Thoughts on the soda card?

[canuckgal]

At one time, many people were saying that they received terrible service when trying to use their soda card- it was like asking to be ignored by the pool, that bartenders were rude when people asked them for soda etc. Has this improved? ( we will be on the sky, btw) Does the soda card work on GSC and do you have to bring the mug everywhere you go? Thanks!! Only 26 days do go!

[deladypilot]

I have only been on 2 cruise but had the soda card on both times. I never had an issue with it. Everyone was always very friendly when I asked.

 

They give you a small mug which does not hold alot of soda but I have found that if you go to any bartender or resturant and just show the sticker, you can get a regular glass filled, no problem.

 

We are headed out again next summer and I will be buying the soda package again.

[dpotter2]

I have never been treated rudly or ignored using the soda card program. You DO NOT have to have the mug they give you. They put a sticker on your room key card and all you have to do is show it and it is good on GSC. Often I have had waiters bring me a refill when they saw i was getting low.

[MeHeartCruising]

I've used the card a few times and never once thought I was getting poor service in using it. Most of the time, I approach the bar myself to get the soda from the bartender. I generally use the cup they give you because it's was insulated and the soda stayed colder longer. I especially use the insulated cup when out by the pool. But sometimes, I just get a plastic cup from the bartender too.

[lr657]

This may be a little off the topic and even might be a stupid question, But how do you purchase the soda card? This is our first cruise on NCL and I am not finding any way to purchase on line. Do you purchase the card once you get on the ship?

[hippie7love]

You have to call and pay with a credit card or debit card. I know. Why don't they just have it online? Lol. It shows u online under bon voyage next to the excursions tab when u log in. But u still have to call. We just did this for our October 12 cruise

[hippie7love]

U can purchase on the ship as well

[JohnIreland]

Never had an issue getting service.

 

You can use in GSC.

 

You don't need the mug.

[canuckgal]

Thanks everyone

[Suitcasefull]

DH gets the card (and I haul on my own cans of Cokes). He just buys it after we board and doesn't bother carrying the container. Never any problem getting refills and a lot of time the staff would pour him one when they saw him walking toward them. No one was ever rude and on the Spirit there was a young man in the dining room who would set the diet Pepsi down beside him about thirty seconds after we were seated. Good trick since it's freestyle. Got the kid an extremely good tip, though!

[Vyhanek]

The service for the soda card has greatly improved! It is true, a few years ago, the servers would see you with a soda card and want to ignore you. If a bartender figured out you had a soda card he would by-pass you for another customer. You WERE the last one served. It was an issue and was discussed over and over on this board.

 

But things have greatly improved. The only problem now is that it is terribly expensive. Then if you have a port intensive itinerary, you aren't on the ship much during the day. The last cruise I was able to justify a few days of spa pass in exchange for me hauling on my own 12 pack of diet coke.

[Hopes4]

This may be a little off the topic and even might be a stupid question, But how do you purchase the soda card? This is our first cruise on NCL and I am not finding any way to purchase on line. Do you purchase the card once you get on the ship?

 

While you can order it in advance, if you will be boarding before rooms are ready, I recommend purchasing it on board. Ordering in advance will get you a slip of paper left in your room that you hand in to get the mug and sticker. That becomes a problem if you are there early and thirsty.

[canuckgal]

Where on board should we go to purchase it?

[Suitcasefull]

There was a table set up where you could actually get it right after you boarded, just out on deck. Also a spa table there. Or, you can get them at the coffee bar in the main area, I think. Only thing I noticed was that a couple of hours after boarding there seemed to be a line there. Certainly no shortage of them, though.

[jdvmd]

There will be tables set up around the ship. Also, any server/bartender can sell it to you.

[conandrob240]

No mugs were bein given out in mid- August on Epic. But, no problem filling a cup or glass and every single bartender was helpful and pleasant.

[dread_pirate]

Does NCL have a soda card that includes mocktails?

[Hopes4]

Does NCL have a soda card that includes mocktails?

 

Nope :(

[LifeNJ]

We just got back on the Star, we had no problem using the soda card. Sometimes we had the travel cup. The cup does come in handy, it holds more than a glass

[anniversay/grad trip]

No mugs were bein given out in mid- August on Epic. But, no problem filling a cup or glass and every single bartender was helpful and pleasant.

 

If you purchase the soda package once onboard the Epic, do you have to pay the 18% VAT when sailing out of Barcelona? My understanding is that if you prepurchase you only pay USD taxes? But, if purchased onboard, you are subject to the 15% tax plus the VAT of an additional 18%? Is this correct?

[jdvmd]

If you purchase the soda package once onboard the Epic, do you have to pay the 18% VAT when sailing out of Barcelona? My understanding is that if you prepurchase you only pay USD taxes? But, if purchased onboard, you are subject to the 15% tax plus the VAT of an additional 18%? Is this correct?

Yes, believe this is the accurate.

[mitsugirly]

At one time, many people were saying that they received terrible service when trying to use their soda card- it was like asking to be ignored by the pool, that bartenders were rude when people asked them for soda etc. Has this improved? ( we will be on the sky, btw) Does the soda card work on GSC and do you have to bring the mug everywhere you go? Thanks!! Only 26 days do go!

 

I have read this on here too but we have never had ANY problems receiving soda at the bars, pool side, at the shows, casino, at dinner, or anywhere on the ship. They were always willing to help you and if you hang out at a place long enough, they see you coming and know exactly what you are going to ask for. :D

 

Yes, you use your card at GSC, no problems. :)

[signora]

Love the soda card: I drink club soda instead of water so it's a great way for me to stay hydrated on those warm weather cruises. I figure I have to drink 3 glasses a day to break even so that encourages me to drink the good bubbly stuff! BTW never any problem with service.