GEORGIA-LARRY

Well this is fascinating. It seems most of the responses would indicate that my experience was a bit unique. I'm not a big drinker nor am I an impatient person. Happy to wait for my turn. This was just such a switch from previous cruises where the availability of beverages seemed to be much greater.

I'm glad that others had a much better experience and I'm glad I posted my thoughts so that I could get a different perspective.

Just got off the NCL Star 7 day cruise of the western Caribbean. A large proportion of the passengers had taken advantage of the UBP promotion (we did not - - we chose the prepaid gratuities instead).

My observations: Looooong lines at every bar. Only one or two bartenders working and working slowly at that. Only one server working the entire pool deck area. A LOT of FRUSTRATED people wanting drinks, even just water or sodas.

My guess as to why: The UBP promotion has taken away any incentive to serve drinks quickly. The slower they go, the less they have to serve. Which translates into a lower cost promotion.

I'm not going on NCL again and stand in line 15 minutes for a soda and a beer.

I should have done more research. I found Splash Wave on the web and booked a snorkel tour for Goff's Caye. They were an hour late getting started, we didn't go to Goff's Caye and the boat broke down on the way back to the ship. The crew had no training in how to deal with the broken boat and were shouting "f" bombs at each other. A smaller boat came to take us the last 5 miles and it was overloaded on the way in. Eric Williams, who led the tour had the nerve to ask for tips. I was just glad that we made it back. Next time - - more research. ( I realize that anyone can have a breakdown, it was the manner in which they dealt with it that was not excusable.)