"Open bar "

[SPacificbound]

What does "open bar" mean on NCL? 

 

I see they offer drink upgrades for a substantial amount, is "open Bar" like the basic drink packages on  RCCL & Celebrity?

[D_And_K_gocruising]

26 minutes ago, SPacificbound said:

What does "open bar" mean on NCL? 

 

I see they offer drink upgrades for a substantial amount, is "open Bar" like the basic drink packages on  RCCL & Celebrity?

Well, right now, many of their cruises include "free at sea" which will include the unlimited open bar package (you do pay whatever the gratuity per day on what the package costs)  it includes: 

 

With the Unlimited Open Bar Package, enjoy a wide selection of beverages both on board and at Great Stirrup Cay. Here’s what you get:

• • Select, premium cocktails & spirits under $15 USD
• • A variety of beer and wine by the glass under $15 USD
• • 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine
• • Unlimited soft drinks and juices

 

Please Note: The Unlimited Open Bar Package is included with your reservation if you booked through Free at Sea.

Must be purchased for all guests 21+ on the same reservation. Individuals under 21 must purchase the Soda Package.  A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added at checkout. See Terms and Conditions for full details.

[D_And_K_gocruising]

There are really not a ton of drinks that will be more than the $15 included.  And if they are more than $15 you pay the difference plus the tip.. so an $18 would be $3 plus tip / gratuity..   

[graphicguy]

"Open bar" or Free at Sea drinks is pretty comprehensive.  I've never had an issue finding anything that I liked via beer or alcohol.  I'm not a wine person.  So, not sure about those.  I will have wine with dinner.  And, whatever is included (either red or white) tastes good to me with dinner.

 

Beers....I drink Dos Equis, Modelo Blue Moon or Budweiser.  They carry all of those.  I drink mainly Buffalo Trace and 1792 Bourbons, which are included.  I also drink Tangurey gin drinks, which are also included.

[Russiamomm]

I’ve never done the premium option.  I’ve always been fine with the basic package.  The only thing I’ve ever paid for is an extra $3 plus tip for an espresso martini.

 

Edited to add that Starbucks and bottled water is not included in the basic FAS package.  The upgraded package includes it.

Edited November 15, 2023 by Russiamomm

[SPacificbound]

Thank you to all who responded!!

[Jldevlin]

1 hour ago, SPacificbound said:

Thank you to all who responded!!

I have sailed Celebrity and NCL in the last few months and I found that NCL had more options. Guiness, Bombay Sapphire , and Amaretto are available while an upcharge on Celebrity.

[destar]

I sailed on both line also NCL and Celebrity, but mainly NCL, I would say NCL has the better package.