So just how hard is it to get a drink...?

[iluvcruises]

Just wondering how busy the bar tenders are and how long it takes to get a drink with this "free beverage package". I know it took a why to get a drink at the pool when they didn't have this special, so I'm just curious from past cruisers what to expect.. thanks!

[hammer413]

Just wondering how busy the bar tenders are and how long it takes to get a drink with this "free beverage package". I know it took a why to get a drink at the pool when they didn't have this special, so I'm just curious from past cruisers what to expect.. thanks!

 

 

We've been on a few cruises with NCL now and it blows my mind to hear people complain about the service at the bars. The bartenders on NCL are the hardest working guys/gals! Drinks for me and my husband have always been made fast and strong! If you are sitting at the pool and a server takes your order to get your drink, of course it's going to take some time. But honestly, who cares, you are on vacation drinking unlimited drinks!

[hugocruiser]

Pool bars can be bad sometimes, but I have never had more than a minute wait at any other bars

[NCLfamily]

The wait times are nothing to stress about. As stated, you're on holiday and have free drinks. [emoji41]

 

 

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[TheDougOut]

I don't think I've ever been more than a 2-3 minute walk away from a walk-up bar with instant service. In peak midday hours at the pool bar, I'll duck into the Garden Cafe or climb the steps to margaritaville. In peak evening hours at the atrium lounge or other 6-7-8 hot spots, I'll walk down the hall to find an empty bar with eager bartenders.

 

It's not a concern.

[BostonGal35]

the only place we've found it slow is the Pool Bar (which has always been the case) and now the Theater. We are planners tho, and usually go to the Theater (and dinner for that matter) with a full drink in hand. we then order another one as soon as we sit down and by the time it comes, our "road soda" is gone.

[$hip$hape]

We've been on a few cruises with NCL now and it blows my mind to hear people complain about the service at the bars. The bartenders on NCL are the hardest working guys/gals! Drinks for me and my husband have always been made fast and strong! If you are sitting at the pool and a server takes your order to get your drink,

of course it's going to take some time. But honestly, who cares, you are on vacation drinking unlimited drinks!

On the NCL Gem, one afternoon, we were about the only pax in the Spinnaker Lounge.

WE sat way up front for the view. We could see the waitress at the bar, talking to the bartender, but she never came around. After about 15 minutes I went to the bar and requested some drinks.

The bartender took my card (UBP) and then told me to go back and sit down.

He said the waitress will be over to take our order.

Very slow. No incentive?

Edited May 25, 2017 by $hip$hape

[Fifi1910]

I've never found it a problem. Either on the large ships or the smaller ones.

We were on the Star last week and never waited longer than a couple of minutes.

It's harder to not have a drink, especially when you're by the pool at 11 o'clock and the waiters are wandering around.

Didn't even try to add up how many drinks we'd had by the evening, would have been horrified. :eek:

Had a great time.

[Moby0215]

It's not hard at all. Just walk up to a bar and ask for one. Pretty simple. I've never had to wait more than a minute or two. Much speedier than most bars on land.

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

Never had an issue at the pool or any of the bars. I might have waited behind one person at a bar, but never any more.

[LrgPizza]

Waaaaay faster than busy bars on land. Like others, I've never waited more than a minute. In the event of a crowded pool bar, I might walk a minute or 2 to another bar. Problem solved.

[Clay Clayton]

the only place we've found it slow is the Pool Bar (which has always been the case) and now the Theater. We are planners tho, and usually go to the Theater (and dinner for that matter) with a full drink in hand. we then order another one as soon as we sit down and by the time it comes, our "road soda" is gone.

 

We call them "strollers" in our house.....when we lived in Key West, we always took a stroller when we walked downtown to eat or drink!;)

[Clay Clayton]

On the NCL Gem, one afternoon, we were about the only pax in the Spinnaker Lounge.

WE sat way up front for the view. We could see the waitress at the bar, talking to the bartender, but she never came around. After about 15 minutes I went to the bar and requested some drinks.

The bartender took my card (UBP) and then told me to go back and sit down.

He said the waitress will be over to take our order.

Very slow. No incentive?

 

Only issue we had on Gem in April was at Sailaway at The Great Outdoors. Bartender Mark was trying his damnedest but at one point there were 10 folks lined up waiting. After that, there was rarely a wait of more than one or two in front of you. I often think it is too bad Norwegian can't use some system to move bartenders around where they are needed....hate seeing some of them standing doing nothing, while a lone soldier like Mark could have really used the help.

