Watch next: How NCL Free at Sea Perks Work - Episode 1 Specialty Dining? kzread.info/dash/bejne/o46Cy8Wwgrm0obQ.html

@lisagardner4814

5 ай бұрын

Is this the same as open bar?

I'm going on the Escape in 28 days and I'm so excited I found your channel. I have a lot to watch before I go. Thanks for all the tips!

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Revy 👋 Woo hoo! I haven't been on the Escape yet, but I was on the Encore last year which has many similarities. I think you'll have a wonderful time, certainly lots to do! I hope all of my videos have been helpful. Please also feel free to shoot any questions over my way on Instagram @cruisewithgrant - PS Bruno the Assistant Cruise Director on the Escape told me to tell you to come say hi an snap a selfie! 🤳😜

Hello Grant, thank you so much for these great videos especially on the Free at Sea program… We are cruising on the Jade😂 soon and trying to get my head wrapped around Norwegian as this will be our first time cruising on this line… thanks again!

Hi Grant! Thanks so much for your videos - very informative and helpful. We are planning our NCL cruise on Escape in early March. Eastern Caribbean from Canaveral. This will be our third cruise with NCL and first one since the pandemic. Just wanted to say thanks for putting together these videos - very enjoyable!

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Hinde 👋 You're most welcome! I'm so glad that my videos have helped, it means the world to me! I was almost on the Escape (you'll have to check out my video on cruise cancellations!), but it seems like a wonderful ship. I think they have mini golf! I know you'll have wonderful time! I have another video coming shortly looking at changes coming to NCL in 2023. I hope you'll stay tuned! 😊

Showing the love - thank you for the tips ❤❤❤

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Scott! I really appreciate it and am so happy to hear that my videos are helpful! Stay tuned for another new one coming up next week! 😎

Thanks Grant! I just watched all three “Free at Sea” vlogs. This was very helpful and I subscribed to the channel. We just booked the Bliss for the 2024/5 New Year’s cruise to Mexico (we chose not to do any free at sea options). I’ll be keeping up with you. I’m going to look for some Haven and the private island stuff on your channel too.

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Khaalis 👋 I'm so glad that you like the series. Thanks for supporting me and the channel, it means the world to me! I certainly have plans to make some content about the private lslands like Harvest Caye and Great Stirrup Cay; the Haven remains on my bucket list for now, but I'll do my best to keep the good tips coming! 😊

Thank you for the video. I am going on NCL in March of 2023.

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Pamela! You'll have a wonderful time! Hope you'll have a look at my other videos! More good stuff coming soon! (New video every 2 weeks). Happy sailing!! 😊

Thank you!!! This information is timely. I will be cruising during Christmas 2022.

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Qara Anna! I'm so glad to hear that the video was helpful! I hope you have a wonderful time on your cruise? Where are you headed?

@QueenQaraAnna

2 жыл бұрын

@@CruisewithGrant Caribbean cruise, from Orlando

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

@@QueenQaraAnna Amazing! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time. My last cruises were in the Caribbean on the Encore, the weather was great!!

I had the premium beverage package for a Baltic sea cruise in 2022 and my experience is I was able to get water and the fancy coffees. In addition to all upgrades of alcohol. My premium package also included smoothies and fresh squeezed fruit juices. although, I don’t believe anything is free, I thought this package was well valued.

Hi Grant! New subscriber. Thank you for putting out all these short videos with great information! Easy to watch and digest! Appreciate that! I had a question about the two drink limitation per transaction. What exactly does that mean? I saw @4:30 you kinda talked about it, but what counts as a transaction? And how soon can another transaction be had? Like does one have to leave the bar/table for “X” minutes, walk around then return to be able to make another drink request? Seems silly when it’s called “unlimited open bar” but only up to $15 per drink and only 2 per transaction, not to forget you still pay 20% gratuity per day.

We always go for the premium plus upgrade to get EVERYTHING. The plus package gives us the Starbucks and whiskies that we love. Also the bottles of wine with dinner are so worth it.

@CruisewithGrant

10 ай бұрын

Hi MS 👋 thanks for sharing! Some of my cruise friends had the Premium Plus on the last cruise and I was so surprised about all that was included, as you say including entire bottles.

Hi Grant, thanks for your videos. I will sail soon with my family and we enjoy your videos too much. Does the drink free at sea also apply in specialty restaurants ?

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Buenas Luis 👋 muchas gracias! You can use the free at sea drinks package at all of the restaurants and bars on board; the only exception will be the Starbucks

@elvi0512

Жыл бұрын

@@CruisewithGrant thanks Grant. Your videos are too useful. You are so clear and objective. Thanks for share all this knowledge. Hugs from Mexico.

