Say goodbye to the quintessential sugary, umbrella drinks served in a plastic cup. Cruise lines are raising the bar when it comes to drinking spots. From piano bars to trendy lounges, the best bars serve up unique craft cocktails, boast a fine wine selection and feature innovative design. We’ve scoured luxury cruises to Australia in search of the best bars at sea, and these deserve a toast.
For Champagne Lovers: Magnum’s Champagne & Wine Bar, Norwegian Jewel
If you love a good champs, this is your spot. From a bubbling illuminated bar and glass display of bubbling wine glasses to a great selection of sparkling, Magnum’s swanky art deco vibe is anything but pretentious. A great spot to gather with friends in a laid-back atmosphere, you will love the old-world style to accompany your Veuve.
For the Romantic: The Observation Bar, Seabourn Encore
Offering the highest indoor viewing vantage on the ship, the 11th-floor Observation Bar features floor to ceiling glass windows for panoramic views. Thanks to the focal point – a semicircular skylight – having wine under the stars set to the piano sounds is completely possible.
For the Martini Lover: The Martini Bar & Crush, Celebrity Cruise Eclipse
These high energy bartenders don’t only pour perfect classic and contemporary martinis, they make a show of serving up your drink. A selection of rare vodkas and caviar on an ice-topped bar and upbeat tunes only makes this bar that much cooler.
For the Techie: Bionic Bar, Royal Caribbean, Ovation of the Sea
Raise a glass to your resident robotic bartender. The futuristic bar lets guests use tablets to order from the menu, or create their own cocktail with on hand ingredients. The décor, as you may have guessed, is quite contemporary.
For the Mixed Crowd: Mix, Holland America Massdam
Having trouble deciding on a champagne, martinis or beer? No problem. Mix features three unique areas: a champagne bar for those looking for bubbles; martinis for the cocktail lovers, and spirits and ales for sports lovers in search of the latest game or microbrew.
For the Cigar Lover: Connoisseurs Club (Smoking Lounge) Crystal Cruises Serenity
As one might imagine, Connoisseurs Club boasts an elegant décor of high back chairs, mahogany furniture, and rich colors. The refined cigar bar offers high-end selections such as Monte Cristo and Davidoff as well as a distinguished collection of spirits.
