How's the drink service?

[PinkPineapple111]

Just got off the Getaway and didn't have great service, except in the specialty dining rooms (of course). There were several times there was only one bartender at a bar (in various locations across the ship, including the pool and the casino) and I had to wait 10+ minutes for a drink. At first, I thought that maybe NCL hadn't upped it's bar staff to accommodate for the UPB, but after I realized the promotion has been going on for several months, my guess is they've purposely kept the staffing low to keep the numbers of drinks served low.

 

One night in the MDR, our server brought us doubles of our wine since the bar was so backed up. We definitely appreciated the gesture!

 

I also think you'll get better service on a smaller ship. We were on the Sky in November and had the UBP (before it was part of the promotion) and we got great service everywhere we went because the bartenders recognized us and knew we had the UBP (= guaranteed we were going to order drinks = guaranteed gratuity for them). Since it was a smaller ship, we were more likely to see the person who served us at the pool later that night at a different bar (and, there were a lot less guests!)

[SailorSam42]

Now that many people have gotten UBP, how is the actual drink service? Enough roaming wait staff in lounges and theaters? in MDR do we order from regular servers or is there a bar server?

 

I've read some reviews that say getting a drink is impossible. I've read some saying no problem at all. Not sure what is fact or fiction.

 

I cruised on the NCL Epic in May of this year. On one occasion, I was quite annoyed when trying to get a drink at the bar in the pool area (only a soft drink as I had purchased the soda package). There were insufficient bar staff for the crowds trying to get served but that wasn't the main cause of my annoyance. I finally got to the bar and the lady there took my order but when I showed her my card (alerting her that I didn't have to pay or tip) she started asking other customers for their orders and seemed to be trying to serve six or seven customers at the same time. I'm not sure that there is some sort of discrimination in favour of those that pay (and hence tip) and those that have a package, but I got the clear impression that this was what was happening. I had some words with the barmaid involved and was then served. Perhaps it is a good idea to keep your pass hidden until you've actually received your drink!

[Moby0215]

I've already paid a gratuity for the package. If a bartender or server is very friendly, or checks on us often, keeps us stocked up, etc., I'm happy to hand out more cash. I won't flash cash just to get their attention in the first place. So while they take $2 from someone else, they could be losing $5 from me. I'm not into rewarding lazy or surly servers, though in 25 years of cruising that has been very few and far between thankfully.

 

 

 

I like the idea of seeking out the less busy bars. That way I'm not having to get lost in a crowd to get service.

 

 

 

This thread reads like the reviews I have read; some have no problem at all, others report terrible service. I guess I will have to wait and see how it is for us.

 

 

Yes you have paid a gratuity on the package but so has everyone else. No need to flash cash but a couple dollars every round goes a long way and the waiters/bartenders etc. will get to know you and continue to come around and ask if you need anything.

 

 

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[Cauzneffct]

I wonder if there's any correlation between perception of service and amount of drinking being done. In other words, is someone who only has a couple drinks a day more/less likely to notice/be concerned about staffing vs. someone with the UBP who is drinking a fair amount (NTTAWWT)?

[Moby0215]

I wonder if there's any correlation between perception of service and amount of drinking being done. In other words, is someone who only has a couple drinks a day more/less likely to notice/be concerned about staffing vs. someone with the UBP who is drinking a fair amount (NTTAWWT)?

 

 

I had to google the NTTAWWT. Hilarious. I think it is possible that someone who is intoxicated might get a little impatient when waiting for a drink but I also think that it is possible that someone who is sober waiting for their first drink might also be more alert to realize if the service is suffering. So who knows. I do however believe that some people who complain about the service would be complaining no matter what. It's hard to please everybody. Please note that I said "some" not "all".

 

 

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[Cauzneffct]

I had to google the NTTAWWT. Hilarious. I think it is possible that someone who is intoxicated might get a little impatient when waiting for a drink but I also think that it is possible that someone who is sober waiting for their first drink might also be more alert to realize if the service is suffering. So who knows. I do however believe that some people who complain about the service would be complaining no matter what. It's hard to please everybody. Please note that I said "some" not "all".

 

Yeah, who knows. Personally, I think I'd be most likely to notice/complain/etc if I paid for the UBP as I'd be concerned I wasn't getting my money's worth. If I'd gotten the UBP as a promo or, as will be the case for me next May, will be paying by the drink, I'd be more likely to roll with it.

