Norwegian Cruise Line Rolls Out More Cutbacks Impacting the Guest Experience
Norwegian Cruise Line has quietly introduced a new round of changes that many frequent cruisers see as further downgrades to the onboard experience. From dining room adjustments to service reductions, these shifts continue a growing trend of cost-cutting measures across the fleet.
Drinks Package No Longer Included at Great Stirrup Cay
Earlier this week, Norwegian Cruise Line revealed that its More at Sea beverage package will no longer include drinks while visiting Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026. Guests will still be able to purchase drinks on the island, but the change means those who prepaid for the package will now pay extra for beverages during their day ashore. The announcement sparked strong reactions from loyal cruisers who viewed it as another example of the line scaling back what used to be included in the overall cruise experience.
Change to the Classic Entree Menu
Norwegian Cruise Line has recently adjusted the “Classic Entree” section of its main dining room menus. The grilled New York strip steak, once available every night as a staple option, is now served only every other night. On alternating evenings, it has been replaced with a Montreal spice rubbed brisket. While the brisket provides an alternative, the update reduces the availability of steak as a nightly choice and shifts the value of the classic menu lineup.
Surcharge for Extra Entrees
Alongside the menu change, NCL has also introduced a $5 charge for additional entrees ordered in the main dining room beyond the first. Previously, guests could sample multiple dishes at no extra cost, but the new policy limits that flexibility and marks a shift in how the complimentary dining experience is structured.
Room Service Limitations
Room service has also seen tighter restrictions. The cruise line now limits each paid room service order to one hot and one cold item, with guests onboard this week reporting that the rule applies to each occupant in the room. Previously, multiple selections could be ordered for a single delivery charge, making this a noticeable downgrade for those who enjoy in-cabin dining.
No More Printed Freestyle Daily Schedules
Technology-focused cutbacks have appeared as well. Norwegian has discontinued the delivery of printed Freestyle Daily planners to staterooms. Instead, guests are encouraged to use the NCL app to view daily schedules and activities. While some appreciate the digital convenience, many cruisers miss the ease of flipping through the paper version when delivered to their cabin each evening.
Executive Response to Cost-Cutting Concerns
During Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ July 31, 2025 earnings call, President and CEO Harry Sommer directly addressed the company’s approach to expenses and the balance between efficiency and guest experience. Sommer emphasized that cost savings would not come at the expense of guest satisfaction:
“We look at every single expense. If we believe it will even modestly decline the guest experience, we just simply won't do it. We are focused on purchasing, efficiency, economies of scale, the other things that Mark mentioned across the entirety of the P and L. But I get the guest satisfaction scores every Friday afternoon of the week's cruise and we meticulously ensure that there's nothing we do certainly on an intended basis, but even on an unintended basis that impacts that score. And we are looking to constantly improve record numbers.” – Harry Sommer, July 31, 2025
Despite this reassurance, many loyal cruisers feel that the removal of menu staples, new surcharges, and restrictions on long-standing amenities suggest otherwise. While leadership maintains that the changes are designed to streamline operations and maintain record guest satisfaction scores, the reaction from frequent travelers underscores a growing disconnect between the company’s messaging and the passenger experience onboard.
