‘More At Sea’ Means More to Pay: Norwegian’s New Program and the Growing Cost of Cruising

With premium upgrades and fewer free perks, Norwegian’s latest program brings more luxury—and a bigger price tag—to the cruising experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced the launch of its new “More At Sea” program, a reimagined version of the well-known “Free At Sea” package. This updated offering is set to roll out for sailings beginning January 1, 2025, and introduces enhancements in dining, beverages, and connectivity. While the program promises a more premium cruising experience, it also reflects a broader trend within the industry toward higher prices and increased onboard expenses. Here’s a closer look at what’s changing and what it means for travelers.

New Perks and Upgrades Under “More At Sea”

With “More At Sea,” guests can expect several upgrades compared to “Free At Sea.” The most notable enhancement is in specialty dining. The new program provides more included meals for balcony-level guests and above, with cruises lasting up to seven days now offering an extra specialty dining experience, and those of 7-11 days providing double the previous allocation. The dining experience is further enhanced with expanded menu options, allowing up to three appetizers and desserts with each meal, encouraging guests to indulge. However, the associated dining service charge has increased to $20, reflecting the more upscale focus of the package.

The beverage package has also seen significant improvements. By removing the previous $15 drink price limit, Norwegian now offers access to premium spirits like Grey Goose and Casamigos, making it easier to enjoy a more refined selection of beverages. The broader range of drink choices, which has increased by about 45%, gives guests the opportunity to explore different flavors and premium brands without worrying about exceeding a price cap.

Wi-Fi access has been improved, with faster speeds powered by Starlink. Although the complimentary internet minutes are limited—75 minutes for 3-6 night cruises and 150 for longer sailings—they offer better connectivity than previous offerings. For those who need more extensive online access, additional Wi-Fi packages remain available for purchase, including options with streaming capabilities.

  • 3 Day Cruises upgrade from € 149 per person
  • 4 Day Cruises upgrade from € 199 per person
  • 5-6 Day Cruises upgrade from € 249 per person
  • 7-8 Day Cruises upgrade from € 279 per person
  • 9-10 Day Cruises upgrade from € 349 per person
  • 11-12 Day Cruises upgrade from € 399 per person
  • 13-14 Day Cruises upgrade from € 449 per person
  • 15-16 Day Cruises upgrade from € 499 per person
  • 17-18 Day Cruises upgrade from € 549 per person
  • 19-20 Day Cruises upgrade from € 599 per person
  • 21+ Day Cruises upgrade from € 649 per person

Evolving Costs and Reduced Value

While the “More At Sea” program brings several attractive new perks, it also signals a broader shift towards a model where guests pay more for experiences that were once included. This trend is reflected in the elimination of the “Free At Sea Plus” program, which bundled perks like unlimited Wi-Fi and extra dining credits. Although Norwegian has ensured that those who booked the “Plus” program for 2025 will receive modified benefits under “More At Sea,” the shift represents a scaling back of inclusions.

Moreover, the changes come at a time when many cruisers feel that Norwegian’s overall quality has diminished. Entertainment options, which once included a wide variety of live shows and activities, have been scaled back, and there is a perception that fewer complimentary services are offered. Dining service charges have increased, specialty dining fees are now based on fixed rates, and many activities that used to be free come with additional costs. This perceived decline in value has sparked concerns among passengers who feel they are paying more for less.

The Affordability Factor: Are Guests Willing to Pay?

As Norwegian raises its prices and reduces the number of complimentary services, the question remains whether cruisers will continue to perceive value in the brand. While luxury cruise lines cater to travelers who can comfortably absorb these added costs, mainstream guests—who previously chose Norwegian for its flexible offerings and perceived value—may struggle with the rising expenses. Budget-conscious travelers could face unexpected costs that make cruising less accessible and less satisfying than before.

Even more affluent passengers, who can afford these upgrades without straining their budgets, might begin to question whether the overall value of a Norwegian cruise is keeping pace with the rising prices. If onboard quality continues to decline while costs go up, the line may find it increasingly difficult to justify the higher fares to its guests.

As Norwegian leads the charge toward premium experiences and rising costs, other cruise lines are also adapting, balancing upscale offerings with guest expectations for value.

Other cruise lines are also responding to evolving consumer preferences and market trends by adjusting their offerings, often in ways similar to Norwegian Cruise Line’s “More At Sea” program. For example, Carnival Cruise Line has recently increased its specialty dining options and introduced more paid experiences to enhance guest satisfaction. While they maintain a range of complimentary dining options, there has been a noticeable push toward premium experiences, reflecting a broader industry trend. Carnival has also revamped its entertainment offerings, introducing more diverse shows and activities, but some guests have noted that certain complimentary events have been reduced .

Royal Caribbean is another company that has adapted its model, focusing on offering more upscale experiences alongside a variety of paid options. Their “Cruise with Confidence” program, which was launched during the pandemic, allows for flexible bookings but has also led to an increase in specialty dining and beverage packages, similar to Norwegian’s approach. The company has enhanced its offerings in onboard entertainment, but guests have raised concerns about the accessibility of some of these experiences due to added costs.

In contrast, Disney Cruise Line has managed to maintain a strong reputation for providing family-friendly experiences without significantly increasing the number of paid amenities. They continue to offer a comprehensive selection of included services, although some upgrades and experiences have seen price increases. Overall, while many cruise lines are adapting to a market that increasingly prioritizes premium offerings, Norwegian’s “More At Sea” program highlights a more pronounced shift toward higher prices and fewer complimentary perks that may set it apart from competitors.

Conclusion

Norwegian Cruise Line’s “More At Sea” program represents a significant shift in its approach to cruising. While it introduces appealing upgrades in dining, beverages, and connectivity, these enhancements come with a trade-off: higher costs and fewer included services. As the line continues to evolve, travelers must decide whether the new premium touches justify the additional expense, especially in an environment where the value and inclusiveness of traditional cruising seem to be diminishing. As the industry moves toward more paid amenities, the true test will be whether guests feel that their cruise experience is worth the price.

With these changes, Norwegian positions itself as a more premium option, but it remains to be seen whether cruisers will embrace the new direction or seek alternatives offering more inclusive value.


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