Thank you very much. That's the best video about explaining the drink packages. I'm loyal guest for many years and from NCL's starting free at sea promotion, drink package was always right away within our booking. It is simply of great value.
You’re welcome! It’s easy to get a soda at the bars. And we brought insulated bottles to pour it in so we didn’t have to get them as often. Have a great cruise!!😁🚢
I am not sure how much our free at sea beverages cost...can't remember, but it was well worth it...we definitely made the most of it, mimosas for breakfast, beers and wine, cocktails throughout the evening after dinner...was so good. We drank a lot haha, it was so fun to have the unlimited drink package and all drinks under 14 dollars were ours for the taking.
Hi.. we did 1 ncl cruise so far and going on a transatlantic on April 25 from nyc.. we did and will be taking the drinks package.. it is no hassle, and at $21.80 per day.. cannot go wrong..especially on sea days.
Great video! Loved your explanation. We're heading out to Alaska on the Sun and got the free at sea with drink package. It was worth it to me as we'll have a couple drinks and it's hassle free so no money worries. Do you know if we can we drink while docked in port, especially and on embarkation day while waiting to sail to Alaska?
Yes!! We had 3 drinks before leaving the port. Some ports you might pay a tax while still in port. But the bars are open and free at sea works as soon as you get on the ship!!😁🚢
@@marisajensen405 There are a couple bars that open at 7 or 8 on most ships. These include the Atrium bar and O’Sheehans or the Local(which ever your ship has). So, as long as you’re excursion is after that you should be able to get one. On our last cruise, we were on the ship by 11:15 AM. And sugar canes was already open.
Note that you cannot add FAS drink package during the first 48 hours - you can purchase the full price ($109/day - really $130.80/day with service charge) drink package, but you can't just pay $21.80/day in gratuities and suddenly have a drink package - all FAS selections must be made 24 hours or more prior to sailing.
How does the gratuity work? Is like included in the price of the package or do you pay that separately at the end of the cruise and if so is it per person per day or per person per drink
@@logana6785 Great question! You will get a charge for a gratuity on the Free at Sea package of 20% of the value of the drink package and the specialty dining. For example, on our upcoming 7 day cruise with 2 free specialty dining credits and the drink package our total per couple was $344.80. After that, the gratuities are paid for those services. You do not have to pay extra gratuities for drinks while on the ship. Now, we had a couple favorite bartenders that we gave extra to. But that is completely up to you. You have paid gratuity on the drink package.
On the breakaway ships like Encore, do you have to pay for the wine dispensers in the garden cafe buffet? Or are they included with your unlimited drink package and you just have to swipe your card?
Unfortunately those dispensers are not included in the free at sea. You swipe your card but it will cost you. It’s better to get your wine at a bar and bring it with you if you have free at sea. Hope this helps! 🚢
I usually do not get the drink package. I only drink 1 or 2 drinks on a 7 day cruise, so it doesn’t justify the cost. If I want a beverage, I will order and pay using OBC.
Great question! If you get it as part of the free at sea, at this time it’s only costing approximately $22/day. At that deal it’s only really a couple of drinks per day to get your moneys worth. If you purchase it outright and not through free at sea promo, it’s currently costing $109/day plus those gratuities. So, if you were drinking $15 drinks, you would have to drink at least nine per day to break even. Since we have always taken it as part of the free at sea, we’ve always seen the value in it. And it does include sodas and juices if you’re not a big drinker. Hope this helps!! Happy cruising.🚢🚢🍺🍷
We're not Starbucks fans. Is there a coffee alternative that's easily accessible or available? Or do we have to wait for meal times? Not sure how that works- if there's a complimentary coffee station or something?
There was a coffee station in the observation lounge, and the buffet. It wasn’t the best coffee. Fair warning. One of the few things I did not think NCL did great. The room service coffee was about the same quality. I’ve heard if you ask, if available, they will bring you a coffee maker and pods to your room. But we have never personally asked that to verify. I am not a big Starbucks fan either. However, by the end of the week, it was looking a little enticing.
