NCL Free At Sea?!

Norwegian Cruises Lines, like they all seem to be at the moment is growing rapidly, with the launch of the NCL Encore this year and then a bit of a gap before they start launching the new Leonardo Class of ships. The new vessels will be 140,000 gross tons which I was pleasantly surprised to see as considerable smaller than the current Breakaway and Breakaway Plus class of vessels.

The Leonardo class will cater for 3,300 passengers which I think is comfy and still big enough to give guests the variety in dining and entertainment. These vessels will launch in 2022, with one a year till 2027 so giving them 6 new vessels. Whether this is a move in which we will see the smaller classes such as the Dawn, Sun and Jewel class vessel leave the fleet, at least you are not having to do to major of a jump between the class and size of the bigger and newer ships.

They have always been about being Premium Inclusive, this includes drinks packages for all, tips for all, Wi-Fi and in some cases on board spend and dining packages. This did mean that on some occasions some of the prices did see to outweigh the value for money so Norwegian Cruise Lines have taken the move to scrap the Premium All Inclusive in favour of the FREE AT SEA! This means that guests will now have the option to remove tips and tip on board, and every cruise will be full board as standard meaning you only pay for the extras if you want them.

However, should you decide that you want the extras you can add on two benefits for just £99.00pp based on a 7 night cruise.

A premium drinks package worth up to US$99 per person per day, including gratuities and service charges.

Speciality dining for three nights of a seven-night sailing worth $89 per person, including gratuities and service charges.

Free WiFi up to 250 mins per stateroom, per 7-night cruise.

US $50 dollars on board credit per stateroom, per port, to spend on shore excursions.

You can also opt for a reduced tax only fare for additional 3^rd and 4^th Passengers.

However, it is worth noting should you say add on the drinks package – this is now only applicable to passenger 1 and 2 even if you have 4 in the room

This is one of possibly the downsides to the changes NCL have made.

What do you think – good or bad changes from NCL?