dachengdao

Very wise words, Sid!

At least they have it, but try to argue at the service desk against the charge. That’s really not right to have this spring on you last minute. Other than that, hope everything else is wonderful for you guys!

Thanks for the update! Hope you are having a blast!

From a business standpoint, 'comping' the drink package for early bookings is a smart marketing move because they get the gratuities upfront, folks are more likely to upgrade to the P+ package before they cruise (not after they embark), and the earlier the booking, the more pre-cruise experiences they sell. They just announced this during their earnings call this morning. They did not address anything relating to this thread or my customer service improvement question I had posted in advance, but here are the slides they presented, if anyone is interested. They are doing very well financially and even saving on fuel costs, so that makes the loss of the Veuve, ice wines, and other favorites perplexing. earnings call_norwegian050123.pdf

Some of the other posters really like the Pommery Rose. Maybe it will be good and I will of course indulge, but it's not a suitable replacement for the Veuve.

The wines in our last wine tasting on the Gem in early April were shockingly inferior, although the event itself was fun and a great way to meet new folks. I submitted a comment card and let them know I'm willing to pay an upcharge for more drinkable wines. Thanks for the tip about avoiding the sustainable cocktail event. I might try one with the drink package though.

I haven't tried Veuve Rose but it is my understanding that Le Bistro will switch to Pommery Rose.

The name threw me off, but it is one of their premium brands listed. I will tell DH to get this on day one and raise a toast to chillyw!

Thank you for the recommendation! I will look for it.

The Prima bar sounds interesting. Please report back on that. I don't care for whiskey, but love Bailey's Cappuccino. DH is the whisky aficionado, but he doesn't care for coffee. However, I think we will try an Irish coffee in honor of SakeDad, but we'll probably split it. Sounds like a good thing to have in the Vibe on the first day since it will be freezing in December.

I was just researching some of the options on the list and we definitely will expand our horizons and try brands we never had before. What are some must-tries in your opinion?

Wow - not even one brand??? At least we still have the Pommery, even if it is a Rose.

That's funny how your February 23 version is marked FINAL, yet two and a half month's later there's this. Let's hope if there are further changes it won't be worse than this. Beverage_Package_Flyer_04_23.pdf

I hope they reverse course on this and at least let us get it by the glass, but an agent told me it's not available in the package any more. Keep your eyes peeled on the boards because that could certainly change or vary by ship.

Thanks for the answer! Sounds like a fun experience and a great opportunity to meet and mingle.

I’m not much of a vodka drinker but I prefer mine distilled from potatoes. However, we are thinking about trying the ice bar which I believe serves Skyy, and I’m pretty sure that’s grain-based. Has anyone else done the ice bar experience?

We’re going Dec. 6th. When is your sailing? Unfortunately, as it stands now, only the Pommery Rose is included in Premium +. I’m open to try it, but am disappointed that it’s the only champagne included now. However, with this thread blowing up and the many complaints they have received about this issue, hopefully we will see a better offering before December.

The Alaska cruise is definitely on our bucket list! Hope you have a wonderful time this August. Yes! I understand that the cabanas are assigned so no more chair hogs! Yay!!!

Thanks for checking in! Hope you have a fantastic cruise!!!

This is quite a selection! Wish NCL would step up their game.

I’m attending the stockholders call Monday morning to see what changes are in store and will report back. It was too late to ask about the beverage package changes but a question I posted before that was upvoted to the top four. I asked what steps would be implemented to improve customer service in light of the copious amount of complaints online. Ironically, had no idea I’d be one of those online complainers at the time!

There were three champagne brands available at the time I bought the package. Now only one. Problem definitely not solved.

Amen to that!

Though customer service isn't their strong point (to say the least), you will love cruising with NCL. We have sailed with Princess and HAL, which are also very good, but NCL is really our favorite. We keep coming back even when disappointed (like the devalued PPBP). The good far outweighs the negative.

Yes, those of us who upgraded to PPBP early feel cheated by the new list. I understand they are trying to cut corners and make a profit, but don't screw your loyal customers who booked early. Throw us a bone or two (and not just Crown Royal being included in the regular package -- give us more than one champagne option at least).