The perfect martini -- at sea
There’s never been any shortage of water holes on cruise ships. In fact, most have a dozen or more bars and lounges. But the latest generation of vessels has raised the bar with innovative new spaces, including an authentic, Scandinavian-style ice bar.
Here’s our list of the Top 10 Bars on Cruise Ships:
1) Svedka Ice Bar on Norwegian Epic
With walls, tables, stools, and a bar made of ice, the Svedka Ice Bar on the new Norwegian Epic is the only one of its kind at sea — and one of only 14 in the world. Made from 1,500+ gallons of water and kept at a brisk 17 degrees, the bar seats 25 guests, who bundle up in loaner fur-lined coats for 45-minute visits. LED lights mimic the shifting colors of the Aurora Borealis, and the $20 admission charge include two specialty cocktails made with vodka.
2) Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar on Queen Mary 2
Guests in this elegant, 64-seat space can enjoy seven different Veuve Cliquot Ponsard Champagnes — including Brut Carte Jaune and La Grande Dame — by the bottle or Waterford crystal flute. The Art Deco-style bar is conveniently located for pre- or post-theater quaffs and small plates, including fois gras and caviar.
3) Cellar Masters Wine Bar on Celebrity Solstice
Solstice is one of the best ships for wine lovers, and Cellar Masters is a big part of the appeal. Modeled after a Napa Valley tasting room, the wine bar features an enomatic wine-serving system that lets guests dispense a glass or taste of wine at the touch of a button. A sommelier is usually on hand to help passengers make their selections. You can enjoy your wine by the bottle or glass and there’s a terrific selection of tasting flights in a variety of prices. If you don’t finish your bottle, they’ll save it for another visit.
4) The Martini Bar and Crush on Celebrity Solstice
Travelers who prefer something stiffer than wine will also enjoy Celebrity Solstice. With more than 100 kinds of vodka, a bar with a frozen surface, and a mind-boggling selection of cocktails, the Martini Bar is a great place for hand-crafted drinks. Martinis here are made with four parts of premium spirits and served in individual shakers. And you can sample Polish, Russian, or French vodka flights. At Crush, guests can indulge in caviar tastings at an ice-filled table.
5) Glass House Wine Bar on P&O’s Azura
With 32 wines hand-picked by British wine connoisseur Olly Smith, the Glass House also has an enomatic wine system that preserves each wine and serves it at the perfect temperature. Seven different wine flights are available, and if you’re hungry, food designed to pair with the wines is available in the adjoining restaurant. Azura caters to a largely British clientele.
6) Il Grappolo d’Oro on MSC Poesia
Wine lovers can taste Italian wines from many different regions at Il Grappolo d’Oro. The sommelier can help point you in the right direction, and you can enjoy your wine with Italian meats and cheeses. This 120-seat enoteca is one of the most attractive at sea. And the Italian slow food that served on board is a great compliment.
7) Posh Beach Club on Norwegian Epic
With private elevator access, VIP table service, gaming tables, private cabanas, and beds under the stars, POSH Beach Club is one of the most appealing nightclubs on NCL. A secluded spot for sunning during the day, at night POSH is an open-air venue designed to remind patrons of South Beach. It’s open to passengers in villas and those who purchase a one-day or week-long pass.
POSH Beach Club on Norwegian Epic
8) Maltings on Norwegian Gem
Beer and whiskey drinkers aren’t catered to as much as wine and martini lovers. But with more than 60 kinds of whiskey, single-malt scotch, and bourbon and more than three dozen beers, Maltings offers the best selection at sea. Artisanal beers from the U.S. and British brewers like Samuel Smiths are poured to grateful fans. Irish whiskey tastings and beer tastings are available. And there’s a small stage where sometimes acoustic musician perform.
9) Red Frog Pub on Carnival Magic
Which Carnival Magic debuts in 2011, the Key West-style Red Frog Pub will give passengers a taste of the Caribbean on board. The 100-seat indoor/outdoor watering hole will feature a private-label draught beer, a full line of Caribbean rums and beers, and Caribbean food and music. Order a tasting flight of beer or rum and some conch fritters or Jamaican chicken wings.
10) AIDABlu
Germany’s largest cruise line, AIDA Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation. It attracts young, German-speaking travelers looking for an affordable, casual vacation. AIDAblu, which launched in 2010, is the first cruise ship with an actual brewery on board. Located on deck ten, the brewery has copper fermentation and lagering kettles with a capacity of 100 U.S. barrels. The German brew master, Andreas Hegny, desalinates sea water and uses it to produce several fresh, draught beers.
The perfect martini — at sea Image Flickr: wickenden
POSH Beach Club on Norwegian Epic Image Flickr: Cruise News Weekly