IS IT WORTH IT? Norwegian's 'Free at Sea' - what is it, and is it worth paying extra for?

In today's video, we're going to be talking everything about the 'Free at Sea' offer from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), as it's not as simple as it sometimes suggests. At first glance, this promotion offers you free wi-fi, speciality dining, an open bar, and shore excursions credit. However, it's imperative that you understand the small print on EACH of these key elements, as all's not what it may seem!
Let me talk you through each of these factors, explain what comes as part of 'Free at Sea' and also 'Free at Sea Plus' (the optional upgrade that you can pay extra for), in order to hopefully help you make the decision on which would be right for you.
After we discuss what's covered under each package, I'll explain if it's been useful for me, and a few reason why that's the case.
Some other content that you might enjoy if you like this video:
IS IT WORTH IT? Studio Solo Cabin Tour - Norwegian Escape - Full Room Tour - 4K HD • IS IT WORTH IT? Studio...
LET'S BOARD ONE OF THE BIGGEST CRUISE SHIPS IN THE WORLD! Symphony of the Seas - Episode 1 • LET'S BOARD ONE OF THE...
I was cruising onboard NCL Escape in October 2023, and had one of the best cruises of my life - everything about this experience was near-flawless, so a massive overall thumbs up from me on that front. I'll have lots more content coming from this ship in due course, so please stay tuned!
As highlighted in the video, you can find more information on 'Free at Sea' on the NCL website: www.ncl.com/cr...
If you enjoy this video today, please head over to my other social channels - remember to say hello!
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If you’re new to my channel, hello! I’m Fraser, and I’m spending this year ship-hopping for most of the year as a passenger on cruise ships. As a result, I’m going to have SO MUCH to show you, so go on - hit subscribe and come and join me on this adventure - it’s going to be quite an experience!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi everyone, and thanks for watching my video! If you find this video useful and you enjoy it, please consider giving it a 'thumbs up', and also clicking 'subscribe' to further support my channel - thanks so much, and welcome onboard!

[@tjp8578]

You should link to the solo video you referenced...

[@FraserAtSea]

@@tjp8578 Hey! I will when it goes live - hopefully next week when I get good wi-fi after leaving my current ship! :)

[@jasonleerock1]

Thank you so much for this! My wife and I are going on a Mediterranean cruise in July, and we’re on the fence about doing the Free package with Norwegian. We typically travel with Royal Caribbean, so this is our first Norwegian cruise - and we weren’t sure whether or not to get this free at sea package. After watching this with my wife, we have decided to do it and realize that we will get more bang for a buck with this than we thought initially. This is our first time watching your KZbin channel, and we both appreciate your insight and advice - subscribed! Thanks again! PS - being Americans, we both love your Scottish accent😂😂😂😂

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, what a lovely comment - thanks so much! I’m delighted you both like the accent - I often get very mixed reviews, haha! Welcome onboard - hopefully you’ll continue to enjoy my content going forward. Have the best cruise!

[@mike_maple]

Yes, we've been on RC, Princess, P&O & MSC, and most recently Norwegian, and discovered that NCL really is the our favourite in our (limited!) experience. Not just the wonderful solo offering, but the food, entertainment, cocktails, fun things to do around the ship...Top notch. My best cruise ever! Glad to hear you enjoyed it too. The free at sea promo is a mixture of good and not so good. Wifi is not worth it, it's too easy to leave your wifi on and just use it up whilst not using your phone. There needs to be a basic level of wifi with the package that is available all the time, with upgrades to streaming etc. The tours are usually way overpriced, so $50 doesn't make much difference in ports such as Livorno where substansial coach travel is needed to reach the destinations, though it's still good for tours of ports such as Kotor and Split, or short hops such as Taormina from Messina. No issues though with drinks package or speciality dining parts of Free at Sea though, all good!

