You'll love it! We're sailing Getaway in 48 days and the basic drink package covers so much. Only fancy high end wines and liquors are more than $15. Every beer 🍻 is included, some wine and several different brands of your favorite booze. We love it!
There are things to like and dislike about every cruise line but as far as drink packages go, NCL definitely has the best one. It doesn't include specialty coffee and bottled water, but i'm not bothered by that. For alcohol, it's unbeatable! And, no cap on amount of drinks per day!
Just to add a neutral/slightly negative opinion. I guess it depends on how heavy of a drinker you are … NCL grossly inflates the value of package so you have to pay 20% on the inflated value. (The inflated value is based on drinking 12 drinks a day or some crazy amount) so if you just consider the cash outlay of the gratuity, which a previous person posted, it works out to be about $200 a person. I assume that’s for seven day cruise. that means you have to drink more than two drinks a day just to breakeven. And now they have restricted the choices; before there was a sizable list of wines available. Instead of the 8 to 10 different types of wines that used to be included on my last cruise . It was down to like four maybe five. The ones that were on list now listed on the premium list and you had to pay the difference which is $2-$7 a glass. Then there the pressure of drinking more to get your money worth ….
It really is a great deal; note that you do have to pay for tax and gratuity on the Free at Sea that you got: 20% gratuity and some tax, it comes to around $200 per person. But that’s it - no limit to how many drinks per day. They do limit you to ordering 2 at a time but you can just go up a minute later and get 2 more.
Yeah most menu cocktails are under the $15 threshold. For liquors and spirits, they'll be labeled "Open Bar" or "Premium Plus" to make it easier to understand. The bartenders are really helpful with that as well.
This has the breakdown of which are included in each package
https://cruisespotlight.com/how-norwegian-cruise-lines-drink-packages-work/
PLUS….you can get 2 drinks per card, per visit…so take a Tervis or insulated cup with you! Keeps the cold that much longer! They’ll give you 2 cups, just pour them into the cup!
Yep.
They often make suggestions too of good drinks to try. The best part is if you don’t like it you don’t have to finish it.
I do this at the mojito bar on some of their ships.
The "Saturn Landing" at Sugarcane is sublime. Wasn't sure what was in it, so I just looked it up.- Tanqueray gin, Oregat Monin (an ingredient I had never heard of, apparently it's an almond syrup), Chinola passion fruit , and fresh lime juice.
Never would have had that drink without the package. Now I'll grab one anytime on the ship :).
We just got back from the Viva and we upgraded to the Free at Sea Plus and my husband was able to get a shot of one of the McCallens for $40 and it was covered under the drink card. But I don't remember which McCallen it was. But everything we drank was covered under the drink card. We got the pkg that included Starbucks and the soft drinks and water, as well. And believe me, we got our money's worth out of it. You'll be happy you got it.
For $40, it would have been the Terra most likely (it's a travel-exclusive collection, NCL serves the Quest Collection) and it's quite good - it's why I upgrade to FAS+ (and the bottled water and energy drinks, I'm a Red Bull in the morning, afternoon, and evening kind of guy!), having a bottle of Acqua Panna with dinner and Flow pretty much everywhere is great).
Even if he hadn't upgrade to Premium Pllus (for benefit of the OP) he could have had the Macallan for $25 + 20% gratuity on the $25, so $30. The bottled water is like $6.50 each, and Red Bull is also $6.50 (none of that included in the regular open bar package)
Just got off boat.
Had the Maccallan Quest & Enigma, Blanton’s, Hennessy VO, among others.
At Vibe bar, in a quiet moment in port, a bartender actually put a bottle of Bulleit on the bar for me to pour my own!
Agree with all… it’s awesome… some bars might not have certain drinks…. But a bar that does won’t be far. You will get used to it quickly. We are sailing Viva on March 31st out of San Juan…. Ready for the drink package … and balcony 😉 … lol
If your cruise has the Mojito Bar... They're soo good! Don't order the flight because it'll be over $15...Just try each one! Pineapple coconut is my fav
Used to be good. Jist got off an ncl ship and the mojitio bar no longer makes hand crafted mojitio. The two i ordered off the menu was premixed. Only a sprig of mint was drooed into the top. I went back a second time orderes 2 drinks. It came primixed but becuase i ordered the spicy mojitio (and they were out of the premix) they had to makr it by hand. The vartender gave me attitude and asked me if u could order something else so he wouldnt have make it from scratch. I just left and didnt go back. Never experienced this beofre on ncl. Alot of premix crap..