[GoAndHaveFun]

I typically have the soda package (as I don't really drink) and service can be hit or miss. There have been times where I went to the bar and stood there for couple mins (bartender was busy...understandable) but the bartender ignored me and acknowledged the person who came AFTER me. I also tip as well and there have been times where I got a weird look from a bartender or one of the servers. This happened on the Breakaway in which I ordered diet pepsi from the server while I was at karaoke. When he came with the drink, I tipped him and he gave me this really weird look followed by a "you didn't have to!" I wonder what he would have said had I snatch back the tip lol

[LissaSue2]

Just got off the Pearl yesterday (9/13/15) and had no problems with the drink service. I don't guzzle down my drinks though, I'm a rather slow drinker, so perhaps if I were one who desired my beverages more frequently I might've been disappointed. For me though, all was just right and they served me, with my lovely UBP, as kindly and as efficiently as anyone else onboard.

Edited September 15, 2015 by LissaSue2

[Moby0215]

I typically have the soda package (as I don't really drink) and service can be hit or miss. There have been times where I went to the bar and stood there for couple mins (bartender was busy...understandable) but the bartender ignored me and acknowledged the person who came AFTER me. I also tip as well and there have been times where I got a weird look from a bartender or one of the servers. This happened on the Breakaway in which I ordered diet pepsi from the server while I was at karaoke. When he came with the drink, I tipped him and he gave me this really weird look followed by a "you didn't have to!" I wonder what he would have said had I snatch back the tip lol

 

 

One thing you have to realize is (especially if the bar is busy) the bartender may not know that you were there before someone else. It's not like there is a single file line. So they do the best they can, usually going down the line of the bar. It's not an exact science and people do get waited on before others but it all evens out. Just relax and enjoy your vacation :)

 

 

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[GoAndHaveFun]

One thing you have to realize is (especially if the bar is busy) the bartender may not know that you were there before someone else. It's not like there is a single file line. So they do the best they can, usually going down the line of the bar. It's not an exact science and people do get waited on before others but it all evens out. Just relax and enjoy your vacation :)

 

 

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The bar wasn't busy though. Besides the 1-2 people getting served, it was me, my brother and one other person who came after us. If it was super busy (I experienced this on the Breakaway and I understand), then I completely understand.

[SuiteCruiser]

My experience on the Getaway from 10 minutes ago: walked over to the bar, waited only 3 minutes, got a chin jut, asked for a shirley temple, got it without a word, called him back asking for cherrirs as there were none. He gave the index finger of hold your horses rolled his eyes at me to other customers and then got me the cherries.

 

OMG, that's so rude. Maybe he was a Sens or a Leafs fan? Otherwise, it doesn't make sense. :)

[Moby0215]

The bar wasn't busy though. Besides the 1-2 people getting served, it was me, my brother and one other person who came after us. If it was super busy (I experienced this on the Breakaway and I understand), then I completely understand.

 

 

You said in your post that the bartender was busy. He can't be expected to know the exact order everyone standing at the bar came in. So you had to wait for one person to be waited on before you. I don't get the problem?

 

 

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[SuiteCruiser]

You said in your post that the bartender was busy. He can't be expected to know the exact order everyone standing at the bar came in. So you had to wait for one person to be waited on before you. I don't get the problem?

 

 

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Being busy making a drink and being inundated with people waiting for drinks are two different things.

 

We had the same thing, my group of three had clearly been waiting longer than new people who arrived, yet we waited. You know when someone has looked at you and bypassed you. Perhaps the newcomers had given them some cash to get served first, who knows?

[GoAndHaveFun]

You said in your post that the bartender was busy. He can't be expected to know the exact order everyone standing at the bar came in. So you had to wait for one person to be waited on before you. I don't get the problem?

 

 

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The bartender was busy...making the drink. Meanwhile, besides like 2 people waiting for their drink, it was my brother and I in line before someone else stood at the bar for a drink as well. You really don't see anything rude about having wait at the bar (or even a restaurant) for a couple mins at a pretty empty bar and then someone else who just got there gets served before you do?

 

Being busy making a drink and being inundated with people waiting for drinks are two different things.

 

We had the same thing, my group of three had clearly been waiting longer than new people who arrived, yet we waited. You know when someone has looked at you and bypassed you. Perhaps the newcomers had given them some cash to get served first, who knows?

 

THANK YOU! It's the basic concept of lining up and then expecting service. I think anyone would be annoyed if they had been waiting for a bit for service but then the bartender (or even hostess) attended to someone else who just got there.

Edited September 15, 2015 by GoAndHaveFun

[Moby0215]

The bartender was busy...making the drink. Meanwhile, besides like 2 people waiting for their drink, it was my brother and I in line before someone else stood at the bar for a drink as well. You really don't see anything rude about having wait at the bar (or even a restaurant) for a couple mins at a pretty empty bar and then someone else who just got there gets served before you do?

