Why NCL Premium PLUS Adult Drink Package?

[RocketMan275]

1 hour ago, Sthrngary said:

Usually I would argue however your statement is correct.  When I was recently on Crystal Cruises, everything could be done online.  One more thing, when you made an excursion reservation not money changed hands.  They only had one drink program and everyone got it.  

 

Now that I have said that, as long as we know the rules, I just work within them.  Just differences between brands.  

I booked the cruise through a travel agent but booked the plus package on line.  Should I go through the TA or the cruise line.

[Sthrngary]

3 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I booked the cruise through a travel agent but booked the plus package on line.  Should I go through the TA or the cruise line.

Either

[phillygwm]

On 11/6/2021 at 2:27 PM, HowardK said:

Without going into calculations etc..  wouldn't one have to consume primarily from the premium plus list to make it worthwhile? i.e. if I wanted Woodford Reserve in something 2x a day ( it was included in 2018). Even if it was $5 more twice I would still come out ahead my not upgrading.

 

However, two much alcohol is bad for you and your immune system and the whole thing is a scam to begin with. The ship would have to have the alcohol available any to purchase.

If I ever make it on a cruise again I will drink less no more than 6 drinks in a day spaced out period.

 

Maybe not "primarily."  Let's say you like Champagne, or a premium whiskey.  You might only have 2 per day and it's paid for itself, especially when adding in the non-alcoholic stuff:  bottled water, Starbucks, etc.

Edited November 23, 2021 by phillygwm

[RocketMan275]

12 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Either

One other thing.  I notice in threads on the premium plus package that you've stated you like to take an opened bottle back to the room.  I've had very good results from using a Wine Saver Pump with Vacuum Bottle Stoppers available at amazon, the pump plus four stoppers for $19.95.  I've kept the wine fresh for up to four days.  I know you're probably finished the bottle from dinner but if you wanted a bottle from lunch as well...

 

https://www.amazon.com/Vacu-Vin-Black-Saver-stoppers/dp/B07ZTXD1R6/ref=zg_bs_678499011_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=YP780W91DHNX13DKK5GP

 

Another question:  have you ever requested bottles of wine instead of the three liquor bottles in the owners suite?

 

 

[Sthrngary]

10 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

I've kept the wine fresh for up to four days.  I know you're probably finished the bottle from dinner but if you wanted a bottle from lunch as well...

Thank you, these bottles never make to the next day!!! LOL

 

11 minutes ago, RocketMan275 said:

Another question:  have you ever requested bottles of wine instead of the three liquor bottles in the owners suite?

You can do three bottles. I would rather have spirits.  We have Crown Royal, Tequila, and Baily’s. With Premium Plus, the wine is handled. 

[don't-use-real-name]

8 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Thank you, these bottles never make to the next day!!! LOL

 

You can do three bottles. I would rather have spirits.  We have Crown Royal, Tequila, and Baily’s. With Premium Plus, the wine is handled. 

The GV DOS OS bottles selected are not the top shelf premium stuff.

My last trip requested in advance Canadian Club Ketel One and Jameson -

Canadian Club out of stock - substituted with Crown Royal.

As long as the seal has not been broken the Butler will handle any exchange/substitution.

 

Usual compliment - GV 6 bottles - the DOS & OS 3 bottles.

 

 

[nhtravels]

Does the PP+ work at the Moet & Chandon bar at Silver Cove? - 

 

That would make for one super luxurious day for me!

[phillygwm]

48 minutes ago, nhtravels said:

Does the PP+ work at the Moet & Chandon bar at Silver Cove? - 

 

That would make for one super luxurious day for me!

Fine print says you can use it in GSC so I would think so.

[aero777]

I have NCL’s book safe insurance, if I add the premium plus to my cruise will it increase the book safe premium?  Thanks

[don't-use-real-name]

10 minutes ago, aero777 said:

I have NCL’s book safe insurance, if I add the premium plus to my cruise will it increase the book safe premium?  Thanks

Answers maybe found here:

 

Passenger & Baggage Protection Policy | Coverage, Travel Arrangements & Medical Protection | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com)

 

The insurance is based on the fare paid - - -

 

Getting back to this Premium + beverage package - I don't think there is insurance on that !

[aero777]

8 minutes ago, don't-use-real-name said:

Answers maybe found here:

 

Passenger & Baggage Protection Policy | Coverage, Travel Arrangements & Medical Protection | Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.com)

 

The insurance is based on the fare paid - - -

 

Getting back to this Premium + beverage package - I don't think there is insurance on that !

Thanks, it just changed me for the drink package.

[Juncti]

On 11/23/2021 at 12:22 PM, Sthrngary said:

Thank you, these bottles never make to the next day!!! LOL

Good afternoon, quick question since you seem to have the most experience with this package. We just got upgraded to Haven with our bid, so I'm considering adding the plus package to make the most of our week in the Haven. Keep finding opposing statements in the threads I've been reading through trying to decide if we should upgrade.

