more at sea package perks and inclusions
The Norwegian Cruise Line’s “More At Sea” package presents a range of upgrades aimed at enhancing the cruising experience for guests. Notable features include:
- Broadened beverage selections, now incorporating premium labels such as Grey Goose vodka, Casamigos Tequila, and Woodford Reserve bourbon as part of the standard offerings.
- Upgraded high-speed Wi-Fi supported by Starlink, ensuring quicker connectivity, even though there remains a limitation on the total minutes available for use.
- Extra specialty dining meals for voyages lasting seven nights or more, presenting a wider range of appetizers and desserts at each dining occasion.
Additionally, the package retains some familiar perks from the former “Free At Sea” promotion. These include a credit for shore excursions for the first guest in a cabin, complimentary airfare for a second guest, and the possibility for the third and fourth guests to sail for free on selected voyages. These additions aim to enhance value and flexibility for guests, especially those traveling in larger parties or wishing to visit more destinations during their trip.
passenger reactions and concerns
Even with the new offerings, the “More At Sea” package has triggered a variety of responses from travelers, particularly those who appreciated the previous flexibility and benefits offered with the “Free At Sea Plus” option. A major issue is the removal of the Premium Plus Beverage Package, which previously allowed guests to upgrade their drink selections for a daily fee per person. This package included premium options such as certain wines, bottled water, and Starbucks beverages—now excluded from the new package and requiring separate purchases.
For travelers from Australia, who often favor all-inclusive packages and enhanced value experiences, this transition could feel like a regression. The requirement to pay for individual items like bottled water and premium coffee might seem like an instance of penny-pinching, especially for those who relished the ease of bundled offerings before. Furthermore, discontinuing the Free At Sea Plus add-on means guests can no longer upgrade to unlimited Wi-Fi or extra specialty dining without incurring additional charges. This has led to annoyance among regular cruisers who had relied on these enhancements to enrich their onboard journey.
Social media has emerged as a space for travelers to express their frustrations. One cruiser, Lisa Ford, voiced her disappointment, saying, “For those who have already reserved a cruise for 2025 and paid for Plus, now you’re taking that away and refunding us. To get the More at Sea, we must pay more now. How does that make sense?” This sentiment resonates with others who feel that the revised package lacks flexibility and compels them to invest more money to retain the level of service they once enjoyed.
Another traveler, Pierre Alexandre Casavant, remarked, “We need more clarification on this. It’s a bit frustrating right now. We can’t upgrade anymore like with Free At Sea Plus. This is a significant issue since you’ve stripped away everything I desired and was prepared to pay extra for. This may lead me to reconsider cruising with you in favor of another line.” Such feedback underscores the potential fallout for Norwegian Cruise Line in distancing themselves from a slice of their devoted customer base, especially those who cherish the ability to tailor their cruise experience through optional upgrades.
For Australian investors and stakeholders within the travel and leisure industry, these perspectives from passengers may indicate a shift in consumer attitudes that could affect Norwegian’s market standing. Although the company seeks to enhance its offerings via the “More At Sea” package, the pushback from guests suggests that the perceived benefits of these adjustments may not meet customer expectations. This could result in a downturn in repeat bookings or a shift in market share towards rivals providing more adaptable or inclusive packages.
