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17 best cruise ship bars

The best bars on cruise ships are more than just places to drink. They're destinations with atmosphere and attitude — plus creative approaches to sipping.

You might have your drink prepared by a robot or by a human in a chamber kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit, or in a bar that levitates while you "travel" through hyperspace.

Whether you're a fan of the perfect martini or craft beer, or you're looking for mixologists who concoct molecular cocktails that sizzle or smoke, check out these cruise ship bar favorites.

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Half Moon Bar

The most noteworthy of Holland America 's bars is the Half Moon Bar, which is new to the fleet and only found on Rotterdam . It offers a menu that's one part history, one part science.

This venue's highlights include seven exclusive mixed drinks, each with a backstory and ties to the cruise line's deep-rooted history. A favorite — for its photo-worthiness as much as its taste — is the Rotterdam VII (named after the only ship on which it's found), which features smoked gin and maraschino. Beer and wine are also available.

The bar has taken up residence where you'd find wine-mixing bar Blend on other Pinnacle Class ships, and, due to its small size and understandable popularity, it's often so crowded you have to wait for a seat.

Alchemy Bar

A popular fixture on most Carnival Cruise Line ships, this bar is themed on a pharmacy — complete with apothecary jars — and helmed by specially trained bartenders wearing lab coats who are ready to cure what ails you. You order on a prescription pad, and while there is a fun menu with categories such as Energizing Elixirs and Passion Portions, it's also a treat to just check off some of your favorite flavors and see what the bartenders "prescribe" for you. If all else fails, try the Cucumber Sunrise, an Alchemy Bar staple.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar

On Norwegian Cruise Line 's Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus Class ships , check out this Havana-themed venue with indoor and outdoor seating and live Latin-Cuban music. Watch the sun go down from the alfresco promenade while sipping unusual mojitos such as Spicy Passion, Pineapple Coconut and Raspberry Guava. If you can't decide, go with a flight combining sweet and savory selections.

Blue Eye Lounge

You might not expect one of the coolest bar choices at sea to be on a small ship, but that's the case on French line Ponant 's Explorer Class 184-passenger Le Laperouse and its four sister ships. The multisensory lounge is below the water line and has two huge, whale-eye-shaped portals for watching the sea. The dark space makes you feel like you are inside a whale, except it's decorated with swanky "body listening" couches that gently vibrate to undersea acoustics. It's eerie, fancy and fabulous. Order a martini, and pretend you're James Bond.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Schooner Bar

The Schooner Bar is Royal Caribbean 's signature watering hole, featuring a classic nautical vibe. It's the place to hear live piano music and compete in daily trivia. The bar is so popular that you might have trouble finding a free table. A recently revamped cocktail menu has solidified its position as a top Royal Caribbean drinking spot; we recommend the Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned.

Ooh La La and Pink

The Champagne Bars on two of Disney Cruise Line 's ships have their own themes, but they're equally intriguing. Ooh La La, found on Disney Fantasy, is set up like a French boudoir with delightfully lavish decor — think lots of gold, velvet and ornate furniture — with dim lighting that makes you feel almost naughty for stepping inside. Pink, on Disney Dream, carries a bubble theme as an ode to the drink on which it's based. Keep an eye out for pink elephants that dance around the walls every so often.

One of the best cocktails to try at either location is the Icy Pop — a fruity, refreshing ice pop served in a large glass of Champagne.

When it debuted on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Edge in 2018, Eden — a restaurant, bar, deli and performance space all rolled into one venue — had cruisers scratching their heads. A strange, trippy three-hour show that featured acrobats who came a little too close to the audience was complemented by a list of equally curious drinks from the nearby Eden bar.

As notable for their unique ingredients as they are for their eye-wateringly high prices, the drinks — now available on two different menus across the line's Edge Class vessels — are masterfully concocted, featuring some of the most jaw-dropping presentations we've ever seen. Think treasure boxes, smoke and glasses in the shape of apples. It's not just hype, though; every drink on the menu is fantastic.

Royal Caribbean's wine bar, Vintages, is generally one of the line's least crowded bars, which appeals to anyone looking for a quiet drink before dinner. Tastings happen there throughout each sailing, and an extensive wine list makes it easy to find something you'll enjoy during other times of the day. Even if you're not a wino, Vintages — often found in Central Park on ships that have neighborhoods — also serves tapas that are worth trying if you're feeling peckish. Plus, the laid-back but classy setting makes it the perfect place to sip and socialize.

Sip, the Champagne bar on Virgin Voyages ' ships, is one of the most popular bars on board . Because you have to pass through it to reach the theater, you can't miss it.

Elegantly appointed with creams, tans and jewel tones, it's set up with a bar on one side of the walkway that runs through it and plush, comfortable alcove seating on the other, near windows that provide sea views. It's the place to go to snag a glass of bubbly while you take in live music at night or to enjoy afternoon tea during the day.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Brewhouse

Guy's Pig & Anchor Brewhouse is the place to sip Carnival's exclusive Parched Pig craft brews made by a brewmaster on each ship. There's a smoked porter, farmhouse ale and hoppy IPA, among other selections. If you're indecisive, go with a flight.

The bar is found on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. The outlets on those ships also offer brewery tours and the opportunity to dive into hickory-smoked barbecue selections from Food Network star Guy Fieri. The RedFrog Pub and Brewery on Carnival Vista has the beers, too, but with pub grub.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge

Live out your Star Wars fantasies in the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge on the new 4,000-passenger Disney Wish . The door to this cozy bar whooshes as you enter the space, styled like a luxury space yacht ready to jump between galaxies. (It does so thanks to projections of outer space on "virtual" windows and a top-rate, rumbling sound system.) Order up Coruscant The Chancellor, a cognac cocktail "enjoyed by the senate elite members."

Golden Lion Pub

On Cunard ships, including ocean liner Queen Mary 2, the Golden Lion replicates a real British pub, from the dark wood, leather banquettes and stools to the darts tournaments and pub quizzes. Sample a wide selection of beers and ales, including three craft beers from award-winning U.K. microbrewery Dark Revolution. Or go with a traditional Pimm's Cup (made with a gin-based liquor, fresh fruit and ginger ale). The pub grub menu features fish 'n' chips and bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes).

Located in the main lounge on 228-passenger Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ' Scenic Eclipse , this bar boasts more than 110 bottles of whisky on the wall, all in a floor-to-ceiling showcase backlit for dramatic effect. Among the golden-brown liquids, you'll find single malts such as a 25-year-old Glendullan, a 30-year-old Jura The Loch and a 16-year-old Lagavulin. Big-name super-premium blends are well represented in a collection that gathers bottles from around the world, including Australia, Japan, France, India, Taiwan, South Africa, the United States, Scotland, Ireland and Sweden. Drinks are included in the cruise fares.

Fortune Teller

Exclusively on Carnival Cruise Line's 5,200-passenger Mardi Gras, the Fortune Teller stands out for its cool New Orleans vibe. It's located in the big ship's French Quarter (where Chef Emeril Lagasse also has his first seagoing bistro) and features creative drinks, Victorian decor and a voodoo allure. Drinks change color, smoke or otherwise impress. The Crystal Ball comes topped with a hazy orb where you might or might not see your future after drinking the concoction of Herradura Silver Tequila, Green Chartreuse, agave nectar and lime.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Martini Bar & Crush

On most Celebrity Cruises ships, the popular Martini Bars are classy, tucked-away spaces featuring a collection of rare vodkas (and the option of caviar, too) served from an ice-topped bar. The bartenders do more than just pour the drinks; they entertain like Tom Cruise in the movie "Cocktail," flipping and juggling shakers and pouring multiple drinks at once from a stack of them.

On Edge Class ships, the action moves to the Grand Plaza under a breathtaking, color-changing three-deck light fixture. Go with a dirty martini or a Candied Apple (Gray Goose, apple schnapps, pomegranate juice and butterscotch schnapps).

Good Spirits At Sea

Every cocktail at this Princess Cruises bar comes with a story, created in partnership with the TV series Good Spirits. Drinks are made from liquor and other ingredients gathered from around the world, including farm-fresh, local ingredients from cruising destinations. A mixologist does the preparation while giving detailed explanations. Get up-close views of the drink-making on a video screen behind the bar, found on select ships. Sample a Grappa Peach while learning about its origins in Uruguay, or try a Bangkok Mule made with whiskey, ginger and lemongrass.

Founders Bar

If you like your cocktails crafty, the Founders Bar on Oceania 's new Vista will keep you coming back for more. You don't bother with wine or beer there; it's not worth the wait to order anything not on the menu of creative concoctions. Try drinks pumped full of smoke in a box, spritzed with flavor from perfume-style bottles, topped with bubbles from a Flavor Blaster Gun or centered on a frozen fruity ice cube. Don't forget your phone because every beverage is as picturesque as it is delicious.

Gimmicky bars worth a mention

Some cruise ship bars emphasize interesting concepts over quality drinks or, conversely, pour flashy beverages in dull spaces with absolutely no atmosphere. If you're looking for bragging rights or to try something new, check out these entertaining bars that are a one-and-done experience.

Magic Carpet Bar

Each of Celebrity's Edge Class vessels is equipped with a giant orange apparatus on its starboard side. Known as the Magic Carpet, it can move up and down the side of the ship, where it serves various functions (including a tender platform), depending on the deck on which it stops.

When it's positioned on Deck 14, near the pool, or Deck 5, when it turns into an open-air dining venue, the Magic Carpet is a great place for passengers to grab a drink. Although the beverages aren't anything particularly notable, the atmosphere is spectacular, offering drool-worthy views, comfortable seating and an ocean breeze, sometimes with live music to boot.

