Is Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea Worth It?

Norwegian Cruise Line is well known for its freestyle cruising approach and value-driven promotions, but one of its most talked-about offers is Free at Sea. Many travelers wonder: Is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea worth it? The answer depends on how you cruise and which perks you’ll actually use.

Below, we break down exactly what Free at Sea includes, what it really costs, and who benefits most from choosing this popular promotion.

What Is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea?

Free at Sea allows guests to select a bundle of onboard perks when booking an eligible Norwegian Cruise Line sailing. Rather than one fixed all-inclusive fare, Free at Sea lets travelers choose from several popular add-ons, such as drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and shore excursion credits, offering a great value.

It’s important to note that Free at Sea is not a true all-inclusive package. While the perks are heavily discounted, some come with required service charges, and the overall value depends on whether you use them.

What’s Included in the Standard Free at Sea Package?

The standard Free at Sea package includes several popular onboard extras:

Unlimited Open Bar Package
150 minutes of Wi-Fi
Discounted specialty dining, the number of meals based on the length of sailing
Shore excursion credits

While this package already provides excellent value, gratuities are not included, and some features have limits, especially Wi-Fi.

Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar: A Major Value

One of the biggest reasons cruisers choose Free at Sea is the Unlimited Open Bar Package, priced at $29.50 per person, per day.

✅ What’s Included

Cocktails and mixed drinks (up to $15 per drink)
Wine by the glass
Draft beer
Spirits and liqueurs
Soft drinks and juices

What Drinks Cost Without a Package

To put the value into perspective, here’s what you’d typically pay onboard:

Cocktails: $10–$15+ (premium drinks can be higher)
Beer: $8–$9
Wine by the glass: $9–$15+ (premium wines more)

Just two or three drinks per day can easily exceed the cost of the package, making Free at Sea a smart choice for everyone, from social cruisers and pool-deck loungers to anyone who plans to enjoy beverages to the fullest.

Wi-Fi with Free at Sea: Good for Light Use

The standard Free at Sea package includes 150 total minutes of Wi-Fi per person for the entire duration of your cruise, no matter the length.

This works well for:

Checking email
Messaging family or friends
Occasional social media use

However, those minutes can disappear quickly if you browse often, upload photos, or check in daily. For remote workers or frequent internet users, this is where Free at Sea Plus becomes especially appealing.

What Is Free at Sea Plus?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Plus package was reintroduced in late 2025 as an enhanced version of the Free at Sea program, designed for cruisers who want a more seamless, all-inclusive-style experience.

What’s Included in the Free at Sea Plus Package?

For approximately $49.99 more per person, per day, Free at Sea Plus includes upgraded versions of the standard perks, including, but not limited to:

Pre-Paid Gratuities, which can significantly reduce onboard expenses
Upgraded Unlimited Open Bar Package, including premium drink options
Unlimited Wi-Fi

Free at Sea Plus Drinks: More Options, More Flexibility

Free at Sea Plus includes everything from the standard Unlimited Open Bar, with additional beverage perks.

✅ What’s Included (in addition to Free at Sea Plus)

Specialty coffee, including Starbucks beverages
Top-shelf spirits including Patrón Añejo, The Macallan 12 YO, and more
Bottled water (still and sparkling)
Energy drinks and fresh juices

You’ll also enjoy the Unlimited Open Bar at Great Stirrup Cay, making beach days even more relaxing.

This upgrade is especially valuable for:

Coffee lovers
Guests who prefer bottled water throughout the day
Travelers who enjoy premium drinks without worrying about limits or extra charges

Unlimited Wi-Fi with Free at Sea Plus

One of the most noticeable upgrades is unlimited Wi-Fi.

With Free at Sea Plus, you can:

Stay connected throughout the cruise
Browse, stream, and post without tracking minutes
Work remotely or stay in touch with home easily

For cruisers who rely on internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi alone can easily justify the upgrade.

Buying this unlimited Wi-Fi package separately costs approximately $30 per day for basic Wi-Fi or $40 per day for the unlimited Wi-Fi with streaming. So, if you purchased the Wi-Fi package separately plus 2 drinks each day, the Free at Sea Plus Package would already pay for itself.

Gratuities: A Big Reason Free at Sea Plus Adds Value

Gratuities are one of the most overlooked cruise costs, and one of the biggest advantages of Free at Sea Plus.

Standard Gratuity Costs

Norwegian Cruise Line’s daily service charges typically run:

~$20 per person, per day for Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony & Club Balcony
~$25 per person, per day for Suites and The Haven

Example: A 7-night cruise for two guests in a balcony stateroom adds up to around $280 in gratuities.

What About Specialty Dining and Shore Excursions?

Both Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus include:

Included and reduced specialty dining costs
Shore excursion credits on select sailings

While these perks are nice bonuses, most cruisers find the real value comes from the drinks, Wi-Fi, and prepaid gratuities, especially with Free at Sea Plus.

7-Night Cost Breakdown: A La Carte vs. Free at Sea vs. Free at Sea Plus

To see how Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea options compare in real dollars, let’s look at a 7-night cruise for two guests in a balcony stateroom.

Option 1: Paying À La Carte (No Free at Sea)

This scenario assumes guests pay onboard for the most commonly used extras.

