UBP, Haven, water ?

[5280mom]

We are booked in a Haven suite on the Getaway in November. With the UBP,as non-alcohol drinkers, we are basically using this as a very over priced soda package (free perk at time of booking). New policy is requiring us to purchase the water package from NCL, correct? Or, do we have access to unlimited bottled water as Haven guests for the week?

 

Also, where does Perrier fall in these packages, available or not?

 

Can we request from our butler that the mini fridge be kept stocked with canned soda (since we can't bring our own aboard to consume in the room)?

[LrgPizza]

New policy is requiring us to purchase the water package from NCL, correct?

 

Absolutely incorrect. NO ONE, regardless of cabin location, is required to buy a water package! You can buy one if you want, or don't. That's it.

[gmazz]

We were on the Breakaway last month in the Haven. You don't get cans of soda included in the UBP but fountain soda which can be given to you at any bar. We did see people at the Haven bar ask for a glass of water which they were gladly given any time we saw it asked for.

 

We did not have anything in our fridge when we got to our room upon boarding. When we saw our Butler we asked him if he could please keep a pitcher of water and unsweetened ice tea in the fridge for us and happily agreed. We also asked for M&M's which were kept plentiful for the week. ;)

 

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[njhorseman]

Absolutely incorrect. NO ONE, regardless of cabin location, is required to buy a water package! You can buy one if you want, or don't. That's it.

 

I suspect the OP was intending to ask if they had to buy a water package to get unlimited bottled water, and just didn't include the words I've added in red. In other words they were asking if the unlimited beverage package included bottled water, which it does not.

 

So, the answer to their question is yes, if you want bottled water you have to buy it, either via a water package or by the bottle. Nor do the water packages provide unlimited bottled water, they provide a set number of bottles. Aquafina brand is included in the water packages, not Perrier, to answer another of the OP's questions.

 

Here's the information on water packages:

 

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

[Annmeat]

We are booked in a Haven suite on the Getaway in November. With the UBP,as non-alcohol drinkers, we are basically using this as a very over priced soda package (free perk at time of booking). New policy is requiring us to purchase the water package from NCL, correct? Or, do we have access to unlimited bottled water as Haven guests for the week?

 

Also, where does Perrier fall in these packages, available or not?

 

Can we request from our butler that the mini fridge be kept stocked with canned soda (since we can't bring our own aboard to consume in the room)?

 

Are you in an Owners Suite? Then , yes, you have unlimited bottled water. Or you can just ask your butler for a pitcher of iced water to be kept in your suite.You do get one free bottle of water in the non-DOS/OS categories. There is also water and iced tea available in the Haven pool area in glass dispensers during normal pool hours.

 

You can also ask for specific cans to be stocked and the others removed. What you drink will be replenished when daily inventory is taken and charges made.

Edited July 9, 2016 by Annmeat

[littlelulu01]

We are booked in a Haven suite on the Getaway in November. With the UBP,as non-alcohol drinkers, we are basically using this as a very over priced soda package (free perk at time of booking). New policy is requiring us to purchase the water package from NCL, correct? Or, do we have access to unlimited bottled water as Haven guests for the week?

 

Also, where does Perrier fall in these packages, available or not?

 

Can we request from our butler that the mini fridge be kept stocked with canned soda (since we can't bring our own aboard to consume in the room)?

 

I really hope they reconsider the UBP inclusion choices for people in your situation. The UBP perk for suites is built into the fare so we do pay for the UBP and service fee associated but just in a higher priced cruise fare. I find it absurd they don't include many non alcoholic beverages, especially now that we are not allowed to even bring on a can of soda. So yes, it's a glorified soda from a gun package that includes all the soda you want in a glass, served from the bar. You'll also have to pay for each speciality coffee you order but the coffees with alcohol are included!

