First time cruiser on NCL, any advice on avoiding crowds when getting a drink?

[JohnyMcCruiser]

Our cruise on the Escape leaves in a week (🎉) and it is completely sold out, which is to be expected.  I've never cruised NCL before and we really want to take advantage of the drink package, but I keep reading that it takes 20-30 minutes to get a drink, minimum.  Are there any tips as to where the best places are to get drinks (I love whiskey and my wife loves mixed drinks) that won't be super busy?  Will they let us get two drinks per person to avoid having to stand in line so much?  Also, I've read that some people tip at the bars when getting drinks with the FAS package.  Is it customary to tip when you already were charged for gratuities?  I don't want to be a cheapskate 😅

 

We're looking forward to trying to NCL, can't wait!

[ColeThornton]

1 minute ago, JohnyMcCruiser said:

Also, I've read that some people tip at the bars when getting drinks with the FAS package.  Is it customary to tip when you already were charged for gratuities?  I don't want to be a cheapskate

 

It's strictly up to you whether or not you want to leave an additional gratuity.  You certainly aren't obligated to since you already paid the mandatory tips.  From what I've observed most don't tip extra and still get good service.

 

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your cruise.

[Langham1865]

I've sailed Escape several times.  Even pre-covid, there always seems to be a slower bar somewhere.  I've found that the bar between Cagney's and Moderno (I forget the name) is usually slower.  Also the Cellars (Wine) bar on the Waterfront is often slower.  Just keep in mind you may need to travel to find a slower bar and not all bars are always open.  

 

Not going to poke the bear or bees nest on tipping.... as this thread could quickly turn into venting on both sides of tipping....

[dbrown84]

Since I've always declined the FAS drink package, my experience has been with the casino bar only.  I always tip since there are no prepaid tips.  I tend to get really fast service after the first day or two of tipping.  Same with the servers in the casino.  I've noticed the other areas with servers (cigar lounge, spice H2O) provide quick service probably because the bartenders take care of the servers first 

[JGmf]

Welcome to Cruise Critic @JohnyMcCruiser! 

 

Regarding that 20-30 minute wait time, I've never experienced that, even on full cruises over the last year, so don't fret.  After day one or two, you'll know at which times and which bars you'll find more or fewer people to cut down on any waits...which, even when busy, is maybe 10 minutes, tops.

 

Yes, you can get two drinks. 

 

Yes, in my opinion, definitely tip: that $1 or $2 likely means way more to them and their families at home than to yours (yeah, people will disagree...bring it on).  PLUS, you will definitely be remembered next time -- you'll get faster service and if you have a go-to drink, they may start making it for you in advance.

 

That said, from observation, I'd guess that maybe only 30 percent of cruisers on NCL tip at the bars.  You won't be viewed as a cheapskate if you don't tip, just one of the pack.

 

[farmecologist]

On the Joy recently we scouted out all of the bars and found that Maltings ( the "whiskey" bar ) was the least busy...followed by the Cavern and "sail and sustain" bars that are outside on the waterfront level.  

 

Maltings also had by far the best bartender...so go figure.  It was a real hidden gem!

 

As for tipping, most *are* already tipping by paying the daily gratuity fee for FAS.  We only do additional tips for exceptional service ( like at Maltings ).

 

 

Edited February 25, 2023 by farmecologist

[debenson0723]

Just off the Joy that was fully packed (4530 passengers).  Never waited long for a drink, certainly not 30 minutes (probably not even 5). If you want quicker service I would avoid any of the pool deck bars, the bars between restaurants (Mixx and Prime Meridian) during meal times and the Atrium bar during game shows. There is a bar in the buffet that was not busy most of the time, even during meals. But as others have mentioned, the 'out of the way' bars are usually pretty quick (and you can stop by the casino bar even if you are not in the casino...they were never busy).

 

Enjoy your cruise on Escape...it's a great ship!

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, JohnyMcCruiser said:

Our cruise on the Escape leaves in a week (🎉) and it is completely sold out, which is to be expected.  I've never cruised NCL before and we really want to take advantage of the drink package, but I keep reading that it takes 20-30 minutes to get a drink, minimum.  Are there any tips as to where the best places are to get drinks (I love whiskey and my wife loves mixed drinks) that won't be super busy?  Will they let us get two drinks per person to avoid having to stand in line so much?  Also, I've read that some people tip at the bars when getting drinks with the FAS package.  Is it customary to tip when you already were charged for gratuities?  I don't want to be a cheapskate 😅

 

We're looking forward to trying to NCL, can't wait!

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

Don't believe everything you read on the internet. I have never, ever had a 30 minute wait for a drink and we sail 4-6 times a year. 

 

That being said, if a bar is busy, the next bar is a 1-2 minute walk. If you decide to wait a crowded bar, then that is your choice. Just move on. 

 

The Prime Meridian Bar (between Cagney's and Moderno) is a nice place for a quiet drink. The Tobacco Road bar is the whisky bar on the ship. 

 

Yes, you can get two drinks each. Or just sit in a lounge and have a waiter get your drinks. 

 

We always tip our bartender or drink waiter $1 a drink. Like any tip, it is not required, but we do it. 

Edited February 25, 2023 by BirdTravels

[NoMoreRain]

Avoid the pool bars and you won't have a problem.  Remember most of the bars can make any drink, for example you can get a Moscow Mule at the mojito bar.  

