Observations on the Ultimate Beverage Package

[ntara]

I just got off 14 days on the Breakaway. Bar service was spotty; bordering on terrible. At Spice H2O, there was ONE lone server walking around the entire area, and it wasn't much better around the main pool. I did not have the UDP as I don't drink enough to justify the cost, but I do tip well when I did order drinks....didn't matter. Bar staff was disengaged and pours were terrible! Very little alcohol no matter how much I tipped over the 18% auto gratuity. And, $26.00 for two Mimosas....really? It's a splash of low quality champagne and orange juice!! I was on the Breakaway two years ago and the same two Mimosas were $16.00. Apparently they have to raise the prices fifty percent in two years to subsidize the drink packages they are offering as incentives to book cruises.

 

For these reasons (and many others) I will be taking my cruise business elsewhere after five cruises with NCL (I have also sailed with RCCL, Celebrity and Princess). As a newly public company, NCL has cut corners in so many areas that it is no longer a pleasant cruise experience.

Edited February 16, 2016 by ntara

[KeithJenner]

I wonder how much people's experience depends on whether they generally go to the bar for drinks, or wait for a server.

 

I habitually go to the bar. It's just what I do. The only time I don't is if a server happens to ask us for a drink when we are close to needing one, and in my experience that has always been very rare on NCL. Just two particularly good servers spring to mind (Spirit pre UBP offers and Getaway last year).

 

If I was waiting for servers, I'm sure I would always have waited quite a while on NCL and, given the reports of just one or two servers working a while pool deck that may have now got worse.

 

When going to the bar, I would say that maybe the number of people waiting has increased slightly at certain times in my experience, but nothing major.

[spidybabe]

Just off the Star Jan 10th sailing. It was a fantastic cruise. Whatever problems they may of had in the past were not present on this sailing. The crew and staff were all polite and professional, and always with a warm greeting. We have taken 13 previous NCL cruises and a total of 16 cruises, and this one was excellent. We would highly recommend this cruise/ship to all. Only time we had a wait at the bar was 5 mins during sail away, but an orderly line was quickly formed, 3 bartenders with quick attentive service. Never had a wait after that. DH had cigar at Beer garten every night at sunset, no lines. Never had problem getting a fast drink, and we had alot of them.

Happy to answer any questions

Safe sailing

[newcruiser48]

I'm curious, if corporate did want to slow down drinks, why would the crew go along with it? Also, how would they determine who had UBP and who didn't unless they had previously served the person? Even if corporate wanted to slow down service for UBP guests, they would still want to serve cash guests as much as possible.

 

I'm not saying you are wrong, but I really have a hard time understanding this one.

 

We were asking ourselves the same thing. The cash was for tipping, we thought it would help.

[sid_9169]

Do you tip cash?

 

I always tip in cash... Who knows if the bartenders see even one penny from the "write-in" tips...

[Oakman58]

I think drink service depends on what lounge you might be at and whether or not some activity is scheduled there. We did notice a lack of servers on our Jade cruise in venues like the Spinnaker, Medusa, pool bar, etc. After the first day we just walked up to the bar to get drinks rather than hope someone would come by our table to get our drink order. There were exceptions though and it was always easy to get a drink in the Star Bar or the Moderno Bar. During dinner it was no problem getting a glass of wine and refills at either the Grand Pacific or the Alizar.

 

My guess, and yes this is just a guess, NCL has cut back on the number of crewmembers that work the lounges thus slowing the number of drinks consumed and cutting cost with fewer crewmembers. This my opinion based on my limited experiences on the Star and the Dawn where few if any had the UBP, and the Jade where it seemed as though everyone had the UBP.

[hdowney]

So to have a bunch of small bills handy to tip with would be good? And pick your bartender in your location, they'll get to know you.

 

Couple questions. How much does one tip per drink? We don't tip bartenders here?

Also does anyone from Ireland/England know how I would get my hands on small $ bills - 1s and 5s - since I am pretty sure when you get currence from the bank you don't get something that small (you might get 5s, but I doubt 1s)

[KeithJenner]

Also does anyone from Ireland/England know how I would get my hands on small $ bills - 1s and 5s - since I am pretty sure when you get currence from the bank you don't get something that small (you might get 5s, but I doubt 1s)

 

 

It isn't that easy. I generally try not to spend $1 bills on anything else when I'm in the US so I've always got a few of them.

 

Of course that requires going there. Maybe it's an excuse for another holiday. :)

 

I don't know whether some currency exchange places may be able to give you small bills if you request them. I'm sure some do have $1 bills as I think I have got a few of them before.