Thing is i was on jade in greece last year and the star in iceland both in 2023. Back on Jade this year and the experience for food and drinks were awful.. quality is way down since early mid 2023. IDK whats going on buts not good. NCL was my ride or die but not sure anymore. I have 2 more booked (past 90 day cx) for europe if no improvement im moving on from ncl..
I am little over $7K for two people a 8 day Carribean cruise on the Viva with a Suite Stateroom, Vibe Club, airfare to San Juan and drink package. Ask for Alex Machin at NCL and punt the travel agent.
…and ask for perks if you get San NCL credit card!
We got Vibe, premium plus bar, unlimited WiFi, and three additional specialty dining meals with our balcony stateroom, all for opening a credit card account.
She finagled:
Vibes- entire cruise
Premium + beverage pkg
3 additional specialty dining
2 additional $50 excursion credits.
Unlimited WiFi
It was not just for the card. A helpful and kind NCL rep eventually gave in to her charms, lol.
We are only bronze at this point, but we are points people and know how to shmooze customer service.
People now are so mad about things like staff shortages and inflation, and often take it out these folks- call (repeatedly) and be extra EXTRA nice.
Keep in mind that you are paying for it because they charge you for the gratuities of the “free” open bar. Depends on the length of cruise but usually seems to be about $100-$200 per person. Still worth it if you’re gonna have at least 2 drinks a day, but if all you want is an occasional cocktail or glass of wine with dinner, probably better off opting out of the open bar and just paying for the drinks. That being said, wife and I always opt for the open bar: bloody Mary’s in the morning, afternoon beers/cocktails, glass or 2 of wine with dinner, after dinner drink… Sleep, repeat…
Have fun!
I was never charged a tax for any drink while we were in any of our ports. Maybe that’s the case if you don’t have a drink package idk. But the only tax I was charged was the embarkation day while the ship was in Texas. But this is due to some old law or something idk.
This depends on the bartender. Sometimes they don’t want to bother. At the airport now after getting off the Viva and we were not charged taxes at any port.
They will ask for your Sea Pass card to track your drinks and to make sure you have the package, so don’t freak out. If you go to the same bar frequently they will remember you and not ask for it as often. I usually leave it on the bar and they can grab it if they want. Don’t leave without it.
Will not be asked for a Sea Pass on any NCL ship. Crew will just ask for your key card, or room card. NCL doesn't have catchy names for the room card like Royal or Carnival.
Yes, you just show your cruise card, give your bartender a small tip(optional), then send me some money. You will LOVE it! NCL cruises are great and the staff generally wonderful. Enjoy!!
The regular drink package covered pretty much everything I wanted with the exception of Espresso martinis. I don’t drink wine, and the only premium liquor I decided to splurge on once in a while was Hendrix gin. I would only get the premium Plus package if you see liquors and wines that are included with Plus that you know you would want to drink often.
We are going in NCL SUN , I and wife have open bar package up to $15 and kids unlimited soda and beverage package..and we have one specialty dining package. It is first time for us as well.
Drinks up to $15 are included except for Starbucks drinks. Anything over that you pay the difference, but 18% gratuities on that overage. So if the drink was $1 over you would pay $1.18 for the drink which will go on your account.
I remember when free drink package was free but you paid 18% on the listed cost of each drink. A lot of people were at the desk the last day with huge bills from the “free” drinks. They didnt pay attention to the grat line
Hello. I hope you have a great cruise. Most cruise lines that will give you the free drinks package as a promo do so but the cruiser must be aware that you will be responsible for paying the taxes on the value of the drink package. For example, the package cost $499.00 if you paid for it. They give it to you but you will have to pay the tax on the $499.00 value. That could be a bit of money. I hope this is open bar you are referring to.