[@FraserAtSea]

What a detailed and thorough comment - thanks so much for leaving this! I have to say - I found so many passengers on my Escape cruise echoing most of your statements above actually. Hopefully you’ll see when this video goes live what my view was, but overall positive with some negative areas - again similar thoughts to you here on some topics!

[@mike_maple]

Hope I didn't give the game away too much before your video is even out! Looking forward to seeing it. Just wish Norwegian had one of their newer ships based in Southampton - one day perhaps.

[@luludufuret4585]

I really find your channel so helpful and so honest. I am happy to have discovered it.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much - I’m glad you found me, too!

[@raymurphyii]

Hey, we are leaving on our second NCL cruise in three days! Agree with you 100% on the value of the packages you discussed. Love your channel and your presentation style!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, thanks SO much for the positive feedback - it's SO appreciated! Hope you guys have the best cruise - Free at Sea is so worth it IMO, even just for the dinner and drinks!

[@mike_maple]

@@FraserAtSea Absolutely - I was rather critical of the other parts of the FAS offering, but it's totally worth it. Looking at booking our 2nd NCL cruise to New England/Canada, certainly be adding it to that, I miss those lido deck pina coladas!

[@cruisingwiththe4bs]

Perfect timing Fraser!!! Just purchased my first Norwegian cruise and the free at sea package. You explained it perfectly, I tip my hat for your explanation of the WIFI so complicated!! Who comes up with these things. Really enjoy these shortened more informative videos from you, excellent!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, hey! Thanks so much for the positive feedback - glad you found it useful! Also, of course you’ve just booked NCL - I forgot about that! Thanks for watching!!

[@joanneyoung8571]

Thanks for making this. I am sue to take my first ncl cruise soon and went for the free at sea package and it was really good to see the breakdown. Very clear explanations as always.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Joanne, I’m so happy you found it useful - I’m trying some ‘new’ content like this now, so glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!!

[@chrisBF1]

Hey Fraser, really useful and informative review. Appreciate all your effort and work in producing great guides and videos.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Chris, thanks so much for watching - it's always really great to receive positive feedback on my videos, so thanks for taking the time to leave this comment!

[@Kidcomeback92]

I drink a lot of soda and I know that those things add up. Add the open bar is even better. Doing my first NCL this summer.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, and I agree - it builds up so quickly. Have the best trip - I’ve got lots more NCL content coming soon!

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

Interesting, thank you. I've never sailed with them. Never really wanted to, but I enjoy hearing everyone's experiences. Maybe one day I will try them.

[@FraserAtSea]

Maybe my upcoming vlogs will put you in the mood - watch this space...!!

[@marcus3of5]

Video very helpful thanks

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, Marcus!

[@sibyllecurcio6591]

Im with you on this cruise, I will be on Queen Victoria in September for 14 days, loving your thoughts on Cunard, Enjoy ❤

[@FraserAtSea]

Ooh amazing - glad you’re enjoying the series - thanks for watching, and have an amazing cruise!!

[@renatobernardin2183]

Thanks Fraser for a very good video. I will be travelling on NCL Getaway on a repositioning voyage from NYC to Southampton in April 24 in a normal balcony cabin as a solo traveller. It will be my first ever NCL cruise. This video was very informative and helpful and has come at the right time for me. I have booked the Free at Sea option and was quite happy to pay extra for bottles of sparkling water and double espressos until I saw your video. I will now investigate further the PLUS package and see if it actually meets my needs. I have already sailed out of NYC twice before with QM2 and Queen Elizabeth and both exits were spectacular. Well done for producing superb content!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! Long time no speak - I haven’t seen your name pop up for a while - hope you’re good! Oh, thanks so much for being so complimentary about my content - I really appreciate it. Enjoy Getaway, and I hope you get the good weather for leaving NYC - it’s always so beautiful from Manhattan!

[@renatobernardin2183]

@FraserAtSea I am still watching your videos but will comment just now and again. You are producing some great content as part of your year long voyage. We'll done mate. Keep safe.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@renatobernardin2183 thanks so much!