Hello! I might be hitting you up with some questions as I get closer. We have the Free at Sea, I saw one of your husbands was a beer drinker. I found the list on NCL beverage and there are no IPA beers listed as the free at sea and the plus package does not list types of beer at all. I'm wondering if any of the craft beers are included in the basics beverage package?
Please do! We love it. And, hopefully we can help you feel more prepared for your upcoming trip. As for the beer with the Free at Sea, Pepper never paid extra for any of his beers. He recommends if you want craft beers to head to the district brewhouse, they have the best selection. He would choose a craft beer most of the time too. And remember, each person can get two drinks at a time with Free at Sea. so make sure your beer drinker grabs a couple before you leave the brewhouse. When not at the brewhouse, he usually just grabbed a Coors light. There may be a pretty basic selection at some of the bars. Quite a few more IPAs though. But there were some good craft beers in the brewhouse, he said. And none of them cost him extra.
@@corefouradventures2861 thank you so much! I knew I saw him hit the brewery at one stop so I knew you would have the answer. I've been watching everything I can on this trying to avoid paying for the premium package! Best news ever!
So glad we were able to help! We have never upgraded to the premium plus. And we haven’t really felt like we needed to. And we have never paid extra for any drinks yet. We have bought water out of our minibar a couple of times total. But it was purely for convenience. You can absolutely get glasses of water or club soda from the bars with your Free at Sea. my husband and I just bring water bottles and have them filled up constantly. That is when we aren’t drinking alcohol. 🍺 🍷🍸
Thank you for your brew house suggestions. Since they don't have craft beers at all bars, if I order two, do they open both cans/bottle or can I take one to go?@@corefouradventures2861
Does the other person in your cabin drink alcohol? If not, we suggest declining the drink package through the Free At Sea. The gratuity would not be worth it. But everyone has to have the Free at Sea drink package or nobody can. If you don’t like the tea and coffee on the ship you might benefit from getting the Starbucks package. If you’re on the fence, you can still buy the Starbucks package on day one or two of your cruise. When do you sail? Is this your first cruise? 🚢
No, they aren’t. There are free water options but they are only included in the Premium Plus drink package. If you have free at sea unlimited open bar package the upgrade is approximately $35/day. We found just getting the water package was a better fit for us. They just deliver them to your room at the beginning of the cruise.
@@debbiesmith401 Yeah, we’ve stopped introducing ourselves at the beginning of our videos now. But, we do get lots of new viewers every week and want people to know who we are😁
@corefouradventures2861 No, it's when you keep calling each other by name lol l was thinking ok we know who you are lol, other than that, great job ladies
Thank you very much.
That's the best video about explaining the drink packages. I'm loyal guest for many years and from NCL's starting free at sea promotion, drink package was always right away within our booking. It is simply of great value.
Thank you!! And we definitely agree, if it’s through Free at Sea, the drink package is an amazing value. 🍷🚢
You've answered every question I could think of 🙂cheers 🥂
Cheers 🥂and thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for the great information!
You are so welcome! Happy cruising 😁🚢🚢
Shoot, i thought Norwegian had soda machines. Going on the joy next month; super excited. Thx for the info! 😊
You’re welcome! It’s easy to get a soda at the bars. And we brought insulated bottles to pour it in so we didn’t have to get them as often. Have a great cruise!!😁🚢
I am not sure how much our free at sea beverages cost...can't remember, but it was well worth it...we definitely made the most of it, mimosas for breakfast, beers and wine, cocktails throughout the evening after dinner...was so good. We drank a lot haha, it was so fun to have the unlimited drink package and all drinks under 14 dollars were ours for the taking.
We ❤️ the unlimited drink package!! It makes you feel like you can try anything, and we do😁😁🚢
How do you know which liquor or wine brands are in the $15 raange?
@@dagney2213 they actually give you a list of drinks when you stop at the bars, or you can ask...pretty easy.
