Norwegian Cruise Line is upgrading its ‘Free At Sea’ package to ‘More At Sea’, claiming to provide more benefits and premium inclusions.
Additional specialty dining meals are being made available for passengers sailing on voyages of seven days or more.
NCL is replacing its specialty dining á la carte pricing with a flat cover charge for sailings beginning on January 1, 2025 following passenger feedback.
Faster and stronger connectivity is being promised onboard with high-speed Starlink internet access, as well as more Wi-Fi minutes included.
A new mobile app is to be introduced across the fleet by the end of the year, designed to simplify the cruise planning process.
Enhanced features include a more intuitive way to browse and make onboard reservations including dining, shore excursions and entertainment; an easier check-in process with reduced steps; a more transparent view of purchases; and a dynamic home screen displaying relevant information at each phase of the cruise.
Additional premium spirits and cocktails will be included as part of the more inclusive offering.
Still included in the package will be a $50 credit per shore excursion for the first passenger, free airfare for the second passenger as well as third and fourth passengers sailing free on selected sailings.
The line is also redefining its onboard entertainment “to deliver more variety of programming around the clock from bow-to-stern”.
NCL did not disclose the impact on cruise pricing of the new initiative as its fleet grows to 20 ships with the addition of Norwegian Aqua next year and Norwegian Luna in 2026.
President David Herrera said: “This has been one of the most exciting journeys we’ve been on at NCL – always looking to further and genuinely understand what our guests value most during their cruise.
“We have invested a lot of time listening to our guests and our travel partners and we’ve found that what they want is to see more, do more and enjoy more when they vacation with us.
“They also want to do so with ease and simplicity, which is why today we are excited to announce the evolution of our signature ‘Free at Sea’ package to the all-new and elevated ‘More At Sea’ package.
“It will deliver a best-in-class upgraded experience with more variety, choice and value to enhance the guest vacation, including more premium beverage options to choose from, more opportunities to experience our specialty dining restaurants, more connectivity with Starlink’s high-speed Wi-Fi, and so much more.”