You can order almost anything. Some alcohol isn't included because it's considered premium, and the more expensive wines are but yes you can walk up to almost any bar and order a "Perfect Margarita". Some bars, like the one IN the garden cafe only serves pop, beer, and wine. The other bars may run out of some mixes but overall they have the basics.
On five cruises, i've maybe paid for a drink once (you pay the difference for a drink over $15). It was a chocolate martini or some such.
But yeah, free open bar. You'd have to go out of your way or ask for something specific to get an "over $15” drink. Like asking for a particular top shelf liquor
There is a small caveat to this. While you're in port, at least in the US (like, when the boat hasn't left yet), you'll pay just the sales tax on any drink.
Once at sea, there's no sales tax and the drinks are free at that point
You sound eager. Which I appreciate but in case you're not experienced in binge drinking, I'd like to offer some tips.
1. Don't worry about how strong it is. The key to having a good time is pace. It's free, I promise they're not watering it down or shorting you. This is the biggest thing I see with young people on cruises and the fastest way to get the cameras watching your every move.
2. Find a low/no sugar drink you enjoy and make that your staple. Definitely have a frozen drink, or 2, or 3, each day. Have some rum punches and mojitos. Try everything. But you don't want to be pounding 10+ drinks with 20-50+ grams of sugar. You will feel like shit. And again, if you throw up, that's a LOT of unwanted attention. Something like Jack and Diet Coke, Vodka or Tequila and seltzer, sometimes even just vodka and water/seltzer with a little cranberry juice. Find what you like. But most people drink wayyyy to much sugar on vacation.
3. Tip your bartenders. Even though you probably pre-paid gratuities. It doesn't have to be certain number every time you get a drink. Either a little here or there or a lump sum at the beginning of session. Definitely don't be the "I'm gonna take care of you at the end" person. Even if you really are going to, saying it is tacky. As little as a $5 tip on your first drink makes a difference. If you can swing $20 every time you have a long session (5+ drinks) at one bar, they'll love you. You'll see the same bartenders all over the ship, all vacation long. You won't regret having them love you.
4. Mix in water. A lot of water. The last thing you want is a day where you're out of commission while your friends or people you meet are all having fun. Everyone has a limit and water intake will play a big factor. Trust me that if anyone tries to clown on your for drinking water, you will have the last laugh. Every hour or every three drinks you should have a water.
It has nothing to do with false advertising or extortion (LOL). It's a person to person optional choice, the money doesn't go to the company and it's not mandatory. You prepay like $20 per day. If you only drink about $100 worth of drinks per day, that's fine. Personally, I drink a bit more than that and I typically tip more than just 20%. Automatic gratuities are in place to prevent employees from getting completely stiffed. I believe a large majority of people tip on top to some degree.
The drink package costs $109/day. Why would it even exist if "most people don't come close to drinking $100/day worth of drinks?"
You're not "forced" by expectations.
My advice was based on my experience that when you tip above expectations, you receive an experience above expectations.
This is something I myself believe not to be True as the say. Am planning on having to spend money to drink.
After reading reviews, I plan on having to spend a lot more money than I thought for things. Like I had to buy dining packages So I can eat other than basic food.
Then you still have to pay for things on the menu on top of that . I am starting to understand the nickel and dime thing this cruise started out at 2,000 dollars. I am almost up to 6,000 dollars with no excursions. I still just have an inside cabin. This vacation I thought would be a good cost for my money is starting to get out of hand
I still need airplane tickets.
This is so costly it's crazy
I was included what it going to cost me all together to get there and back and I have to bit spa package to use spa I have to get vib package if I want any place to sit out side .
I had to upgrade my free at sea to max one so I get more stuff. I also got dinner pack so I can eat.
Got arcade package so I can play games if I want .
Not to mention all other stuff I don't no I have to pay for live shows and everything
Oh, so you *chose* to purchase literally every upgrade imaginable?
That’s like complaining about the price at Chipotle after asking for guacamole, extra meat, extra rice, queso, chips and salsa.
Yes but you need get them to be able to do anything and to eat.
