NCL Sky Open Bar vs. Premium Open Bar perk

[Alegeeter]

Hello,

 

For those who have opted to upgrade to the Premium open bar on the all-inclusive Sky/Sun sailings (Free at Sea perk), what exactly is included that is not included with the regular open bar?

[Cruiser_1977]

I am not sure what you're referring to. I was on the Sky in June and didn't have an option to Upgrade the Bar Package. Where are you seeing the option to upgrade?

[bww11]

Please review this page for details of the premium plus package. This is a new option starting for Sun/Sky sailings starting early 2019.

https://www.ncl.com/terms/premium-plus-beverage-package

Note the following: "Guest is responsible for 20% gratuities on the retail value of the Premium Plus Beverage Package ($5.80 USD per person per day) prior to cruise"

[Alegeeter]

Thank you bww, that is what I am talking about.

 

As for this line: "Includes all beverages by the glass. Beverage selection is subject to change onboard."

Which beverages by the glass does the standard open bar NOT include? I thought you could get anything but the brand of liquor would vary (could get Kettle One but not Grey Goose, for example).

[bww11]

The usual drink package includes drinks up to $15. If you ordered say a $20 drink, you would have to pay $5 plus 20% gratuities. If you are not particular on the brand of alcohol, you can find most things under the $15 limit. If you prefer premium brands or fresh juices or specialty coffee in the MDR, then get the premium package as a perk.

[Alegeeter]

Just off the phone with a representative who took a look at the manual and said on the Sun/Sky only drinks up to $8.99 are included. That doesn't seem to make sense, does it?

[Autumnsierra]

I've read that the open bar on the sun/sky is not the same quality alcohol. The drinks were premade and mixes and such, but I've never sailed on her so I'm not sure. Sounds like the upgrade would be for the same premium open bar on other fleets?

[bww11]

Sun and Sky regular open bar terms and conditions:

https://www.ncl.com/terms/sun-beverages

https://www.ncl.com/terms/sky-beverages

 

For the cost of the upgraded package I would go with the premium package it is not that much more

[Alegeeter]

Yes, I think we will as well, $23 more. Also, since the new Premium perk doesn't go into effect until January there are no first hand accounts on how it worked on board. I know what the Terms say but they're vague. I mostly want to know what spirits are included in "select spirits"

[Justaddvodka68]

Just off Sky, and while the upgrade wasn't offered on my cruise, as an example, you could have Kettle One, Titos, Absolute and a couple other vodka on the regular open bar package.   Belvedere was an upgrade vodka.  Seems they had one or two ultra-premiums for each liquor. 

[Justaddvodka68]

27 minutes ago, Autumnsierra said:

I've read that the open bar on the sun/sky is not the same quality alcohol. The drinks were premade and mixes and such, but I've never sailed on her so I'm not sure. Sounds like the upgrade would be for the same premium open bar on other fleets?

All our drinks were fresh made . . . unlike the Epic which I guess to serve the volume of passengers have a lot of premade things. (which sucked, and if you tip and ask nicely, they'll make a hand mixed one.) 

[Alegeeter]

Thanks Justaddvodka1

i wonder if the offerings will change once they begin to implement the Pemium package. I wouldn't be surprised if NCL only offers House brands just so they can get $23 more per passenger

[Bases5]

Any updates on the 2 packages now that they have started?

[Alegeeter]

I'm going next week and can report back!

[S&DMOM]

On ‎3‎/‎15‎/‎2019 at 1:06 PM, Alegeeter said:

I'm going next week and can report back!

 

Would really appreciate that !! Thanks

[Jembeccatoo]

