Norwegian Sky Cruise – Food and Drink Tips and Tricks
I just got back from a 5 day cruise in the Bahamas! It was my first time on an all-inclusive cruise, meaning food and drinks were included! Most importantly, BOOZE was all inclusive! Not only was I looking forward to a nice getaway with my boyfriend, but I was happy to forget about keeping track of how many drinks we were having per day! You see, on most cruises one alcoholic beverage averages $10 plus a 12% automatic gratuity. They charge it to you room key, so you can see how quickly these charges can add up to your final bill!
As far as the crowd goes, there was a mix of older couples, a few families (with children on spring break), and groups of younger students/working professionals ready to party! My boyfriend and I were in the category of “couples who are ready to party but not necessarily wanting to have a hangover the next day” crowd! We would get up early and stay out late, so I learned a few food and drink tips and tricks during the week!
Tips for the Bar:
Tip the bartenders.
These hard working men and women work for months on these cruise ships without seeing their families or friends, while providing you with best in class service. It’s rare for them to have a day off, and they do it all with a smile! Tip them a couple bucks every day and you’ll earn preferential service at the bar!
Ask for your spirit of choice.
If you simply ask for a, “margarita” you’re guaranteed to get the house tequila, and I’m telling you from experience, it’s the cheapest headache inducing kind of liquor. Be smart and specifically ask for what you want, for example, a Jose Cuervo Margarita, a Tito’s Martini, a Bombay Sapphire Tonic versus a margarita, a dirty martini, or gin and tonic.
Make it a double.
Are you here to party? There’s no rule that says they can’t make it a double. They may not be able to serve you a round of shots, but as long as they add ice, you’re good to go!
Order off the menu.
During brunch I wanted a mimosa, and although it wasn’t on the menu, orange juice and sparkling prosecco was, so they happily made me a mimosa. One night I noticed they had passion fruit liquor, so I asked for a blended passion fruit margarita and boom, they made it happen. Stick to the “all inclusive” spirts and wines, why pay out of pocket when you technically already paid for the all inclusive beverages. (For example, Jose Cuervo was included but Patron was an extra charge, remember that 12% gratuity fee?)
Tips while off the Cruise Ship:
Barter with the locals.
The vendors off the ship are pretty aggressive, you’ll barely have one foot on land and they’ll swarm you trying to sell you jewelry, excursions, hair braiding, and alcohol. If you have a group and they want to charge you $30 per person for an excursion, you can easily negotiate for a discount. Or if they offer an all-you-can-drink coconut beverage for a set price, but you don’t plan on drinking all day, ask for a reduced rate. Umbrellas and beach chairs are pretty standard, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Drink water.
Make sure each person has their own refillable water bottle. You can fill it up for free before you get off the ship, and take it with you on land. Remember, you are a tourist and nothing is free, not even water. Just make sure to empty it out before boarding, liquids aren’t allowed back on the ship.
Take the fruit.
This may not be allowed, but I would take an orange and a banana with me off the ship. I would crave a mid morning snack and it was nice to enjoy fresh fruit on the beach. Which takes me to my next point…
Eat on the beach.
Instead of wasting time leaving the island to get back on the cruise ship, we would have lunch wherever we were. All the beaches have local restaurants that begin serving food around noonish, you know island time. And the food was so much better than what they had on the ship. We had conch for three days straight, so try something new and exotic!
Pay with cash.
Local food stands only accept cash, so make it easier on them and yourself by having cash in small bills on hand. Most restaurants accept credit cards, but they may add a convenience fee just for using them.
Tips for Dining:
Make a reservation.
If you enjoyed a particular server of loved the ocean side table you had, you can request the same seating and server if you call ahead. If it’s a special occasion let them know, the staff is happy to sing and make your night extra special.
Drink what you like.
In other words, order the wine you want, don’t get sucked into the cheap house wine they promote. Be sure to check the all inclusive menu for all your wine options.
Order whatever your heart desires.
If you want 2 appetizers and 5 desserts all you have to do is ask.
Buffet for breakfast.
In a rush to get off the cruise ship first thing? Don’t leave on an empty stomach, the buffets are open super early, so snag a quick meal before you go. Fill up your water bottles while you’re there!
Sit down dinner at night.
The sun is so strong in the Bahamas, you will be famished come dinner time. Make time to freshen up and head to the main dining room for a full course meal.
Now, my most important tip of all, an all inclusive cruise focuses more on boozing you up than the quality of the food. This was my 4th cruise in 2 years, and this was my least favorite of all when it came to the food in particular. I expect all buffet food to be mediocre at best, but came with higher hopes for their sit down restaurants. I was disappointed with the overall food options, but like I said when you’re hungry you will eat it all regardless!
Hope these food and drink tips and tricks help you out on your next cruise! Bon voyage!