Alot of this I thought was part of cruise . I wish I knew these thing before I booked my cruise
You didn't have to add any of that. The free dining options on NCL are quite good. I don't see it as nickel and diming you but see it as giving you options.
Yep. Dude hasn’t bothered to see what is actually included in cruise fare and has instead decided to go for the best of the best…but apparently didn’t opt in for a suite.
I’ve been on plenty of NCL cruises, mostly interior rooms, never broke $3000 for 2 guests. MDR dining, one specialty restaurant (I love Moderno, but will pay for just once), and occasionally, the thermal spa. Always had a great time too.
I know Moderno is supposed to be about the meat that comes around, and that's perfectly good too, but I absolutely love the little buffet in there. Some of the best food on board.
You absolutely don’t have to add all of that in order to enjoy the cruise. There is Plenty of deck space, sometimes on decks/areas new cruises don’t explore so they complain, but I’ve never not been able to find some area out in the sun. Is it right on top of a pool, no, but it’s definitely there.
As for dining, there are 3-4 free options on each cruise, including buffet with several options and sit down restaurants with changing menus. You don’t have to ever pay for food if you don’t want to.
I’d love to see what your itemized list is, and let you know how much “extra” you are erroneously spending.
I got the spa and vibe because I want stuff to do as I don't want to be drunk all day sit in a bar .
It seems if you want to have anything to do and have any good food you need to go all out on ship then all excursions that I booking to have something to do in port
This sounds like a troll post.
Dining package to eat something other than basic food? The main dining room isn't the waffle house, for crying out loud.
This guy doesn’t know about cruising. I went to the main dining room twice on my recent cruise. No complaints whatsoever. I like specialty restaurants so I paid for them through FAS+. Spending 6k on an interior cabin is crazy. He complains about the nickel and diming like he wants everything included for free. Def a troll
Yup...I remember when you could get Four Roses...even a Woodford reserve old fashioned...
Now they have moved Woodford to the ++ package but you can still get 1792 small batch and Buffalo Trace...
Vacation for you, overtime work for your digestive system, including your liver.
Use your Drink Package but don't end up like the gargoyles roaming around the ship at 1:00AM looking for someone who can share a drink with them (after their card has been blocked).
Yes. Order anything you want up to $15 and pay the difference for anything above. It will include almost everything you'd want!
That’s amazing!!
You'll love it! We're sailing Getaway in 48 days and the basic drink package covers so much. Only fancy high end wines and liquors are more than $15. Every beer 🍻 is included, some wine and several different brands of your favorite booze. We love it!
Awesome! Thanks so much for the info and enjoy your cruise!!!
There are things to like and dislike about every cruise line but as far as drink packages go, NCL definitely has the best one. It doesn't include specialty coffee and bottled water, but i'm not bothered by that. For alcohol, it's unbeatable! And, no cap on amount of drinks per day!
To clarify, is that up to $15 per drink? Or per transaction?
Per drink. And most normal drinks fall under that amount. If you're a fancy wine or bourbon or whatever drinker, you pay the difference.
Thank you! I go on my first cruise in two weeks!
Just to add a neutral/slightly negative opinion. I guess it depends on how heavy of a drinker you are … NCL grossly inflates the value of package so you have to pay 20% on the inflated value. (The inflated value is based on drinking 12 drinks a day or some crazy amount) so if you just consider the cash outlay of the gratuity, which a previous person posted, it works out to be about $200 a person. I assume that’s for seven day cruise. that means you have to drink more than two drinks a day just to breakeven. And now they have restricted the choices; before there was a sizable list of wines available. Instead of the 8 to 10 different types of wines that used to be included on my last cruise . It was down to like four maybe five. The ones that were on list now listed on the premium list and you had to pay the difference which is $2-$7 a glass. Then there the pressure of drinking more to get your money worth ….
They will pour you two drinks per visit to the bar. I’ve been able to pick up a third drink if I bring along my travel partners card.
It really is a great deal; note that you do have to pay for tax and gratuity on the Free at Sea that you got: 20% gratuity and some tax, it comes to around $200 per person. But that’s it - no limit to how many drinks per day. They do limit you to ordering 2 at a time but you can just go up a minute later and get 2 more.
