At TPG, our goal is to discover how to get the most out of our travel experiences while spending less money. For almost 20 years, I’ve perfected the art of searching for cruise deals. That’s why I was intrigued to learn about Norwegian cruise lineit’s new More Sea Cruise Packagewhich adds valuable benefits to your cruise. It also doesn’t hurt that the More At Sea cruise package can be combined with NCL’s Black Friday sale. Score!
The cruise line says it reinvented its gift package to give travelers an avenue to get more value for their cruise money. As I look at itinerary options, looking for a 2025 cruise to the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe for my family, let me explain this opportunity to rack up deals.
What you get with NCL’s More At Sea cruise package
Let’s start with the More Sea Cruise Package inclusions and benefits. Includes:
- Unlimited open bar with premium wines, spirits (including brands such as Gray Goose, Casamigos and Woodford Reserve), cocktails, draft beers, juices and soft drinks.
- Dine at any of the ship’s specialty restaurants and bonus! — up to three appetizers and three desserts so you can try as many of the kitchen’s specialties as possible*
- High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi (75 minutes on itineraries of three to six nights and 150 minutes on voyages of seven nights or longer for everyone in the stateroom)
- $50 shore excursion credit per reservation at each port for each tour
- Third and fourth guests in the same cabin pay tax only (or $99 each for select sailings)
- Buy your airline ticket through NCL and the second passenger flies free (from select gateways on trips of seven nights or longer)
*Note: The number of nights you can dine free at a specialty restaurant depends on the length of your cruise and the cabin category you select.
The More At Sea cruise package is available for any booking created on or after October 1, 2024, for a sailing of three or more days occurring on January 1, 2025 and thereafter. This is an ongoing promotion and is not tied to the line’s Black Friday deals.
Norwegian Cruise Line Black Friday Savings
Next, let’s dive into NCL’s Black Friday sale, which ends December 1st. The offer offers a 50% discount on all cruises* (for each passenger in the cabin) on cruises of three days or more. Travelers who purchase the More At Sea cruise package also receive its valuable benefits, which now include more unlimited beverage options, more specialty meals and more value. (*See for Terms and conditions.)
Norwegian Cruise Line has a wide range of itineraries available, including some especially attractive options in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. Here are some high-level details on those options.
Where to go: Caribbean
Browse NCL’s list of Caribbean itineraries and you’ll be surprised by the breadth of options: there are 14 ships with more than 50 itineraries from nine departure ports and more than 20 must-see ports of call. And, with American shipping cities like Galveston, Texas; Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral and Jacksonville, Florida; New Orleans; and San Juan, Puerto Rico, it is very easy to get to your boat. (Trips to the Caribbean also depart from Panama City and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.)
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with TPG’s daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers to receive breaking news, in-depth guides, and exclusive offers from TPG experts.
Options include:
- Eastern Caribbean: More time in port since the stops are closer to the boarding point
- southern caribbean: Offers island experiences with French, British and Dutch cultural influences.
- Western Caribbean: Near the Mesoamerican Reef, with many opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
- Panama Canal: The best way to see the Panama Canal locks up close
The great thing about NCL is that it offers shorter trips to the Caribbean for those who are short on time. For example, you can book a five-night voyage on Norwegian Aqua to visit Harvest Caye in Belize and Cozumel, Mexico, from Miami. Or sail with Norwegian Breakaway from Miami and spend five nights visiting Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and Great Stirrup Cay, one of NCL’s private islands in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also gone to great lengths to ensure its most popular voyages are available with sailings during key holidays and school breaks, making them incredibly family-friendly.
Plus, Norwegian’s custom ships are designed with families in mind so you and your loved ones can enjoy an outdoor deck racing track, water park, mini golf, ropes courses and more. The line’s new Norwegian Aqua will sail the Caribbean starting in 2025; will feature the coveted Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid roller coaster and water slide. With all of these activities on board, you may never leave the ship!
Many Caribbean voyages also give passengers the special opportunity to visit private islands, such as Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas (with its beautiful beach and fun zip line) and Harvest Caye in southern Belize (with a beach, swimming pool lagoon style, a zip line, a lighthouse, a children’s water park and a wildlife sanctuary).