Purchasing Drinks Individually

Charged per item, and can add up quickly over a 7-night sailing

Example: If you buy 1 Starbucks coffee (~$8) at breakfast, 1 soft drink at lunch (~$6), 2 cocktails or beers by the pool (~$30), and 1 soft drink (~$6) + glass of wine at dinner (~$13) = ~$63 per person, per day

$63 x 7 nights x 2 guests = $882

Wi-Fi (Full-Cruise Package)

$40 per person, per day
$40 x 7 nights x 2 guests = $560

Gratuities

~$20 per person, per day
$20 × 7 nights × 2 guests = $280

Estimated Total for Core Extras (À La Carte)

Well over $1,700, depending on Wi-Fi usage and beverage purchases

Option 2: Standard Free at Sea

Free at Sea significantly reduces the cost of popular extras, though some items still remain out-of-pocket.

Unlimited Open Bar (Free at Sea Rate)

$29.50 per person, per day
$29.50 × 7 nights × 2 guests = $413
Not including Unlimited Open Bar at Great Stirrup Cay

Wi-Fi

150 total minutes included, no matter the sailing length
Additional Wi-Fi may be needed for regular use or longer sailings

Gratuities (Not Included)

~$20 per person, per day
$20 × 7 nights × 2 guests = $280

Bottled Water & Specialty Coffee

Not included
Charged individually onboard

Estimated Total for Core Extras (Free at Sea)

~$693, plus any additional Wi-Fi, bottled water, or specialty coffee purchases

Option 3: Free at Sea Plus (Upgrade)

Free at Sea Plus is an additional upgrade that bundles the most-used extras into one upfront price.

Free at Sea Plus Upgrade Cost

~$50 per person, per day
$50 × 7 nights × 2 guests = ~$700

What That $700 Upgrade Includes

Unlimited Open Bar (Premium Version)

Premium spirits, cocktails, bottled water
Specialty coffee, including Starbucks
Unlimited Open Bar at Great Stirrup Cay

Unlimited Wi-Fi

No minute limits
Ideal for daily browsing, posting, and remote work

Gratuities (Prepaid and Included)

~$20 per person, per day
$20 × 7 nights × 2 guests = $280 value

Estimated Total for Core Extras (Free at Sea Plus)

~$700, with no additional gratuities or Wi-Fi charges

Side-by-Side Summary

Example of estimated costs for 2 Guests in a Balcony Stateroom for 7 Nights:

À La Carte: $1,700+
Standard Free at Sea: ~$693 (not including any additional add-ons, like upgraded Wi-Fi)
Free at Sea Plus: ~$1,393 (all key extras bundled, including the standard Free at Sea cost)

Who Should Choose Standard Free at Sea?

Standard Free at Sea is a great fit for:

Casual cruisers
Guests who enjoy a few drinks per day
Travelers who don’t need constant Wi-Fi
Cruisers comfortable paying gratuities separately

It’s an excellent way to add value without upgrading.

Who Should Consider Free at Sea Plus?

Free at Sea Plus is ideal for cruisers who:

Want unlimited Wi-Fi
Enjoy premium drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffee
Prefer gratuities included upfront
Like predictable, all-in pricing

It’s especially popular with couples, longer sailings, first-time cruisers, and anyone looking for a smoother onboard experience.

Final Thoughts: Is Norwegian’s Free at Sea Worth It?

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea promotion delivers real value—and choosing between Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus comes down to how you like to cruise.

While the standard package offers strong savings, Free at Sea Plus bundles the most-used extras into one convenient upgrade, making it an easy choice for travelers who want fewer add-ons, fewer onboard charges, and more included from day one.

If you’re looking for a cruise experience that feels closer to all-inclusive without sacrificing flexibility, Free at Sea Plus is well worth considering.

Why Free at Sea Plus Often Makes the Most Sense

While Free at Sea already delivers strong savings, Free at Sea Plus bundles the most-used onboard extras into one predictable price:

Unlimited Wi-Fi instead of tracking minutes
Premium drinks, bottled water, and specialty coffee included
Gratuities prepaid upfront
Fewer onboard charges and easier budgeting

For cruisers who plan to stay connected, enjoy drinks throughout the day, and prefer an all-in feel, Free at Sea Plus often ends up being the simplest and most convenient option, especially on a 7-night sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea can be an excellent value, but only when it aligns with how you actually cruise. Ready to book your dream Norwegian cruise? Visit cruiseweb.com or give us a call at 1-800-377-9383 to get started with a cruise expert today!

Free at Sea Frequently Asked Questions

Is Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea really free?

Free at Sea includes promotional perks, but some come with required service charges.

Do I have to choose all Free at Sea perks?

No. Guests can select which perks they want, though declining perks does not reduce the base fare.

Does Free at Sea include specialty dining on every ship?

Most ships offer specialty dining as part of Free at Sea, but the number of meals varies by sailing.

Can Free at Sea be removed after booking?

Changes may be possible before sailing, depending on fare rules and availability. If you choose to modify your package, let your cruise expert know as soon as possible.

Free at Sea Plus Frequently Asked Questions

Is Free at Sea Plus required?

No. Free at Sea Plus is completely optional and offered as an upgrade on select sailings.

Can I upgrade from Free at Sea to Free at Sea Plus after booking?

In many cases, yes, upgrades may be available before sailing or onboard, subject to availability and pricing.

Does Free at Sea Plus eliminate all service charges?

Some service charges may still apply depending on the perk and sailing, though Free at Sea Plus can reduce or bundle certain fees.

Is Free at Sea Plus considered fully all-inclusive?

Not entirely. While it adds premium inclusions, items such as shore excursions, spa services, and specialty experiences may still cost extra.

Is Free at Sea Plus worth it for short cruises?

Generally, the value improves on longer sailings, where guests have more time to fully use the upgraded benefits.