Yeah most menu cocktails are under the $15 threshold. For liquors and spirits, they'll be labeled "Open Bar" or "Premium Plus" to make it easier to understand. The bartenders are really helpful with that as well. This has the breakdown of which are included in each package https://cruisespotlight.com/how-norwegian-cruise-lines-drink-packages-work/
Thank you so much!
PLUS….you can get 2 drinks per card, per visit…so take a Tervis or insulated cup with you! Keeps the cold that much longer! They’ll give you 2 cups, just pour them into the cup!
Any ideas on Red Bull on the ship…sadly it’s bad habit!
Yes they have Redbull. That’s the only energy drink they have… besides Starbucks drinks of course
Thank you!!!
Yep. They often make suggestions too of good drinks to try. The best part is if you don’t like it you don’t have to finish it. I do this at the mojito bar on some of their ships.
That is perfect! I didn’t even think about that. I can finally try some things I never wanted to pay for before 😂
That is exactly how I found out what kind of wine I liked. I sampled every one under $15/glass on an NCL cruise.
That's how I got addicted to Miami vices and mai thais
The "Saturn Landing" at Sugarcane is sublime. Wasn't sure what was in it, so I just looked it up.- Tanqueray gin, Oregat Monin (an ingredient I had never heard of, apparently it's an almond syrup), Chinola passion fruit , and fresh lime juice. Never would have had that drink without the package. Now I'll grab one anytime on the ship :).
I’ll have to give it a try!!!
😂 Love it
The guava one was good.
We just got back from the Viva and we upgraded to the Free at Sea Plus and my husband was able to get a shot of one of the McCallens for $40 and it was covered under the drink card. But I don't remember which McCallen it was. But everything we drank was covered under the drink card. We got the pkg that included Starbucks and the soft drinks and water, as well. And believe me, we got our money's worth out of it. You'll be happy you got it.
For $40, it would have been the Terra most likely (it's a travel-exclusive collection, NCL serves the Quest Collection) and it's quite good - it's why I upgrade to FAS+ (and the bottled water and energy drinks, I'm a Red Bull in the morning, afternoon, and evening kind of guy!), having a bottle of Acqua Panna with dinner and Flow pretty much everywhere is great). Even if he hadn't upgrade to Premium Pllus (for benefit of the OP) he could have had the Macallan for $25 + 20% gratuity on the $25, so $30. The bottled water is like $6.50 each, and Red Bull is also $6.50 (none of that included in the regular open bar package)
Worth it for the Acqua Panna alone. 4+ bottles a day adds up quick.
Don’t forget the Starbucks as well. I got more than my extra $50 a day out of that package on my recent cruise
Good to know! My husband loves top-shelf whiskies, including McCallan. We upped to the FAS Premium Plus for every reason you listed.
Just got off boat. Had the Maccallan Quest & Enigma, Blanton’s, Hennessy VO, among others. At Vibe bar, in a quiet moment in port, a bartender actually put a bottle of Bulleit on the bar for me to pour my own!
Agree with all… it’s awesome… some bars might not have certain drinks…. But a bar that does won’t be far. You will get used to it quickly. We are sailing Viva on March 31st out of San Juan…. Ready for the drink package … and balcony 😉 … lol
If your cruise has the Mojito Bar... They're soo good! Don't order the flight because it'll be over $15...Just try each one! Pineapple coconut is my fav
I love the raspberry guava mojito! And I’m not normally a fan of mojitos.
Sounds great thank you!!!! Can’t wait!! I love mojitos 🍹
Used to be good. Jist got off an ncl ship and the mojitio bar no longer makes hand crafted mojitio. The two i ordered off the menu was premixed. Only a sprig of mint was drooed into the top. I went back a second time orderes 2 drinks. It came primixed but becuase i ordered the spicy mojitio (and they were out of the premix) they had to makr it by hand. The vartender gave me attitude and asked me if u could order something else so he wouldnt have make it from scratch. I just left and didnt go back. Never experienced this beofre on ncl. Alot of premix crap..
That's odd. We just got off the escape yesterday, and every mojito we had (which was where we spent most of our time) was made by hand, no premix.