 

We're going on the Breakaway, I see it always mention specialty coffee's but many posts say not Starbucks coffees. Last time I was on this ship that was the only premium coffee shop that I'm aware of on the boat, do you know if the plus includes Starbucks on the the Breakaway class of ship? I know when I rode the Pearl there was a NCL coffee bar instead of Starbucks. I don't really care about the name brand as much as being able to get a nice coffee.

 

I don't really drink any of the plus liquors (although I'd certainly try things if we get this). My main go to is Canadian Whiskey (Crown typically on normal beverage package) but there doesn't seem to be a plus version of that style. Do you have any suggestions of perhaps things you've tried and enjoyed that I could mention the the bartender and give a try? Sometimes the best drinks aren't on the menu but some new cocktail that someone makes.

 

I've also seen threads mention that the fresh squeezed juices are in the plus package, and others say it isn't. Do you know if those are in there? I can imagine getting some mileage out of that for mimosa's or other cocktails. 

 

Last on the wine bottles, is that dinner only that you can you get a bottle of champagne with breakfast or a wine bottle with lunch? Or do bottles only happen at dinner and you can request by the glass at breakfast or lunch?

 

Sorry to pepper you with questions, we were on the fence but I decided to splurge with some haven bids and we made it. So trying to decide if I should just go all in on top of the extra we paid plus the extra I'm going to be bringing to tip above what we originally planned pre-haven. 

 

Thanks so much

[Sthrngary]

51 minutes ago, Juncti said:

Good afternoon, quick question since you seem to have the most experience with this package. We just got upgraded to Haven with our bid, so I'm considering adding the plus package to make the most of our week in the Haven. Keep finding opposing statements in the threads I've been reading through trying to decide if we should upgrade.

 

We're going on the Breakaway, I see it always mention specialty coffee's but many posts say not Starbucks coffees. Last time I was on this ship that was the only premium coffee shop that I'm aware of on the boat, do you know if the plus includes Starbucks on the the Breakaway class of ship? I know when I rode the Pearl there was a NCL coffee bar instead of Starbucks. I don't really care about the name brand as much as being able to get a nice coffee.

 

I don't really drink any of the plus liquors (although I'd certainly try things if we get this). My main go to is Canadian Whiskey (Crown typically on normal beverage package) but there doesn't seem to be a plus version of that style. Do you have any suggestions of perhaps things you've tried and enjoyed that I could mention the the bartender and give a try? Sometimes the best drinks aren't on the menu but some new cocktail that someone makes.

 

I've also seen threads mention that the fresh squeezed juices are in the plus package, and others say it isn't. Do you know if those are in there? I can imagine getting some mileage out of that for mimosa's or other cocktails. 

 

Last on the wine bottles, is that dinner only that you can you get a bottle of champagne with breakfast or a wine bottle with lunch? Or do bottles only happen at dinner and you can request by the glass at breakfast or lunch?

 

Sorry to pepper you with questions, we were on the fence but I decided to splurge with some haven bids and we made it. So trying to decide if I should just go all in on top of the extra we paid plus the extra I'm going to be bringing to tip above what we originally planned pre-haven. 

 

Thanks so much

I am on the ship right now, I’ll try to answer questions when I can. If you’re not gonna do the alcohols then I would not do the premium plus package if you’re staying in the Haven.

[Juncti]

50 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

I am on the ship right now, I’ll try to answer questions when I can. If you’re not gonna do the alcohols then I would not do the premium plus package if you’re staying in the Haven.

You're on breakaway now? Can you take a picture of the plus menu? Seen it's been changing of late from other posts.

 

We just upgraded the drink package, so we'll see how it goes next week

[Sthrngary]

3 hours ago, Juncti said:

You're on breakaway now? Can you take a picture of the plus menu? Seen it's been changing of late from other posts.

 

We just upgraded the drink package, so we'll see how it goes next week

I am on the NCL Joy, not the Breakaway. There is no plus menu so to speak.  I posted the Haven Wine Menu a day or two ago.  Sorry I can’t help.

[Sthrngary]

5 hours ago, Juncti said:

We're going on the Breakaway, I see it always mention specialty coffee's but many posts say not Starbucks coffees

I will go to Starbucks in the morning and get a coffee.  That will be the rest. 

[Sthrngary]

5 hours ago, Juncti said:

Do you have any suggestions of perhaps things you've tried and enjoyed that I could mention the the bartender and give a try? Sometimes the best drinks aren't on the menu but some new cocktail that someone makes.

Ask for a “Smoking Drink”.  They put on a show. 
 

5 hours ago, Juncti said:

I've also seen threads mention that the fresh squeezed juices are in the plus package, and others say it isn't.

You are in the Haven, they will give you that anyway. 
 

5 hours ago, Juncti said:

Last on the wine bottles, is that dinner only that you can you get a bottle of champagne with breakfast or a wine bottle with lunch? Or do bottles only happen at dinner and you can request by the glass at breakfast or lunch?

In the Haven Resturant any meal. 

[topaz2314]

dumb qtn .. but there are some whiskeys I drink on the base premium package that comes with the booking.. are all those included without a charge? I was debating upgrading to plus but wife doesnt drink much and I m a scotch aficionado ..so upgrading alone isn't an option online.. looks like I might have to try once I get on. Or just pay by go which means I won't be losing much in the casino . 😄

 

Also what are the options for buying water on board? Do they sell like 24-48packs? or is it by bottle ? With 4 of us I would need a 30+pack easily for 5 days. 