[@mistymiller673]

We're booked in an inside cabin on Norwegian Jewel for an 11 night sailing to the Southern Caribbean. The longest cruise yet, as our 10th one. Definitely got free at sea!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ooh, happy 10th cruise - how exciting! Thanks for watching this video - I’m glad you’ve opted to apply the package!

[@katheryndaniels5801]

Thanks for the details. In the Encore on 6/16/24 to Alaska and have the free at sea.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ooh, have the best trip - thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for lots more from my NCL trip coming soon!

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I love the free at sea for the drinks and just not having to think about it. The cost of water just annoyed me. I went to fill up my water bottle at the buffet and got a few nasty looks, apparently this isn't allowed. So, I snarkily filled up a water glass 8 times in a row and poured it directly into my water bottle. A-HEM! 😅

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, it's the 'paying for water' that I hate on a cruise. You're right - you shouldn't fill up directly from the public fountains into your bottle to help prevent infection spread, so I also opt for the glass approach, haha! It's so funny when you get a glass that doesn't pour right, and then my hate of spending $2 on water leaves me covered, haha!

[@outmybitness]

Looking forward to this!! 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Hope you enjoy!!

[@tamiw1903]

Nice explanation of the package options, i need to see how to stretch my travel savings... so far I've been leaning towards a Norwegian family trip and not much of a high shelf drinker the free at sea sounds like it would fit my needs... looking forward to the solo info... since i likely would be traveling solo...

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Tami, thanks for watching - glad you enjoyed. Yeah, NCL fit the market well for those needs. The solo video is done - I just need to get good enough wifi to upload it - sit tight!!

[@stephenm8818]

Good topic, Fraser!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks, Stephen!

[@lisalopez4731]

I think Princess has the best value for its packages. I’m paying 65 Australia dollars per day, which is 33.52 in uk pounds. This include full wifi , 2 special desserts , a couple of free special casual dining meals , free room service, free activation of medallion ocean order, unlimited bottles of water, soft drinks ,speciality coffee( my life line) up to 2 free exercise classes and up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day . 15 drinks would leave me permanently catatonic 😆 I think every person just needs to do the math because it can save you a lot of money.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow - this is a great price! I found on HAL I was able to hit the 15 daily drinks, as they included ANY drink, so my waters etc were being billed the same as a glass of wine - insanity 😂 Thanks for watching and thanks for leaving this comment!!

[@ALifeintheParks]

Free at Sea is for me fantastic value, even if it’s only for the drinks. I’ve tried Moderno and Bistro as specialty dining onboard NCL and both were excellent. I really like their MDR and buffets too though. That looks like a nice cabin, the solo traveller lounge area on the Epic was incredible so I’m looking forward to watching more from this cruise.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I completely agree - even for the drinks, it’s such good value - I’m surprised they don’t charge more, to be honest! My next videos from this ship will be looking at the solo stuff, so hopefully you’ll enjoy!

[@ALifeintheParks]

@@FraserAtSea Don’t tell them it’s too cheap! I tried so many different cocktails just because I could 😂

[@FraserAtSea]

@@ALifeintheParks hahahah, VERY good point!!

[@billkallas1762]

NCL booked the worst possible flights for me with their free at sea. When the cruise finishes, and I get my transportation to the airport, in the morning, my flight home doesn't take off until 11:55PM that night. They want me to sit in the airport for 14 hours. I called NCL and was told that there were no changes possible. I also called the airline and was told the same thing. I'm probably going to cancel the cruise and take a hit on the 25% cancellation fee. My Booksafe insurance will probably turn 75% of that fee into cruise credit. I am not very happy with NCL.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh my goodness - that’s not ideal! My package didn’t include flights, as I was already in NYC - sorry to hear it hasn’t worked well for you. Thanks so much for watching my video, and for taking the time to leave a comment - it’s so appreciated!

[@wendysoulliere1305]

Thank-u for breaking the price down.