[LrgPizza]

We call them "strollers" in our house.....when we lived in Key West, we always took a stroller when we walked downtown to eat or drink!;)

We call them roadies.

[Eleteace]

I've never ever had a problem! The staff are usually brilliant.

 

 

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[Gershep]

No problem at all getting drinks. We have even had bartenders that remembered us and would have our drinks ready when they saw us coming. A few extra bucks goes a long way.

[GUT2407]

Never had to wait long.

 

But them I'm not adverse to hauling myself up on my back legs and walking to the bar to get one.

 

Never really waited for someone to come to me.

[LMaxwell]

Main Pool bars on Escape were dreadful; and if you weren't ordering something from a premixed dispenser or a beer the bartenders were clearly unhappy about it.

 

Main pool bars on large ships are just tough in general.

 

All other bars were good to great service actually on the Escape. The Mojito bar got busy around pre-dinner time, but even then service was good. Bars outside of the dining room were excellent, and the various themed venue bars throughout and on the waterfront all were prompt; no issues.

[sanger727]

Never had trouble getting a drink. Now as far as wait service taking your order and bringing your drink to you; don't hold your breath. Didn't have any reliable service like that. But when you walk up to the bar and order, no problem.

 

 

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[Moby0215]

Main Pool bars on Escape were dreadful; and if you weren't ordering something from a premixed dispenser or a beer the bartenders were clearly unhappy about it.

 

 

 

Main pool bars on large ships are just tough in general.

 

 

 

All other bars were good to great service actually on the Escape. The Mojito bar got busy around pre-dinner time, but even then service was good. Bars outside of the dining room were excellent, and the various themed venue bars throughout and on the waterfront all were prompt; no issues.

 

 

 

Haven't been on the Escape but the pool bars on the breakaway were fine.

 

 

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[zqvol]

Just wondering how busy the bar tenders are and how long it takes to get a drink with this "free beverage package". I know it took a why to get a drink at the pool when they didn't have this special, so I'm just curious from past cruisers what to expect.. thanks!

 

I was on Getaway for spring break. The longest I waited for a drink at the bar was less than 2 minutes. At dinner it took a few minutes to get a glass of wine, but I suspect that is because the servers have to go to the bar and get it, in addition to all their other duties.

 

 

In other words, if you are willing to get up and walk to a bar there is really no delay in getting a drink.

[kayjay76]

No problem at all getting drinks. We have even had bartenders that remembered us and would have our drinks ready when they saw us coming. A few extra bucks goes a long way.

 

I absolutely agree with a few bucks goes a long way. Most our time was spent at the pool or H20. So we mainly delt with 2 particular servers. Because we were a large group, and we were extremely generous with tips... we never went without a drink in hand. We didn't even have to get up to get one, if glass was half full, another was in front of us before it was gone. These 2 servers made out entire trip!!!! The tips were so worth it for their awesome service.

[ja2nowak]

I'll agree with another poster, the only time I have ever had any issue is at sail away but that is understandable. Otherwise a minute or two at most. Typically less as I'm a creature of habit and tend to hang out at the same places. A little cash the first day to your regular stationed bartenders goes a long way to expedient service.

[newmexicoNita]

Just wondering how busy the bar tenders are and how long it takes to get a drink with this "free beverage package". I know it took a why to get a drink at the pool when they didn't have this special, so I'm just curious from past cruisers what to expect.. thanks!

Here has been our experience so far and we have sailed 3 times with the UBP: the first time we had 2 problems: 1 was first day out by the pool. Not only did they have a crowd, they had only 1 or 2 bar tenders and people who were so rude they were pushing and shoving ahead of some who had been waiting 10 minutes or more. The casino bar also was a nighmare. Our second cruise we had almost no problems and our last cruise getting a drink was a breeze. Other than maybe the pool on a sea day we never waited more than 2 or 3 minutes I don't think.

[momoftwinteens]

My experience hasn't been the best but I can't help thinking it has something to do with the fact that I don't drink alcohol(medical reasons). I bring a refillable cup and ask the bartenders to fill it with ice water. I am always polite and patient and always smile because it is easy to see how busy they are. Still, the wait for a simple glass of ice water can be ridiculous. I am beginning to think it may have something to do with the fact that, by asking for water, I am not paying the gratuity that the alcohol drinkers are. It doesn't seem to matter what bar or ship, either. I have run into this on big ships and small. Sometimes, it's just easier to run to the buffet and get my own darn ice water. A little more inconvenient(especially if I am at the theater) but easier.