Just got this from NCL website 

  PREMIUM BEVERAGE PACKAGE ( previously UBP)
Enjoy a wide selection of soft drinks, beers, spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass and bottled or draft beer up to and including $15 during your entire cruise.
 BEERS & CIDERS
• Angry Orchard
• Blue Moon
• Bud – Light & Regular • Coors Light
• Corona – Extra/Light • Dos Equis Lager
• Goose Island IPA
• Heineken/Light
• Lagunitas Little Sumpin • Michelob Ultra
UNLIMITED AMOUNTS ON ALL DRINKS GIN & VODKA
  • PLUS 4+ brands on draft WHISKEY, BRANDY AND OTHER SPIRITS
• Modelo Especial • Molson
• Newcastle Brown • Peroni
• Pilsner Urquell • Red Stripe
• Sam Adams • Strongbow
• Beefeater London Dry • Bombay Sapphire
• Tanqueray Special
• Absolut
• Absolut Citron
• Belvedere
• Kettle One
• Krakus Polish vodka • Grey Goose
• Russian Standard
RUM
• Atlántico Platinum • Bacardi 8
• Bacardi Black
• Bacardi Limón
• Bacardi Oakheart
• Bacardi Superior
• Brugal Añejo
• Captain Morgan Spiced • Captain Morgan White
LIQUEURS / CORDIALS
• Aperol Apéritif
• Averna
• B&B
• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Brogan’s Original Irish Cream • Bottega Limoncino
• Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur • Campari
• Cedilla – Açai
• Cointreau
• Disaronno Amaretto • Drambuie
• SKYY
• Smirnoff
• Stolichnaya
• Stolichnaya Vanil
• Tito’s Handmade
• Voli 305
• Flor De Caña
• Gosling’s Black Seal
• Malibu Coconut
• Mount Gay Eclipse
• Myers’s Original Dark
• Pusser’s
• Zacapa Ámbar
• Dubonnet Rouge
• Fernet-Branca
• Frangelico
• Grand Marnier
• Jagermeister
• Kahlúa
• Licor 43
• Pernod
• Pimm’s No. 1
• RumChata
• Southern Comfort
• Tuaca
  • Bulleit Kentucky Straight
• Canadian Club
• Chivas Regal 12 Years
• Crown Royal
• Dewar’s White Label
• Fireball Cinnamon
• Glenmorangie Original
Single Malt
• Jameson Irish
• Jack Daniels Old No. 7
• Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey
• Jim Beam Kentucky Straight
• Johnnie Walker Black Label
• Johnnie Walker Red Label
• Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt
• Seagram’s 7 Crown
• Seagram’s VO
• Hennessy VS
• Harvey’s Bristol Cream • Hidalgo Reserva 12-Year
Spanish Brandy
• St Rémy VSOP French Brandy • Sandeman Founders
Reserve Porto
• Sandeman Tawny Porto • Tabernero Pisco Puro
• Tío Pepe Spanish Sherry • Gekkeikan Sake
• Momokawa Pearl Sake • 1800 Reposado
• 1800 Silver
• Cazadores Blanco
• José Cuervo Gold
• Los Corrales Silver
• JAJA “HaHa” Blanco
• Patrón Silver
  PLUS HUNDREDS OF COCKTAILS, OVER 20 WINES
BY THE GLASS & SODAS, TONICS & JUICES.
Selection may vary on Pride of America Hawai`i cruises
                     Selections may vary by ship and market. We reserve the right to alter the included choice of drinks at any time without prior notice. Beverages up to $15/bar list price are included. Guest will be required to pay an additional amount beyond $15. Guests will also receive 20% discount on wine by the bottle and in addition charged a 20% gratuity and specialty service charge. Must be purchased for all guests staying within the same stateroom, additional stateroom, adjoining stateroom or travel with. All brands listed are subject to change, availability and may vary by ship or destination. Certain exclusions apply: energy drinks, room service, mini-bar, freshly squeezed juices, premium coffee, bottled water, wine dispenser or vending machines. Not available on 1-2 night sailings. Gratuities, specialty service charges, and other restrictions may apply. For additional details, please visit https://www.ncl.com/terms/ultimate-beverage-package
©2019 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and USA
39071 2/19
NOW WITH A NEW NAME.

 

[Jembeccatoo]

New Premium Plus Beverage Package 

 