Hi.. we did 1 ncl cruise so far and going on a transatlantic on April 25 from nyc.. we did and will be taking the drinks package.. it is no hassle, and at $21.80 per day.. cannot go wrong..especially on sea days.
We totally agree! #jealous We would love to do a transatlantic!!
Great video! Loved your explanation. We're heading out to Alaska on the Sun and got the free at sea with drink package. It was worth it to me as we'll have a couple drinks and it's hassle free so no money worries. Do you know if we can we drink while docked in port, especially and on embarkation day while waiting to sail to Alaska?
Yes!! We had 3 drinks before leaving the port. Some ports you might pay a tax while still in port. But the bars are open and free at sea works as soon as you get on the ship!!😁🚢
Thanks for your video, any idea what time the bars open on the ship? Say i want to order a mimosa before we have a port day. Is that possible?
@@marisajensen405 There are a couple bars that open at 7 or 8 on most ships. These include the Atrium bar and O’Sheehans or the Local(which ever your ship has). So, as long as you’re excursion is after that you should be able to get one. On our last cruise, we were on the ship by 11:15 AM. And sugar canes was already open.
Good information 👍👍
Thanks! That’s so nice of you 😁
Note that you cannot add FAS drink package during the first 48 hours - you can purchase the full price ($109/day - really $130.80/day with service charge) drink package, but you can't just pay $21.80/day in gratuities and suddenly have a drink package - all FAS selections must be made 24 hours or more prior to sailing.
That’s a great point! Yes, if you change your mind after boarding adding the drink package would be full price. Thanks for clarifying 😁 🚢
How does the gratuity work? Is like included in the price of the package or do you pay that separately at the end of the cruise and if so is it per person per day or per person per drink
@@logana6785 Great question! You will get a charge for a gratuity on the Free at Sea package of 20% of the value of the drink package and the specialty dining. For example, on our upcoming 7 day cruise with 2 free specialty dining credits and the drink package our total per couple was $344.80. After that, the gratuities are paid for those services. You do not have to pay extra gratuities for drinks while on the ship. Now, we had a couple favorite bartenders that we gave extra to. But that is completely up to you. You have paid gratuity on the drink package.
On the breakaway ships like Encore, do you have to pay for the wine dispensers in the garden cafe buffet? Or are they included with your unlimited drink package and you just have to swipe your card?
Unfortunately those dispensers are not included in the free at sea. You swipe your card but it will cost you. It’s better to get your wine at a bar and bring it with you if you have free at sea. Hope this helps! 🚢
I usually do not get the drink package. I only drink 1 or 2 drinks on a 7 day cruise, so it doesn’t justify the cost. If I want a beverage, I will order and pay using OBC.
That’s a great tip if you are only having a couple drinks. Thanks for watching!! 😁
Need to do a video on free at sea plus. The best value NCL offers.
What a great idea! We will definitely look into that.
Seems weird that you can order a drink up to $15, but you cannot have a $3 Energy Drink.
We agree. But unfortunately NCL lumps them in the Starbucks package. Fortunately you can just buy them individually.
How many drinks per day would make it worth it to get the drink package?
Great question! If you get it as part of the free at sea, at this time it’s only costing approximately $22/day. At that deal it’s only really a couple of drinks per day to get your moneys worth. If you purchase it outright and not through free at sea promo, it’s currently costing $109/day plus those gratuities. So, if you were drinking $15 drinks, you would have to drink at least nine per day to break even. Since we have always taken it as part of the free at sea, we’ve always seen the value in it. And it does include sodas and juices if you’re not a big drinker. Hope this helps!! Happy cruising.🚢🚢🍺🍷
@@corefouradventures2861 Wow. That is a great deal. Thank you for sharing.
We're not Starbucks fans. Is there a coffee alternative that's easily accessible or available? Or do we have to wait for meal times? Not sure how that works- if there's a complimentary coffee station or something?
