Tired of visiting the same generic pool and atrium bars on your cruises? Step up your cocktail game by exploring some of the most unique bars at sea.
From floating bars with panoramic views to futuristic bars with robotic bartenders, each cruise line offers a distinctive drinking experience. While there's nothing wrong with visiting the classic martini bar or your go-to poolside spot, venturing beyond the standard offerings can elevate your cruise.
Whether you're a Star Wars fan or seeking access to secretive speakeasy bars, here are the 6 best cruise line bars worth trying every time.
Eden Bar, Celebrity Cruises
Eden first launched on Celebrity Edge, making it an Edge Class exclusive. Though not found fleetwide, those sailing on Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, or Ascent should venture to the aft of the ship to enjoy a cocktail at the multi-level venue.
The craft cocktails at Eden Bar are truly whimsical and fit into the lush greenery found throughout the space. From botanically inspired drinks to creative libations with smoky flavors, each cocktail pairs with the nature-inspired theme, providing a more immersive experience than standard bars.
Several drinks cost more than the $17 maximum allotted by the Premium Drink Package, so you will have to pay the difference, as well as an 18% service charge.
For the ultimate Eden experience, reserve dinner at the restaurant on the lower level. You'll be able to enjoy cocktails made from the bar while enjoying some of the best food onboard, including truffle risotto and lobster casserole. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning ocean views.
At night, Eden also serves as a theater for original shows featuring talented vocalists, aerialists, and dancers. In short, there are plenty of reasons you could find yourself at Eden for a cocktail, whether a mid-day break from the sun, an evening performance, or a delicious specialty dinner.
Read more: Is a Celebrity drink package worth it? I tried it to see whether it was worth the money
Speakeasy Bar, MSC Cruises
MSC World Europa is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. As such, there's no shortage of dining, entertainment, and beverage options onboard. Perhaps the most unique bar on the 205,700 gross registered ton ship is the invite-only Speakeasy Bar.
Located at the end of a maze of crew-only hallways and stairwells, the Speakeasy Bar resembles those found during the Prohibition Era. Live jazz music, inventive cocktails, and era-specific decor help make this bar an immersive experience—but only for those lucky enough to land themselves an invitation.
There's no way to guarantee one, so you'll have to keep your eyes peeled during your cruise. Some have reported receiving an invite from other bartenders or having them left in their cabin.
Due to its exclusivity, none of the drinks are included in an MSC drink package. You can expect to pay around €16 per cocktail.
However, if you have the opportunity to go, I'd recommend it, even if you have to splurge on an extra drink. Cruise.Blog writer Jenna was invited on her World Europa cruise and said it was one of her favorite evenings onboard!
Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, Disney Cruise Line
Found exclusively on the Disney Wish, the Hyperspace Lounge is a high-end bar that transports you to a galaxy far, far away. Well, not really, but you certainly won't feel like you're sailing the high seas when grabbing a drink here!
The Star Wars-themed bar offers tasting experiences for adults, as well as signature beverages inspired by the franchise. While sipping on one of the galactic drinks, you'll be transported to the Republic, Empire, and First Order.
The lounge was inspired by Dryden Vos' ship in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Its sleek design features futuristic elements that help create an immersive, otherworldly experience, including a widescreen “window," surround-sound audio, and holographic models of nearby spaceships.
Read more: Disney Wish Stateroom Tour
If you're in the mood to spend big bucks, consider getting the "Kaiburr Crystal" drink for a whopping $5,000.
Served in a classic Camtono, the drink comes with four glasses, meaning it has more than one serving (it should at that price, right?!) and is made with Grand Marnier Quintessence, Camus Cognac 4.160, Yuzu, and Kumquat.
Spellbound by Magic Castle, Princess Cruises
Like Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, Spellbound by Magic Castle is found on just one ship in Princess' fleet: Sun Princess. This one-of-a-kind bar blends the world of magic with the art of mixology—for the steep price of $149 per guest.
However, the price includes more than just admission into a whimsical venue. You'll also get a special dinner, mesmerizing performances, and, of course, cocktails crafted specifically for Spellbound. "The Magician," for example, uses butterfly pea tequila that changes from blue to purple as it's poured into the glass.
Spellbound by Magic Castle is not a completely brand-new concept. It is based on the exclusive club for magicians and magic enthusiasts in Los Angeles, The Magic Castle.
Read more: 11 things I loved and hated about my first Princess cruise
Skyy Vodka Ice Bar, Norwegian Cruise Line
Select NCL ships feature the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar. Similar to Spellbound, you cannot walk into the bar for free and take in the atmosphere. Instead, you need to pay the $18 admission fee. Though an extra charge, the price is reasonable considering it includes two Skyy Vodka-based cocktails.
The cover charge also includes the use of a parka and gloves to keep you warm while you admire the ice sculptures inside the bar.
However, it's also best to come prepared with warmer clothing, like jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Moreover, to ensure you can get in at your desired time, you should make a reservation, rather than showing up and assuming there's availability.
The alcoholic menu consists of three cocktails: "Sweet Northern," "Ice Cold," and "Hazelnut Delight;" however, there's also a mocktail called "Day at the Beach" made with strawberry puree, pineapple juice, and lemon juice.
The bar can be found on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Epic.
Bionic Bar, Royal Caribbean International
At Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar, you can order drinks made and served by a robot bartender. First launched on Quantum of the Seas, the popular interactive experience can now be found on 9 ships in the fleet, including Anthem of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.
The dual robots can make 2 drinks every 60 seconds and up to 1,000 drinks daily. You can choose from one of the preprogrammed exclusives, like "Venus in Love" or "Bionic Blast," or create your own concoction. You can even browse drinks created by other passengers!
The Bionic Bar is included in Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package, so you can return throughout your sailing to work on perfecting your new signature drink!
Other themed cruise ship experiences to look forward to
Disney's next ship, Disney Treasure, is set to hit the high seas this December. Along with a brand-new dining venue themed after the movie Coco, there will also be a Haunted Mansion-inspired lounge.
You can expect craft cocktails, exclusive onboard merchandise, and themed décor that gives fans of the amusement ride a chance to immerse themselves in the eerie and spooky world like never before. The Haunted Mansion Parlor will have a nautical twist, resembling a first-class drawing room of a classic ocean liner.
Next, when Icon of the Seas launched earlier this year, there were so many new beverage experiences that an entire blog post could be written about it! Though many will also be featured on Star of the Seas, the second Icon Class ship will have new Chicago-inspired cocktails at Lincoln Park Supper Club.
The specialty restaurant is Royal Caribbean's most expensive; however, it promises guests an exceptional dining experience, complete with cocktails and live music paired with each course.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
