushi
(À la carte)
In the mood for sushi? Pull up a chair at this contemporary sushi and yakitori bar for some traditional Japanese culinary bites.
Pricing:
Regular Price= cover charge or à la carte (plus gratuities)
Meal Package Price = 2 - 45 meals from $99 - $1399 (plus gratuities)
Free at Sea Price = FREE (only pay gratuities)
Free at Sea Savings Example:
Specialty dining for one person for one meal at a covered-charge restaurant like Teppanyaki is regularly $70.80 including gratuity, but with Free at Sea, you just pay the gratuity amount of $11.80. A meal for one person that would include one appetizer, one soup or salad, one entree with two sides, and one dessert from an à la carte restaurant like Cagney's Steakhouse could total $132 after gratuity. With the Free at Sea, you would only pay the $11.80 gratuity. For two people, you could be saving upwards of $240 on one meal with the Free at Sea Specialty Dining package instead of paying the à la carte menu pricing! Once again, because gratuity is paid in advance, you won't need to worry about signing or tipping when you order your dinner onboard unless you want to leave extra for your server.
Important to Know:
• Specialty Dining Packages (SDP) are available online for pre-sale or onboard during the first two days of the voyage.
• SDP is not available on 1 and 2-day sailings; On 3-day sailings, SDP is for sale on day 1 only.
• No refunds available if not all meals are used.
• SDPs are personal (per person, e.g., 2 guests cannot share 1 SDP meal) and non-transferable (guests cannot give their SDP meals to someone else).
• An SDP meal in à la carte restaurants includes 1 appetizer, 1 soup or salad, 1 main course and 1 dessert (does not apply to cover charge restaurants or Food Republic, Pincho Tapas Bar and Sushi, where a meal includes any 4 menu items).
• No sharing or to go orders permitted.
• SDP does not include beverages and additional and/or premium menu items will incur charges.
• A 20% gratuity and specialty service charge will be added to the package price.
• No SDP kids pricing available.
• We encourage guests to visit ncl.com/myncl to make dining reservations in advance.
• Reservations are not required but highly recommended, once onboard, reservations will be subject to availability.
• SDP meals can be enjoyed at Cagney’s Steakhouse, Food Republic, Italian, Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Moderno Churrascaria, Pincho Tapas Bar, Q Texas Smokehouse, Raw Bar, Seafood, Sushi and Teppanyaki.
• Dining options vary by ship. You may choose to use SDP meals in entertainment-based restaurants.
• There will be a 20% gratuity charge on all SDP entertainment-based restaurants.
• Venues/Events not included in SDP include: Room Service, SWIFT, District Brewhouse, The Bake Shop, Coco’s, O’ Sheehan’s Ice Cream Bar, Dolce Gelato, Special Occasion/Holiday menus and select Entertainment-based meals.
Excursions
What is included:
$50 credit per port, per stateroom to use on shore excursions. Credit will be applied to the 1st guest on the reservation.
Pricing:
Regular Price= You would pay full price for every excursion
Free at Sea Price = FREE $50 discount
Free at Sea Savings Example:
Two people visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico do the "Town, Country & Tequila" shore excursion. The regular price is $59, but with the Free at Sea Shore Excursion Credit, the 1st guest would only pay $9, while the second guest would pay the full $59, for a total of $68 for both guests. So, the savings is...you guessed it: $50!
Important to Know:
• Applicable to the 1st Guest only on the cruise reservation, who will receive free shore excursions priced at $50 or less.
• $50 Shore Excursion Credit is applicable for all tours ashore including debarkation tours.
• The $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit will be applied per shore excursion of equal or greater value.
• In the event the tour is less than the value of the credit, the $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit will be adjusted to match the tour value.
• The 1st guest may redeem the promotion of $50 USD Shore Excursion credit on more than one shore excursion per port.
• Shore Excursions purchased prior to the cruise, the promotion or $50 Shore Excursion Credit will be applied to the 1st guest on the reservation at the time of purchase once the reservation is in booked status.
• Shore Excursions purchased onboard, the promotion or $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit will be applied to the 1st Guest's onboard account.
• Latitude members' Shore Excursion discount is combinable with the $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit.
• If the guest is entitled to multiple excursion credits or discounts, the $50 Free at Sea Shore • Excursion Credit will be applied first followed by any additional shore excursion discounts.
• If the 1st guest purchases shore excursion tickets for other guests, the $50 USD Shore Excursion credit will not apply to such tickets.
• The 1st guest can not purchase shore excursions for themselves where the duration of such excursions overlaps in time.
• The $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit does not apply to equipment rentals on Great Stirrup Cay and Harvest Caye.
