Sunday, November 9, 2025

NCCL Brings Back "Free at Sea"!

 Ahoy there, fellow travelers and parrot heads! Bruce here, and I've got some sunny news that's sweeter than a perfectly blended piña colada on a warm Caribbean deck. If you've been dreaming of that hassle-free cruise escape, where the only thing you have to worry about is whether to order a second round, then listen up!

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)—one of our excellent cruise partners—has just brought back its beloved Free at Sea package, and it’s better than ever, making it easier than ever to sink into that "no worries" feeling.

The Joy of Free at Sea: Your Ticket to Paradise

At Come Monday Travel, our goal is to take the stress off your shoulders and put a smile on your face. That’s exactly what a package like Free at Sea is designed to do, offering a collection of valuable amenities that let you truly relax and soak in every moment.

So, what does this revamped, blissful bundle include on an NCL cruise? It's all about adding more value to your family or couples getaway:

  • Unlimited Open Bar: This is the big one! All guests 21 and over in your stateroom can enjoy an unlimited premium open bar with cocktails, wines, draft beer, and more. No more squinting at menu prices—just pure, laid-back enjoyment! For our younger crew (ages 3–20), they get unlimited fountain soda and freshly squeezed juice for a reduced daily rate, so everyone can toast to the good life.

  • Specialty Dining: You’ll receive complimentary multi-course meals at NCL's award-winning specialty restaurants. For a standard 7-night sailing, this usually includes up to three multi-course meals for the first and second guest, letting you indulge in a romantic steakhouse dinner or a lively Teppanyaki experience!

  • Wi-Fi Package: Stay connected with a set amount of high-speed Wi-Fi minutes for everyone in your stateroom. Share that perfect sunset selfie or check in on the house without a worry.

  • Shore Excursion Credit: You'll receive a $50 credit per stateroom toward the shore excursion you book through NCL at every port. This makes exploring every new island and destination that much easier on the budget!

  • Kids Sail Free (Select Sailings): On over 650 select sailings, the 3rd and 4th guests can sail free, which is a massive help for our adventurous families with teens ready for unforgettable experiences.

Why This is Great News for Your Getaway

For busy professionals and couples who value convenience, this package is like finding your own "Cheeseburger in Paradise" state of mind. It means:

  1. Budget Confidence: You know a big chunk of your vacation costs are already covered upfront. This makes it easier to set your budget and stick to it, eliminating those end-of-cruise sticker shock worries.

  2. Elevated Experiences: You get to enjoy premium drinks and decadent specialty meals that you might have skipped if they weren't included, making the trip feel truly indulgent.

  3. Seamless Family Fun: With the Kids Sail Free option and Wi-Fi for everyone, the logistics of a family cruise get significantly smoother, freeing you up for quality time together.

Let Bruce Chart the Course!

Cruises are an amazing, all-inclusive way to discover new places, and NCL's Free at Sea is a fantastic feature. But making sure you pick the right itinerary and stateroom, and understanding all the package details (like the pre-paid gratuities), can feel overwhelming.

Don't let the details deter you from your dream escape! As a full-service agency specializing in cruises, Come Monday Travel handles all the flights, hotels, and, of course, the cruise details. We'll make sure the Free at Sea promotion is perfectly tailored to your family or couples needs.

Your only job is to relax, explore, and soak in every moment. Let Come Monday Travel chart the course, and you just enjoy the ride!


Ready to find your perfect blend of paradise and play?

Contact Come Monday Travel to schedule a consultation call and let Bruce and the team plan your next carefree cruise adventure.

Learn about Great Lakes Cruises

When you dream of paradise, does your mind immediately sail to the sunny Caribbean or a faraway theme park? While those are certainly prime destinations for a little "Paradise & Play", Bruce and the team at Come Monday Travel know that true escapism can often be found right here at home. And what better way to discover the heartland's grandeur than by cruising the magnificent Great Lakes?

A Great Lakes cruise is the perfect antidote for the overwhelmed family who values unique experiences but needs someone else to handle the planning. It’s a chance to sink into that relaxed, "no worries" feeling and trade the stress of tourist traps for authentic American discovery.


Why Cruise the "Sweetwater Seas?"


Forget the crowded ports and long flights. Cruising the Great Lakes is an intimate experience, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture—perfect for couples and families alike.

  • A Balance of Relaxation and Adventure: You'll have plenty of time to lounge on deck, enjoy the scenery, and recharge, interspersed with port stops full of fun activities. It’s a vacation that satisfies the yearning for both relaxation and adventure.

  • Unique Ports of Call: These smaller ships can reach hidden harbors inaccessible to larger vessels, taking you to genuinely unique spots beyond the usual crowds. Imagine walking straight off the ship into a new, authentic experience!

  • History & Culture: You can explore everything from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to the history of the Motown sound in Detroit. For the history buffs (like Bruce!), the Great Lakes have played a huge role in North American history.

  • The Magic of Mackinac Island: This iconic stop is a true step back in time. With no personal motorized vehicles allowed, you’ll explore via bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage ride, creating unforgettable, nostalgic memories. Don't forget to sample the famous Mackinac Island fudge!

Timing Your Great Lakes Escape

The cruising season on the Great Lakes is shorter than a Caribbean run, typically stretching from late May through mid-September.

  • High Summer (July & August): This is the most popular time for sunny days and the warmest weather, perfect for families with school-age kids.

  • Late Summer/Early Fall (Late August to Mid-September): If you're an empty nester or a couple seeking a romantic getaway, this time of year offers a chance to catch the early burst of fall colors, especially in the northern areas. The days are still lovely, with crisp, cooler nights.


An Alternative Route for the Landlubber: Amtrak Vacations

Not quite ready for a life on the water? The "Explore America" specialization has a fantastic partner in Amtrak Vacations that can get you to the Great Lakes' vibrant cities and stunning shores via rail.

Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited route, for example, connects Chicago to New York, following the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. You can stop in great cities like Cleveland, OH, or use it as a connecting point to explore the stunning Niagara Falls area. Traveling by train is a relaxing, unhurried way to see the country, letting the journey itself become part of the adventure.


Don't Let the Details Be Your Shipwreck

Whether you choose a luxury small-ship cruise or a scenic rail journey to the great American cities of the Midwest, the best travel advice we can give you is this: don't let the planning stress you out.

Our clients are often busy professionals who simply don't have the time to research all the options, itineraries, and excursions. That’s where Bruce and the Come Monday Travel team chart the course for you. We handle every detail, from the best stateroom on the ship to finding you the perfect land-based package, guaranteeing you a hassle-free, fully confident journey.

You deserve to simply relax, explore, and make lasting memories. Let us find the perfect "fins to the left, fins to the right" Great Lakes adventure for your family or as a unique couple's escape.

Ready to trade your to-do list for lake views? Contact Come Monday Travel today to schedule a consultation call and start planning your unique American getaway!



NCCL Brings Back "Free at Sea"!

 Ahoy there, fellow travelers and parrot heads! Bruce here, and I've got some sunny news that's sweeter than a perfectly blended piñ...