NCL More at Sea Explained: What’s Included and How It Works

What is Norwegian’s new “More at Sea” program?

In October of 2024, NCL announced its new “More at Sea” program to replace its “Free-at-Sea” promotion, claiming that it would bring more value and an upgraded experience to your cruise vacation. Starting with sailings on January 1, 2025, More at Sea will take effect across all bookings.

One of the most significant changes is to the beverage package structure, along with the removal of the Free at Sea Plus upgrade. Previously, guests who opted for Free at Sea received the Premium Beverage Package but were responsible for paying gratuities on it. They also had the option to upgrade to Free at Sea Plus, which included the Premium Plus Beverage Package at a discounted price.

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Under the new system, both beverage packages have been replaced with a single Unlimited Open Bar Package, which now includes a wider selection of premium spirits and drinks. Instead of paying $107 per person per day plus gratuities, guests will now pay a discounted rate of $30 per day, which is applied at booking.

We’ll break down these changes in detail, along with what they mean for your next cruise.

What is Norwegian’s More at Sea?

Consider Norwegian’s More at Sea program packages that include access to the following benefits for a discounted price to get more out of their cruise vacation.

• Unlimited Open Bar
• Hawaiian Beverage Package (only for Pride of America sailings)
• Specialty Dining Meals
• Wi-Fi Minutes
• Shore Excursion Credits
• 3rd & 4th Guest Free or for $99 (select sailings)
• Free Airfare for 2nd Guest (revolving promo)

The Unlimited Open Bar Package under NCL’s More at Sea program replaces the previous Premium Beverage Package. Bottled water is still not included, and no upgraded package is 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 as part of More at Sea. If Guests 1 or 2 are under 21, they will receive the Soda Package instead. Guests 3-8 do not receive a beverage package if they are under 21.
• Includes a wide selection: Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, with premium brands available. Your favorite NCL drink is most likely already included.
• Not Included: Bottled water (sparkling and still), minibar items, energy drinks, specialty coffee, Starbucks, and high-end specialty spirits are not included.
• Drink limit per order: Guests can order two drinks at a time.
• Under 21 guests: Receive the Soda Package instead of the alcohol package.
• Flat-rate pricing based on cruise length:
  • 1 to 7-night cruises: $30 per person, per day.
  • 8 to 11-night cruises: $27 per person, per day.
  • 12 or more nights: $23 per person, per day.
• Gratuities included: No additional service charges on top of the package cost.
• 20% off bottles of wine: Guests get 20% off bottles of wine, including champagne and sparkling wines, when purchased on board.
• $15 discount on premium drinks: If a drink costs more than $15, the package covers $15, and you’ll pay the difference.
• Additional details: All guests 21 and over on the same reservation must purchase the package. The package is valid for the entire cruise length and cannot be shared, transferred, or refunded. Rates are subject to change.
• Drink taxes will apply while docked at port.

This new version simplifies the beverage package, expanding drink options and lowering overall costs.

What drinks are included in NCL More at Sea?

Is there a service fee for the More at Sea Unlimited Open Bar?

No, the new Unlimited Open Bar Package has gratuities included in the price. Unlike the previous program, where gratuities were charged separately, guests now pay $30 per person per day upfront at booking, with no extra service fees later.

Is the More at Sea Unlimited Open Bar worth it?

That depends on your drinking habits. If you plan on having multiple drinks per day, this package can provide significant savings compared to paying per drink at the bar. Remember that individual cocktails, beers, and wine by the glass typically range from $9 to $15 each.

To see if it’s worth it for you:

• If your estimated daily drink total exceeds the 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 an alternative at a separate cost.

Think of the $50 shore excursion credit as a discount on your tour. 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 shore excursion credit per port: This applies only to the 1st guest in the stateroom.
• Only valid on NCL excursions: You must book through Norwegian Cruise Line to use the credit; it won’t apply to independent tours.
• Use it or lose it: If your excursion costs less than $50, you won’t get a refund or carry over the difference.

