Open bar on Sun

Hi. We are taking a cruise that has an automatic open bar. How “open” are we talking? Free chocolate martinis for three days?? Or just the basic well drinks?

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Following. I am on the Sun in two weeks and am also wondering about the drink options for my three day cruise.

The FAQ on this is at https://www.ncl.com/terms/sun-beverages

Sorry, no chocolate martinis. :( I tried several different bars and they all told me that the only martinis they were "allowed" to make were the ones on their menu - classic, Cosmo and French.

I really didn't understand why they couldn't make them since they had all the ingredients (they could make mudslides so why not chocolate martinis)? I was pretty bummed about the limited drink options.

I never ordered a chocolate martini but did get a fair amount of specialty drinks that were more than the typical well variety. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy!

No chocolates or my favorite, the Espresso Martini. I did enjoy the cosmos, though. Usually went directly to a bar and ordered it as a Tito’s Cosmo to get preferred vodka. They also had brand amaretto and sambuca among other name brand liquors. Best bet is to order in person and ask for a specific brand if you wish. Enjoy your trip. We sure did!

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Selection limited. If you're a wine drinker, good luck. There's a few and they are awful. Abysmal beer selection as well.

There are some decent liquors but MAKE SURE YOU ORDER BY BRAND. During my whole cruise, I'd say 90% of all drinks I observed were made with crappy well liquors because passengers were naive and didn't pay attention as their drinks were made. They display the name brand stuff but if you simply ask for a "vodka and soda" they're going to reach straight for the well.

Selection limited. If you're a wine drinker, good luck. There's a few and they are awful. Abysmal beer selection as well.

 

There are some decent liquors but MAKE SURE YOU ORDER BY BRAND. During my whole cruise, I'd say 90% of all drinks I observed were made with crappy well liquors because passengers were naive and didn't pay attention as their drinks were made. They display the name brand stuff but if you simply ask for a "vodka and soda" they're going to reach straight for the well.

As a wine drinker recently on Sky (same concept as Sun) I was okay. I also had great champagne, but that was in the Plantation Lounge. Not sure if Sun has something comparable.

As for bartenders reaching straight for well, that is what they are trained to do. You only pour specific brands when 1) the drink menu specifies a specific brand 2) someone "calls" their brand. I was pleasantly surprised at the liquor selection. I am Woodford Reserve/Bulleit Rye, etc. bourbon drinker and a Tito's vodka drinker. My travel buddy is also particular about his alcohol and was also never unhappy.

What about coffee? Any specialty coffees included?

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What about coffee? Any specialty coffees included?

 

 

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No. We had to pay for a cappuccino.

 

As for bartenders reaching straight for well, that is what they are trained to do.

Yes, but it's worth noting that the Sun well is what you'd find at a dive bar. Most places I go to, Jim Beam or Jack is the cheapest whiskey in the house, which is definitely not the case on the Sun. Which is why I stress everyone to specify the brand they want.

Anyone have any suggestions for specialty drinks to try on the Sun? I can't seem to find the drink menus online.

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Here is a web page with pictures of all the drink menus.

I stayed away from the pre-made drinks in the icee dispensers, preferred hand made with direct pours. I mostly stick with vodka drinks and red wine, never had a problem finding something good to try but mostly drank Stoli Mules. The Bushwhacker was nice.

http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/norwegian-drink-lists/

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Here is a web page with pictures of all the drink menus.

 

http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/norwegian-drink-lists/

 

Unfortunately, those are the drink menus for the unlimited beverage package, not the open bar menu on Sun. The drink menu on Sun was much more limited.

Anyone have any suggestions for specialty drinks to try on the Sun? I can't seem to find the drink menus online.

 

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Here are links for the menus someone posted from Sky but they were the same on Sun.

https://eatsleepcruise.com/wp-conten...04189-Copy.jpg

https://eatsleepcruise.com/wp-conten...04188-Copy.jpg

I think there was a frozen drink menu too.

Still hoping someone can provide current drink menus from the sun.

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Still hoping someone can provide current drink menus from the sun.

 

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Various bar menus from the Sky attached. They are similar on the Sun. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2539744

Still hoping someone can provide current drink menus from the sun.

 

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I posted links in post #15. Those were the menus they had on Sun last month.

I'm sailing on this the end of this month. Curious how it'll be. Have been on NCL Sky in February 2017 out of Miami and wasn't too crazy.

Anyone have any suggestions for specialty drinks to try on the Sun? I can't seem to find the drink menus online.

 

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Sorry no menus, but did think of something else I ordered and enjoyed. Prosecco with St. Germain.

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I'm sailing on this the end of this month. Curious how it'll be. Have been on NCL Sky in February 2017 out of Miami and wasn't too crazy.

It's your standard booze cruise.

There is a simple rule on the Sun/Sky -- if there is a price on the menu, it is not included.

If you go up and ask for a tequila sunrise, they're going to give you a crappy tequila, and it's free. If you say "Tequila Sunrise, please use quality Cazadores tequila!" it's going to cost something.

I just find some things odd on their menus, for example Sam Adams Boston Lager is included. Sam Adams Seasonal is $3.95/bottle. That's a $94.80 surcharge per case on two beers that are the same cost to buy!

It does seem like they've added more to the inclusive menu from a few years back, though.

Lots of beer to choose from bottle cans and drafts..the pool bar has a menu with drinks if the day that are included but the menus in the inside bars have prices listed. I just ordered the rebellious fish outside!! We did have the Irish coffee it was SUPER strong and cost 3.54, not 5.95?

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Lots of beer to choose from bottle cans and drafts

No, there are not.