We took it upon ourselves to find what the bar situation is in e cruises these days. Let’s accept it – cocktails are a cruise favourite right from the deckside pools to the dim lighted dinner tables and the late night parties. We dive into the list of the cocktail bars that made us notice.
1. Bionic Bar – Royal Caribbean
Welcome to the future of mixology. In a scene right out of Sci Fi fiction – two robotic arms swirl, stir and mix up your favourite cocktails. The bar is adorned with neon lights, minimalist furniture and a futuristic space. To order for your drink just tap into the iPad around the bar – or you can go ahead and invent a drink if you’re in mood.
Drink to try: Create your own cocktail, play with choices from the liquor to the garnishes.
Where to sail: Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas
2. Rising Tide Bar, Royal Caribbean
A bar on the move. This slow moving 32-seater cocktail bar sits on an elevator that moves between Central Park and the Royal Promenade decks. Sip your favourite cocktails while you enjoy a smooth ride and skylight views. The menu is balanced with wide selections of wine and brews. Traveller’s tip – A deluxe beverage package comes in handy here.
Drink to try: The Rising Tide, a blue lychee martini.
Where to sail: Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas
3. Skyy Vodka Ice Bar – Norwegian
The coolest bar in town (or ocean). Everything around the bar is made of ice from the seating, glassware and the bar counter- inspired by the Scandinavian ice hotels. You see fellow cruisers trying to “chill” in 17-degree temperature tucked inside their parkas and gloves. We suggest you make reservations in advance as this bar fills really fast.
Drink to try: Cobalt Blue, a blend of ice wine, vodka, blue curacao, and soda.
Where to sail: Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway
4. New Atlas Bar – Azamara
The new bar in town – Atlas Bar offers artisanal cocktails created using the latest recipes and techniques. These crafted drinks taste just as good as they are to watch being made! The menu has an extensive collection of hot and cold from beef tartare topped with caviar and shaved truffle, smoked lobster crudo and more.
Drink to try: Heart of Azamara with Grey Goose vodka, fresh strawberry puree, fresh lime juice, passionfruit nectar, Galliano and absinthe
Where to sail – Azamara Onward
5. Martini Bar & Crush – Celebrity Cruises
Missed the re-run of the movie “Cocktail”? Maybe head to the Martini bar. This vibrant bar with high octane atmosphere has bartenders who put on quite a show tossing up cocktails of every colour on a bar counter made of ice. While the bar has a huge menu of martinis, it also serves a selection of cocktails.
Drink to try: Banana Split Martini with 8 Rum, muddled strawberries, banana schnapps, whipped cream
Where to sail: Celebrity Cruises all ships (except Celebrity Xpedition)
6. Eden Bar – Celebrity Cruises
This green oasis in the middle of the ocean with a calm and soothing ambience was designed by architect Scott Butler. It has three level of glass enclosure with windows that open to the ocean with the bar in the centre. The nature themed menu serves eleven elegant craft cocktails – with the flavours named after earthy elements.
Drink to try: Garden with bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice and bitters.
Where to sail: Celebrity Cruises’ Eden Class ships – Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond
7. Skyline – Disney Cruise Line
Wish to travel the world over a few cocktails? Disney has you covered. The futuristic “windows to the world” bar has a screen which gives aerial night views of the skyline. And every fifteen minutes the “windows” the city changes. For an evening filled with swanky ambience and breathtaking views and drinks inspired from cities world over – Skyline is a must visit.
Drink to try: Paris 75 with peach schnapps, blue Curacao Absolut Citron, topped with pineapple juice
Where to sail: Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy
8. Crows’ Nest, Holland America Line
Think of the bird’s eye view with the full glance of the ocean, and imagine yourself sipping the best of the spirits right there on the deck with the vast ocean as your doorstep. That’s CROW’S NEST for you. Perched right on the top of the ship, with the best view that the ship can offer and of course the best cocktails!
Drink to try: Any of the day’s specials
Where to sail: All Holland America Line ships
9. Chart Room, Cunard
A tribute to the stars that have guided the ships for two centuries. Chart room has 20 unique celestial cocktails with inspiration from the stars and the zodiacs. Each cocktails take a unique flavour and fly you to the stars. The menu helps you navigate by pairing classic drinks with the right canapés, snacks and delicious Godiva chocolates.
Drink to try: Pole star cocktail made with Japanese Sake
Where to sail: All Cunard ships – QE2, QM2, Queen Victoria
10. S.A.L.T. Bar, Silversea
The world in your glass. Around the world in 60 drinks is Silversea’s slogan for this bar. The Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) programme gives the food enthusiast in you a flavour of the world – as the bartenders whip up a different cocktail for each port of call. From tropical drinks to the icy Antarctic themed cocktails with a side of Brazilian popcorn, the bar takes you on a gastronomical tour of the cruise.
Drink to try: Explore the drink of the destination
Where to sail: Silversea Silver Moon
Tips before you sail:
- Talk to your travel advisor and check for the best beverage packages that suit you– most cruise lines offer upgrades that are worth the buck.
- Buy full-sized bottles – more so if you’re beverage intake is more on vacations and high seas.
- Make reservation for lounge bars and specialty dinners in advance – don’t assume you’re the only one reading this article!
Browse Discount Cruise Ships and Cruise Lines (cruisecompete.com)
Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Cruise Lines (cruisecompete.com)
Cunard Line (cruisecompete.com)
Disney Cruise Line (cruisecompete.com)
Holland America Line – HAL (cruisecompete.com)
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) (cruisecompete.com)
Royal Caribbean International (RCL) (cruisecompete.com)
Silversea Cruises (cruisecompete.com)
COVER PHOTO: Crow’s Nest, courtesy Holland America Line