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 book NCL’s tours. If you prefer cruise-sponsored excursions at every port, this can be a useful discount—but keep in mind that cruise line tours often cost more than independent options.

Sometimes, you might find a tour or transfer that matches the credit, making it essentially free. But if you prefer to explore on your own or book excursions independently (like we do), this benefit may not add much value.

All guests in the stateroom receive complimentary Wi-Fi minutes as part of the More at Sea program. The number of minutes depends on the length of your cruise:

• 3-6 Night Cruises: 75 minutes per person
• 7-11 Night Cruises: 150 minutes per person
• 12+ Night Cruises: 300 minutes per person

Each guest gets their own login, which can be used on one device at a time. The free Wi-Fi package covers basic browsing but does not support streaming. Also, Wi-Fi is not available on Great Stirrup Cay or Harvest Caye.

Are the More at Sea WiFi Minutes Enough?

The free minutes are enough to check emails and texts a few times on the cruise until you’re onshore with access to Wi-Fi or included cellular data.

Want unlimited access? You can upgrade to an unlimited Wi-Fi plan before your cruise or onboard.

Also known as Kids Sail Free, this deal is excellent for families or groups booking a cruise. Since availability is limited, it’s worth checking with NCL to see if it applies to your sailing.

• 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: This offer is only available on select cruises, and dates can change without notice.
• Additional guests: If there are Guests 5-8 in the same stateroom, they’ll have to pay the going rate.
• Taxes & fees still apply: Even if Guests 3 and 4 sail for free, they’re still responsible for taxes, fees, and port expenses.
• No deposit required: Guests 3 and 4 don’t have to pay a deposit when booking under this promo.

While this promo can save you money—especially on expensive flight routes—you must be flexible with your travel plans. Here’s what you need to know:

• How it works: Guest 1 pays full airfare, while Guest 2 either flies free or gets 50% off, depending on the sailing.
• Who qualifies? Applies only to Guests 1 and 2 in the reservation.
• Eligible sailings: Available on cruises 7 nights or longer, but not valid for Sail Away categories (IX, OX, BX, MX).
• Flight changes: You can adjust flights up to 2 days before or after the cruise for a $25 per person fee. Requests must be made at least 110 days before sailing.
• Cancellation fees apply, and NCL recommends travel protection.

How does NCL’s free airfare work?

Norwegian arranges your flights, but you won’t get the details until closer to your cruise date. This could mean multi-stop flights instead of the non-stop routes you’d book yourself. While it can be a great money-saver, especially for international cruises, you lose control over your travel plans.

Because of this, we don’t recommend NCL’s free airfare. Booking your own flights gives you more control over your schedule and fewer surprises.

When Does Norwegian’s More at Sea Sale Happen?

The More at Sea program is available year-round. It’s a bundled offer that includes drinks, specialty dining, and other perks at a discounted rate, letting you enjoy more without paying full price.

Is NCL More at Sea Worth It?

It can be—especially if you plan to drink more than 2-3 drinks per day or dine at specialty restaurants. Paying for the discounted package upfront can save you money in the long run and let you enjoy your cruise without worrying about extra costs.

However, it may not be worth it if you planned to stick to the included beverages and dining. 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 cost.

Does NCL More at Sea Include Gratuities?

Yes, gratuities are already included in the flat-rate fees for More at Sea packages, so there are no additional service charges on top of the package cost.

Is Starbucks included in NCL More at Sea?

No, Starbucks is not included in any of the More at Sea offers. You’ll need to pay à la carte or purchase a Starbucks package if available on your ship.

What Happened to NCL’s Free at Sea Plus?

NCL got rid of Free at Sea Plus and replaced it with More at Sea starting January 1, 2025. Instead of an upgrade option, More at Sea is now a bundled package that includes drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits at a discounted flat rate.

The biggest change is the beverage package. Before, you could upgrade to Free at Sea Plus for the Premium Plus Beverage Package, but now More at Sea includes just one Unlimited Open Bar Package, which already covers premium brands.