Rising Tide Bar

On Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships , this popular bar moves smoothly up and down three decks on a slow, 20-minute ride. There are seats for 32 imbibers who sip as they travel between the bustling Royal Promenade and tree-lined Central Park. The popular drink: A Kir Royale (creme de cassis and Champagne). You must be at least 21 to take a ride in this elevator. It's fun to try, but it's not a place people tend to return to again and again.

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth the price?

SKYY Vodka Ice Bar

Who doesn't want to put on a parka in the Caribbean? On select Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you'll want to bundle up for this icy bar, located in a chamber always kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and decorated with ice sculptures and cool color lights. You sit on ice blocks while bartenders serve average vodka drinks on ice and in ice glasses.

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships, as well as the Oasis Class' Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, take drink-making out of the hands of human bartenders and put it into the hands — or, rather, robotic arms — of machines. The robots, with names such as Rock'Em and Sock'Em, can't make every drink in the book, but they can shake up a signature Bionic Tea (think: Long Island Iced Tea), sliding it to you across a bar top. Order your selections by communicating via a smartpad. George Jetson would be impressed.

Although the robots are fun to watch, the messy and impersonal experience does not make you want to hang out for hours at this futuristic watering hole.

Metropolitan Bar

On Norwegian Cruise Line's new Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , this sustainability-focused bar specializes in handcrafted zero-waste cocktails. The idea is to combine surplus ingredients with sustainable spirits in creative ways. The signature Primadonna, a take on an Old-Fashioned, is made with surplus banana peels and Flor De Cana rum, which is produced with 100% renewable energy. There's also a line of responsibly sourced botanical gins and 20 biodynamic wines produced via organic farming methods. While we love the concept, the ambience is lacking, which is likely why the Metropolitan Bar was frequently uncrowded.

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CRUISE NIGHTLIFE

Adventures after hours.

Every Night

When you cruise with us, the thrills keep coming strong long after the sun sets. Discover a cruise nightlife filled with live concerts, dancing, karaoke, late-night laughs and bar-raising cocktails at entertainment venues and lounges that never come with a cover charge. It's the ultimate night out on the town – and you never have to leave the cruise ship to experience the best nightlife.

SPOTLIGHT KARAOKE

Sing along to your favorite show tunes, pop hits and rock ballads at Spotlight℠ Karaoke, an all-new venue where all eyes — and ears — are on you. Belt it out on the main stage in front of a crowd or host your own performance in a private room.

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At Music Hall, every evening highlights a different headliner. Rock out on the dance floor to some of the industry’s best cover bands or enjoy the show from the bar or one of the intimate lounge tables at this multi-level music venue.

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Bionic Bar ®

Let robot bartenders code the perfect cocktail for you.

Vintages wine bar is where wine lists and to-do lists overlap.

Two70® delivers imaginative artistry with your favorite cocktail.

The Hideaway Bar

Catch up with friends over craft cocktails with a view at Hideaway Bar.

The Overlook℠ Bar & Pods

Level up your night at The Overlook lounge and The Overlook Pods.

Desserted℠ Milkshake Bar

Treat your whole crew to over-the-top milkshakes, including boozy adults-only options at Desserted.

1400℠ Lobby Bar

Mix it up with upscale cocktails and a vintage vibe at 1400℠ Lobby Bar.

Point and Feather℠

Always score a good time at Point & Feather, an English pub pouring up pints and spirits.

Dueling Pianos℠

Dueling Pianos brings a new scale of sing-alongs with high-energy performances.

Viking Crown Lounge ®

Come for the cocktails, stay for the views.

Add a little sparkle to your day at Bubbles, a champagne bar that’s always poppin’.

Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues℠

Jive to the house band’s sweet, soulful beats at Lou’s Jazz ’n Blues.

Cantina Fresca℠

Enjoy the boldest Mexican cocktails at sea all day long.

High above the sea, Vue Bar offers refreshing drinks and awe-inspiring views on deck.

Pesky Parrot℠

This exotic enclave is the perfect tropical spot for fruit-based cocktails and spirited concoctions.

The Lemon Post℠ Bar

Cool down from your Surfside℠ adventures at this hangout mixing up drinks from two menus. One for grownup drinks with a fun twist, and one for kid-approved sips.

Schooner Bar

Come for a cocktail, stay for a song at this lively late-night spot.

Trellis Bar

Enjoy your favorite drinks in Central Park®.

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

It’s always game on at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.

The Lime and Coconut ®

Get your fill of sun-soaked sips and Caribbean cool at The Lime & Coconut®.

Pair your mojito with some live merengue at Boleros.

North Star Bar

Soak up the views, then savor the sips at North Star Bar.

Rising Tide Bar

Toast to a great getaway as you glide between decks at the Rising Tide Bar.

Solarium Bar

Savor all your favorite cocktails at this tranquil poolside retreat.

Suite Lounge

This lounge serves up serenity with a twist of lime.

Pool Bar & Sand Bar

Enjoy all your favorite drinks at one poolside spot.

Sunshine Bar

Grab a glass of fresh fruit juice or your favorite fruity cocktail at this Quantum Class go-to.

English Pub

Laughs, libations, and live music served here.

Toast to vintage vibe with classic cocktails at R Bar.

Take a sip and get to stepping on the dance floor.

Wipe Out Bar

Follow up your surf lesson with a sip session.

The Bamboo Room

Savor island-inspired drinks at this tropi-cool cocktail bar.

Champagne Bar

Pop a bottle, raise a glass, and elevate your getaway at the Champagne Bar.

Rye & Bean℠

Rye & Bean serves the perfect caffeine fix to perk up your day or night.

DISCOVERIES FROM

DAY TO NIGHT

The boldest cruise ships in the world are filled with memory maxing thrills and unforgettable experiences that keep the adventure going from day to night. These deckside hotspots and onboard attractions are open all day — but come back after dark and you’re in for a totally different vibe full of celebration and the hottest bars.

CARIBBEAN COOL

Get ready for sun-soaked lounging and tropical sips at the coolest island bar at sea. The Lime and Coconut℠ dials up the vacay vibes with DJs, live music and two bars slinging drinks all day and night.

GRAVITY DEFYING FUN

Feel your adrenaline pumping as you float weightless in the air on the only skydiving simulator at sea. At night, Ripcord® by iFly® glows with dazzling neon lights, creating a whole new thrilling experience after dark.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

Get ready to earn some serious bragging rights when you conquer the tallest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss℠. It’s a twisting, turning adrenaline-charged ride down ten stories — and it’s even more thrilling at night.

VIRTUAL THRILLS

What do you get when you combine a bungee trampoline with virtual reality? A one-of-a-kind, out-of-this-world experience. Strap in, put on your virtual reality headset, and spring into a new world of adventure on the Sky Pad®.

SKY’S THE LIMIT

The tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship, North Star® is a great spot to enjoy views during the day — but it’s just as magical at night. Score dazzling views of the night sky, then raise at glass at the North Star® Bar.

UNWIND AFTER DARK

After a day packed with adventure, wind down in one of the whirlpools at the adults-only Solarium. They’re open even after the sun sets, so you can kick back beneath a sky full of stars.

SURPRISE & DELIGHT ON EVERY DECK

One of the best things about cruising with our cruises is that each day — and night — is full of wow-worthy surprises, imaginative events and unexpected ways to play, from impromptu parades and themed parties on the Royal Promenade, to inventive cocktails at The Bamboo Room and captivating views from the pool deck.

TOTAL TIME WARP

Whether it’s a mystery masquerade, a traditional toga party, a disco-themed boogie brigade or an ‘80s-inspired extravaganza, you never know what kinds of surprise events and activities might pop up on the day’s itinerary.

IT’S TIKI TIME

This tiki-chic lounge buzzes from afternoon until late at night, transporting you to a Polynesian paradise with every sip. Feeling adventurous? The talented bartenders here will be happy to recommend an island-inspired cocktail with your tastes in mind.

LATE-NIGHT FLICKS

Rally up your besties and settle in on some lounge chairs — we are taking movie night poolside. From current flicks to much-loved classic films, you’re in for a blockbuster evening at sea under the dazzling night sky.

GET YOUR GAME ON

If you’re looking for a classic sports bar experience, this is your spot. Come for the signature Playmakers burger, tasty buffalo wings, icy-cold draughts and the massive four-scoop Touchdown Sundae. Then stay for the classic arcade games and all your favorite sports showcased live on dozens of screens. Whether you stop in for lunch, dinner, or late-night bites and brews, it’s always game on at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade.

GOOD TIMES ON TAP

Nearly every cruise ship in our fleet has an English pub. From the Crown & Kettle onboard Explorer of the Seas®, to the Bow & Stern onboard Allure of the Seas®, each one of these UK-inspired taprooms will transport you across the pond to lively Portsmouth or vibrant Liverpool. Order a pint of your favorite brew or enjoy some whiskey or gin as you listen to live music at this fan-favorite hangout.

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Top Cruise Ship Bars

by The Cruise Web Team May 2, 2024

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Welcome to the captivating world of cruise ship bars, where the ambiance is as intoxicating as the drinks themselves. Cruise ship bars are more than just places to grab a drink; they are vibrant social hubs where guests can come together to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories. Each bar has its own unique theme, signature drinks, and entertainment options, providing guests with a variety of atmospheres to enjoy. Join us as we tour the top cruise ship bars (in no particular order) from icy wonderlands to tropical paradises and discover the magic of mixology at sea.  