 

 

 

THANK YOU! It's the basic concept of lining up and then expecting service. I think anyone would be annoyed if they had been waiting for a bit for service but then the bartender (or even hostess) attended to someone else who just got there.

 

 

You obviously don't go to bars often. Like I said there is no single file line at a bar. Sometimes I wish there was but there is not. So I just stay calm relax as I know the bartender will get to me soon. No reason to stress over having to wait another minute or two.

 

 

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[GoAndHaveFun]

You obviously don't go to bars often. Like I said there is no single file line at a bar. Sometimes I wish there was but there is not. So I just stay calm relax as I know the bartender will get to me soon. No reason to stress over having to wait another minute or two.

 

 

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Yes you are right, I don't go to bars often or ever! It's just that I thought if I stand at the bar (and it isn't busy) with my room key out, I would hopefully get service soon while the bartender is making another drink. For me, I always hope that the bartender (or any service personnel) would acknowledge me when I am at the bar, podium or wherever.

[spidybabe]

Another part of the problem is the type of drink ordered. If many people (and many many do ) order blended/frozen type drinks, they take much longer to prepare than just "something" and coke. I loved the Miami Vice, it has two frozen drinks combined, but unfortunately takes time to make. Sorry if you were waiting behind me for a drink. Lol

Safe sailing

Edited September 15, 2015 by spidybabe

[aubreyc1988]

Another part of the problem is the type of drink ordered. If many people (and many many do ) order blended/frozen type drinks, they take much longer to prepare than just "something" and coke. I loved the Miami Vice, it has two frozen drinks combined, but unfortunately takes time to make. Sorry if you were waiting behind me for a drink. Lol

Safe sailing

 

YES - Frozen drinks take forever to make and I personally usually feel bad for the bartenders swamped with orders and people getting upset at them. If the bar is too slow, just hop on to the next one.

 

I feel like on every line there should be more bartenders. I was just on Carnival and they had one guy running the pool bar ALL day, and have seen similar on RCI.

 

But now I am thirsty just thinking about a yummy frozen drink haha

[DonJuan77]

On Breakaway right now, longest I've waited for a drink was day #1 at the pool bar. I've found its a lot easier to go to the bar vs wait for someone to come around. I was in taste last night and the service was very quick.

[GUEST080219]

You obviously don't go to bars often. Like I said there is no single file line at a bar. Sometimes I wish there was but there is not. So I just stay calm relax as I know the bartender will get to me soon. No reason to stress over having to wait another minute or two.

 

 

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If there are less than 10 people waiting at a bar the size on cruise ships and the bartender does not remember in what order they arrived he isn't doing a great job.

Now I don't mind if I arrive 2 seconds before someone else and it gets mixed up but if someone arrives three minutes later and gets served first I do notice it and will for sure remember that.

The bar staff might get more tips from someone else but I have to fill out questionnaires so I think it works both ways.

[DonJuan77]

If there are less than 10 people waiting at a bar the size on cruise ships and the bartender does not remember in what order they arrived he isn't doing a great job.

 

Now I don't mind if I arrive 2 seconds before someone else and it gets mixed up but if someone arrives three minutes later and gets served first I do notice it and will for sure remember that.

 

The bar staff might get more tips from someone else but I have to fill out questionnaires so I think it works both ways.

 

 

If you go to the pool deck you might run into that but everywhere else hasn't been an issue.

[LMaxwell]

How about at GSC?

[aubreyc1988]

How about at GSC?

 

I haven't been GSC, but my experience with private islands is that its not worth waiting for. Limited bar selection, and a looooooooong lines. But like I said, i havent been to GSC, and my experience was like a year ago at a different cruiseline private island. But that would be my guess, is that the experience is not ideal lol

[StolidCruiser]

Yes you are right, I don't go to bars often or ever! It's just that I thought if I stand at the bar (and it isn't busy) with my room key out, I would hopefully get service soon while the bartender is making another drink. For me, I always hope that the bartender (or any service personnel) would acknowledge me when I am at the bar, podium or wherever.

 

Spend one ten hour shift as a bartender and then you can understand the dynamics.

 

I love those people who havent spent one minute of their lives in a service position moaning about the "poor service" they receive.

 

Those of us dedicated to the service industry can spot you a mile away... and we respond accordingly.

[LMaxwell]

Spend one ten hour shift as a bartender and then you can understand the dynamics.

 

I love those people who havent spent one minute of their lives in a service position moaning about the "poor service" they receive.

 

Those of us dedicated to the service industry can spot you a mile away... and we respond accordingly.

 

Being ignored by a bartender at a mostly empty bar isn't good service. Are you one of those bartenders that feels entitled to big tips for just showing up, or do you recognize that you are in hospitality and have to take care of the guest?