 

You can have your butler stock your fridge with the sodas and waters you use and you just pay as you take. I think water bottle will be about $6 each, soda about $3/can and coffees? When you want a latte or coffee drink with a meal you will be charged for the beverage plus the 18% service fee. Your stateroom will have an nespresso for in room consumption of coffee. All the little charges for your non alcoholic beverages will show up as you go on your bill along with the 18%.

 

So the UBP is essentially a waste of a perk for a non drinker. The cash value of this perk for our cruise is $2305! So for the $2305 perk we get soda from a gun and will pay a few hundred extra for the canned sodas, bottles of water and speciality coffees each day. It's insulting to be "given" a beverage package worth $2305 and still have to pay for almost all of my drinks.

[FM]

5280mom ... We are also non-alcoholic drinkers but I plan on trying a number of the speciality drinks (at least once) with our UBP ... plus don't forget you can get the "Virgin" (non-alcoholic) versions also - Pina-Coladas and Shirley Temples are two of my faves :)

[HappyCruiserettu]

My understanding is that those having the UBP are assessed an 18% tip based on the cash value of $2305. That would be $415. Yikes!

 

Is that actually correct? Is that the way it works?

[FM]

My understanding is that those having the UBP are assessed an 18% tip based on the cash value of $2305. That would be $415. Yikes!

 

Is that actually correct? Is that the way it works?

 

I was informed and happy to learn that the 18% for UBP do not apply to those who are in Haven Class ...

[littlelulu01]

My understanding is that those having the UBP are assessed an 18% tip based on the cash value of $2305. That would be $415. Yikes!

 

Is that actually correct? Is that the way it works?

 

If in a suite the service fee is included. If not in a suite you pay the 18% so $400 for two people on a 2 week cruise. If a non drinker and not in a suite you are better off just paying for the soda package for soda in a glass at a bar unless you want to also order some very high caloric virgin drinks.

[njhorseman]

My understanding is that those having the UBP are assessed an 18% tip based on the cash value of $2305. That would be $415. Yikes!

 

Is that actually correct? Is that the way it works?

 

The "retail value" of the package is $79 per person per day. So the service charge is 18% of $79 per person per day, which is $14.22 per person per day. For two people on a 7 day cruise the total would be $199.08, if I've done my math correctly.

[LrgPizza]

My understanding is that those having the UBP are assessed an 18% tip based on the cash value of $2305. That would be $415. Yikes!

 

Is that actually correct? Is that the way it works?

 

 

The price is $553 per person for a 7 night cruise. 18% of that is $99.54, not $415.

 

Math, people.

 

 

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[xcell]

Isn't the op going for 2 weeks so (to round things up) $100 pp per week... $400

[Diane123boys]

The OP is in a Haven room there fore NO 18% .

[littlelulu01]

The price is $553 per person for a 7 night cruise. 18% of that is $99.54, not $415.

 

Math, people.

 

 

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Or in op's case and a non alcoholic beverage drinkers case, they have a "ultimate beverage package" billed on NCL's website as the, "Unlimited beverages!" perk worth almost $100 per person per day. Add insult to injury they are not allowed to bring onboard ANY liquid non alcoholic beverage. Their huge perk that they're paying for in their fare is not going to cover a single water bottle, a single speciality coffee, a single can of soda. Nope they will pay NCL's jacked up prices for those beverages. i think the op was questioning the inclusions/exclusions more out of schock rather than about an exact down to the penny what their "free"perk was worth.

[mking8288]

Not sure if Perrier is available these days.

 

S.Pellegrino, sparkling natural mineral water is available onboard, last known price of $5.50 for 750 ml bottle + 18% service charge/fee/restocking (mini-bar) = $6.49 a bottle plus any applicable sales tax depending on the jurisdiction.

 

These are better "Drink Card" - better variety of free house selections, nothing ultimate about it, of course. But, they are "expensive" in pracitce to earn/get [emoji14]

 

Edited July 9, 2016 by mking8288

[esm54687]

Not sure if Perrier is available these days.