Can you do a premium plus package video? Is it worth the upgrade? Is Starbuck coffee included in either package?

Hello Grant. Thank you for the video that was very helpful. My wife and I ordered this package but would like to know if drinks like Pina colada's, strawberry daiquiri's and rum and coke's are covered assuming we use alcohol under the $15 dollar limit.

@21400

4 ай бұрын

Yes most drinks would fall under that

Thanks for this info Grant. I'll be on NCL for the 1st time in March and have the free at sea. Is it true that bottled water, specialty coffee and fresh pressed juices are not included in the FAS premium drinks package? I've never had to pay extra for these with a drink package on other cruise lines. Also, would I have to pay a fee to bring my wine in a cup to dinner?

Grant, thanks for your videos. I sailed the Getaway in March, 8 days to the Bahamas. Am I to understand that I paid for a Club Balcony Suite that included "Free at Sea" alcoholic drinks, when I do not drink alcohol? I am TOTALLY confused by who would purchase a drink package, if alcoholic drinks were included in the fare?? I'm looking at a 12 day in April 2024 and I'm getting quotes for a CBS that are quite high. Can I opt out of alcoholic packages?

Does the basic open bar include sparkling water?

Hi good afternoon we will be cruising in the new Norwegian viva they told us that it's unlimited drinks I would like to know if there is a limited on the price??

Hello, thank you for your effort, is there free drinks (water, juice, tea, coffee, non alcohol drinks) on the ship includede with the payment or should I buy a drink package ? Thank you again!

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! Thanks for the kind feedback. You can definitely find water, coffee, tea and fruit drinks (not really juice, but water mixed with flavour) for free on board. The drinks package is a nice perk, but you'll want to check the cost / day to see if it makes sense for you. I often buy the soda package which includes juices, sodas, etc. and then buy something special if I feel like it. You'll make the right decision! There are links in the video description about the beverage packages available that might help. Happy sailing!

Hi grant. Nice videos brother. I have booked on encore for the March 23 sailing. They gave a 50 usd for shore excursions. Are they valid only for one shore excursions or for every shore excursions ?

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Karthikeyan 👋 Thanks so much for the kind words, I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos! I actually made another video all about the shore excursion credit, please give it a watch as it covers alot of the details. If you have other questions you can always reach out on Instagram @cruisewithgrant FREE MONEY? Norwegian Cruise Line's $50 Shore Excursion Credit Perk kzread.info/dash/bejne/k6V2qZOKnsaxk9I.html Also, I LOVE the Encore, it was my last ship and I had an amazing time

Maybe it helps someone else with a cruise leaving from Europe and they are based in the EU. I just called NCL and was told that these extra gratuities for the drinks in the Free at Sea package are not applicable for any sailing which don't include Spain. If you are sailing from Spain, or if you have stop in Spain, it seems like the gratuity situation will be more like those for cruises leaving from the US. Never been so pleased to be missing Spain on the cruise😅

Thanks for the video. I will be sailing for the first time with NCL this December. You mention Starbucks and pre-packed bottle water is not included. Does this mean you cannot have water, coffee or tea on the Premium package? I've heard yes and no but still confused. I'm a platinum cruiser with another cruise line so I'm only used to their much cheaper package which includes specialty tea, coffee and water.

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Pamela, even if you don't the the Premium Beverage Package you can still get water (in a glass) for free at all of the bars, restaurants and the buffet, same goes for teas, coffee and a selection of fruit drinks (not quite juices). It's just the bottled (it's actually in a box) water that is required for purchase, even if you have the Premium Beverage Package, same goes for Starbucks on board. I hope this helps, feel free to fire off any other questions you might have, happy to help! You'll love NCL.

@pamelasavage4642

2 жыл бұрын

@@CruisewithGrant Thank you. This helps.

@JOSHT901

Жыл бұрын

@@CruisewithGrant the Premium Plus does allow Starbucks and bottled water. I'm considering upgrading to this just for the bottle water and coffee.

Is there any milkshakes or smoothies available with the premium package anywhere on the ship?