 

If all you have is $5 then I'd recommend tipping more but less regularly. If a particular server is serving you a lot then perhaps just give them $5 every now and then. That's certainly not a perfect solution though.

 

As for how much to tip, remember that 18% is already added. I usually just add a dollar every few drinks.

 

Whilst tipping helps, I'm not convinced it's the most important thing. Whilst I do give extra, I know others give more and I've always had excellent service. Being friendly is just as important. Make a couple of bar staff your friend.

Edited February 16, 2016 by KeithJenner

[TheDougOut]

Couple questions. How much does one tip per drink? We don't tip bartenders here?

Also does anyone from Ireland/England know how I would get my hands on small $ bills - 1s and 5s - since I am pretty sure when you get currence from the bank you don't get something that small (you might get 5s, but I doubt 1s)

 

Guest services will break down $$ into smaller bills (no problem getting singles). We try to tip $1/drink, and the staff always seems quite appreciative of this small gesture.

Edited February 16, 2016 by TheDougOut

[LrgPizza]

Also does anyone from Ireland/England know how I would get my hands on small $ bills - 1s and 5s - since I am pretty sure when you get currence from the bank you don't get something that small (you might get 5s, but I doubt 1s)

 

There is a machine in the casino to break bills into smaller bills.

[bruadhin]

We were asking ourselves the same thing. The cash was for tipping, we thought it would help.

 

I think Kingofwylietx hit the nail on the head. It is a large ship with a lot of guests and a lot of different employees taking care of those guests. It is entirely reasonable that some people will have a bad experience while most have a good one despite the best intentions of everyone.

 

I am not doubting anyone had a bad experience, but I just don't see corporate being the ones responsible, and particularly the crew going along with it. Now, if the crew feel that they are worker harder for less money, I can definitely see the quality of service decreasing, no matter what management wants.

 

Also, I think a lot of people forget that it takes two to tango. How you treat the crew goes a long way in determining how they treat you. I'm not saying extra tips, but being a pleasant person in general.

[KeithJenner]

There is a machine in the casino to break bills into smaller bills.

 

 

I didn't know that. Shows how much time I've ever spent in the Casino. :)

[Capella Black]

 

Couple questions. How much does one tip per drink? We don't tip bartenders here?

Also does anyone from Ireland/England know how I would get my hands on small $ bills - 1s and 5s - since I am pretty sure when you get currence from the bank you don't get something that small (you might get 5s, but I doubt 1s)

 

I get my travel money from Tesco, and they will give me a full $80 in singles.

[backsbanny]

On my last cruise on the epic late january i didnt find a lot of lines and it seemed half of the guests had the ubp...i saw a lot of bartenders anywhere BUT it was the first time on any ncl cruise ive been that i noticed very unmotivated staff that seemed trully so tired and overworked...no smile on their face just getting the job done most of the times

[newcruiser48]

I think Kingofwylietx hit the nail on the head. It is a large ship with a lot of guests and a lot of different employees taking care of those guests. It is entirely reasonable that some people will have a bad experience while most have a good one despite the best intentions of everyone.

 

I am not doubting anyone had a bad experience, but I just don't see corporate being the ones responsible, and particularly the crew going along with it. Now, if the crew feel that they are worker harder for less money, I can definitely see the quality of service decreasing, no matter what management wants.

 

Also, I think a lot of people forget that it takes two to tango. How you treat the crew goes a long way in determining how they treat you. I'm not saying extra tips, but being a pleasant person in general.

 

The service was night and day from past experiences without all the UBP. We always treat staff and crew and even other guests with the utmost respect and pleasantness. We are very easy going and make no demands. Just telling our experience.

[helen haywood]

I've only sailed NCL twice (long time cruiser but new to NCL.) Last year on Getaway and this year on Escape. Both times had the beverage package. Didn't go to the pool bar but never had a problem at O'Sheehans, Atrium, 5 O'Clock Somewhere or Tobacco Road. We always tip. We walk up to the bar. However, on Escape one time we ordered our drinks at the Atrium Bar and then went and sat in seats by the piano and a roving bartender just appeared later and poured us unordered (but appreciated!) refills!

 

I am more familiar with Celebrity and I would say the wait for a drink is equal on both. On Celebrity at Sunset Bar at sailaway the place is mobbed and you probably will have to wait. We come prepared....

 

Re different experiences. It is fascinating to read different reviews of the same exact cruise or a week or so apart and get totally different experiences! Some of the things seem trivial to me....like a poster who was put off because they never met their room steward even though they say the room was perfectly maintained... People who were unhappy with an entree....but didn't request something else...

 

Sorry the OP had a bad experience especially since he seems like a very gracious person.