Nautical Nightlife: A Tour of the Top Cruise Ship Bars      

Cruise ship bars offer more than just drinks; they provide unique experiences in stunning settings. From themed décor to signature cocktails, each bar has something special to offer. Let’s explore some of the top cruise ship bars that will elevate your nautical nightlife experience.  

Skyy Ice Bar – Norwegian Cruise Line      

Step into a winter wonderland aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line at the Skyy Ice Bar, where everything is crafted from ice, from the bar top to the intricate sculptures. This unique bar offers a refreshing experience unlike any other.      

As you enter, you will feel the cool, crisp air envelop you, transporting you to a world of icy elegance. The frozen bar top, made entirely of ice, is the perfect spot to enjoy the “Frozen Paradise,” a signature drink made with Skyy vodka, tropical fruit juices, and a hint of coconut, all served in an ice glass. This delightful concoction is a perfect blend of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise, even while surrounded by ice.    

Watch as bartenders masterfully craft these icy creations using premium Skyy vodka and fresh ingredients. The bar’s icy décor, including shimmering sculptures of animals, landscapes, and more, creates a magical atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy the artistry of ice.  

The Skyy Ice Bar is more than just a bar; it is an experience. Whether you are looking for a unique cocktail experience or a cool escape from the heat, the Skyy Ice Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line is sure to impress. It is the perfect place to chill out and enjoy a one-of-a-kind drink in a truly unforgettable setting.  

The Skyy Ice Bar can be found aboard Norwegian Epic , Norwegian Breakaway , and Norwegian Getaway .  

View Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises

RedFrog Rum Bar – Carnival Cruise Lines      

Embark on a Caribbean escape without leaving the ship at the RedFrog Rum Bar on Carnival Cruise Lines. This vibrant bar captures the essence of the Caribbean with its colorful décor and laid-back atmosphere, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a world of tropical flavors and island vibes.      

The RedFrog Rum Bar offers an extensive menu of Caribbean-inspired rum cocktails, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Sip on a classic rum punch or try a signature creation like the “Rum Runner,” a fruity concoction of rum, banana liqueur, blackberry brandy, and tropical fruit juices, served over ice. Whether you prefer your drink sweet, spicy, or fruity, the RedFrog Rum Bar has something to satisfy every palate.      

As you enjoy your drink, soak in the lively ambiance of the bar, which often features live music performances by local artists. Feel the rhythm of the Caribbean as you sip on your cocktail and dance the night away.      

One of the highlights of the RedFrog Rum Bar is its stunning ocean views. Situated on the ship’s deck, the bar offers panoramic views of the sea, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing drink.      

Whether you are a rum connoisseur or simply looking to unwind with a tropical drink, the RedFrog Rum Bar on Carnival Cruise Lines is the perfect destination for a taste of the Caribbean.  

The RedFrog Rum Bar can be found aboard Carnival Breeze , Carnival Celebration , Carnival Conquest , Carnival Dream , Carnival Elation , Carnival Firenze , Carnival Freedom , Carnival Glory , Carnival Horizon , Carnival Jubilee , Carnival Legend , Carnival Liberty , Carnival Luminosa , Carnival Magic , Carnival Miracle , Carnival Panorama , Carnival Paradise , Carnival Pride , Carnival Radiance , Carnival Spirit , Carnival Splendor , Carnival Sunrise , Carnival Sunshine , Carnival Valor , Carnival Venezia , Carnival Vista , and Mardi Gras .  

View Carnival Cruise Line Cruises

Golden Lion Pub – Cunard      

Step into the inviting atmosphere of the Golden Lion Pub on Cunard and experience the charm of a traditional English pub. This cozy bar welcomes guests to enjoy the ambiance of a classic British watering hole. As you enter, you will be greeted by wood-paneled walls, traditional pub furniture, and a warm atmosphere. The bar offers a selection of British beers and ales on tap, as well as bottled beers and ciders, catering to every taste. Enjoy classic pub fare such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a savory pie while sipping on your pint. The menu also includes lighter options like sandwiches and salads.      

One of the highlights of the Golden Lion Pub is its signature drink, the “Golden Ale Punch.” This British-inspired cocktail is a delightful blend of ale, whiskey, honey, and lemon, served in a classic pint glass. The Golden Ale Punch perfectly complements the cozy ambiance of the pub, making it the ideal choice for a relaxing evening.      

The Golden Lion Pub is not just a place to enjoy a drink and a meal; it is also a hub of entertainment. With live music performances, pub quizzes, and other events celebrating British culture, there is always something happening at the Golden Lion. Whether you are seeking a taste of home or want to experience a classic English pub, the Golden Lion Pub on Cunard is sure to delight.    

The Golden Lion Pub can be found aboard Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria , and Queen Elizabeth .  

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Eden Bar – Celebrity Cruises    

Escape to a paradise of luxury and tranquility at the Eden Bar on Celebrity Cruises. This unique bar offers a sensory experience like no other, with a lush garden setting that transports you to a world of natural beauty and relaxation. As you enter, you will be greeted by a stunning display of greenery and natural elements that create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The bar’s design blends seamlessly with its surroundings, featuring living walls of plants and trees that provide a sense of calm and tranquility.  

The Eden Bar’s menu features a selection of craft cocktails made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sip on a refreshing cocktail made with hand-picked herbs and fruits, or indulge in a signature creation inspired by the bar’s lush surroundings. One of the highlights of the Eden Bar is its signature drink, “Eden’s Elixir.” This exquisite concoction combines the finest spirits with fresh, natural ingredients, creating a drink that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Each drink is expertly crafted by skilled mixologists, ensuring a unique and flavorful experience with every sip.    

The ambiance of the Eden Bar is as enchanting as its drinks. Sit back and relax in the bar’s comfortable seating areas, surrounded by the sights, and sounds of nature. Enjoy live music performances or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere as you unwind from the day’s adventures. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a drink with friends or seeking a moment of tranquility amid your cruise activities, the Eden Bar on Celebrity Cruises is the perfect destination for a luxurious and immersive experience.  

The Eden Bar can be found aboard on Celebrity Edge .  

View Celebrity Cruises     

La Reserve by Wine Spectator – Oceania      

Experience the world of fine wines at La Reserve by Wine Spectator on Oceania. This elegant bar is a paradise for wine lovers, offering a handpicked selection of premium wines from across the globe.      

Upon entering La Reserve, you will be enveloped by its luxurious ambiance, featuring rich woods, plush seating, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The setting is perfect for a memorable wine experience.      

La Reserve’s wine list is meticulously curated by Wine Spectator’s experts, offering a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines to please every palate. The bar also hosts wine tastings and educational seminars led by wine connoisseurs, providing a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of fine wines.      

Complementing its exceptional wine selection, La Reserve offers a menu of gourmet small plates and hors d’oeuvres. Indulge in artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other delicacies as you enjoy your favorite wine.      

La Reserve by Wine Spectator on Oceania is more than just a bar; it is a luxurious retreat where you can immerse yourself in the world of wine. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply enjoy a good glass of wine, La Reserve is a must-visit destination. Do not miss the opportunity to try their signature drink, “Wine Spectator’s Reserve,” a velvety red blend with notes of dark fruits and spices, perfect for savoring on a luxurious evening.  

The La Reserve by Wine Spectator can be found aboard the Riviera and Marina .  

View Oceania Cruises     

Wheelhouse Bar – Princess Cruises      

Step into a world of elegance and sophistication at the Wheelhouse Bar on Princess Cruises. This refined bar offers a timeless setting with its nautical décor and classic ambiance, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a drink in style.      

As you enter the Wheelhouse Bar, you will be transported to a bygone era of luxury ocean travel. The bar’s interior is adorned with rich woods, brass accents, and maritime-inspired décor that evoke the spirit of a classic ship’s wheelhouse. Sit back and relax in the bar’s comfortable seating areas, or find a spot at the bar and watch as skilled bartenders craft your drink with precision and flair.      

The Wheelhouse Bar’s menu features a selection of classic cocktails, including martinis, old-fashioneds, and Manhattans, as well as a variety of wines and spirits. Sip on your favorite drink as you listen to live piano music, which often fills the bar with its soothing melodies.      

One of the highlights of the Wheelhouse Bar is its intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are enjoying a quiet drink alone or socializing with friends, the bar’s ambiance creates the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.      

Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or new to Princess Cruises, the Wheelhouse Bar is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the elegance and charm of classic cruising. Do not miss the opportunity to try their signature drink, the “Captain’s Old Fashioned,” a classic cocktail made with bourbon, bitters, sugar, and a twist of citrus, served over ice.  

The Wheelhouse Bar can be found aboard Caribbean Princess , Coral Princess , Crown Princess , Diamond Princess , Discovery Princess , Emerald Princess , Enchanted Princess , Grand Princess , Island Princess , Majestic Princess , Regal Princess , Royal Princess , Ruby Princess , Sapphire Princess , Sky Princess , and Sun Princess .  

View Princess Cruises    

Bionic Bar – Royal Caribbean      

Embark on a futuristic adventure at the Bionic Bar on Royal Caribbean. This innovative bar features robotic bartenders that will dazzle you with their precision and efficiency as they mix and serve your drinks with flair.      

As you approach the Bionic Bar, you will be greeted by a sleek and modern setting that sets the stage for the technological marvels that await inside. The bar is equipped with robotic arms that are programmed to create a wide range of cocktails, from classic favorites to creative concoctions.      

To order a drink at the Bionic Bar, simply use the touchscreen menu to select your desired cocktail. Watch in amazement as the robotic bartender springs into action, carefully measuring and mixing your drink with precision. The robots’ movements are synchronized to music, creating a mesmerizing performance that is sure to delight.      

