UBP vs Open Bar

[Lulubelle45]

I notice the new drink perk is now called Open Bar. (Probably due to the recent water soda fiasco) my question is, are the drink rules the same? If not will we still be honored what we originally chose?

Edited August 2, 2016 by Lulubelle45

[ColinIllinois]

No offense, but folks, take a few seconds to read about the promo. It's still the same UBP and the information is right there on the web site.

[NLH Arizona]

Not quite sure how saying open bar has anything to do with whether the bar pours water or not.

 

If you had read the description, you would see that it is the UBP: Enjoy a poolside mojito, highballs in the casino, and a glass of pinot at dinner, all included with the Ultimate Beverage Package. Applicable service charges apply.

Edited August 2, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[EleventyBangBang]

It even still refers to it as the "Ultimate Beverage Package" in the fine print.

 

One thing that I DIDN'T see, though (maybe I just missed it?) is the 15$ per order limit. Minor detail, I guess, as nothing I ever ordered hit that limit anyway.

[NLH Arizona]

It even still refers to it as the "Ultimate Beverage Package" in the fine print.

 

One thing that I DIDN'T see, though (maybe I just missed it?) is the 15$ per order limit. Minor detail, I guess, as nothing I ever ordered hit that limit anyway.

It just doesn't just refer to the UBP, it says: all included with the Ultimate Beverage Package and if you look at the terms and conditions of the UBP, you will see what is in the open bar.

[grouchomarx]

They call the UBP "open bar" on the Sky. Perhaps they have changed the marketing term to be more appealing to people, to make it sound more inclusive. I think it's a better term, more straightforward. Less head scratching, open bar is a more widely understood term. UBP makes you wonder, what am I getting, what am I not getting, for those who are not already in the know about it.

[redfantum]

They call the UBP "open bar" on the Sky. Perhaps they have changed the marketing term to be more appealing to people, to make it sound more inclusive. I think it's a better term, more straightforward. Less head scratching, open bar is a more widely understood term. UBP makes you wonder, what am I getting, what am I not getting, for those who are not already in the know about it.

However, the "open bar" on the Sky is nowhere near as inclusive as the UBP on other ships. So while it sounds more inclusive, in NCL practice, it isn't.

[NLH Arizona]

However, the "open bar" on the Sky is nowhere near as inclusive as the UBP on other ships. So while it sounds more inclusive, in NCL practice, it isn't.

Does the SKY say anything about the UBP, like what is said in this promotion? If they don't say it includes drinks that are included in the UBP, that could be the difference between the SKY and the promotion.

[grouchomarx]

However, the "open bar" on the Sky is nowhere near as inclusive as the UBP on other ships. So while it sounds more inclusive, in NCL practice, it isn't.

 

What do they exclude that the UBP includes? The UBP isn't all that inclusive anyway. (Not even bottled water.) I was under the impression based on posts I've seen there that they are essentially the same. I am curious to know the difference for future reference. Thanks.

[SteveH2508]

However, the "open bar" on the Sky is nowhere near as inclusive as the UBP on other ships. So while it sounds more inclusive, in NCL practice, it isn't.

 

Call me an old cynic, but I think you might just have sussed out their next cunning plan. Soon they will 'edit the T&Cs for your convenience' and the offer will be reduced.

 

I suspect the 'Ultimate' word was becoming a bit of an embarrassment (more expensive and covering less than the competition).

 

Marketing 101 - call it a shovel instead of a spade and the crowds will lap it up.

[redfantum]

The following lists the Sky open bar menu.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2301007&highlight=sky+drink+menu

 

 

There is no "up to $15" there is simply covered and not covered.

[DMH15]

I don't go on my next cruise for 7 months. Heaven only knows what will transpire (change) since I booked.

[sjbdtz]

Call me an old cynic, but I think you might just have sussed out their next cunning plan. Soon they will 'edit the T&Cs for your convenience' and the offer will be reduced.

 

I suspect the 'Ultimate' word was becoming a bit of an embarrassment (more expensive and covering less than the competition).

 

Marketing 101 - call it a shovel instead of a spade and the crowds will lap it up.

 

Thanks for the invitation. You're an old cynic.

 

 

Stephen

 

 

.

[grouchomarx]

The following lists the Sky open bar menu.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2301007&highlight=sky+drink+menu

 

 

There is no "up to $15" there is simply covered and not covered.

 

Thanks for that link, very useful. Menu looks ok to me. I love my grey goose but absolut wil do just fine in most cases!! I didn't know there was a difference in the drinks offered on Sky vs. the UBP. You learn something new every day here on CC.

[IsanTom]

Their doing a little fine tuning! What's next?

[don't-use-real-name]

Call me an old cynic, but I think you might just have sussed out their next cunning plan. Soon they will 'edit the T&Cs for your convenience' and the offer will be reduced.

 

I suspect the 'Ultimate' word was becoming a bit of an embarrassment (more expensive and covering less than the competition).

 

Marketing 101 - call it a shovel instead of a spade and the crowds will lap it up.

 

There once was confusion 101 when the UBP was first offered - some thought

it meant UNLIMITED which in a way it was but then ultimately it was fine tuned

and called ULTIMATE and now it is ultimately confusing calling is an OPEN BAR !

 

Then one more confusing step was the UDP (Unlimited ?) Ultimate Dining Package which was replaced with Specialty Dining Package.

 

Thus all these Promos are now becoming a regressive enterprise and are a not

so Ultimate Unlimited deal !

 

Now do you want what is behind DOOR #1 ? All the promos and increased cruise fares ?

Or DOOR #2 All the promos (renamed) and increased cruise fares ?

Lastly DOOR #3 No promos and increased cruise fares ?

Anyway you slice it dice it remold it - if it is FREE it is going to cost you more

in cruise fare and the promos are going to be renamed and watered down !

 

Oh Thank thank thank you NCL Yes I will make a contribution to the NCL

Sinking Ship Fund never mind that Golden Parachutes is just another promo

term for that Golden Pilot Ship to escape the troubled waters they are bring

on themselves.

And NCL will never be able to rename (promote) itself as Communist Cruise Lines

since with the wide variety of mix and match renamed promos there will be no

equality for all cruising comrades no matter how far they book their cruise in

advance.

[conandrob240]

In the past, the only exclusions were bottled water and speciality coffee drinks plus a few very high end liquors. Has the package changed or just the name?

[SteveH2508]

In the past, the only exclusions were bottled water and speciality coffee drinks plus a few very high end liquors. Has the package changed or just the name?

 

Some of us think the answer to your question is wait and see - rest assured that any notification of changes will be:

a) shortly before you sail

b) poorly communicated

[DevCruise]

I don't go on my next cruise for 7 months. Heaven only knows what will transpire (change) since I booked.

 

Agreed. We booked when the Ultimate Dining Program was still offered including gratuities. Not even sure what that's worth now given that it technically doesn't exist and a lot of the restaurants are either free now or a la carte.