Forget about the typical piano bars and boring buffets. These extraordinary cruise ship bars offer unique themes and creative cocktails — and even mocktails — to match.
The atmosphere inside these cruise ship bars is so captivating that it may even entice travelers who have previously shunned cruising. Here are some top picks for indulging at sea in 2024.
- Spellbound by Magic Castle
Photo courtesy of Princess CruisesSpellbound by Magic Castle brings a cruise line twist to The Magic Castle, a renowned and exclusive club for magicians and magic aficionados in Los Angeles. This Princess Cruises version features enchanting magic-themed rooms and theatrical cocktails. For instance, the butterfly pea tequila in "The Magician" changes from blue to purple as it’s poured into the glass. "The Conjuror" combines traditional ingredients like bourbon and maraschino with squid ink for a spooky touch.
Unlike the Hollywood iteration, where membership in the Academy of Magical Arts or an invitation from a member is required for entry, anyone can enjoy this version of The Magic Castle (with a reservation, payment of an additional fee for access, and a minimum age of 13). Admission costs $149 on top of your cruise fare, but includes dinner and unlimited drinks, according to the Princess Cruises website.
- Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise LineWith themed mixed drinks like "Spire Sunset" and "Cloud City," Disney Cruise Line’s Hyperspace Lounge caters to "Star Wars" fans with a virtual journey through iconic locations in the "Star Wars" universe, such as Tatooine and Coruscant.
This immersive bar experience has been a hit, often drawing a line to get in due to its intimate capacity of about four dozen guests at a time. During peak hours, patrons are asked to limit their visit to 45 minutes.
While entry to the bar is included in the price of a Disney cruise, drinks typically cost between $15 and $20 each.
- Skyy Vodka Ice Bar
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Cruise Line’s Skyy Vodka Ice Bar offers a refreshing break from the sunny cruise atmosphere by immersing guests in subzero temperatures. The bar, constructed entirely of ice including the seating and glasses, is maintained at a chilly 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
Guests need not worry about bundling up, as gloves and coats are available for use inside the bar. You can find the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar on select Norwegian Cruise Line ships like Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Epic.
- Alchemy Bar
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise LineThemed like a vintage pharmacy, Carnival Cruise Line’s Alchemy Bar offers a variety of alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks with intriguing names like "passion potions" and "energizing elixirs." In 2023, Carnival partnered with nonalcoholic spirit distiller Lyre’s to introduce the world’s first full range of alcohol-free cocktails.
Alchemy Bar taps into the trend of reduced alcohol consumption, reflecting the growing market for nonalcoholic beverages in the U.S. However, prices for nonalcoholic drinks at Alchemy Bar are only slightly lower than their alcoholic counterparts. Carnival cruise drink packages start at over $70 per day, whether you choose alcoholic or nonalcoholic cocktails.
Cruise line bars are just getting started
More themed cruise bars are on the horizon. Disney Treasure, the newest Disney ship scheduled to set sail in December 2024, will feature multiple adult-exclusive themed bars, including the world’s first Haunted Mansion-inspired bar and Skipper Society, inspired by the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney parks.
While some cruise lines offer consistent bars across their fleet, there is a growing trend of unique bar experiences like Spellbound by Magic Castle. The exclusivity and distinctive offerings of these bars may attract both repeat and first-time cruisers.
Bars are also a source of additional revenue for cruises. Most cruise lines do not include unlimited specialty drinks in the cruise fare, so be prepared to pay extra for your bar experience.
As of 2023, the average cost of a seven-night Caribbean cruise is $635 per person, excluding taxes, fees, and extras like specialty drinks. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your cruise adventure.
How to maximize your rewards
Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of cruise ship bars.