In addition to its innovative technology, the Bionic Bar also offers a variety of seating options where you can relax and enjoy your drink. Whether you prefer to sit at the bar and watch the robots in action or find a cozy spot to unwind with friends, the Bionic Bar provides a unique and unforgettable experience.      

The Bionic Bar is not just a bar; it is a glimpse into the future of mixology. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, the Bionic Bar on Royal Caribbean is sure to impress.      

Do not miss the opportunity to try their signature drink, the “ Robotic Refresher, ” a futuristic blend of rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and a splash of lime, mixed by the robotic bartenders.  

The Bionic Bar can be found aboard Quantum of the Seas , Anthem of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas , Harmony of the Seas , and Symphony of the Seas .  

View Royal Caribbean Cruises    

Humidor – Silversea Cruises  

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Humidor on Silversea Cruises is a true gem. This exclusive bar caters to cigar aficionados, offering a curated selection of premium cigars from around the world.    

As you enter the Humidor, you will be greeted by the rich aroma of fine cigars and the warm ambiance of the bar’s elegant interior. The Humidor features a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating areas where you can relax and enjoy your cigar in peace.      

The Humidor’s cigar selection is second to none, with a range of options to suit every taste. Whether you prefer a bold and robust cigar or a milder, more aromatic blend, the Humidor has something for everyone. Pair your cigar with a fine spirit from the bar’s extensive collection, which includes premium whiskeys, cognacs, and rums.      

One of the highlights of the Humidor is its outdoor terrace, which offers panoramic views of the ocean. This serene setting provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying a cigar, allowing you to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the sea.      

Whether you are a seasoned cigar enthusiast or simply looking to indulge in a luxurious experience, the Humidor on Silversea Cruises is sure to impress.    

Do not miss the opportunity to try their signature drink, the “Cigar Smoked Manhattan,” a smoky twist on the classic Manhattan, made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a hint of cigar smoke.  

The Humidor can be found aboard Silver Cloud , Silver Dawn , Silver Endeavor , Silver Moon , Silver Muse , Silver Nova , Silver Origin , Silver Ray , Silver Shadow , Silver Spirit , and Silver Wind .  

View Silversea Cruises

The Surfers Bar – MSC  

Surfers Bar on MSC Cruises embodies a lively, beach-inspired ambiance, drawing from the vibrant culture of surfing and coastal living. Its decor, reminiscent of surfboards, sets the stage for a relaxed, tropical experience.      

The bar offers an array of tropical cocktails, including classics like piña coladas and margaritas, as well as innovative concoctions inspired by beach locales worldwide. Beer aficionados can choose from a selection of local and international brews.    

Whether you’re seeking a post-adventure unwind or simply wish to savor a drink, Surfers Bar delivers. Immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere and relish the sensation of being at a beachfront bar, all while aboard your MSC cruise.    

A must-try at Surfers Bar is the “Wave Rider,” a refreshing mix of rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and blue curaçao, creating a visually striking blue cocktail reminiscent of the ocean. This signature drink perfectly complements the bar’s beach-inspired vibe, offering a taste of seaside bliss with every sip.  

The Sports Bar can be found aboard Msc World Europa , and Msc World America .  

View MSC Cruises

Alchemy Bar – Carnival Cruise Line      

Step into a world of enchantment and creativity at the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Cruise Line. This unique bar offers a magical experience, where skilled bartenders transform fresh ingredients and premium spirits into handcrafted cocktails that are as delicious as they are visually stunning.      

As you approach the Alchemy Bar, you will be greeted by a team of talented mixologists who are passionate about the art of mixology. Watch as they work their magic, carefully combining ingredients and infusing flavors to create cocktails that are tailored to your taste preferences.      

The Alchemy Bar’s menu features a variety of signature cocktails, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Whether you prefer something sweet, fruity, bold, or spicy, the Alchemy Bar has a drink to suit your palate. If you are feeling adventurous, ask the bartenders to create a custom cocktail just for you.      

One of the highlights of the Alchemy Bar is its lively and interactive atmosphere. Sit at the bar and watch as the skilled bartenders create cocktails with flair or find a cozy spot to relax and enjoy your drink. The bar’s ambiance is both inviting and energetic, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the ship.      

Whether you are a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Cruise Line is sure to leave you spellbound.      

Do not miss the chance to try their signature drink, the “Alchemy Elixir,” a magical mix of gin, fresh herbs, citrus juices, and a touch of sweetness, crafted with flair by the skilled bartenders.  

The Alchemy Bar can be found aboard Carnival Conquest , Carnival Glory , Carnival Liberty , Carnival Sunshine , Carnival Freedom , Carnival Pride , Carnival Miracle , Carnival Vista , Carnival Spirit , and Carnival Legend .  

Social Scenes: Events and Gatherings at Cruise Bars      

Cruise ship bars are more than just places to grab a drink; they are vibrant social hubs where guests can come together to enjoy a variety of events and gatherings. From themed parties to live music performances, these bars offer a lively and festive atmosphere that adds to the overall cruise experience.      

• Skyy Ice Bar – Norwegian Cruise Line : The Skyy Ice Bar often hosts ice sculpting demonstrations and themed parties, providing guests with a unique and immersive experience.      
• RedFrog Rum Bar – Carnival Cruise Lines : Guests can enjoy live Caribbean music performances at the RedFrog Rum Bar, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that perfectly complements the tropical vibes of the bar.      
• Golden Lion Pub – Cunard : The Golden Lion Pub is known for its pub trivia nights and karaoke parties, offering guests a chance to showcase their knowledge and talents while enjoying a pint of ale.  
• Eden Bar – Celebrity Cruises : The Eden Bar often hosts mixology classes and tasting events, allowing guests to learn the art of cocktail making from expert mixologists.  
• La Reserve by Wine Spectator – Oceania : Wine tastings and pairing dinners are popular events at La Reserve, offering guests the opportunity to sample a variety of premium wines and gourmet dishes.  
• Wheelhouse Bar – Princess Cruises : The Wheelhouse Bar is a popular spot for live jazz performances and ballroom dancing, providing guests with a sophisticated and elegant evening of entertainment.  
• Bionic Bar – Royal Caribbean : The Bionic Bar’s robotic bartenders often put on a show, performing choreographed routines as they mix and serve drinks, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for guests.  
• Humidor – Silversea Cruises : Cigar enthusiasts can participate in cigar tasting events and seminars at the Humidor, learning about different cigar varieties and techniques from experts in the field.  
• The Sports Bar – MSC: Sports fans can gather at The Sports Bar to watch live sports events on multiple screens, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere for game-watching.  
• Alchemy Bar – Carnival Cruise Line : The Alchemy Bar hosts cocktail-making competitions and flair bartending shows, providing guests with an entertaining and interactive experience.    

These events and gatherings add an extra layer of excitement to the cruise experience, allowing guests to socialize, relax, and enjoy themselves in a fun and festive atmosphere.      

And as you embark on your cruise adventure, do not forget the invaluable assistance a cruise consultant can provide. At The Cruise Web, our experienced consultants are here to help you navigate the seas of options and tailor your cruise experience to perfection. Whether you are looking to add a beverage package to your booking or seeking advice on which bar offers the best ocean panoramas, our consultants are here to ensure your cruise is everything you have dreamed of and more. So, sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the cruise of a lifetime by calling us at 1-800-377-9383 or email us at [email protected] .      

In conclusion, cruise ship bars offer a diverse range of experiences, from icy wonderlands to tropical paradises, elegant pubs to futuristic lounges. Each bar has its own unique theme, signature drinks, and entertainment options, providing guests with a variety of atmospheres to enjoy. Whether you are sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset over the ocean or joining in a lively game of pub trivia, cruise ship bars are more than just places to grab a drink – they are vibrant social hubs where guests can come together to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories. So, the next time you find yourself on a cruise, be sure to visit the onboard bars and immerse yourself in the unique and exciting world of cruise ship mixology.  

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• Cruise Line Restaurant, Room Service, and Bar Menus / Princess

Princess Cruise Line’s Elite Lounge: A Review

by Prof. Cruise · March 11, 2022

One of the loyalty benefits available to Platinum and Elite level Princess cruisers as well as suite and, as I discovered, “honored” guests is access to an exclusive onboard lounge.

This lounge goes by different nicknames and is open during different times and located in a different spot depending on the ship. I hope Princess is keeping an eye on the “Elite Lounge” AKA the “Platinum and Elite Lounge” AKA the “Platinum, Elite, and Suite Lounge” AKA the “EPS Lounge” AKA the “Captain’s Circle Lounge” AKA the “Loyalty Lounge” for early signs of an identity crisis. For simplicity sake, I’m going to refer to it as the “Elite Lounge.”

My Experience with Princess Cruise Line’s Elite Lounge

With only four prior Princess cruises under my buffet pants, my OceanMedallion was still a shameful shade of red, something akin to Dorothy’s slippers, on my recent sailing aboard the Majestic Princess . However, I received the following letter in my stateroom identifying me as an “honored guest” and inviting me to take advantage of the “Exclusive Elite Lounge” (another name variation to add to the list):

I thought there must’ve been a mistake as I’d never been invited to anything exclusive before, but it was on very official looking Princess letterhead and had my name on it twice, so I ultimately judged it as legit and made the decision to attend on an evening when I had a later dinner reservation.