Hello Grant. Your videos and information are very helpful. Question: My husband and I have the "Free at Sea" promo which includes Premium Beverage Package. On my booking confirmation there is a charge for "Beverage Service Charge" of $218.00 per person. Is that the gratuity for the "Value" of the Premium Beverage Package? I understood you to say that the gratuity is based on the "Value" of the Beverage Package, not on the number or drinks you order during the cruise. EDIT: I just chatted with NCL on-line. She said the Beverage Service Charge $218 per person & the Dining Service Charge of $17.80 per person for the Free at Sea "2x2 Meal Speciality Dining Package are indeed the Gratuities for beverages and dining, paid up front, not based on how many drinks ($15.00 or less ) we order or what food items we order in the Specialty Dining Rooms (that are not marked as having a increased price). Hope this helps someone else who is confused! WOW! That assumes each person is drinking $1,090.00 worth of $15.00 or less drinks for a 10 night cruise. Cheers! That would be at least 7 drinks per day per person to break even with the gratuity charge.... Happy sailing everyone!

Hi Grant. If I choose a high end drink can I pay the difference above the $15.00. Love your videos, thanks

@CruisewithGrant

8 ай бұрын

Hi Wanda 👋 Sorry it took me a bit longer than usual to reply. I wanted to re-read the terms and conditions to make sure you got the right ninfo. That's absolutely right; if you choose a drive that's more than $15USD you'll be charged the difference to your onboard account. Thanks for your patience! I hope you're having a fantastic day! www.ncl.com/ca/en/terms/unlimited-open-bar-package

Hi Grant 👋🏾 I want to book a cruise for my 21st, I am going with my boyfriend that is 21. Since I won’t be turning 21 till I get on the ship, Can we still get this perk just for him?

Good video Grant. I took the premium beverage plus package last time in NCL. For GBP26 per day (I had all packages and discounted flights so spoilt myself). The fact that any drink by the glass including Verve Cliquot and bottles of good wine or Moët Champagne ($56 if bought on board at the time) at dinner are included I thought it was a great value upgrade. I tried premium brands that I would never normally consider due to the cost. Specuality coffee & small bottles of water are also included so it’s worth checking out if you wish to ‘push the boat out’

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Philip 👋 thanks for the kind words! I haven't had the chance to try the Premium Plus package yet, but I've heard you not only get the top notch drink choices, but also water and energy drinks and lots of other things. Always great to hear about people's experiences and I love that the cruise community is so open to sharing! Any cruises lined up in your future?

@hobsonp67

Жыл бұрын

@@CruisewithGrant Not until October 2023 when I will be on Enchanted Princess from Athens to Barcelona, then in the November for a 4 night cruise from Southampton to Amsterdam on the Cunard Queen Victoria and then October 2024 I’ll be in your part of the world on the NCL Gem Boston to Canada & New. England in the fall, really looking forward to that one. Because I booked it so early I will get the ‘old” free at sea package of 2 speciality dining nights instead of 1 and 250 mins of Wi-Fi instead of 150. Also prepaid the BP+ for those top notch drinks and a nice wine with dinner, I’m completely sold on it after the Epic!

Thank you, I have a question still and I'm hoping you can help. Does tge 2 drinks per transaction mean that if I go to dinner, I can only have 2 drinks while there?

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Ang Marie 👋 The two drink limit is just per order, so you can order, have the drinks delivered and then order two more; so no worries you can definitely have more than two drinks at dinner if you please

@angmarie9482

Жыл бұрын

@Cruise with Grant Thank you, I'm super excited for my first cruise.

HI Grant, thank you for all your video. We will be having our very first cruise trip this June 18 on NCL breakaway . everybody is very excited. We are sailing out in port of miami. You had mentioned that it is a bit stricter there when it comes for covid testing. we are coming from Canada and I am schedule our RAT test Friday night (June 17). do you think it is still valid on the sailing date on the 19th?

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ferdinand! Glad the videos are helpful! Have a look at the NCL sail safe guidelines for NCL's requirements. You should also receive a message from them with an easy to follow chart showing when you can take your test in order for it to qualify. The USA is looking to change their testing requirements, so I'd also recommend checking the Centre for Disease Control. You'll have a wonderful time!! Happy sailing www.ncl.com/ca/en/sail-safe

Port taxes is new info to me. Thanks for the heads up!

Does the normal premium beverage plan also cover wine pairing at dinner?

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi GC 👋 Sorry I'm just catching up, as there have been lots of great questions! Your beverage package will cover ordering drinks at dinner. in most venues there will be a Sommelier who can help to recommend pairings for dinner! Hope that this helps!

Will a Starbucks gift card be honored to purchase coffee at the Starbucks on NCL cruise ships?

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ann! Thanks for the question. I didn't have a chance to try yet, but on my last cruise another solo-traveller friend used a screenshot of their Starbucks barcode to earn points, and to pay while on board. I've also read in a number of forums they'll accept it, so I would say go for it!! Please also feel free to share with me me your experience, it's always great to be able to pay it forward! Happy cruising!

