NCL Specialty Dining-Beverage Package Rules and Fees

[Solo Cruiser Memphis]

I'm trying to decide on my free offer.  It's between the Specialty Dining Package and the Ultimate Beverage Package (or whatever it's called now).  I know with both packages, I'll have to pay gratuities and such, just wondering what is the best bang for my buck.  Does anyone know the prices of the "free" offers (aka how much do you pay in taxes/fees)?  I'm not much of a drinker and I don't know the average prices of the drinks.  If I get the specialty dining package, is it like the main dining room where you can order 2 entrees and all the desserts (kidding) if you want or are you limited to one app/entree/dessert?  I've been known to order 2 desserts (don't judge hahahaha).  I usually only order two drinks per day so it might be cheaper/about the same to just pay for my own drinks.  On the specialty dining offer, how many meals is that?  Thanks all!

 

[JamieLogical]

The gratuities for the beverage package are about $20 per person per day. For alcoholic drinks, I would say they range is about $6-$12. You can probably assume that if you drink at least 3 drinks per day, you will come out ahead taking the package. Remember, it includes soda and virgin drinks as well.

 

For the dining package, the gratuities depend on how many meals are in your package. For a 7 night cruise, you would get the 3 meal package and gratuities are something like $18 per person total. But buying the package outright is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than buying the drink package. Buying the drink package outright is $100 per person per day! So if you think you will drink more than three drinks per day, definitely take the drink package. If you want to buy the dining package outright, it's only about $90 per person.

[Solo Cruiser Memphis]

Thanks JamieLogical!  That really helped 🙂

 

[zqvol]

Just adding to what was said. Many of the fruity drinks, etc. run  closer to $10 - $12 each so it doesn't take very many to get over the $20 per day that the package ends up costing you. If you have to buy the package outright at appx $120 per day it is not worth it, but as a perk it is a good deal.

[saphir]

I booked with a TA with the  Beverage package......and I received my invoice and no Gratuities on the package is mentioned... is it necessary to pay each drink we take ?

 

thank you for your help. 

[TPgal]

4 minutes ago, saphir said:

I booked with a TA with the  Beverage package......and I received my invoice and no Gratuities on the package is mentioned... is it necessary to pay each drink we take ?

 

thank you for your help. 

 

Your TA has either comped or included the gratuities on the UBP.  You can, for good service, tip in person but one way or the other NCL got their 20%.  This charge, unlike the daily service charges, is paid on the upfront and included in the original booking fee.  

 

 

[Zippeedee]

35 minutes ago, zqvol said:

Just adding to what was said. Many of the fruity drinks, etc. run  closer to $10 - $12 each so it doesn't take very many to get over the $20 per day that the package ends up costing you. If you have to buy the package outright at appx $120 per day it is not worth it, but as a perk it is a good deal.

Another reason to take the drink package is that it includes soda. I don't drink soda at home, but I love a ginger ale or two in the casino at night. That adds up and combined with 2-3 drinks or glasses of wine, makes the package worthwhile. I buy a dining package because I don't eat in the MDR.

[saphir]

4 minutes ago, TPgal said:

 

Your TA has either comped or included the gratuities on the UBP.  You can, for good service, tip in person but one way or the other NCL got their 20%.  This charge, unlike the daily service charges, is paid on the upfront and included in the original booking fee.  

 

 

Thank you.  I always tip at the bar 😉

[Solo Cruiser Memphis]

I usually tip $1 per drink.  The bartenders remember you and will bend over backwards for you when they see you.  It's amazing how little they make so I don't mind tipping extra for good service.  It isn't required but always appreciated

[esm54687]

4 hours ago, saphir said:

I booked with a TA with the  Beverage package......and I received my invoice and no Gratuities on the package is mentioned... is it necessary to pay each drink we take ?

 

thank you for your help. 

I would contact your TA.... since you are a Canadian booking things may be itemized differently and they would be the authority on the invoice. 

[nicoleinwi]

We usually end up better just buying drinks as we want them vs paying the tips on the free package, sounds like DH & I drink about as much as you.  The other thing to consider is your port times.  On our upcoming cruise, one day we are in port from 2pm - 11pm.  So we might have just one drink that day before we head out, but likely not, and none when we return so that is a "wasted" day.  We really don't drink soda and if I did it would be in substitution for alcohol.  

[phillyf]

On 3/18/2019 at 1:21 PM, Solo Cruiser Memphis said:

I'm trying to decide on my free offer.  It's between the Specialty Dining Package and the Ultimate Beverage Package (or whatever it's called now).  I know with both packages, I'll have to pay gratuities and such, just wondering what is the best bang for my buck.  Does anyone know the prices of the "free" offers (aka how much do you pay in taxes/fees)?  I'm not much of a drinker and I don't know the average prices of the drinks.  If I get the specialty dining package, is it like the main dining room where you can order 2 entrees and all the desserts (kidding) if you want or are you limited to one app/entree/dessert?  I've been known to order 2 desserts (don't judge hahahaha).  I usually only order two drinks per day so it might be cheaper/about the same to just pay for my own drinks.  On the specialty dining offer, how many meals is that?  Thanks all!

 

Here's my take and I have been on many NCL cruises, opt for the Specialty Dining Package. When you are in port you're not drinking so if you have a cruise with three port days and the day of disembarkation you've paid for four days which will not be used entirely. Order a bar set up; your favorite bottle of rum or whatever liquor and have it ready and set up in your room for you. You can order a dozen or so sodas or go upstairs and bring down fruit punch or other juices, OJ Pineapple  Cranberry etc. I usually order the bar set up and the bottle is more than enough. You can also order Virgin Pina Coladas and add the rum from your room. If you drink a lot you can always buy the beer specials and or wine specials.