Now, what to wear? I figured this would probably be on the same scale as the Met Gala, so I googled, “what do the elite wear to the Met Gala,” and upon realizing I hadn’t packed any Oscar de la Renta, a gown with a controversial political statement written on it, or gold armor, I settled on some black leggings paired with a polka dot blouse and my black dress Crocs.

Don’t look for me in next month’s issue of Vogue unless you want to waste $5.99 and an hour of precious life.

On the way to the lounge I started to panic that maybe I was supposed to have prepared a speech: “I’d like to start by thanking God, my family, and the Captain.” Here we go…

It turns out the “Elite Lounge” on the Majestic Princess only exists between the hours of 4:30pm-6:30pm on select nights. After that the ship magician transforms it back into the Hollywood Conservatory by removing two signs and a small buffet: “abracadabra…hey can someone grab the other end of this here table?”

Here’s a tour of the Hollywood Conservatory before the commoners are shooed away:

Anyway, before my big toe fully crossed the exclusive threshold as marked by the above sign placed at the entrance, I was stopped by a crew member and asked, “are you supposed to be here?” to which I responded, “clearly not, but I received an invitation in my cabin.” She looked skeptical, (commoner!) but let me proceed anyway.

I don’t know exactly what I was expecting, maybe some balloons or fireworks or a circus act, but if the “Elite Lounge” was Ashley Olsen, the Hollywood Conservatory was Mary-Kate (in other words, identical down to the scowls and prolific eye makeup, for those too young to know the best television show ever produced):

At least there was food though!

A small buffet was set up with smoothie shots, various appetizers and breads, and that night’s special: a shrimp fountain. I didn’t partake of the fountain because in my view those are only for chocolate and granting wishes. The crew member manning the buffet got kind of mad when I threw a penny in there.

I did, however, partake of a bowl of mac ‘n cheese so small it could have been served on a miniature table in Barbie’s Dream House. And delicious enough to have been worthy. Seriously, it was so good I went back for fifteen more servings before remembering I was supposed to be acting like I’d been there before. I delicately wiped the edges of my mouth with a napkin before hiding all the empty bowls in a plant.

Princess Cruise Line’s Elite Lounge Food Menu 2022

Here was the Elite Lounge menu for the full week:

• Day 1: Herb marinated goat’s cheese with crisp rosemary flatbread and tomato bruschetta.
• Day 2: Beef steak tartare with melba toast.
• Day 3: Assorted sushi with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger.
• Day 4: Shrimp fountain with American cocktail sauce.
• Day 5: Smoked salmon with toast points, onion rings, capers, and lemons.
• Day 6: CLOSED
• Day 7: Herb marinated goat’s cheese with crisp rosemary flatbread and tomato bruschetta.

And here were the drink specials:

Princess Cruise Line’s Elite Lounge Drink Specials

No, your device isn’t slow to load. There’s no photo or list of the Elite Lounge drink specials, because there were no drink specials. At least as far as I could tell. A server came around to see if I wanted anything to drink, but I just ordered water because I thought it would blow my cover once and for all if I asked, “so are there cheap drinks at this thing or what?”

I’ve been told by some of my cruise friends that normally there’s a list of six or so drink specials priced at around $6.50 + 18% gratuity.

Final Thoughts on Princess’s Elite Lounge

I disembarked the Majestic Princess, my fifth Princess cruise, a legit Platinum member of the Captain’s Circle (Princess’s loyalty program) with future access to the “Elite Lounge,” no special invitation required. So will I visit it again in the future? While I found the whole experience a bit underwhelming and, honestly, a little awkward, on my next Princess cruise I plan to hold my Platinum Medallion up high and confidently spoil my dinner with ALL the Barbie bowls of mac ‘n cheese! And with that…

Class Dismissed.

Homework (10 points): Share your experience with the Elite Lounge in the comments and review my most recent Princess-related lectures:

Majestic Princess Mini-Suite Review and Tour

Princess Cruise Line’s OceanNow Food And Beverage Delivery Menu 2022

Preparing For Your Princess Cruise in 2022

Princess Cruise Line’s 2022 Dinner Menus

And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer or keep scrolling down if on a mobile device) and follow Prof. Cruise on your favorite social social media sites:

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6 Responses

• Pingbacks 2

What night had this amazing Mac&Cheese you speak of!??

Day 4! Be sure to try one (or 20)!

Thank you!!!

Too cheap to order a drink??

[…] From 4:30pm-6:30pm most evenings, the Hollywood Conservatory transforms into the Elite Lounge for Platinum, Elite, and suite guests. You can read my review of the Elite Lounge (with the nightly appetizer menu included) HERE: […]

[…] Princess Cruise Line’s Elite Lounge: A Review […]

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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BARS & LOUNGES

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Our ships feature up to 22 bars and lounges, each with its own unique vibe. Dance to the ultraviolet energy at Bliss Ultra Lounge. Sip champagne, sake or scotch. Lounge poolside with an umbrella drink. Play pool at the pub. Or chill at the Ice Bar. Follow your mood and mingle.

Award-Winning Nightlife

THE WATERFRONT BARS

• Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar
• Shaker's Martini Bar

Sugarcane Mojito Bar

A great place to meet before or after dinner, enjoy great cocktails and conversations along The Waterfront on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Pearl.

Become one with the ocean as you sip your delicious martini along The Waterfront on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Pearl.

Freshly muddled just the way you like, enjoy a refreshing mojito with friends - day or night. Exclusively on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, and Norwegian Star.

Find your place in the sun at this Key West-inspired bar. Exclusively on Norwegian Getaway.

POOL DECK & OUTDOOR BARS

• Vibe Beach Club
• Great Outdoors
• Waves Pool Bar

An exclusive oasis at the top of the ship, Vibe Beach Club is an adults-only getaway full of panoramic ocean views, drinks and upgraded lounge chairs with umbrellas. With this package, you'll enjoy Vibe Beach Club access for the entire length of your cruise. Exclusively on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Prima. Available for pre-sell. Log in to MyNCL for more information.

This is the perfect place to sip on a margarita as you take in another classic sunset. Exclusively on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, and Norwergian Sun.

Sip on a refreshing drink and grab a bite to eat at this poolside bar and grill. Exclusively on Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Sky.

Grab a seat or just belly-up and order a cold one to go. Waves is always hopping with activity, so come as you are. Exclusively on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy.

SPECIALITY BARS & LOUNGES

• O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill
• Skyy® Vodka Ice Bar
• Magnum's Champagne & Wine Bar
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge

Great beer and tasty bites are on tap 24/7 in this neighborhood sports pub with flat screen TV's, billiards and darts.

Inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, chill out in a 17° arctic chamber where the bars, walls, seats and glasses are all made from ice.

Pop the bubbly and toast to the good life at this Art Nouveau-inspired champagne and wine bar.

A premiere cigar shop and lounge where patrons can light up in classic comfort.

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

• Bliss Ultra Lounge
• Spinnaker Lounge
• Syd Norman's Pour House

Go clubbing till the wee hours where the glowing walls and bar intensify the energy. Exclusively on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Pearl.

Take part in Norwegian Cruise Line's newest and most illuminating party at sea as we turn Spice H2O into the electrifying H2GLOW! This is an amped up version of our former White Hot Party so wear neon or white as we fill the night with a lowing vividness that can only come from a good time.

Feel the sizzle of the night dancing under the stars. Or join the 1980's-themed deck party on Norwegian Breakaway at this adults-only venue. Exclusively on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Joy.

Spinnaker Lounge's larger-than-life dance floor is the perfect place to bust out some of your signature moves. Exclusively on Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Spirit.

New on Norwegian Breakaway, get ready to rock at Syd Norman's Pour House! From gritty brick walls to live rock ’n’ roll, you’ll feel like you’re in one of LA’s legendary rock clubs.

Norwegian Next NEW BARS & LOUNGES

Just as you would expect from Norwegian, we're shaking things up – this time across our fleet with our bars and lounges.

Sugarcane Mojito Bar, a guest favourite, will soon be one of your favourites across our ships. Exclusively on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl,and Norwegian Star.

Michael Mondavi Family

With our exclusive partnership with the Michael Mondavi Family, savour specially selected wines from our refined wine lists fleetwide and look forward to new and immersive wine experiences and events soon to be announced.

Spirited Staff

We tapped into the hottest, hand-crafted cocktail bar in Miami, Bar Lab, to create unique speciality cocktails. Plus, we're educating our Wine Stewards fleetwide with Sommelier training by Court of Master Sommeliers, offering an even more knowledgeable staff.

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Celebrity Cruises Drinks & Bar Menus – Know what to expect on your next cruise

On a recent voyage (December 2023), we took the time to scan each of the drink menus on the Celebrity Constellation. These menus are representative of the drink & cocktail prices across the fleet of Celebrity ships, though some newer ships may have more unique bar menus.

Don’t forget that the prices do not include the mandatory 20% gratuity/service charge

We thought the prices were in line with most major cruise lines, however, there were an incredible number of standard wines and other beverages that were not available during the voyage leaving only more expensive options to choose from. If this is what is happening across the company it makes the drink package(s) seem like a decent deal if you can get it at the right price.

• Read : Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages Explained

Pool Bar & Buffet Beverage Menus on Celebrity

The typical menus found at the pool bars and in the buffet area of the ships. Some of the beer, in my opinion, is excessively priced. The rest of the drinks seem on par with what you’d expect on any cruise line.

Cocktail & Bar Menus

The bar menus in the lounges vary, but this is the staple offering across the cruise line. Most cocktails were $12 throughout the ship and none were poured “light”.

Celebrity Cruises Wine Menu

Even though there was a dedicated wine bar on our latest cruise, the options seemed quite limited. Many weren’t available even if listed. What is posted as the available brands on the Celebrity website is unfortunately quite different than what the reality is.