 

S.Pellegrino, sparkling natural mineral water is available onboard, last known price of $5.50 for 750 ml bottle + 18% service charge/fee/restocking (mini-bar) = $6.49 a bottle plus any applicable sales tax depending on the jurisdiction.

 

These are better "Drink Card" - better variety of free house selections, nothing ultimate about it, of course. But, they are "expensive" in pracitce to earn/get [emoji14]

 

 

Lucky get you bottled water in the casino?

[mking8288]

Lucky card is good for house drinks, wine, beer, also bottled water, soda, juice & Red Bull while playing - just cash tipping for the server. Perhaps, not specialty coffee. For now, that is what casino players get with this.

 

via Nexus 5X over Google Fi / WiFi network, VPN secured

Edited July 9, 2016 by mking8288

[esm54687]

Thank you sir!

[Kingmaker_inc]

The UBP perk for suites is built into the fare so we do pay for the UBP and service fee associated but just in a higher priced cruise fare.

 

I'm not sure what this means. Do Haven guests not pay the 18%? Can someone please explain what this means?

(Because that would be awesome news!)

Edited July 10, 2016 by Kingmaker_inc

[Diane123boys]

I'm not sure what this means. Do Haven guests not pay the 18%? Can someone please explain what this means?

 

That is correct Suites on non haven ships and Haven guests do NOT pay the 18%

[Kingmaker_inc]

That is correct Suites on non haven ships and Haven guests do NOT pay the 18%

 

 

YAY! Finally some specific good news!!

[littlelulu01]

I'm not sure what this means. Do Haven guests not pay the 18%? Can someone please explain what this means?

(Because that would be awesome news!)

 

All suites, except mini suites, do not pay the extra 18% on top of their cruise fare. Haven suites and S suites now have the UBP and associated fees built into your fare. It's a great news IF you drink alcohol. If not, as in the op's case, you have an UBP built into fare and it may not cover most of your consumed non alcoholic beverages. This thread is asking a question about included drinks with the UBP in a suite. The poster does not drink alcohol and has realized, I assume, that their unlimited drink package is not covering the non alcoholic beverages they want to drink.

[latebloomer56]

Now I'm very confused. When we booked a year ago April for this Oct. we received the UDP & Adult Beverage, service charge, & shore excursion credit for first two in the 2 BR suite. Also received soda package & UDP (with child's UDP) for the kids. Do I need to pay the 18% for these items on top of the service charge for the kids (which I have been trying to pre pay without luck)? Trying to get my budget in order I hate to think about the money end of our vacation while on vacation. Like it all paid for except daily spending. That way I can spend away :).

Other item is we later booked the inside across the hall from us for our Aunt in Jan this year. Paid for a solo and she received SDP. Do we need to pay the 18% on her package as well.

All these different terms UDP, SDP, and our drink package is listed as ABP (adult beverage package) never even seen this one before?

Thanks folk's I know somebody out there has an answer. I will ask the TA but she doesn't always get the same answer twice from NCL for us either.

[FM]

Now I'm very confused. When we booked a year ago April for this Oct. we received the UDP & Adult Beverage, service charge, & shore excursion credit for first two in the 2 BR suite. Also received soda package & UDP (with child's UDP) for the kids. Do I need to pay the 18% for these items on top of the service charge for the kids (which I have been trying to pre pay without luck)? Trying to get my budget in order I hate to think about the money end of our vacation while on vacation. Like it all paid for except daily spending. That way I can spend away :).

Other item is we later booked the inside across the hall from us for our Aunt in Jan this year. Paid for a solo and she received SDP. Do we need to pay the 18% on her package as well.

All these different terms UDP, SDP, and our drink package is listed as ABP (adult beverage package) never even seen this one before?

Thanks folk's I know somebody out there has an answer. I will ask the TA but she doesn't always get the same answer twice from NCL for us either.