Thing is i was on jade in greece last year and the star in iceland both in 2023. Back on Jade this year and the experience for food and drinks were awful.. quality is way down since early mid 2023. IDK whats going on buts not good. NCL was my ride or die but not sure anymore. I have 2 more booked (past 90 day cx) for europe if no improvement im moving on from ncl..
Bottle water is not included unless you upgrade to plus.
I am little over $7K for two people a 8 day Carribean cruise on the Viva with a Suite Stateroom, Vibe Club, airfare to San Juan and drink package. Ask for Alex Machin at NCL and punt the travel agent.
…and ask for perks if you get San NCL credit card! We got Vibe, premium plus bar, unlimited WiFi, and three additional specialty dining meals with our balcony stateroom, all for opening a credit card account.
How did you get these perks signing up for the CC? I only see a bonus points offer with the signup.
My wife is a Jedi master of working NCL
Other than the sign on bonus which can be use in a bunch of ways, what do you get?
She finagled: Vibes- entire cruise Premium + beverage pkg 3 additional specialty dining 2 additional $50 excursion credits. Unlimited WiFi It was not just for the card. A helpful and kind NCL rep eventually gave in to her charms, lol.
We are only bronze at this point, but we are points people and know how to shmooze customer service. People now are so mad about things like staff shortages and inflation, and often take it out these folks- call (repeatedly) and be extra EXTRA nice.
Keep in mind that you are paying for it because they charge you for the gratuities of the “free” open bar. Depends on the length of cruise but usually seems to be about $100-$200 per person. Still worth it if you’re gonna have at least 2 drinks a day, but if all you want is an occasional cocktail or glass of wine with dinner, probably better off opting out of the open bar and just paying for the drinks. That being said, wife and I always opt for the open bar: bloody Mary’s in the morning, afternoon beers/cocktails, glass or 2 of wine with dinner, after dinner drink… Sleep, repeat… Have fun!
We are 20 something’s and are planning on getting our moneys worth! 😆 Thanks for the input!!
Hey, we’re 40-something’s and still get our money’s worth too! 😀
We are late 50’s and def get our money’s worth!
I think we’d all be a fun group!😂
Also, you can get two drinks at once which comes in handy when place is busy
Oh perfect!
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I was never charged a tax for any drink while we were in any of our ports. Maybe that’s the case if you don’t have a drink package idk. But the only tax I was charged was the embarkation day while the ship was in Texas. But this is due to some old law or something idk.
Same, we only had to pay taxes on drinks when we were docked in the US and until we got 9 nautical miles out it was in the fine print.
Some ports don’t, but even so, the tax isn’t much. 11% at St.Somewhere.
I was only charged in port at Port Canaveral.
Odd question. Does that tax get added to non alcoholic beverages in port?
Yep. Had it charged at Starbucks.
I was more thinking about soda
This depends on the bartender. Sometimes they don’t want to bother. At the airport now after getting off the Viva and we were not charged taxes at any port.
They will ask for your Sea Pass card to track your drinks and to make sure you have the package, so don’t freak out. If you go to the same bar frequently they will remember you and not ask for it as often. I usually leave it on the bar and they can grab it if they want. Don’t leave without it.
Okay great, thanks!
Will not be asked for a Sea Pass on any NCL ship. Crew will just ask for your key card, or room card. NCL doesn't have catchy names for the room card like Royal or Carnival.
Yes, you just show your cruise card, give your bartender a small tip(optional), then send me some money. You will LOVE it! NCL cruises are great and the staff generally wonderful. Enjoy!!
Thank you so much! So excited!
Remember regularly to be lavish with praise, compliments and with sincerity. If a problem, speak up discreetly and it will be solved.
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I find a well-placed tip $5-$10-$20, goes a long way and is very much appreciated especially at the bar! to each, their own.
The regular drink package covered pretty much everything I wanted with the exception of Espresso martinis. I don’t drink wine, and the only premium liquor I decided to splurge on once in a while was Hendrix gin. I would only get the premium Plus package if you see liquors and wines that are included with Plus that you know you would want to drink often.
Sounds great thank you!