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Celebrity Cruises Martini Bar Menu

The martini bars on the Celebrity ships are hugely popular, for good reason! But the prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years. At $17 each, there are no martinis that now fit within the Classic beverage package, meaning you have to splurge for the Premium drink package if you want them included (or pay the difference in cost of a few dollars).

Other drink Prices on Celebrity Cruises

We try to scan every menu while we’re on a cruise, but for whatever reason, Celebrity has pulled many of the menus that are more general and replaced them with the above cocktail menus that aren’t totally inclusive.

It could be because of the rapid price changes across the fleet.

It left us asking everywhere we went, how much certain spirits were before we ordered. It was relatively frustrating to not be able to know what was offered and what the pricing was like.

Here are a few takeaways from our inquiries while onboard:

• Macallan is $19 a pour now.
• Woodford is at $17 a pour
• There are very few wines and beers within the $10 price of the basic drink package
• Wines by the glass and beers are priced between $12 and $17
• There is an “elevated” selection of wines by the glass anywhere between $22-$36

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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11 Comments

Thank you so much for posting the costs via the ship’s menus. We are embarking on a 16-day repositioning cruise in 2025. I fear adding the drink packages will be pretty pricey! I think we’ll go “by the drink!” I’d also be interested in how many people on average take the repositioning cruises — are they usually full or just partly so — do you have any idea?

Hi Judy – I take a couple repositioning cruises per year and they’re never full, but the last one I just did was nearly 90%! Which is crazy to me. In the past if they reached 70% capacity, that would be a lot. So expect they’ll be fuller these days, but I doubt they’d be at 100% capacity. As for the drink package, it starts to be worth it if you end up having a few drinks a day. It also allows to experiment and not feel bad about not drinking something you don’t love. But yes, it’s really expensive for sure. I’ve done long cruises with and without a package, and I’ve always found I end up drinking more because of sea days and it ends up the package is always cheaper. (in my case)

Thanks for sharing the drink menus. Helps us to decide to upgrade out drink package to premium. Much appreciated. Pattie

I’m glad this helped Pattie! Unfortunately you almost have to upgrade the drink package to get anything decent now 🙁

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks so much for the above information, really helps me. I’m trying to find out the cost of spirits, especially whiskey.Do you have this information please. Thankyou

Hi Sue – They weirdly didn’t have separate spirits menus! I do know Dewar’s White Label, Famous Grouse, Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker Red, Monkey Shoulder, Seagram’s VO were all under $10 for a single pour. Since these are under the higher end drink package, they’ll be less than $17 : Aberfeldy 12, Bulleit Bourbon, Chivas Regal 12, Dewar’s 12, Gentleman Jack, The Glenlivet, Jack Daniel’s Black, Jack Daniel’s Rye, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Johnnie Walker Black, Johnnie Walker Double Black, The Macallan Lumina, The Macallan Quest, Maker’s Mark, Rittenhouse Rye, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve.

I hope this helps a little. Unfortunately, I looked at all the menus we have and none are specific with prices of their other brands.

Perfect,thankyou so much. Just trying to work out if it’s worth the drinks package,this helps a lot. Do they put the 20%on every drink you order rather than the package?? Thanks for your help

If you don’t buy a package, and buy drinks as you go, the gratuity is added on every drink. If you buy the package, there is a 20% gratuity added to the package during checkout, and you won’t pay anymore – UNLESS – the drink you order isn’t covered by the package, then you pay 20% on the difference of the price only.

Thankyou, It’s very strange because we’ve reserved the package and the 20%wasnt added,just wanted to check it wouldn’t be later. Really appreciate your help and advice.

That is strange, are you by chance outside of the US? On European and UK prices, the price includes gratuities (not separate line item during checkout like it is in the USA)

Yes,I did wonder if this was the case. Yes in uk

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Whether you want handcrafted martinis, ice-cold craft brews, or delicious specialty coffees to perk you up, the bars and lounges aboard Celebrity Apex SM offer something for every mood. Kick back at tried-and-true favorites, like Café al Bacio, the Pool Bar, our ever-popular Sunset Bar, and the stunning Martini Bar—and discover a brand-new favorite at Craft Social Bar, featuring beer, wine, and cocktails on tap. They’re all here waiting to serve up unforgettable experiences on our revolutionary new Celebrity Apex.

The Martini Bar

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails under the glow of the Grand Plaza’s stunning LED chandelier, which features nightly choreographed light and flair bartending shows.

Café al Bacio

This Italian-inspired café located along the Grand Plaza is the perfect place to gather with friends and relax with delicious specialty coffees and sweet treats.

Craft Social Bar

Pull up a seat in our comfy new venue, offering a wide selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails on tap, as well as comfort food bites elevated to delicious new heights.

The Retreat Lounge

Exclusive to guests of The Retreat®, this warmly inviting lounge is open 24/7 and offers a new fully stocked and expertly staffed bar, as well as gourmet bites and live entertainment.

Tantalize your senses with a collection of craft cocktails that perfectly match the chillful, playful, and wonderful vibes of Eden.

The Pool Bar

Sip on refreshing cocktails as you unwind poolside, losing yourself in the live music and gentle sea breezes.

The Sunset Bar

With a casual country club atmosphere and some of the most spectacular views aboard, this is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with a cocktail in hand.

Whether you’re a morning person or night owl, this dynamic venue has something for everyone, from daytime activities like DJ classes and archery to evening productions that will entertain you long past your bedtime.

Il Secondo Bacio

Located within Oceanview Café, Il Secondo Bacio offers specialty coffees and freshly squeezed juices to go along with your meal or enjoy on their own.

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• Carnival Cruise Lines

Bar Onboard Exclusive VIFP offer??

By chiptoe , May 10, 2020 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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I was exploring options for a cruise (Sunshine in October) and was given a special offer of “Bar Onboard Exclusive.” The title led me to believe that it had something to do with the bars on board the ship - like maybe a drink package, but there is nothing in the detailed description that relates to this (in fact the only material thing in the offer appears to be a cabin credit of $200). I called Carnival to get clarification and after much time on hold, I was told that no, there was nothing in this offer that had anything to do with a bar other than the fact that we could use our $200 towards that purpose.  

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I just saw the same offer and had the same thought.  Weird that it says Bar on Board but doesn’t include cheers.

This is just a guess, but maybe someone in the Promotions Dept. came up with this instead of saying "Free drink coupon for returning VIFP cruisers" since the coupon can only be used on board, and usually on the last day of the cruise.

Typically in travel language BAR stands for Best Available Rate. Sent from my SM-G965U using Forums mobile app

Sounds like a good deal to me as long as it wont effect a total price for a cruise itself. I remember I was offered a suite on Celebrity with like a bar very close to it. I thought back then that the price depended on the distance to the bar lol. In any case I dont think it has anything to do with it

crusinpsychRN

23 hours ago, mishka422 said: Typically in travel language BAR stands for Best Available Rate. Sent from my SM-G965U using Forums mobile app  

Makes the most sense.  Thanks.

I'm still trying to figure out the 99.36 deposit my TA says he made, but I just let it go. I did get 100.00 extra to spend and early saver protection. I just checked my bank account and yes he made a 99.36 deposit. .. not going to question it, just be glad it's done, but wierd.

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Bars & Drinks

Reasons to raise your glass.

Regain the freedom of getting what you want — with essential drinks always included, alcoholic bevs at exceptional value, and all tips on us.

We got you covered

Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices & your favorite sodas. Grab a cuppa tea pre-snooze, or sip on drip coffee if you need a boost.

Shakin’ it up

Live unique drink experiences tailored by some of the industry’s top mixologists and bartending phenomenons, with an exceptional beverage program specially designed for each of our restaurants and bars.

Feeling tip-sy

Have a bit of a tipsy time with complete peace of mind. We've taken care of (taking care of) your servers, so whenever you’re sailing with us, the price you see is the price you pay — no tips necessary.

Drinks for every budget

Skip the unreasonable pricing. We’ve created personalized drink offerings to suit every budget and satisfy even your most indulgent cravings.

The enticing bars that’ll host all your toasts.

We’ve partnered with some of the industry's most esteemed mixologists and bartending whizzes to create an unrivaled beverage program built on what matters most: top-quality drinks crafted with the very best ingredients for a price that’s actually worth it.

Cocktail Bar

On the Rocks

Focused on aged spirits poured over ice, On the Rocks is the perfect place to make bold choices. Kick-starting the evening with live musical performances, dare to add a twist to your favorite cocktail, stir it up while trying a different flavor, or challenge our mixologists to shake things up and round out the night with a spirited masterpiece crafted on the spot, just for you.

Champagne Lounge

Whether you’re craving a posh early breakfast, an indulgent high tea in the afternoon, or an effervescent nightcap to enjoy while gazing at the moon, our curated champagne lounge was specially designed to satisfy all your bubbles, caviar, and other glamorous needs.

The Aquatic Club

Vacation is somewhat incomplete without a frozen drink by the pool. So stay hydrated as you soak up some vitamin D, and drink in the views with a cold mojito in hand. Or a vodka punch. Or a mocktail with an umbrella in it. Whatever your libation style, we've got a full bar right by the pool so that you’re never too far from the hottest parties.

Mezze Lounge & Bar

Blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor lounging, The Dock is the ultimate space for unwinding. Offering an alfresco-chic lounge-side service, its menu is focused on light and refreshing drinks and enticing bites to share. Drink in the Mediterranean flair with craft cocktails made with orange blossom, rose water, or pomegranate — they pair perfectly with the sweeping ocean views, fiery sunsets, and starry nights you’ll see from one of The Dock’s daybeds.