• Pre-cruise and post-cruise land tours are not eligible for this promotion.
• $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit is not eligible for the shipboard 'Behind the Scenes Tour'.
• Other guests in the stateroom are not eligible to receive the $50 USD Shore Excursion credits.
• In the event a port of call or shore excursion is canceled, the guest will be refunded the amount the guest paid for the shore excursion excluding the $50 credit.
• $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit has no monetary value, are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for actual currency of any value.
• Guests can redeem their Shore Excursion Credit as follows:
Guests can book online via NCL.com or
Guests can contact the Shore Excursion Department @ 866 625 1167 to book or
Shore Excursions can be booked onboard and the credit applied to the guest's onboard account.
• The $50 USD Shore Excursion Credit will be applied to the 1st guest on the cruise reservation whether the shore excursions are pre-purchased or booked onboard.
WI-FI
What is included:
Free internet minutes to use during your cruise. The number of minutes that you receive will be determined by the length of your cruise. It only applies to guests 1 & 2 on the reservation and the minutes are per person.
• 3-6 Nights: 75 Minutes
• 7-11 Nights: 150 Minutes
• 12+ Nights: 300 Minutes
Pricing:
Regular Price= Internet minutes are not available for purchase
Internet Package Price = Unlimited is $29.99 per person, per day for general web browsing, emails and messaging. Does not support streaming functions.
Free at Sea Price = FREE
Free at Sea Savings Example:
It's totally free minutes to use. If you were to purchase the unlimited package for two people for a 7-night cruise, the minimum cost to access the WI-FI would be $839.72. If you stay within your allotted internet minutes, you will be saving that entire amount for two people.
Important to Know:
• Guests can use the ship's Wi-Fi capabilities on their personal computers, tablets, and phones for Internet connection in many areas throughout the ship at a cost. • All of the ships are equipped with 24-hour Internet Cafes.
• Multiple devices can be used on a single plan but only one device can be logged in at a time.
• Prices are subject to change based on ship and sail date.
• Guests who select the Internet Package as part of their Free At Sea promotion can purchase an upgraded Package onboard, online through NCL.com (myNCL or Online Check-in), or by calling the call center.
• Guests may be able to purchase other packages onboard. Visit the internet café for more information.
3rd & 4th Guests
What is included:
3rd and 4th guests sail free or for $99 on select cruises.
Pricing:
Regular Price= You would pay full price
Free at Sea Price = FREE or $99 depending on sailing
Free at Sea Savings Example:
As of March 6, 2024, four people sharing a Balcony (BF) stateroom on the Norwegian Bliss on May 11, 2024, going to Alaska would only pay taxes for the 3rd and 4th guests.
Grand Total Prices are quoted in USD (United States Dollars) | $3,391.52 |
As you can see, Norwegian offers substantial savings when you have 3rd and 4th guests sailing for free (or only $99m on select sailings) before taxes and fees are added.
Important to Know:
• Valid for Guests, 3-4, regardless of age, sharing a stateroom with 1st and 2nd guests paying full fare on select sailings.
• Sailings are not applicable to Studio categories.
• No deposit is required for qualifying 3-4 Guests sailing free.
• If there are Guests 5-8 in a stateroom, those guests are required to pay the prevailing rate. • 3rd & 4th Guests sailing for $99 pay the required deposit.
Airfare
What is included:
Buy Air for 1st Guest and receive 2nd Guest for free from select Air Gateways/ Cities for All Categories except Sailaway categories for All Open for Sale 7 night or longer sailings.
Pricing:
Regular Price= You would pay full price for both guest's airfare.
Free at Sea Price = FREE airfare for 2nd guest
Free at Sea Savings Example:
Two passengers...I'm sorry, but I can't. Just don't. I recommend booking your air so you have complete control over your flight plans and are the first point of contact with the airline.
Important to Know:
• Book directly with the airline and pass on this promo option. You have been warned!
Review
Norwegian's Free at Sea offers amazing value built into your cruise at little to no cost to you. The Unlimited Open Bar, Specialty Dining, Excursions, WI-FI, 3rd & 4th Guests, and Airfare options allow you to customize your cruising experience to fit your own style and budget. You can even upgrade your Free at Sea for even more perks. We will cover that in a separate post.
I hope this has clarified the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion for you so you can take advantage of it on your next NCL cruise. Please contact me if you have questions or request a quote if you would like help finding a cruise. Did you know I am certified with many cruise lines, do not charge any fees, and you receive onboard credit or a VISA gift card as a thank you for booking with me? Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.
Happy travels,
Erika Williams
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