Edited December 11, 2021 by topaz2314

[ggTexasGal]

14 minutes ago, topaz2314 said:

dumb qtn .. but there are some whiskeys I drink on the base premium package that comes with the booking.. are all those included without a charge? I was debating upgrading to plus but wife doesnt drink much and I m a scotch aficionado ..so upgrading alone isn't an option online.. looks like I might have to try once I get on. Or just pay by go which means I won't be losing much in the casino . 😄

 

Also what are the options for buying water on board? Do they sell like 24-48packs? or is it by bottle ? With 4 of us I would need a 30+pack easily for 5 days. 

https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/bottled-water-packages

 

If your favorite whiskeys/scotch are on the standard package list, there is no additional charge.  If your preferred brand costs more than $15, you can pay the overage + 20% grat.

 

As for upgrading to the Premium Plus Package for only one person.  I would not count on that happening!

Some people have claimed that NCL allows "Medical Exceptions" (Pregnancy) but there is no written policy that states the exception will happen.

Edited December 11, 2021 by ggTexasGal
added info

[topaz2314]

8 minutes ago, ggTexasGal said:

https://www.ncl.com/onboard-packages/bottled-water-packages

I actually saw thought but I wanted to see if I can buy without a "package" for some reason packages ring a bad feeling. I wanted to price it out individually to see where the value is.. ala carte or packages. 

 

Also to preface this .. I m a first time cruiser .. on any cruise line .. so not sure what to expect.

Edited December 11, 2021 by topaz2314

[ggTexasGal]

6 minutes ago, topaz2314 said:

I actually saw thought but I wanted to see if I can buy without a "package" for some reason packages ring a bad feeling. I wanted to price it out individually to see where the value is.. ala carte or packages. 

 

Also to preface this .. I m a first time cruiser .. on any cruise line .. so not sure what to expect.

You will find that a liter bottle of water would cost you something like $4-$5 per container. (They have JUST water!!!)  Glass bottles of Sparkling waters were $5 (back in 2019-2020).  And, don't forget every drink bought individually (outside of a package) has the 20% gratuity added.

 

On an added note: (since you are new to this) Most cruise ports in the USA will have a state mandated tax (approximately 10% added per beverage) on beverage serviced while still within the port area.

(If you prepay for your bottled JUST water, it does NOT have that tax required!)

[Lionkingrichard]

1 hour ago, topaz2314 said:

dumb qtn .. but there are some whiskeys I drink on the base premium package that comes with the booking.. are all those included without a charge? I was debating upgrading to plus but wife doesnt drink much and I m a scotch aficionado ..so upgrading alone isn't an option online.. looks like I might have to try once I get on. Or just pay by go which means I won't be losing much in the casino . 😄

 

Also what are the options for buying water on board? Do they sell like 24-48packs? or is it by bottle ? With 4 of us I would need a 30+pack easily for 5 days. 

Have not seen recent prices, but I was able to get a 12yr scotch for around $3 more, times 2(a double) plus the 20% on the $6.

 

Also the water on the ship is cleaner then what comes in most water bottles. Let the debate begin!

[topaz2314]

3 hours ago, ggTexasGal said:

You will find that a liter bottle of water would cost you something like $4-$5 per container. (They have JUST water!!!)  Glass bottles of Sparkling waters were $5 (back in 2019-2020).  And, don't forget every drink bought individually (outside of a package) has the 20% gratuity added.

 

On an added note: (since you are new to this) Most cruise ports in the USA will have a state mandated tax (approximately 10% added per beverage) on beverage serviced while still within the port area.

(If you prepay for your bottled JUST water, it does NOT have that tax required!)

$5 isn't as bad as I thought but then if I consume atleast 4 bottles for 4 a day .. thats about 20-25 bottles for the trip.i.e.100-125 +tax+gratuity for water .. 

[topaz2314]

2 hours ago, Lionkingrichard said:

Have not seen recent prices, but I was able to get a 12yr scotch for around $3 more, times 2(a double) plus the 20% on the $6.

 

Also the water on the ship is cleaner then what comes in most water bottles. Let the debate begin!

I can live with $6-10 per drink.. I might have 2-3 per day if I m relaxed and not running around .. looking at all the costs .. ie 100 for water + 100-150 for drinks (this is very low estimate ) + another 100 for other stuff... the premium package of 180*2 might be just about worth it.. 

[phillygwm]

6 hours ago, topaz2314 said:

I actually saw thought but I wanted to see if I can buy without a "package" for some reason packages ring a bad feeling. I wanted to price it out individually to see where the value is.. ala carte or packages. 

I got the Premium Plus package.  While I DO think I'll get my money's worth out of it, the big reason I did it is FOMO, let's assume it's a close call.  I'd rather budget on the front end than on the back.  If I didn't get the Plus package, would I hesitate to get that second (OK, fourth; don't judge!) glass of Champagne?  What fun is that?

Edited December 12, 2021 by phillygwm