Beverage Package Clarification

[cruiseny4life]

10 hours ago, SunshineGal2022 said:

I still wish NCL had a non-alcoholic drink package like MSC does.  The FAS package would include sodas, mocktails, and juices; the Plus version would add in bottled water, Starbucks, and energy drinks.  I think NCL assumes non or lite drinkers will pay the current Plus rate anyways, but it’s hard to justify the $243/person upgrade for a 7 day cruise when you don’t drink much/any alcohol.  I would find value in a plan that was priced between the Starbucks upgrade rate and the current FAS+ upgrade rate. 
 

I know they read these boards so I hope they listen…

Agreed! I'd be all over that. We ditched the beverage package in September, because my husband doesn't drink and I don't drink (except on cruises). Just paid as we went. In Dec/Jan we did stick with the Free at Sea, paying the gratuities and upcharge cruise fare for Free at Sea. We've considered Free at Sea Plus so we could get Premium Plus. I think I'd put a dent in the Starbucks Refreshers. We haven't done that as it really doesn't make financial sense. I just stick with the enhanced kiwi water at the buffet or order myself some alcohol. 

But, yes, it would be amazing if they had a non-alcoholic version of the beverage package that actually had more than soda OR Starbucks. I don't go to Starbucks on land, so unless very bored/thirsty, I wouldn't go on the ship and pay per item. With an included package, perhaps. 

[dbrown84]

On 1/18/2023 at 3:49 PM, mjkacmom said:

But is free at sea only for the first 2 passengers? That would be $40 a day, drinks averaging around $12 each, throw in some virgin drinks and it’s worth it.

actually the drink package is for all adults in the cabin, so there would be $60 a day for gratuities.  So, if you go with an average of $12 per drink, then you're looking at 5 drinks as the break even point.  Of course, I'm talking about the break even for the gratuities.  The cost of the package is baked into the cruise fare, so it's a sunken cost.  Probably still worth it, but the cost is higher (just over $400 for the week)

[dbrown84]

On 1/18/2023 at 3:49 PM, mjkacmom said:

But is free at sea only for the first 2 passengers? That would be $40 a day, drinks averaging around $12 each, throw in some virgin drinks and it’s worth it.

actually the drink package is for all adults in the cabin, so there would be $60 a day for gratuities.  So, if you go with an average of $12 per drink, then you're looking at 5 drinks as the break even point.  Of course, I'm talking about the break even for the gratuities.  The cost of the package is baked into the cruise fare, so it's a sunken cost.  Probably still worth it, but the cost is higher (just over $400 for the week)

[dbrown84]

Any of the three a CAS member?  I ask because they could book thru the casino department and get the free casino drink card with the reservation.  You can only get drinks at the casino bar, but there are no gratuities with it.  It's house drinks but bottled water, cans of soda, specialty coffees and energy drinks are included.