 

I believe it all depends on when you book as Terms and Conditions is subject to change according to whatever promotion is being offered. At the moment, the Free at Sea promotion is on and one perk you may choose is the UBP ... Here is the following Terms and Conditions of the UBP as it relates the to the promotion (I highlighted several the salient parts including the 18%) ...

 

• 
  Terms & Conditions
   
   
  Booking Window: May 18, 2016 - July 31, 2016 11:59 pm EST
  Applicable Sailings: 5 nights or longer sailings
  Studios & Insides: Pick 1 Offer
  Oceanviews, Balconies & Mini-Suites: Pick 2 Offers
  Suites & Haven: Automatically gets Specialty Dining Package, Ultimate Beverage Package, Shore Excursion Credit, 250 Minutes of Free Internet and *Extra Guests Sail Free (on select sailings).
  Offer is not applicable to categories IX, OX, BX & MX.
   
  ...
   
   
  Unlimited Beverages: (Excluded on Hawaii Cruises) Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.
   
  Guest must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to qualify for the Ultimate Beverage Package. Guests under 21 will receive the soda package.
  Variety of spirits and cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to $15 USD. Includes fountain soda and juice, and non-alcoholic beer.
  A 20% discount will be given on bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included) purchased on board.
  Does not apply to the Ice Bars.
  Does not include room service, package sales, bottled water, ship specific promotions or beer buckets, designated super premium brands (subject to change), bottled wine, mini bar purchases, fresh squeezed juices, Lavazza coffee beverages, wine dispenser, energy drinks or vending machines.
  Guest who receive the Soda Package may obtain fountain soda at any bar, lounge or restaurant throughout the duration of the cruise.
  Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries.
  Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package prior to cruise, except when booking a Haven or Suite.
  18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Ultimate Beverage Package and/or Soda Package are included when booking through the Australia office.
  Retail value of Ultimate Beverage Package is $79 USD per person per day. Package price is subject to change.
  Retail value of the Adult Soda Package is $7.50 USD per person per day. Package price is subject to change.
  When booking a Haven or Suite category, gratuities related to beverage and soda packages are included.
   
   
   
  Specialty Dining Package:
   
  Sail Length Number Of Dining Package Meals Retail Value
  5-9 Nights 3 $69 USD per person
  10+ Nights 4 $84 USD per person
   
  Package prices are subject to change.
  Guest is responsible for 18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package prior to cruise.
  18% gratuities & service charges on the retail value of the Specialty Dining Package are included when booking through the Australia office.
  Applicable to guests 1-2 on the reservation.
  Food Republic, The Bake Shop, Ice Cream Bar, Gelato, specialty items in the Asian restaurant, Special Occasion/Holiday menus (New Year's, Christmas, etc.), Jazz Brunch, Wine Lovers and Murder Mystery lunches, and beverages are not included as part of the Specialty Dining Packages.
  You may choose to dine in the following venues as part of your Specialty Dining Package for the corresponding upcharges: The Supper Club ($15 USD), For the Record ($15 USD), Ocean Blue ($15 USD), Bayamo ($15 USD), Cirque Dreams and Illusionarium ($10 USD regular seats/$15 USD premium seats/$35 USD VIP seating on Breakaway), Sushi Bar ($7 USD), Pincho Tapas Bar ($7 USD), and Raw Bar ($7 USD).
  Specialty Dining Packages include one main course per person at Cagney's and Le Bistro restaurants. Additional main courses will be charged at the a la carte price listed on the menu.
  There is no minimum or maximum to the number of meals that can be redeemed in a day, however each meal is counted towards the package.
   
   
   
  Internet Package:
   
  250 minutes per stateroom.
  Internet package is per stateroom. One login per stateroom.
  On Breakaway, stateroom receives an internet package of 250 minutes or 1000 MB of data.
  Internet package includes activation fee.
  

 

We booked Haven aboard the Breakaway so get all five offers ... although we won't pay the 18% on the UBP, the 18% is applicable and due prior to sailing. So I will be curious as to what the final payment breakdown is ...