Cinderellie Posted April 23, 2017 #1 Share Posted April 23, 2017 My family of 10 are going on the Gem in May to the Bahamas. Our 8 twenty-something kids and girlfriends/boyfriends (over 21) are in two of the cabins - 4 and 4. The perks we chose for them was the 3rd and 4th person free... and tips paid for, so they wouldn't have to spend a dime for the cruise. However, after a long discussion, and they are planning to drink (and it's expensive on college student, new grad budgets,) they asked if they could switch to the Ultimate Beverage Package instead. We told them we would check, but also that they would then be responsible for their service tips, PLUS the tips for the drink package as well - about $200 per person. After weighing the options, at $30 a day, they would all at least have 4 drinks per day, which would more than cover the expense. Before I call my NCL rep after the weekend (we did NOT use a travel agent), can anyone shed any light on their experience if you switched perks AFTER the final payment was made. Was it easy? Thanks for whatever you can share with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zqvol Posted April 23, 2017 #2 Share Posted April 23, 2017 My family of 10 are going on the Gem in May to the Bahamas. Our 8 twenty-something kids and girlfriends/boyfriends (over 21) are in two of the cabins - 4 and 4. The perks we chose for them was the 3rd and 4th person free... and tips paid for, so they wouldn't have to spend a dime for the cruise. However, after a long discussion, and they are planning to drink (and it's expensive on college student, new grad budgets,) they asked if they could switch to the Ultimate Beverage Package instead. We told them we would check, but also that they would then be responsible for their service tips, PLUS the tips for the drink package as well - about $200 per person. After weighing the options, at $30 a day, they would all at least have 4 drinks per day, which would more than cover the expense. Before I call my NCL rep after the weekend (we did NOT use a travel agent), can anyone shed any light on their experience if you switched perks AFTER the final payment was made. Was it easy? Thanks for whatever you can share with us. As long as the perk you want was offered when you booked it will not be an issue, just be prepared to pay the gratuities when you make the switch. (BTW 0 I did exactly this on my last cruise and it was not an issue) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeyetlse Posted April 23, 2017 #3 Share Posted April 23, 2017 The free tips and free UBP perks are only for the first 2 guests in each cabin. No matter what they do, guests 3 & 4 will have to pay for their drinks and their tips. Well, of course there is one way for them not to pay for their drinks, so maybe that's how they came up with $30/day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinderellie Posted April 23, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted April 23, 2017 Ahhhhh... thank you, Hawkeyetlse. I did not realize the 3rd and 4th person - who were going free did not get the perks. They would be full price. That changes EVERYTHING! 4 of them will have to pay full price for the beverage package AND the tips... $94 per day X 7. Not good for college student budgets. We now have to pay for the 3rd and 4th person's gratuities equaling $189 per cabin or $478. Back to drinks on their own!!! I appreciate your feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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