We've never bothered with a beverage package before since we don't drink alcohol or a lot of soda. We've always been fine with water and the free juices, lemonades, etc. But we're about to board our first HAL cruise and as part of the deal we got, we find ourselves with a beverage package for the first time. So we figure since we have it, we might as well make good use of it. I've read some threads about people's favorite mocktails, and looked at the bar menus, and I have some questions. Up front - if you don't drink mocktails, no need to chime in and let everyone know. This thread obviously isn't directed at you.
1. On the 2023 bar menus that I have found online, most of them have alternatives like water and soda listed, but I think the Lido bar menu is the only one that lists and describes actual mocktails. I am assuming though that they could be ordered off-menu at other bars, right?
2. I've seen lots of people suggest the chocolate mint buzz, but I haven't seen it on any menu. So am I to assume that I can order it anywhere? Or are there only certain bars that would be able to make it? And if so, how do I know which ones?
3. Related to #2, it seems like there are lots of drinks, like daiquris, that you don't see on the menu but I'd assume would be available. And even the mocktail menu doesn't have standards like Arnold Palmers or Shirley Temples but I'd think they'd be available, right? Is the menu really just to give people suggestions?
4. I see hot chocolate on the Explorations Cafe menu. Anywhere else on the ship that hot chocolate should be available? (We'll be on the Nieuw Statendam sailing from Copenhagen to Norway, btw).
5. What's your favorite or go-to mocktail, and can you order it by name or do you have to explain to the bartender what it is?
Thanks and happy sailing!