Norwegian Cruise Line’s New Free at Sea & Free at Sea Plus Programs - Inclusions, Prices, & Info for 2026
The Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Free at Sea program has returned, replacing the previous More at Sea package. This update standardizes the amenities and pricing structure, aiming to make it easier for guests to understand their cruise value. The new Free at Sea terms are applicable to all new reservations made on or after November 5, 2025. It is available for all stateroom categories, including inside, oceanview, balcony, and guarantee cabins. NCL estimates the bundled perks deliver more than $2,000 in value per stateroom.
Detailed Inclusions of the Standard Free at Sea Package
The standard Free at Sea program bundles four primary amenities into a single promotional package.
Unlimited Open Bar: Guests 21 and older receive unlimited premium beverages. This includes spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, juice, basic coffee, and soda. The package covers drinks up to a retail value of $15 each.
Specialty Dining: Guests 1 and 2 on the reservation receive complimentary meals at select specialty restaurants. The number of meals is based solely on the length of your sailing:
2-4 night cruises: 1 specialty dining meal
5-6 night cruises: 2 specialty dining meals
7-8 night cruises: 3 specialty dining meals
9+ night cruises: 4 specialty dining meals
Wi-Fi Allowance: All guests in the stateroom receive 150 minutes of high-speed Wi-Fi access powered by Starlink.
Shore Excursion Credits: The first guest on the reservation receives a $50 credit per port of call. This credit applies toward every NCL-booked shore excursion you take.
Costs and Gratuities Explained
The amenities in the Free at Sea package require a payment for the associated service charges. This nominal fee is paid in advance.
Standard Package Gratuity: The mandatory service charge for the Unlimited Open Bar and Specialty Dining components is a fixed rate of $28.50 per person, per day, for guests 21 and older.
Guests Under 21: If Guest 2 is under 21, they will receive the unlimited fountain soda and juice package for a separate cost of $12.50 per person, per day. Guests 3 through 8 under 21 do not receive a substitute package.
Expanding Your Amenities with Free at Sea Plus
For a more comprehensive experience, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an optional upgrade called Free at Sea Plus. This premium package is available for purchase for sailings embarking on February 2, 2026, and forward.
The Plus Package Inclusions:
More Top-Shelf Beverages: The Plus package includes more top-shelf spirits like Patrón Añejo and The Macallan 12 Year Old. You also get premium wines and champagne by the glass with over 50 labels, and a 40% discount on bottles of wine purchased onboard.
Coffee and Water: This upgrade includes all Starbucks drinks (one per visit) and unlimited energy drinks and fresh juices. It also includes bottled water at the bar and premium still and sparkling water in restaurants.
Unlimited Streaming Wi-Fi: The 150-minute cap is replaced with unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi that supports streaming.
Dining Discount: Once you have used your standard complimentary specialty dining meals, the Plus package gives you a 50% discount on the cover charges for any additional specialty dining nights.
Prepaid Service Charges: All daily crew service charges (often called Prepaid Gratuities, or PPGs) are included with the Free at Sea Plus package.
Great Stirrup Cay Bar Access: This includes unlimited open bar service at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island.
Free at Sea Plus Pricing:
The Free at Sea Plus package costs $49.99 per person per day. Guests who already have prepaid service charges on their reservation, whether purchased or received as a promotion, will receive a $15 discount off the daily package price.
Important Policy Changes for Great Stirrup Cay
There is a major update regarding Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, starting March 1, 2026. After this date, the standard Free at Sea beverage package will no longer be applicable for drinks purchased on the island. Complimentary water, iced tea, and juice will still be available.
If you wish to have the open bar included at Great Stirrup Cay, you must upgrade to the Free at Sea Plus package, which explicitly includes open bar service on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have an existing More at Sea booking?
Existing reservations booked under the More at Sea promotion will not be impacted and will still receive the More at Sea amenities at the price paid at the time of booking. However, if you update an existing booking after November 5, 2025, and the effective date changes (such as a reprice or upgrade), the reservation will receive the new Free at Sea package.
Can I add the Free at Sea package after booking?
Yes, if you did not select the Free at Sea promotion during your booking, you can add it through your MyNCL online account or by calling NCL's Guest Services up to 24 hours prior to sailing. The specialty dining portion cannot be added once you are onboard the ship.
What if I need more than the included specialty dining meals?
Once you have used all your included specialty dining nights, you may still dine in specialty restaurants by paying the standard cover charges plus taxes and fees. Guests with the Free at Sea Plus package receive a 50% discount on these cover charges.