Lastly, I like Norwegian ships because they offer a variety of accommodations that work for everyone. Families can choose from connecting cabins and suites.
More information about Norwegian Cruise Line Caribbean Voyages.
Where to go: Alaska
My first cruise, 18 years ago, embarked from an Alaskan port and it is a place I return to again and again. I love that Norwegian Cruise Line has built some custom ships specifically for Alaska so you can get as close to nature as possible. The ship’s thoughtful design, which includes The Waterfront, Observation Lounge, Spinnaker Lounge and Thermal Suite, makes it much easier to see and enjoy Alaska’s natural landscape, without even going outdoors.
The line is also proud to say it has the 49th youngest fleet in the state. You can book one of three Breakaway Class ships: Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, and Norwegian Joy, all of which are family-friendly. There are also some small ship options (Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Spirit, and Norwegian Sun) for travelers looking for a more intimate experience.
Alaska has been such a popular destination that Norwegian has extended its season there; now offers seven- to 16-day port cruises from April to October. You can also book 11- to 14-night cruises, including excursions to bucket-list sites like Denali National Park and Preserve.
NCL also offers the most Alaska sailings from Seattle, an easily accessible US port, as well as one-way cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier, Alaska. (Tip: Whenever I book a cruise with a friend who has never been on a cruise, I start with an Inside Passage itinerary because of the calm waters. It’s a great way to introduce someone to this mode of travel.)
NCL has spent years perfecting its Alaska itineraries to maximize port time and schedules special “Go Local” shore excursions so you have the most authentic experiences. Additionally, ship passengers visiting Glacier Bay have the added benefit of having an Alaska expert on board to provide lectures and answer questions; It’s a wonderful benefit for curious travelers and another way Norwegian Cruise Line offers more value to its customers.
More information about Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Itineraries.
Where to go: Europe
Do you want to travel a little further? Norwegian Cruise Line offers more than 90 unique itineraries that embark from 13 home ports and call at more than 118 ports in the Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Canary Islands of Spain. I love traveling through Europe because it’s so easy to explore iconic cities, day after day, without having to unpack even once.
In line with NCL’s goal of maximizing port time, European itineraries last on average 10 hours in port. Many itineraries have few or no days at sea so you can focus on exploring new destinations every day of your vacation. I love that some itineraries offer overnight stays in super popular ports, while others have the ship calling at two lesser-known ports per day to make the most of your time.
You’ll also find Go Local cultural shore excursion options in 70 European ports, so you can see a place from an insider’s perspective.
There are many itineraries to choose from, but here are some special things to consider:
- greek islands: NCL schedules its port departures after 9 pm so you can experience things like the incredible sunset in Santorini.
- Mediterranean: If you’re short on vacation time, there are many seven-day itineraries that call at a new port every day. Or choose to stay longer and book a six- to 14-day cruise.
- Northern Europe: NCL offers round trips from Reykjavik. Discover the Blue Lagoon before experiencing the lively nightlife of Reykjavik in Iceland. Norwegian Star also offers a rare itinerary that includes Iceland and Greenland.
- Canary Islands: Try a nine, 10, 11 or 12-night voyage to Portugal, Spain and Morocco on Norwegian Dawn, Sky and Star.
More information about Norwegian Cruise Line European Cruises.
Book this Black Friday NCL cruise deal
Once you spend some time looking at all your options, you may realize that you need to book more than one cruise during Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday sales. 50% discount on all cruises* is valid on bookings through December 1. And remember, when you buy the More Sea Cruise Packageyou get additional benefits, plus unlimited open bar and much more. (*See complete Terms and conditions.)
I probably don’t need to tell you this, but cruises are more popular than ever. Itineraries book up quickly. If you see a cruise or two you want to book, this deal is worth taking advantage of. If you wait, you can give yourself a kick when you return and are sold out or the stateroom category you need is booked for your preferred departure date.
NCL Black Friday Sales It’s an ideal opportunity to secure savings on your cruise vacation for 2025 and beyond.