        PREMIUM PLUS
     B
VERAGE PACKAGE
B
BE
E
EV
V
                Elevate your experience and enjoy bottled water, specialty coffee, soft drinks, beers, ultra-premium spirits, cocktails and exquisite wines by the glass during your entire cruise. It’s everything that the Premium Beverage Package has to offer and more.
                        NEW
BEVERAGE PACKAGE
 RUM & TEQUILA
• Pyrat Cask 1623 Rum
• Zacapa 23 Rum
• Wyland Ultra-Premium Rum • Cazadores Añejo
• Gracias a Dios Mezcal
GIN & VODKA
• Tanqueray Ten
• Hendrick’s Scotland • The Botanist Islay Dry
SCOTCH, WHISKEY & BOURBON
• Dewar’s 12 The Ancestor Blended Scotch
• Gentleman Jack Tennessee
• Glenfiddich Select
• Woodford Reserve
• Glenlivet Single Malt
• Don Julio Blanco
• Don Julio Reposado
• Patrón Reposado
• Patrón Añejo
• Ciroc
• Ultimat
• Booker’s Kentucky
• Glenfiddich Reserve
• Johnnie Walker Platinum Label
• The Macallan Quest
• Paul John Indian Single Malt
• Whistle Pig Rye
• Chandon California
• Nicolas Feuillatte Rose NV Champagne, France
• Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” Champagne, France • Chateau Ste. Michelle & Dr. Loosen “Eroica” Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington
• Pascal Jolivet “Clos du Roy” Sancerre, Loire, France
• Hampton Water Rose “by Bon Jovi” Languedoc, France
• Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuissé Burgundy, France
• Isabel Mondavi Chardonnay Carneros, California
• Terrazas de los Andes “Reserva” Chardonnay Mendoza, Argentina
• Il Borro Salvatore Ferragamo The Lamelle Tuscany, Italy
• Louis Jadot Burgundy, France
• Terrazas de los Andes “Reserva” Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
• Il Borro Salvatore Ferragamo Pian Di Nova IGT Toscana Tuscany, Italy • Simi Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California
• Spellbound Petite Sirah California
• Federico Paternina ‘Banda Roja’ Reserva DOCa Rioja, Spain
• Doglioti Barolo DOCG Piemonte, Italy
• Louis Raynald Chateauneuf Du Pape Rhône, France
PLUS, A 40% DISCOUNT ON ALL WINE BOTTLES, WINE & SPIRIT EXPERIENCES, TASTINGS AND FLIGHTS PURCHASED ON BOARD.
©2019 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and USA 39071 3/19
ALL BEVERAGES ARE INCLUDED
YOU GET EVERYTHING THAT’S ALREADY INCLUDED IN THE PREMIUM BEVERAGE PACKAGE
PLUS ALL OF THESE ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS:
WINES BY THE BOTTLE DURING DINNER
    • Talisker 10
CORDIALS, BRANDIES & COGNAC
 • Patrón XO Café
• Chambord Black Raspberry
• St. Germain Elderflower
• Armagnac Clés Des Ducs VSOP
• Courvoisier VSOP Cognac • Rémy Martin 1738
• Rémy Martin V.S.O.P
                     Packages must be purchased by all qualifying individuals residing in the stateroom or additional staterooms under the same method of payment for the entire length of the cruise. Packages may not be shared and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Eligible guests are entitled to two beverages per person per transaction. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Includes all beverages by the glass. Beverage selection is subject to change on board. Includes fountain soda, freshly squeezed juice, bottled water (flat and sparkling), energy drinks, non- alcoholic beer, and specialty coffee. Includes select wines by the bottle when dining. Select wine list is subject to change. The following will receive a 40% discount when purchased on board; non-select bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), “Wine and Spirit Experiences”, tastings, and flights. Package does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, wine dispenser, vending machines, pre-cruise wine bottle purchases, Wine and Spirit Experiences, tastings or flights. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Guest’s check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. *A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added to all package purchases. You must be at least 21 years of age at time of sailing to purchase any alcoholic package and to consume alcohol. See the terms of our guest alcohol policy. No substitute for package if guest cannot consume all beverages included. Package price is subject to change. Other terms and conditions may apply.
      

[aynt79]

Can anyone going in the near future confirm that Red Bull (a can by itself, not necessarily mixed in a drink) is included in the Premium Plus package? We will be on the Sky at the end of May and have the upgraded package as a perk. 

[DMParisHoneymoon]

We just booked and have the Premium Plus beverage package too as a perk. Is there a way someone can confirm if Inniskillin Vidal Icewine is available by the glass on the Sky? It would be listed under Dessert Wines. It's available on the larger ships by the glass but I know that the Sky/Sun are kinda different due to the open bar concept. My wife is going to freak if she finds out that she can drink all the icewine she wants ! 

[Alegeeter]

Just off the Sky, the Premium Plus Beverage Package (denoted PPB on your Freestyle Card) includes literally anything you can drink on the ship except for drinks at Starbucks. Bottled water, red bull, fresh squeezed orange juice at the bar, as well as any liquor of your choosing. They swipe your card just for inventory but you don't have to sign anything. In the dining room, PPB allows you to get a pretty decent variety of wine bottles too. For the Sky, having it included as a perk and only paying the additional gratuity ($23 for 4 nights) was completely worth it. I would never pay for it outright, personally.

[S&DMOM]

26 minutes ago, Alegeeter said:

Just off the Sky, the Premium Plus Beverage Package (denoted PPB on your Freestyle Card) includes literally anything you can drink on the ship except for drinks at Starbucks. Bottled water, red bull, fresh squeezed orange juice at the bar, as well as any liquor of your choosing. They swipe your card just for inventory but you don't have to sign anything. In the dining room, PPB allows you to get a pretty decent variety of wine bottles too. For the Sky, having it included as a perk and only paying the additional gratuity ($23 for 4 nights) was completely worth it. I would never pay for it outright, personally.

WOW!!! Thank you for taking the time to post.

 

Do you know if they have Veuve Clicquot Champagne?

 

[Alegeeter]

I cannot confirm that they do, though I didn't look specifically for it.

There is a Le Bistro on board so maybe there?