NCL Star - Mex Riv drinks$$$$

dachamps · September 25, 2005

Does anyone have an idea what it will cost for a soda, bottled water, martini? Is there anyway to keep these costs down other than not drinking? Suggestions? We cruised before on another cruise line but didn't have to pay for soda or water.

Once in port, are your carryons checked when re-embarking?

immargaret · September 25, 2005

You can bring on your own water and sodas if you want, or purchase them in port and carry back on the ship.

There is perfectly good tap water, ice tea, juice (mornings only), coffee, milk, chocolate milk, hot chocolate, expressos and lattes with dinner.

You can purchase a soda card for about $5 per day, not bad price wise if you drink more than 3 or 4 sodas a day.

dachamps · September 25, 2005

Where do you buy the soda card? Are you saying you can bring on water & sodas when you first start out on the cruise in your carryon or checked luggage? I thought the NCL FAQ said no beverages alchoholic or otherwise were allowed. I'm confused. Maybe they don't check so closely.

immargaret · September 25, 2005

You can pre-order the soda card, or purchase it once on the ship at the same price.

NCL site: Passenger is not allowed to bring onboard the vessel without the previous written permission of the Carrier any intoxicating liquors, or beverages...

You are allowed to bring on water and soda without a problem, just not liquor or beer. Pack it in your carry on bag or else it will most likey be scanned and your luggage held for you to come down and open it for inspection (to make sure it isn't alcohol).

dachamps · September 25, 2005

Do they scan your carry on bag? I assumed they did just like when you go to the airports.

vavip · September 25, 2005

I took PLASTIC bottles of vodka on Carnival last year in my checked in large suitcase with no problems at all.

Wendolyn · September 25, 2005

Drinks on the Star this fall averaged 4.95 to 6.95, depending on size and type of glass. (Souvenir or regular). As I type, I am drinking some white wine out of a souvenir glass.:D

My daughter was able to purchase a soda wristband that entitled her to unlimited soda's the entire cruise; it cost $18.95. I'm not sure what an adult sticker costs, but if you like pop, it's a lot cheaper than $3 a can.

dwhist · September 25, 2005

We were on last year. bring some water and soda on in your carry on. Then in Acapulco, walk off the ship and go right along the water about 3/4 of a mile. There is a large grocery store there. I stocked up on stuff there. Was a nice walk. Then when you get to Puerto Vallarta, there is a walmart next to dock so you can stock up for last 3 days.

immargaret · September 25, 2005

Do they scan your carry on bag? I assumed they did just like when you go to the airports.

They do scan the carry on bags, but at least you can open it and let them see the contents immediately so the luggage doesn't get delayed. Carry on bags must be small enough (carryon size) to go through the smaller scanner.

Listed under the Bon Voyage gift section on the ncl site you can see the drink options for the different ages. They can be pre-ordered or purchased as soon as you get on the ship.

Adult Refillable Soda Fountain Cup

* Pricing is subject to change without notice

Adult Soda Program.

Prepaid @ $5.00 per day per person x Cruise days

Unlimited Fountain Soda

The entire cruise must be purchased

Non-Refundable.

back to top

Bon Voyage & Special Occasion Gifts

Kid's Crew™ Program - Special Ocassion Gifts

Kid's Crew™ Backpack (12 years of age and under)* Pricing is subject to change without notice

3-day cruise package

Item #341-3 - $28.00

4-day cruise package

Item #341-4 - $33.00

7-day or more cruise package

Item #341-7 - $39.50

Kid's Crew™ Refillable Soda Fountain Cup (12 years of age and under)* Pricing is subject to change without notice

3-day cruise

Item # 342-3 - $8.00

4 and 5-day cruises

Item #342-4 - $10.00

7-day cruise

Item #342-7 - $16.00

10-day cruise

Item #342-8 - $22.00

14-day cruise

Item #342-14 - $32.00

Teen Passport Program (13 - 17 years of age)* Pricing is subject to change without notice

Item #343 - $34.50

20 non-alcoholic drinks, including non-alcoholic smoothie in a 12-14 oz. Glass The teen and a guest are entitled to an afternoon dance party with the D.J., pizza and unlimited non-alcoholic drinksThe Teen will also receive an invitation to a "Farewell Frat Party" on the last evening of the cruise. Passports are not replaceable if lost.

Elwinnie · September 25, 2005

Last yr.when you sailed did you eat at any of the extra charge

restaurants? How were the men & women dressed for dinner? Thaks & we can't waite to sail. Ellen

We were on last year. bring some water and soda on in your carry on. Then in Acapulco, walk off the ship and go right along the water about 3/4 of a mile. There is a large grocery store there. I stocked up on stuff there. Was a nice walk. Then when you get to Puerto Vallarta, there is a walmart next to dock so you can stock up for last 3 days.

immargaret · September 25, 2005

When we cruised in April we dined at Le Bistro one night (part of the Anniversary package) and Cagney's (to use up credits from our Casino cards) another night. In Le Bistro everyone was at least dressed in resort casual, and two tables were dressed up quite formally. In Cagney's there was a large party(about 12 people) and they had 2 people in their party that were wearing jeans which looked out of place.

The food in both restaurants was excellent, service in Le Bistro was excellent and the large party in Cagney's seemed to get all of the attention while other tables had to request items.

gseagler · September 28, 2005

Hello.

I just returned on Sunday from a super Alaskan cruise on the Star. I Wish I could take her to Mexico with you.

Here are my thoughts regarding saving some money on drinks.

1. Don't even bother trying to save drink money by attending things with a "free glass of champagne" or the "free liquor tasting" unless you're really otherwise interested in the event it is a part of. The free servings will be so tiny that you will not feel "treated" in any way.

2. I agree with others who have said the tap water on the ship is very good. When you go to the restaurants, they may offer you a bottle of sparkling or still water, but these cost money. Just say you want "plain" water. They will gladly keep your glass full for you and it tastes really good.

3. I had been warned the iced tea was horrible, but I did not think so at all. It may or may not have been freshly brewed, but it didn't taste bad at all. There is no charge for iced tea.

4. You can asked for espresso or cappucinos with any meal and there is no charge. They are very good. The same thing is available at the java cafe for a charge. (But not bad. It was only $2 for a cappucino.)

5. I did not find the cocktails in the bars to be nearly so overpriced as I thought they might be. They really weren't more than at any night club on land, although there are no "happy hour" prices.

Additionally, I thought the cocktails were mixed pretty well. I don't know if they free pour or use a measured tap for their shots, but I never felt that they were watered down or short on the alcohol.

6. Last tip--if you enjoy cocktails you may be tempted to try smuggling liquor on board. You'll find many posts in these forums discussing the best way to hide liquor in your luggage and not get caught. We decided not to even try.

(In fact, the first day of the cruise, on my initial tour of the ship, I walked past one of the game rooms with glass walls and it was chock full of people's luggage that had big stickers attached saying "LIQUOR". Apparenty, scanning revealed the bottles and the luggage had all been confiscated instead of delivered to the staterooms. They then take your liquor and not give it back to you until the cruise is over.)

Here's what we did instead. Although NCL doesn't advertise it, you can pre-order bottles of liquor to be placed in your stateroom. All bottles are $40 or $55, which is a lot of course, but when you consider how much that would be in indivdual cocktails you realize it's a big potential savings. We order liters of Absolut vodka and Dewar's scotch for $40 each plus a $3 fee.

I took a couple of mixers, or you can order cranberry or orange juice from room service which doesn't cost anything.

Just call NCL's passenger service line 1-866-625-1159.

Have fun. Don't drink and dive. (Get it?)

gseagler · September 28, 2005