 

[CILCIANRQTS]

As others have said, you just may get faster service after tipping generously early in your cruise.

Others seem to have a problem with this (Why, that’s a bribe!”), but it works for me. Obviously you’ll need to pick your bar of choice early.

Flame on!! 🔥

[wolft927]

So 20 30 minutes is a bit of an exaggeration. Wife and I are typically beer drinkers by the pool and after the first afternoon bartenders would see us walk up and already have the beers ready no matter the line. We do tip. Pretty much drop a $20 on embarkation day at the pool bar and never wait. 

[Karaboudjan]

1 hour ago, NoMoreRain said:

Avoid the pool bars and you won't have a problem.  Remember most of the bars can make any drink, for example you can get a Moscow Mule at the mojito bar.  

 

 

That's not necessarily the case, at least any longer.  We had to go to a few bars to find one that could make a mojito.  It really depends on the ingredients.

[BirdTravels]

2 hours ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

As others have said, you just may get faster service after tipping generously early in your cruise.

Others seem to have a problem with this (Why, that’s a bribe!”), but it works for me. Obviously you’ll need to pick your bar of choice early.

Flame on!! 🔥

100% true. We frequent the same bar(s) and tip the bartenders. They will give us preferential treatment if there are people waiting for drinks. And, since we're creatures of habit, with a nod from us, our drinks will be prepared before we even get to the bar.

[Mr Owl]

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

We always tip our bartender or drink waiter $1 a drink. Like any tip, it is not required, but we do it. 

 

Us too - we've always tipped for drinks (because I've done such in any bar, ever), and by day two or three, we have bartenders who recognize us and get us drinks quick. It's human nature. 

[JohnyMcCruiser]

I'm loving these replies, thanks all!  Sounds like it was negative report bias (or just sour grapes).  With the exception of covid cruises, all sailings I've ever done were at capacity and I've never had any problems.

[JohnyMcCruiser]

One more question, but how do you tip?  Is there a line item where you can add tip and sign your name or do I need to start saving enough 1 dollar bills to make my wife raise an eyebrow?

[ChiefMateJRK]

4 minutes ago, JohnyMcCruiser said:

do I need to start saving enough 1 dollar bills to make my wife raise an eyebrow?

Just take twenties and break them up in the casino.  Most have an automated bill breaker, but you can also see the cashier.

[wncretired]

3 hours ago, wolft927 said:

So 20 30 minutes is a bit of an exaggeration. Wife and I are typically beer drinkers by the pool and after the first afternoon bartenders would see us walk up and already have the beers ready no matter the line. We do tip. Pretty much drop a $20 on embarkation day at the pool bar and never wait. 

 

[wncretired]

From one North Carolinian to another:
 

I like the idea of dropping the $20 early on. Question is: is the same bartender there every day? If not, the new bartender would not realize that you have done that. 

[CILCIANRQTS]

29 minutes ago, wncretired said:

From one North Carolinian to another:
 

I like the idea of dropping the $20 early on. Question is: is the same bartender there every day? If not, the new bartender would not realize that you have done that. 

There typically is one head bartender at each bar who is there most shifts.

The others rotate bars. If you’ve caught the attention of the head bartender, he/she lets the others know of your largesse. Be sure to tip the others smaller amounts to keep their attention. It’s a good investment! 🥃

[BirdTravels]

44 minutes ago, wncretired said:

From one North Carolinian to another:
 

I like the idea of dropping the $20 early on. Question is: is the same bartender there every day? If not, the new bartender would not realize that you have done that. 

I would never do that. I would tip as you go. Most bartenders have assigned bars, but will rotate as needed,,, so your bartender and $20 may rotate and you would never see them again. 

[BirdTravels]

59 minutes ago, JohnyMcCruiser said:

One more question, but how do you tip?  Is there a line item where you can add tip and sign your name or do I need to start saving enough 1 dollar bills to make my wife raise an eyebrow?

With the drink package, there is no paper. They just swipe your card and you're done. 

 

Cash is king. We carry a roll of $1 bills with us. 

[wolft927]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

I would never do that. I would tip as you go. Most bartenders have assigned bars, but will rotate as needed,,, so your bartender and $20 may rotate and you would never see them again. 

So from my experience from cruising as well as working on cruise ships, bartenders schedules are pretty consistent, but if I drop a $20 and never see that bartender again…it’s only $20 and I’m sure they appreciated it. 

[dbrown84]

3 hours ago, JohnyMcCruiser said:

One more question, but how do you tip?  Is there a line item where you can add tip and sign your name or do I need to start saving enough 1 dollar bills to make my wife raise an eyebrow?

you'll be alright as long as the dollar bills don't have glitter on them :)

[ChiefMateJRK]

3 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

I would never do that. I would tip as you go. Most bartenders have assigned bars, but will rotate as needed,,, so your bartender and $20 may rotate and you would never see them again. 

Yeah, me too.  I'll generally start spreading around a few singles and then move to the fives when I've made a new friend or two.  IIRC, the young lady on my last cruise noted that I had Bulleit and then Crown and was now skipping the alphabetical order by jumping to Johnnie Walker (Black).  So, she was focused on the job and provided our family with outstanding service. 😎