What does free at sea on a cruise mean?

Norwegian's Free at Sea offer entitles guests to free perks like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, kids sail free (or 3rd & 4th guests sail free), and more. The number of perks that cruisers receive does vary based on the current sale and the stateroom category booked.



"Free at Sea" is the signature promotional package offered by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) that bundles several popular amenities into the cruise fare for a relatively small "upgrade" fee. In 2026, the standard package typically includes four or five key perks: an Unlimited Open Bar (premium spirits and cocktails), Specialty Dining credits (allowing you to eat at high-end restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse for free), a Wi-Fi package (usually 150 minutes per person), and Shore Excursion credits (typically $50 per port). For some sailings, it also includes "Extra Guests" where the 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin pay only taxes. It is important to realize that "free" isn't entirely free; you are usually required to pay the gratuities and service charges on the drinks and dining packages upfront (which can be several hundred dollars). Despite these fees, the "Free at Sea" bundle generally offers much better value than purchasing each item individually. For those seeking even more, NCL now offers a "Free at Sea Plus" version which includes top-shelf liquor and unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi.

People Also Ask

Overview of Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea promotion The choice of perks occasionally changes, but Norwegian typically offers the following five: a free drinks package, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, free Wi-Fi and free third and fourth guests in a cabin.

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Is bottled water included in NCL beverage package? Bottled water isn't included with Norwegian's Premium Beverage Package, the once which comes included as a Free at Sea perk. However, you can purchase or upgrade to the Premium Plus drink package, where bottled water is included.

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(1). You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file.

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What drinks are free of charge?
  1. Water. Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. ...
  2. Flavored water. Some cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean drink package provides their passengers with several options of flavored waters to choose from. ...
  3. Lemonade. ...
  4. Tea and coffee. ...
  5. Hot chocolate. ...
  6. Milk. ...
  7. Fruit juices.


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You may be asked to pay a fee for some versions of bottled water. However, you can likely ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant or bar for no added cost. There are several water dispensers present on a cruise ship so that you can help yourself.

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Refreshment Package, which is $29-$38/day and includes fountain soft drinks, Coke, non-alcoholic cocktails, bottled water, premium coffees and teas and fresh-squeezed juices.

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Riviera River Cruises will offer its Superior drinks package free of charge on all 2024 sailings in Europe. Guests will enjoy unlimited house wine, draft beer and a selection of soft drinks and juices at lunch.

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Is WhatsApp free on a cruise ship? By default, WhatsApp is not free on a cruise ship. You need to be online, and most cruise lines charge for internet access, unless you have a special fare that includes WiFi access.

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After a long day of exploring your ship, you may be tempted by the ice cream at Dolce Gelato. Though it is delicious there is a fee. Head up to the Garden Buffet where you can get free soft serve ice cream. In the afternoon and into the late hours, take a look when you're passing the pool deck grill.

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Passengers should not bring the following items onboard any Norwegian Cruise Line ship:
  • Drones (Game Flying Device) ...
  • Samsung Galaxy Note7. ...
  • Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of any kind including water, pop and juices* ...
  • Unsealed food items will not be allowed onboard.


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If you have not prepaid gratuities and the service charges show up on your onboard bill, you can go to guest services before the sailing ends and request to have the amounts altered or removed. You'll be asked to explain why you're unhappy with the service you received.

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There aren't any hard-and-fast guidelines for this type of tip since it's contingent on your experience, but $25 to $40 on behalf of a couple roughly works out to an extra $2 to $3 per person, per day, for a seven-night cruise.

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Notably, NCL raised their gratuity fees effective January 2023. Sail on the cruise line, and you'll now pay $20.00 per person, per day if you are sailing in an interior, oceanview, balcony cabin or Club Balcony Suite. Other suites and The Haven see a charge of $25.00 per person, per day.

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You can eat somewhere on a cruise ship 24 hours a day for free if you wish. The buffet and main dining room will serve, breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition there is usually afternoon tea and at least one cafe area that serves drinks and snacks all the time.

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