[DMH15]

My personal experience with UBP is great and fast service... Although, I never go to the poolside bar. I also tip the bartenders, starting from the very first day and frequent the same bars. After the first day, whenever I approach the bar, they are asking for my order before I even sit down... Works every time...

 

 

I plan to tip too. A buck a drink. That usually does it.

[bruadhin]

The service was night and day from past experiences without all the UBP. We always treat staff and crew and even other guests with the utmost respect and pleasantness. We are very easy going and make no demands. Just telling our experience.

 

That was not directed towards you in particular, I apologize you thought it was. It was more a general observation. I have seen plenty of people treat service workers like crap and then wonder why they get bad service. Both on and off ships. Sadly, those people also affect the service the rest of us receive as well.

[Moby0215]

So to have a bunch of small bills handy to tip with would be good? And pick your bartender in your location, they'll get to know you.

 

 

 

Couple questions. How much does one tip per drink? We don't tip bartenders here?

 

Also does anyone from Ireland/England know how I would get my hands on small $ bills - 1s and 5s - since I am pretty sure when you get currence from the bank you don't get something that small (you might get 5s, but I doubt 1s)

 

 

You can get change from the bill breaker in the casino.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hawk1972]

I had intended to tip more in cash but usually forgot to take it with me when we went out and about like to the pool. Usually just had my ship card.

[MrMan]

I agree. My sister and I were on the Gem in November with the ubp. We left O'sheehans a few times because we could not get drinks. They weren't that busy. We also waited long times in Shaker's, the atrium and Spinnaker. We concluded unscientifically, of course, that the less drinks served, the bigger the bottom line. We always had cash sitting on the bars or tables. It didn't matter.

 

We are going again in March and surely hope for an improvement in this area.

 

I suspect the jewelry store and casino managers would disagree

[beerman2]

On my last cruise on the epic late january i didnt find a lot of lines and it seemed half of the guests had the ubp...i saw a lot of bartenders anywhere BUT it was the first time on any ncl cruise ive been that i noticed very unmotivated staff that seemed trully so tired and overworked...no smile on their face just getting the job done most of the times

 

Had same experience on Epic last Jan. However on 3rd day we found a great bartender at Waves (pool bar) who took great care of us. We did tip him well. He would see us coming and have drinks ready.

 

I am just of the opinion that NCL like Other corporations are making the bottom line better with less employees!

[detroitlions]

What an excellent point, I could agree more. It really makes for a great atmosphere at every bar.

Makes everything enjoyable with a lively atmosphere. I also think it forces all of the boorish snobby folks into the quiet areas which I enjoy no one likes a old stick in the mud.

[detroitlions]

Just off the Star Jan 10th sailing. It was a fantastic cruise. Whatever problems they may of had in the past were not present on this sailing. The crew and staff were all polite and professional, and always with a warm greeting. We have taken 13 previous NCL cruises and a total of 16 cruises, and this one was excellent. We would highly recommend this cruise/ship to all. Only time we had a wait at the bar was 5 mins during sail away, but an orderly line was quickly formed, 3 bartenders with quick attentive service. Never had a wait after that. DH had cigar at Beer garten every night at sunset, no lines. Never had problem getting a fast drink, and we had alot of them.

Happy to answer any questions

Safe sailing

I am sailing march 20th I was going to go back on the Getaway because it had a simular itenerary but I was just on that ship a few months ago and really wanted to do a smaller ship just to mix it up my last 4 cruises where on mega ships. I had great UBP service on the Epic and Getaway. On sea days the bars on the pool deck were packed before and after lunch but that did not bother me sometimes I did wait there if DW wanted a drink if it was just me I walked to another area at those times. The rest was all great service. The shows and dinner are really the only slower areas. But I may have 2 drinks max in those venues and at dinner if I want one I go to the bar outside the restaurant and grab one. I know most folks would not do this but I cant stand to sit for 2 hrs straight at dinner time anyhow. I would love to hear more about the Star I have not found much here to look at. And the port is only 50 mins from my house which is very cool.

[Angelo_R]

I am sailing march 20th... I would love to hear more about the Star I have not found much here to look at. And the port is only 50 mins from my house which is very cool.

 

Slightly off topic... there is a lot to look at for the Star. You seem to be an active poster (603 posts) so I'd assume you know your way around CC. Here's some links:

 

NCL Star specific search - Lists threads involving the Star

My NCL Star Guide and Review - from 1/31-2/7/16; also includes the Freestyle Dailies, most menus, and pictures on Google Docs.

 

Also some great reviews by FlyingCruiserNJ and others recently.