There was a coffee station in the observation lounge, and the buffet. It wasn’t the best coffee. Fair warning. One of the few things I did not think NCL did great. The room service coffee was about the same quality. I’ve heard if you ask, if available, they will bring you a coffee maker and pods to your room. But we have never personally asked that to verify. I am not a big Starbucks fan either. However, by the end of the week, it was looking a little enticing.
Hello! I might be hitting you up with some questions as I get closer. We have the Free at Sea, I saw one of your husbands was a beer drinker. I found the list on NCL beverage and there are no IPA beers listed as the free at sea and the plus package does not list types of beer at all. I'm wondering if any of the craft beers are included in the basics beverage package?
Please do! We love it. And, hopefully we can help you feel more prepared for your upcoming trip. As for the beer with the Free at Sea, Pepper never paid extra for any of his beers. He recommends if you want craft beers to head to the district brewhouse, they have the best selection. He would choose a craft beer most of the time too. And remember, each person can get two drinks at a time with Free at Sea. so make sure your beer drinker grabs a couple before you leave the brewhouse. When not at the brewhouse, he usually just grabbed a Coors light. There may be a pretty basic selection at some of the bars. Quite a few more IPAs though. But there were some good craft beers in the brewhouse, he said. And none of them cost him extra.
@@corefouradventures2861 thank you so much! I knew I saw him hit the brewery at one stop so I knew you would have the answer. I've been watching everything I can on this trying to avoid paying for the premium package! Best news ever!
So glad we were able to help! We have never upgraded to the premium plus. And we haven’t really felt like we needed to. And we have never paid extra for any drinks yet. We have bought water out of our minibar a couple of times total. But it was purely for convenience. You can absolutely get glasses of water or club soda from the bars with your Free at Sea. my husband and I just bring water bottles and have them filled up constantly. That is when we aren’t drinking alcohol. 🍺 🍷🍸
Thank you for your brew house suggestions. Since they don't have craft beers at all bars, if I order two, do they open both cans/bottle or can I take one to go?@@corefouradventures2861
Do they serve the soda from a fountain or can you get the can sodas at the bar with the drink package?
We’ve only ever seen fountain soda. No cans on board. Hope that helps!
In the buffet it is served from the can
Thanks!! We’ve never eaten in the buffet. Well, except for the ice cream 🍦
Pretty sure this includes the fountain only.. If you do the premium plus you can get bottled water, premium booze, starbucks and canned sodas..
Yeah, thanks for the info 😁 we only had fountain soda ourselves. And thanks for watching!!
Does anyone know if you can add Starbucks to the unlimited open package at a discounted price?
Hello! You would have to upgrade to the Premium Plus Beverage Package to get Starbucks or purchase the Starbucks package separately. Hope this helps!
Just one thing, just because something is on the list does NOT mean they will have it onboard. It will based on availability.
Good point! We know at the time of our sailing Belvedere was on the list but definitely not in every bar. Thanks for watching.😁
For sure enjoy your content
I only drink unsweetend tea and coffee.
Does the other person in your cabin drink alcohol? If not, we suggest declining the drink package through the Free At Sea. The gratuity would not be worth it. But everyone has to have the Free at Sea drink package or nobody can. If you don’t like the tea and coffee on the ship you might benefit from getting the Starbucks package. If you’re on the fence, you can still buy the Starbucks package on day one or two of your cruise. When do you sail? Is this your first cruise? 🚢
Bottled water is not included??? I’m in shock
No, they aren’t. There are free water options but they are only included in the Premium Plus drink package. If you have free at sea unlimited open bar package the upgrade is approximately $35/day. We found just getting the water package was a better fit for us. They just deliver them to your room at the beginning of the cruise.
We know your names, 😂
@@debbiesmith401 Yeah, we’ve stopped introducing ourselves at the beginning of our videos now. But, we do get lots of new viewers every week and want people to know who we are😁
@corefouradventures2861 No, it's when you keep calling each other by name lol l was thinking ok we know who you are lol, other than that, great job ladies
@@debbiesmith401 🤣🤣 good note, thanks for watching!!
Great video. Thanks so much!
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!!