How long do you have to wait for a 2nd drink if you are eating a meal?

@donaldvescoso6799

2 жыл бұрын

Not long at all. The wait staff is very quick.

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

As Donald mentioned you don't have to wait long, just know that there is usually a limit on the number drinks per order. The staff are always very kind and attentive and won't keep you waiting! Happy sailing!

Do you still get charged the gratuity fee on the free beverage package if your cruise package includes free gratuities?

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Tib, great question! Usually if they say free gratuities that refers to the service charges that are added each day and shared amongst the crew. The gratuities for the drink and specialty dining are separate. I haven't booked a cruise as a total package, but this is my understanding. Definitely worth confirming with your travel agent / cruise consultant. Hope this is help!

I got this when I bought my cruise from Costco. It came with the purchase - no opting in or out.

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience. Definitely worth asking about early on. Bundled cruises, where you can't opt in / out are very common in certain places. I hope you were able to enjoy your cruise regardless 😊

Hi, is the beverage package charge per day or length of cruise

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Neal! The beverage package is charged for your whole cruise up front (regardless of whether you purchase or you receive it as a perk). Most people talk about the cost per day as it helps to figure out if it's good value for you. Hope this helps! Don't forget to check out my videos on the other Free at Sea perks. Happy cruising!

@nealjones84

2 жыл бұрын

@@CruisewithGrant thank you

How do you opt out?

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi there! Thanks for the question. Check out my other video on the Speciality Dining package for details on how to opt out when purchasing your cruise; I've included the link below; note this may not apply if you're purchasing your cruise outside of North America). You can also ask your Cruise Consultant or travel agent if you're working with one. I've used both. Hope this helps! kzread.info/dash/bejne/o46Cy8Wwgrm0obQ.html

What are NCL general bar prices? A $15 free drink is great unless the drinks are $25.

@CruisewithGrant

Жыл бұрын

Hi Emy, another great cruise resource Prof Cruise has some recent menus for an indication of prices. Hope this helps 😊 profcruise.com/norwegian-bar-menus-2022/

@emilylovespins

Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

@emilylovespins

Жыл бұрын

@@stephaniesnitily1734 thank you. I am middle shelf mostly.

@B-ch6uk

Жыл бұрын

@@stephaniesnitily1734 Do most people give an extra tip even though it's included? I'm going in January and would like to know what most people do. How about the room steward and wait staff? Thanks

Free at sea is filtered through the price of the cruise and thus is not really free!!

The price of the "free" items was calculated into the price of the cruise fare. Nothing is really free!!

@ant7936

7 ай бұрын

And some people will benefit more than others e.g. drinkers of alcohol

Hi do you know if the New York port charges tax on drinks?

@CruisewithGrant

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kim, I haven't sailed out of New York myself, but the fees have been applied when I'm in Miami. I've heard that it may be based on the State in the USA vs. a country tax. When you're on board you can definitely ask the servers before ordering and they will let you know. I hope this helps! You can also always enjoy any of the complimentary teas, coffees, and fruit beverages until you're out at sea! Safe and happy sailing!

@Michael-Bennett

Жыл бұрын

When we've sailed out of NYC we have had taxes added to our onboard account. I think it was about 50 to 70 cents depending on the drink. Once we left port no other drinks were taxed. Didn't know what the charge was and went to guest services to find out.

@kimbates5151

Жыл бұрын

@@Michael-Bennett thank you

@B-ch6uk

Жыл бұрын

Boston too

FREE at sea?? What a JOKE. Advertised $449 ended up paying $1,000 and not sailing until next week. Great but FALSE advertising. I’m going to hope this cruise was worth it. FREE WIFI (yeah, an HOUR free) FREE EXCURSIONS ($50 off first person only). FREE SPECIALTY DINING (one restaurant one night plus you pay gratuity) FREE BAR (You pay $16-20 day gratuity). Such BS.

@irishrover408

Жыл бұрын

When did you sail. I have just booked with the new viva ship. Sailing in September. How much gratuity do I have to pay. It's says I get free premium upgrade

@irishrover408

Жыл бұрын

And you do know you can cancel gratuities and service charge at reception. It is not mandatory to pay these it is recommended only

@Rosary716

Жыл бұрын

@@irishrover408 got back to New Orleans 1/22 with an extra free gift…….covid. Just read all the fine print and keep track of the promises. It was a nice cruise as far as ports went.

@ant7936

7 ай бұрын

That was helpful. Looks like the whole aim is to separate passengers from more of their money, at every opportunity.

@bonafidehustler-entreprene8781

5 ай бұрын

@@irishrover408mandatory gratuity