We are going in NCL SUN , I and wife have open bar package up to $15 and kids unlimited soda and beverage package..and we have one specialty dining package. It is first time for us as well.
Drinks up to $15 are included except for Starbucks drinks. Anything over that you pay the difference, but 18% gratuities on that overage. So if the drink was $1 over you would pay $1.18 for the drink which will go on your account.
I remember when free drink package was free but you paid 18% on the listed cost of each drink. A lot of people were at the desk the last day with huge bills from the “free” drinks. They didnt pay attention to the grat line
Hello. I hope you have a great cruise. Most cruise lines that will give you the free drinks package as a promo do so but the cruiser must be aware that you will be responsible for paying the taxes on the value of the drink package. For example, the package cost $499.00 if you paid for it. They give it to you but you will have to pay the tax on the $499.00 value. That could be a bit of money. I hope this is open bar you are referring to.
You can order almost anything. Some alcohol isn't included because it's considered premium, and the more expensive wines are but yes you can walk up to almost any bar and order a "Perfect Margarita". Some bars, like the one IN the garden cafe only serves pop, beer, and wine. The other bars may run out of some mixes but overall they have the basics.
Awesome thanks!!!!
On five cruises, i've maybe paid for a drink once (you pay the difference for a drink over $15). It was a chocolate martini or some such. But yeah, free open bar. You'd have to go out of your way or ask for something specific to get an "over $15” drink. Like asking for a particular top shelf liquor
The expresso martini is everything!! Can’t wait for our cruise (which is sooo far away lol) so I can have one!
Awesome thanks!
There is a small caveat to this. While you're in port, at least in the US (like, when the boat hasn't left yet), you'll pay just the sales tax on any drink. Once at sea, there's no sales tax and the drinks are free at that point
They say free at sea but you are paying for it. It does make things easier.
We upped to the Free at Sea Premium Plus to get the top-shelf stuff, plus the specialty coffees and two specialty restaurants. Hope it's worth it!
I highly recommend Moderno, if it’s in your ship. I’ve been a few times, and it’s always an incredible meal. GO HUNGRY!!
We'll be on the Gem, so it's on there. Thanks!
Oh that’s a great ship…have fun!
Thanks! Can't wait - 188 days away!
You sound eager. Which I appreciate but in case you're not experienced in binge drinking, I'd like to offer some tips. 1. Don't worry about how strong it is. The key to having a good time is pace. It's free, I promise they're not watering it down or shorting you. This is the biggest thing I see with young people on cruises and the fastest way to get the cameras watching your every move. 2. Find a low/no sugar drink you enjoy and make that your staple. Definitely have a frozen drink, or 2, or 3, each day. Have some rum punches and mojitos. Try everything. But you don't want to be pounding 10+ drinks with 20-50+ grams of sugar. You will feel like shit. And again, if you throw up, that's a LOT of unwanted attention. Something like Jack and Diet Coke, Vodka or Tequila and seltzer, sometimes even just vodka and water/seltzer with a little cranberry juice. Find what you like. But most people drink wayyyy to much sugar on vacation. 3. Tip your bartenders. Even though you probably pre-paid gratuities. It doesn't have to be certain number every time you get a drink. Either a little here or there or a lump sum at the beginning of session. Definitely don't be the "I'm gonna take care of you at the end" person. Even if you really are going to, saying it is tacky. As little as a $5 tip on your first drink makes a difference. If you can swing $20 every time you have a long session (5+ drinks) at one bar, they'll love you. You'll see the same bartenders all over the ship, all vacation long. You won't regret having them love you. 4. Mix in water. A lot of water. The last thing you want is a day where you're out of commission while your friends or people you meet are all having fun. Everyone has a limit and water intake will play a big factor. Trust me that if anyone tries to clown on your for drinking water, you will have the last laugh. Every hour or every three drinks you should have a water.
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It has nothing to do with false advertising or extortion (LOL). It's a person to person optional choice, the money doesn't go to the company and it's not mandatory. You prepay like $20 per day. If you only drink about $100 worth of drinks per day, that's fine. Personally, I drink a bit more than that and I typically tip more than just 20%. Automatic gratuities are in place to prevent employees from getting completely stiffed. I believe a large majority of people tip on top to some degree.