[@FraserAtSea]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@HeleneCrawford]

What about the fact that you are automatically charged with gratuities for the free at sea beverages and specialty dining?

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I’ve heard a few reports of this. I wasn’t, so not sure if that’s maybe a British thing!

[@runpny]

We got it so we could pick our cabins.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, that’s a good way of doing it! Thanks for watching!

[@lizabrozdowski4410]

Hi Fraser, love your videos. Im thinking of going on a NCL cruise staying in a solo cabin. Could I ask what the WiFi is like whilst in an inside cabin?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! To be honest, I found the wi-fi to be decent (I upgraded to the premium package) and I was also staying on the inside - don't worry!

[@lizabrozdowski4410]

@@FraserAtSeathats good to know....thank you

[@mediccam]

Is it possible to get additional benefit if you are sailing solo and do not need the additional shore excursion credits?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! I don’t think so - I was also solo, and wasn’t told of any additional perks - sorry! Thanks for watching!

[@eastcoast4233]

Content starts at 2:10

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for this…

[@armandolorian2120]

I had a trip planned 11/8 on escape and cancelled b/c I did not like that they nickel and dime you on many features of the ship. They also charge a fee to enjoy certain areas of the ship so you can enjoy a “better view” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, sorry you felt that! I love Escape - hopefully you find your better ship!

[@mr.balloffur]

I really wish people would do away with bottled water. It's not necessary, you can drink the water on board with the reusable water bottle.

[@FraserAtSea]

I learned about the reusable bottle in another comment here - I didn’t realise it was included - that’s great news if so!

[@matjusz8985]

Does the open bar works in restaurants as well?

[@FraserAtSea]

It did for my cruise, yes!

[@matjusz8985]

@@FraserAtSea thanks. I'm going soon and I want to learn all those little things.

[@tristanjustin4335]

What drinks are actually included in the standard free at sea… as in what can you actually get for $15 does that include most drinks or quite limited

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, good question! I found it to be pretty varied to be honest. For that price, you’re getting wines, sparkling (not champagne), cocktails and beers - more than enough for me!

[@tristanjustin4335]

@@FraserAtSea cocktails is the main one for Justin so sounds like we will be good

[@FraserAtSea]

@@tristanjustin4335 which ship are you guys on?

[@YaYas_simple_living]

I may have missed this I. Your video but the Free at Sea is $199 at the time of the video but how much is the free at sea plus?

[@Lilcurious1]

I don't drink anything but water...so, they just lost me as a future customer!💧

[@FraserAtSea]

Don’t worry - you’d get it free by the glass! Thanks for watching!

[@Lilcurious1]

@@FraserAtSea Unfortunately, desalination sea water makes my ankles bloat. Not to mention, I drink one gallon a day due to health issues, so I tend to experience more intense side effects.

[@jamiehoward8370]

Hi 🖐️ So if I get the free at sea package, do I then have to pay the $21 a day gratuity or whatever it is on the drinks package? Or is that part of the free at sea price? Thanks

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! On my booking (from the U.K.), absolutely not. There’s a gratuity onboard for tips etc, but this was nothing to do with ‘free at sea’, and just a normal charge that NCL applies to all passengers! Hopefully this helps 😊

[@am631]

When I have priced the cruise with the "free items" here in the US, the extra gratuities were added for both the drink package AND specialty restaurant. They really racked up a cheap cruise since I'm not a drinker.

[@machellep1]

Ah this is old, water is now included.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh really? By the bottle? If so, GREAT news!

[@Phyrelight]

boxed water is included in the package

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I didn’t know this!!

[@onemanonline]

It really is not

[@Phyrelight]

I was on NCL Pride of American 7 day out of HI and I didn't have to pay for boxed water with the drink package. Technically I had the HI drink package so it may be different?

[@eastcoast4233]

I really dislike the upholstered walls, it looks like a padded cell from an old asylum! Is just wrong.

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching!