I tried Norwegian's 'Free at Sea' promo for complimentary drinks, excursions, and more. My cruise was a great value but not as all-inclusive as it seemed.

Amanda AdlerJan 13, 2024, 07:36 IST

I booked NCL's "Free at Sea" promotion for a 10-night Norwegian fjords cruise on the Norwegian Prima.Amanda Adler

After 50+ cruises, I booked my first sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line using a "Free at Sea" promo.
The promo promised everything from free bar drinks to included internet, specialty dining, and more.

As a frequent cruiser, I've often seen ads for Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) "Free at Sea" promotions, which promise a variety of complimentary perks, including specialty dining, bar packages, internet, shore excursions, and more.

So, when booking a recent sailing to the Norwegian fjords I decided to try NCL and see if its "Free at Sea" package lived up to the hype.

Ultimately, my family of three enjoyed the benefits this offering provided during our 10-night sailing on the Norwegian Prima. However, a few things surprised me.

Here are the main things you should know if you're considering booking the package yourself.

The number of included perks can vary based on the length of the cruise and the level of stateroom you purchase, so read the fine print.

I booked an ocean-view stateroom for my sailing but would have received additional benefits had I booked a balcony or suite.Amanda Adler

The complimentary beverage package was the best deal, but it came with a few caveats.

Having unlimited beverages on my sailing was a nice perk, allowing me to try a variety of new-to-me drinks risk-free.Amanda Adler

The included internet was also a great value for those looking to do a small amount of browsing while at sea.

Internet browsing was great for the grown-ups, but my son sought entertainment in the ship's virtual-reality arcade.Amanda Adler

Saving on excursions was a nice perk, but I don't like that they were listed on the NCL website as being "free."

Using the "Free at Sea" promotion, I saved $50 on a shore excursion in Alesund, Norway.Amanda Adler

We loved the complimentary dining voucher for two, but our son had limited options.

An upscale Mexican eatery, Los Lobos, was one of eight specialty dining options on board.Amanda Adler

Although NCL's "Free at Sea" promotion was not as comprehensive as I had hoped, it saved my family money and is a good value for budget-conscious travelers.

Overall, I thought the "Free at Sea" promo was a good value for the money.Amanda Adler

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