The Dock House

An effortlessly elegant yet casual counterpart to the view-focused scene outside, the Dock House is *the* place to go for some healthy indulgence or a sparkly delight. With a fine selection of spritzers, detox mocktails, and Mediterranean-inspired drinks, it offers bright flavors that are anything but laid-back and live acoustic sounds that add up to the cozy atmosphere. The star of the show is our premium rosé program, specially curated to quench your thirst while rounding out each taste.

So many options…

And there’s (a lot) more.

Every single one of our bars has been specially designed to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you're exploring indoors or hanging outside, you’re always one step closer to finding another fabulous spot — and your next new-favorite drink.

Gym & Tonic

An open deck oasis bringing together everything Vitamin Sea stands for, Gym & Tonic offers fresh and cold-pressed juices, made-to-order shakes, and stirring Reset Cocktails that are healthy in spirit (like, by putting the spirit in healthy). Whether after working up a sweat or while relaxing at the Well-being Pool, there’s no better way to thank yourself for taking care of your mind, body, and soul with a toast. So embrace our detox-retox philosophy and cheers!

Athletic Club Bar

Whether you’re looking for the right spot to refuel after a workout sesh or to bask in sweeping ocean views with an ice-cold beer in hand, the Athletic Club Bar offers everything from restoring ginger shots to cold-pressed juices and low-ABV cocktails that will make you fall in love. A sporty bar right in the heart of the (social) action, it’s just steps away from the active training zone, boxing ring, basketball court, and oversized deck games, so every sip comes with a side of lively ambiance.

Draught Haus

Casual yet discerning beer-connoisseur-approved, our stylish Draught Haus features a variety of beers on tap, a wide range of artisanal bottles, boiler makers, and shot cocktails. Sip on artisanal brews while drinking in endless ocean views from a cozy window seat, stop for one of our “All Day Breakfast” shots before heading out, or just grab a growler and bring your expertly curated craft beer with you.

Located on our sun deck right above the pool (because any pool area worth its sea salt should have more than one bar), the Sun Club is the go-to spot to grab a frozen drink, sip on a tropical cocktail, and post up for optimal sun-soaking during the day, and people-watching during our iconic nighttime pool parties.

The Social Club Diner & Bar

The Social Club is an ode to carnival classics both in fare and in spirit. From fairground staples like pretzels and hotdogs to modern takes on milkshakes and floats (which can be spiked with a lil booze for an adult-friendly upgrade), our signature drinks and treats are just as photogenic as they are stacked high with cookies, frosting, and candy. But we don’t call it “social” for nothing — this diner is perfect for playing a game of shuffleboard, board and card games, and more.

The Loose Cannon

Inspired by seaside bars in Brighton, UK, The Loose Cannon is a nautically-themed dive bar boasting lively music and animated processions with equally spirited bar keeps ready to ignite a heart chant at a moment’s notice. With uncharted trivia nights, a real cannon to kick off the festivities, and a signature drink menu featuring hits like El Capitano’s Gun Powder and the mischievous Shoctopus, The Loose Cannon is one of those places to go for the drinks and stay for the fun.

The Red Bar

Tucked in the back of Razzle Dazzle, the Red Bar offers as much flair as its parent eatery. With a signature drink menu featuring bottomless drag-inspired bevvies like the glittery champagne-based “YAAASSS Queen,” some of the most Instagram-worthy blends ever seen (you can’t miss the popcorn old-fashioned), and beloved concoctions with a new spin, The Red Bar’s cocktail program is definitely one to raise your spirits.

The Grounds Club

It’s early. You’re still a bit blurry, and coffee is the only thing you can focus on right now. Luckily, the Barista on board is pouring a Double Shot Almond Milk Latte in the most satisfying way you’ve ever seen, and this is exactly what you can’t start your day without. And when the fresh flavors of Intelligentsia’s direct-trade coffee explode in your mouth, you’ll know that The Grounds Club is just like your favorite coffee shop at home… but with the very best brews and unrivaled ocean views.

A bar lineup like no other

While our Crew keeps the energy, cocktails, and good times flowing — we’ll hand the mic over to our Sailors. They’ll tell you everything (and more!)

Luxurious cruise

The best service I ever experienced, all bars have every type of drinks, they never said: “we don’t have".

Highly recommend Virgin Voyages!

Wanted to enjoy an adult-only cruise and this one met all of my expectations. plenty of spaces to have drinks and mingle.

The best cruise experience ever

They made every detail from luxury served food and extremely good service to amazing drinks and cocktails.. music DJs, and blues night.

It was beyond my expectations

Shows, bars, musicians, more bars, entertainers, bands, and more bars. It was great. Can’t wait to come back!

Cheers to fair pricing

We heard you, Sailor. No restrictive drink packages with unreasonable rules here — just good value for all.

Heineken, Amstel Light, Kalik, Corona $7-9 (Tip included)

Basic Cocktail

Absolut, Buffalo Trace, Bacardi Superior, Beefeater $11 (Tip included)

Wine by the Glass

40% of our wines by the glass are under $11 (Tip included)

BIGGER. BAR TAB. BONUSES.

It pays to pre-pay

Pre-purchase your Bar Tab and score bonus onboard credit to boost your drink experience.

Know you’ll be hitting the bar onboard? We’re adding an extra shot of opportunity to the exceptional quality and fair value you’ll always find on our lady ship by topping off every Bar Tab you pre-purchase with onboard credit for drinks to share (including non-alcoholic options like coffee, pressed juices, and smoothies). Right now, we’re offering Bar Tab bonuses on purchases from $200 to $1000, so we’ve definitely mixed up the right deal for you. Cheers!

What’s a Bar Tab, and how does it work?

Bar Tabs are pre-purchased onboard credit set aside specifically to be spent on drinks — from alcohol bevs to fresh-pressed juices and elaborate coffee drinks. Available for purchase up until 48 hours before sailing , our Bar Tabs can be used both on the ship and at The Beach Club at Bimini. They are not available for purchase on the ship and are non-refundable once your voyage starts, so if you like fresh-pressed juices, barista-crafted specialty coffees, phenomenal mocktails, spirited drinks, and alcoholic bevvies, make sure to add a Bar Tab to your booking. Bottoms up!

What’s in it for me?

Pre-purchase a $100, $200, $300, $500, $750, or $1000 Bar Tab and score bonus onboard credit to boost your drink experience. Go ahead, and reward yourself for your fabulous preplanning skills with a few extra drinks.  Terms and Conditions apply.  

Is this a bar package?

No. We offer fair prices across the ship and have already included all essential drinks and tips in our voyage fares. This way, you don’t have to deal with trying to calculate how many drinks you need to have per day to see "value" in a package, unreasonable rules like requiring everyone in a cabin to purchase a drink package (and ending up subsidizing the drinking habits of fellow Sailors), or paying for brands you don’t even like.

Can I use it to buy drinks for other people?

Of course! Your Bar Tab covers any premium drink — whether it’s for you, your cabin mate, or someone you just befriended on board. Different than traditional packages, we don’t require every Sailor within a cabin to purchase a Bar Tab, so you can feel free to not get one or use yours however you like.

How can I start my bar tab?

Simply head over to the My Account section and you’ll be able to lock it in.

Fancy some bubbles?

We love finding reasons to celebrate. And from our partnership with Möet Chandon Impérial®, our curated champagne lounge, and one-of-a-kind champagne tables, you can see that we take our champagne pretty seriously.

SHAKE. POP. FIZZZZ

Save water. Drink champagne.

Shake for Champagne™ whenever you feel like raising a glass, and enjoy effortless sips of bubbly with our on-demand bottle service. Just open up the Virgin Voyages App and give your phone a shake to see a secret button appear. Tap it, and a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial® will be delivered to you, so you can drink in the moment with a great sparkly wine no matter where you are on board.

Uncharted culinary delight on the high seas

With everything from a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence-winning restaurant to fresh, ship-made pasta, full-on Korean bbq, and late-night breakfast already included, it’s pretty easy to indulge on board.

Realign those chakras

Take some glorious (and very well-deserved) me time at Redemption Spa, work on your fitness, find a new hobby, or switch off completely — the choice is yours.

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Book your canal cruise through the City Centre with unlimited drinks!

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Depart from Prins Hendrikkade 33A

Canal cruise Amsterdam City Centre - Unlimited Drinks

Unlimited Drinks Canal Cruise City Centre

When visiting Amsterdam, a canal cruise through the City Centre is an experience not to be missed. Board our newest cruise and discover Amsterdam the best way possible: from the water.

During the canal cruise, you will sail through the beautiful canals, past the famous windows and coffee shops, under the bridges where you will have a great view of the historic architecture of the neighbourhood, while enjoying an open bar with beer, wine & soft drinks on board.

• Book your canal cruise through with unlimited drinks from € 23,95  per person.

Discover the City Centre of Amsterdam

Set sail with Flagship Amsterdam to explore the heart of Amsterdam on a relaxing canal cruise with unlimited drinks. From the water, you’ll have great views of the many famous attractions, such as the Prinsengracht, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and the famous Golden Bent on the Herengracht. Enjoy our unique and fun canal cruise with unlimited drinks while you discover the beauty of Amsterdam.

• Prices starting from € 23,95 per person!

Canal cruise with open bar

Experience the ultimate Amsterdam adventure with our canal cruise featuring an open bar. Glide through the city’s waterways in comfort and style, accompanied by our attentive hosts ensuring you’re always sipping on a refreshing drink. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or seeking to immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s lively ambiance, our cozy boats provide the perfect setting.

• Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience—book your tickets now for endless drinks and relaxation on Amsterdam’s iconic canals.

Free cancellations

Plans changed? No problem! Cancel up to 24 hours before your cruise starts and you will get your money back.

Personal cruise

Enjoy a personal canal cruise through Amsterdam with an enthusiastic, genuine local skipper.

Service oriented

We are available 24/7 to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us via phone, email and/or WhatsApp.

Tripadvisor reviews

What others say about Flagship Amsterdam

Amazing experience

"We rented a big boat for Gaypride and we had such a great experience! The boat was perfect, in a great spot, and... working with Eduke was great. He was SO nice and patient with us, and reliable. "

Very nice cruise

"This is the cruise you should take! Why choose one of those standard tour boats when you could choose this one!! Super relaxed. It was so much fun! I highly recommend this."

Beautiful cruise, beautiful boat, excellent service!

"A day out with family in Amsterdam - a beautiful city when you walk around but you only see the real beauty of it from the water! Giel and Carrie were super and created a good, relaxed atmosphere on board with nice stories about Amsterdam. Thank you for an unforgettable hour on the Amsterdam canals!"

Don't wait any longer

Book your Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks now!

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Onboard the very British cruise ship as it sails to a luxury chocolate and cigar island

Mirror reporter Marjorie Yue travelled around the Caribbean on board P&O Cruises newest ship Arvia, enjoying culinary delights and serene destinations, including La Romana in the Dominican Republic

• 17:00, 25 Aug 2024

It was the fourth day of a week-long cruise around the Caribbean on board Arvia, and I was on a roll.

Docking at La Romana in the Dominican Republic, we had wasted no time in disembarking for a shore excursion to the ChoCafe Plantation and cigar factory where I tried rolling my first cigar.

While the end product may not have been to smoking hot standard, despite enthusiastic guidance from Davy, one of the factory’s skilled craftsmen, I came away with a fun souvenir and an appreciation of the fine art of cigar-making.

Thanks to its rich soil and sultry climate — ideal for growing tobacco — the Dominican Republic is arguably the world’s largest cigar producer. But the island nation has another string to its bow as producers of award-winning chocolate, thanks to a climate ideal for also growing cocoa beans.

This was the real reason I had signed up for this tour, which promised tastings after a fascinating walk through the lush plantation, learning all about the process of producing world-class chocolate, as well as the cacao bean’s impressive medicinal properties.

Did you know that cocoa tea helps lower blood pressure, and that cocoa juice is rich in antioxidants, while cocoa butter is a great skin moisturiser? After picking up goodies from the gift shop we were ready to return to Arvia, our floating home.

We had joined the spectacular 5,200-passenger ship, the latest addition to the P&O fleet, in Barbados, starting our island-hopping adventure with an overnight stay on the glitzy Caribbean isle.

Keen to get our sea legs into gear we booked a morning cruise on a catamaran, sailing along Barbados’ famous Platinum west coast. Dropping anchor in Carlisle Bay, the crystal-clear calm waters were perfect for a cooling dip, and for snorkelling over shipwrecks, home to myriad colourful marine life.

But swimming with sea turtles had to be the highlight. While the big gentle creatures feasted on the food scattered by the crew, we climbed back on board as the rum punch flowed freely.

In a very chilled mood we headed back to base — a spacious innovative Conservatory Mini-suite, one of 32 available on Arvia. The ingenious design features an airy ‘conservatory’ lounge area set between cabin and balcony.

And being a very British cruise line, P&O have thoughtfully equipped each of the contemporary styled cabins with tea and coffee making facilities for that essential morning cuppa, along with British three-pin sockets, while the bathroom comes with luxe White Company toiletries.

Adding to the home-from-home feel, traditional pub Brodie’s serves a range of bottled British beers as well as a range of wines and spirits. Not surprisingly, the floating local is a popular watering hole. Should rum be your favourite tipple, the good news is that Arvia boasts the first rum distillery at sea, which produces Golden Tide, a spiced rum specially blended for Arvia’s Caribbean sailings.

Next to the still, cosy Anderson’s Bar offers a menu of craft rums, or head to the Amber Lounge in the elegant Grand Atrium for a crafted rum cocktail.

With more than 30 restaurants and bars on board, practically every taste is catered for. P&O Cruises regulars will be reassured to find firm favourites such as Sindhu, serving Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist, and The Glass House’s winning combination of celebrity chef Jose Pizarro’s tasty tapas menu paired with wines handpicked by BBC’s Saturday Kitchen presenter Olly Smith.

For foodies, the elegant Epicurean delivers exquisite treats with a theatrical flourish — well worth the cover charge of £30 per person. There are two new eateries, both exclusive to Arvia. Green & Co featuring sushi bar Mizuhana, is a speciality restaurant (meaning there’s an extra charge) and in a nod to the trend towards meat-free dining serves up a menu of creative plant-based and fish dishes.

Brand new 6th Street Diner, is a big hit with families. In a 1950s diner-style setting, with red leather banquettes, bar stools and juke box, expect all-American classics such as hotdogs, fried chicken and waffles, and red velvet whoopie pies. Three sea days, evenly spaced on the itinerary, meant we could explore at leisure, getting our bearings on the magnificent 184,700-tonne ship. But where to start? We turned to the ship’s newsletter, delivered daily to our cabin, listing a huge choice of activities on offer, a packed entertainment programme, plus information such as the dress code for the night.

From line dancing and vocal workshops, to pub quizzes and bingo, live music in the Amber Lounge and DJ sessions in the Club House, there’s no danger of boredom on this cruise. Take in a movie at cinema complex Ocean Studios, or al fresco on the big SeaScreen in the SkyDome which has P&O’s first retractable glass roof.

Mission Control, the first escape room experience at sea, aims to keep the whole family occupied as they work together solving puzzles and problems in the 3D surroundings of ‘submarine’ Arvia II. Thrill seekers can get an adrenaline fix on Skywalk, P&O’s first high-ropes experience, in the Altitude activity zone on top deck 19. You’ll need a head for heights to tackle the series of rope walks 177 ft above the ocean.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, the Retreat is an adults-only sanctuary with a pool and loungers, with light bites and drinks on tap. Or unwind in one of Oasis Spa’s 18 treatment rooms. When it comes to evening entertainment you’re also spoilt for choice. Standout shows for us included the Bruno Mars Tribute by Jeff Dingle, of American Idol fame.

Glaswegian drag queen Mary Mac reigned in the Limelight Club putting on an uproariously funny cabaret act while we enjoyed a three-course meal. Seriously good value at £25 per person, and early booking is a must. High-energy musical Festival was uplifting. It was like going to a West End show, but without the hassle of having to find a taxi, knowing ‘home’ was a just a stroll away.

Despite there being so much to see and do on board we joined a shore excursion at every destination on our itinerary. The second port of call was Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, where we had booked a Taste of the BVI experience with the chance to prepare a local dish.

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But first our driver and guide Keith — proud father of Olympic long-jump finalist, Chantel Malone – brought us to Old Government House for a slice of Tortola’s history. The former Governors’ residence, now a museum, is filled with memorabilia. Among the pictures lining the walls is one of the late Queen who visited the house twice with Prince Philip, while her sister Princess Margaret actually stayed at the residence.

It was time to show off our culinary skills, preparing favourite local dish conch ceviche. Thankfully the recipe wasn’t too challenging as we mixed conch meat with tomato, cucumber and peppers, with lime and orange juice, and seasoning to taste. It was refreshingly delicious.

Spurred on by the sweet taste of success, we booked an Island Flavours and Beach shore adventure at our last port of call, the half-French, half-Dutch island of St Maarten. Arvia docked at the Dutch capital, Philipsburg and later we headed north to the French side, St Martin.

Fancy earning money when you book a holiday? Thanks to Quidco, you can. After signing up for free, Quidco gives you a chunk of money back every time you spend. If your first purchase is within 30 days of signing up and is £5 or more, you'll receive cashback on that purchase and a £15 bonus.

One of its best beaches, Friar’s Bay, was a stunning backdrop as we watched a chef rustle up a typical French Caribbean dish of accras — salt cod fish fritters — with Haitian coleslaw, followed by bananas flambé with rum. Scrumptious! Sitting on pristine white sands, lapped by dazzling turquoise water, we soaked up the sun in this tropical paradise, with the realisation our cruise was fast coming to an end.

And so to Antigua, our final port of call. For our last meal on board we chose top notch fish and chips from fast food court The Quays. As we disembarked I took one last look back at Arvia. Shimmering in the heat, she certainly lived up to her nickname, Sunshine Ship.

Book the holiday

• P&O offers a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Arvia from £1,309pp, sailing from Antigua to Barbados on November 16 and calling at Antigua, Grenada and St Lucia. Includes flights from selected UK airports. pocruises.com
• More info at visitantiguabarbuda.com puregrenada.com stlucia.org visitbarbados.org

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Inside the shocking Sicily yacht tragedy that left 7 people dead

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead, by natalie finn | e news • published august 24, 2024 • updated on august 24, 2024 at 10:34 am.

Originally appeared on E! Online

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

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"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

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Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

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"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch—"Britain's Bill Gates," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told La Repubblica, per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.)

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain, the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer—who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer, as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo, a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo, a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo. None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas.

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

(E!, NBC News and Sky News are all members of the Comcast family.)

Russian River Cruises 2024

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• Moscow — St. Petersburg
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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

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Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

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It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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