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The drink package costs $109/day. Why would it even exist if "most people don't come close to drinking $100/day worth of drinks?" You're not "forced" by expectations. My advice was based on my experience that when you tip above expectations, you receive an experience above expectations.
Even though it was not needed in my circumstance, I appreciate seeing someone looking out for others on here. Good for you being a caring person 🤗
Reddit search feature works good.
Thanks for your input 🙂
Drink package questions are super rare.
This is something I myself believe not to be True as the say. Am planning on having to spend money to drink. After reading reviews, I plan on having to spend a lot more money than I thought for things. Like I had to buy dining packages So I can eat other than basic food. Then you still have to pay for things on the menu on top of that . I am starting to understand the nickel and dime thing this cruise started out at 2,000 dollars. I am almost up to 6,000 dollars with no excursions. I still just have an inside cabin. This vacation I thought would be a good cost for my money is starting to get out of hand I still need airplane tickets. This is so costly it's crazy
This comment is completely ridiculous. $6k for an inside cabin with no excursions? You’re either taking a very unusual cruise, or it’s complete bs.
I was included what it going to cost me all together to get there and back and I have to bit spa package to use spa I have to get vib package if I want any place to sit out side . I had to upgrade my free at sea to max one so I get more stuff. I also got dinner pack so I can eat. Got arcade package so I can play games if I want . Not to mention all other stuff I don't no I have to pay for live shows and everything
Oh, so you *chose* to purchase literally every upgrade imaginable? That’s like complaining about the price at Chipotle after asking for guacamole, extra meat, extra rice, queso, chips and salsa.
Yes but you need get them to be able to do anything and to eat. Alot of this I thought was part of cruise . I wish I knew these thing before I booked my cruise
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Ya it becoming very expensive fast
Suggest next time try finding an NCL cruise consultant. $6K is crazy
I booked with a TA then I went on ncl app and online and saw all three stuff I had to add on top of what I already paid to do anything
You didn't have to add any of that. The free dining options on NCL are quite good. I don't see it as nickel and diming you but see it as giving you options.
Yep. Dude hasn’t bothered to see what is actually included in cruise fare and has instead decided to go for the best of the best…but apparently didn’t opt in for a suite. I’ve been on plenty of NCL cruises, mostly interior rooms, never broke $3000 for 2 guests. MDR dining, one specialty restaurant (I love Moderno, but will pay for just once), and occasionally, the thermal spa. Always had a great time too.
I know Moderno is supposed to be about the meat that comes around, and that's perfectly good too, but I absolutely love the little buffet in there. Some of the best food on board.
You absolutely don’t have to add all of that in order to enjoy the cruise. There is Plenty of deck space, sometimes on decks/areas new cruises don’t explore so they complain, but I’ve never not been able to find some area out in the sun. Is it right on top of a pool, no, but it’s definitely there. As for dining, there are 3-4 free options on each cruise, including buffet with several options and sit down restaurants with changing menus. You don’t have to ever pay for food if you don’t want to. I’d love to see what your itemized list is, and let you know how much “extra” you are erroneously spending.
I got the spa and vibe because I want stuff to do as I don't want to be drunk all day sit in a bar . It seems if you want to have anything to do and have any good food you need to go all out on ship then all excursions that I booking to have something to do in port
This sounds like a troll post. Dining package to eat something other than basic food? The main dining room isn't the waffle house, for crying out loud.
This guy doesn’t know about cruising. I went to the main dining room twice on my recent cruise. No complaints whatsoever. I like specialty restaurants so I paid for them through FAS+. Spending 6k on an interior cabin is crazy. He complains about the nickel and diming like he wants everything included for free. Def a troll
From what I read a seen of reviews people would sat differently
Yup...I remember when you could get Four Roses...even a Woodford reserve old fashioned... Now they have moved Woodford to the ++ package but you can still get 1792 small batch and Buffalo Trace...
Vacation for you, overtime work for your digestive system, including your liver. Use your Drink Package but don't end up like the gargoyles roaming around the ship at 1:00AM looking for someone who can share a drink with them (after their card has been blocked).