Norwegian Cruise Line Moves to Digital Freestyle Daily, Adds New Onboard Policy Changes

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is phasing out printed copies of its Freestyle Daily, shifting to a fully digital format across its fleet — a move that’s sparking conversation among loyal cruisers.

The Freestyle Daily, a staple of the NCL experience, is the cruise line’s signature onboard newsletter outlining each day’s activities, entertainment options, dining times, and special events. Traditionally, it has been delivered to every stateroom each evening, allowing guests to plan their next day at sea.

However, recent passengers have reported that paper copies are no longer automatically distributed. Instead, guests are being encouraged to access the Freestyle Daily digitally through the NCL mobile app or via the interactive TV system in their cabins.

Printed versions remain available upon request and can still be found in select public areas across the ship, but this marks a clear shift toward digital-first operations.

A Move Toward Sustainability and Modernization

While NCL has yet to release an official statement confirming the fleetwide rollout, the transition appears to be part of the company’s broader effort to reduce paper waste and streamline onboard communications.

The cruise line has long promoted sustainability through initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics and implementing energy efficiency measures across its newest vessels, including the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva.

For many tech-savvy travelers, accessing the daily schedule on their phone or cabin TV adds convenience — eliminating clutter and allowing instant updates when activities change. But for others, especially those who prefer a tangible keepsake or find it easier to reference paper copies, the change has been met with mixed reactions.

“We always enjoyed waking up to the Freestyle Daily under the door — it’s part of the experience,” wrote one passenger on social media. “I get the sustainability angle, but I’ll definitely be requesting mine in print.”

Freestyle Daily, NCL's daily onbaord guide. Are printed versions soon to be a thing of the past? - Nowegian Cruise Line

Additional Policy Changes for 2025–2026

The digital shift follows a series of onboard policy updates that have rolled out across Norwegian Cruise Line in recent months.

Among the most notable changes:

• New no-show fee for specialty dining: Guests who arrive more than 15 minutes late for their reservation or fail to show up will now be charged a $10 per person fee.

• Extra entrée charges in main dining rooms: A $5 fee will apply for each additional entrée ordered after the first in the main dining venues.

• Beverage package changes at Great Stirrup Cay: Starting March 1, 2026, NCL’s standard beverage packages will no longer be valid on the company’s private Bahamian island. A new optional island-exclusive drink package will be available for purchase. Complimentary drinks such as water, iced tea, and juices will continue to be included.

These changes reflect Norwegian’s ongoing efforts to balance operational costs with evolving guest expectations.

Balancing Convenience with Guest Experience

The Freestyle Daily has long been a defining part of Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” brand — encouraging guests to customize their experience without rigid schedules. Moving the newsletter online maintains that flexibility but changes how passengers engage with it.

For NCL, the shift represents both a cost-saving and environmentally conscious decision, but the challenge will be ensuring accessibility for all guests, including those who prefer a printed copy.

With other major cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line — also experimenting with digital-only communications, this trend may signal a broader industry move toward app-based onboard experiences.

As the rollout continues across the Norwegian fleet, passengers can still request printed copies of the Freestyle Daily at Guest Services or from their stateroom attendant.

For now, one thing remains the same: whether digital or printed, the Freestyle Daily continues to be the essential guide to life onboard a Norwegian cruise ship.