Cool cocktails: Here are the best cruise drinks from 8 popular lines
In the name of innovation, cruise lines are always trying to develop cocktails that will impress passengers. The best drinks on a cruise are the ones that taste great and knock your socks off with their presentation.
Over the course of a year, I drank my way across eight major cruise lines to find my favorites. Lest I sound like a complete lush, that simply means I ordered a couple of drinks here and there and took copious notes on the ones I liked best.
Here are some of the best cruise cocktails (according to me).
Note: Taste is subjective, and I have a palate that prefers sweeter drinks. My favorites might not be yours, so be sure to read the ingredients before ordering any cocktail. And always drink responsibly.
Frozen Toblerone, MSC Cruises
Where to find it: Several bars on all MSC Cruises ships
Cost: $10 or free for passengers with alcohol packages
TPG Take: Part of the standard bar menu across all of MSC's vessels, the Frozen Toblerone presents as part cocktail, part milkshake. If you like sweet, creamy, sugary drinks that double as desserts, this one's a winner. Bartenders line a glass with chocolate syrup before adding Baileys Irish Cream, macadamia nut and white chocolate syrups, as well as cream, whipped cream and a cherry. The bad news is that it's not diet-friendly; the good news is that it's included if you have an Easy Plus or Premium Extra alcohol package.
Coco Mojito, Norwegian Cruise Line
Where to find it: Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star
Cost: $11 or free with a basic beverage package
TPG take: If, like me, you enjoy a sweet tropical cocktail but prefer something less creamy and more refreshing than a pina colada, NCL’s Coco Mojito is a must. A combination of coconut rum, simple syrup, mint bitters and coconut water, it truly hits the spot, whether you’re headed to the pool or enjoying an evening libation before or after dinner.
A Pop of Attraction, Virgin Voyages
Where to find it: All Virgin Voyages ships in the Vibe Bar, found inside Razzle Dazzle restaurant
Cost: $14 or free with a bar tab
TPG take: A Pop of Attraction is my pick for Virgin Voyages’ funkiest cocktail, strictly because of its look. Resembling a box of popcorn, it consists of Teremana Blanco Tequila (Dwayne Johnson’s brand, which might have swayed my decision a little in this drink’s favor), ginger, grapefruit, lime and bitters. It’s topped with caramel popcorn to complete the Instagram-worthy aesthetic.
Tip: Be careful to place your straw in the glass that sits inside the popcorn container, or you risk losing it inside the bucket.
Toasted Marshmallow Old-Fashioned, Royal Caribbean
Where to find it: All Royal Caribbean ships that have the new Schooner Bar menu
Cost: $14 or free with a basic beverage package
TPG take: I’m not a fan of the traditional Old-Fashioned. So it's saying something that I’m choosing one as my favorite drink. That’s just how fantastic the toasted marshmallow Old-Fashioned is. Made from Buffalo Trace bourbon, toasted marshmallow syrup and cocoa bitters, it’s the right amount of sweet without giving you a sugar crash later on. Plus, for an extra touch, it’s garnished with four adorable mini marshmallows that are torched to perfection. Royal Caribbean found a winner with this drink.
Baked Alaska Martini, Princess Cruises
Where to find it: Bars on all Princess cruise ships upon request
Cost: $14 or free if you have a beverage package
TPG take: If you find yourself feeling underwhelmed by the drinks on Princess’ standard bar offerings, request something off-menu, like the Baked Alaska Martini, made for me on a recent sailing by a creative bartender who suggested it (along with a Milky Way Martini) when I told him I was looking for something sweet. The combination of Chambord (raspberry liqueur) and vanilla vodka evokes the famed cruise-ship dessert sans actual ice cream. Be warned, though: This isn’t a drink for lovers of dry, savory or smoky cocktails.
The Snapping Pop, Carnival Cruise Line
Where to find it: At the Dr. Inks, PhD, Bar on Carnival Jubilee
Cost: $14 or free with a drink package
TPG take: Want a cocktail that makes you feel like a kid again? Carnival’s new Snapping Pop is the way to go. The yellow-hued drink is a mix of several childhood candies: a base of Swedish Fish-infused vodka combined with triple sec, maraschino and green apple candy. The proverbial cherries on top are the Pop Rocks. A previous iteration of the drink had them stuck to the rim of the coupe glass in which the concoction was served. Now the tipple comes in a martini glass with the Pop Rocks sprinkled inside for a less sticky experience, but it does take away from some of the crackly fun.
The Rotterdam VII, Holland America Line
Where to find it: The Half Moon Bar on Holland America’s Rotterdam
Cost: $15 but free with a Holland America drink package
TPG take: At the Half Moon Bar, found only on Holland America’s Rotterdam, you’ll find a list of seven custom cocktails, including the Rotterdam VII. All of the drinks are tied to some aspect of the line’s 150-year history, but the Rotterdam VII is special for several reasons.
First, it shares the name of the line’s newest vessel, Rotterdam, which is the seventh ship in the fleet to have the moniker. What truly makes this drink shine, though, is that it excels in both presentation and taste. A mix of smoked gin and maraschino, it’s a smoky drink that will appeal to both lovers of smoke and those who prefer sweet beverages. You won’t want to miss the spectacle as the bartender prepares it, either.
Shaman, Celebrity Cruises
Where to find it: The Eden Bar on Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class ships
Cost: $20; free or deeply discounted with a Celebrity Cruises drink package
TPG take: This smoky-finished tipple is one of many intriguing beverages on the Eden Bar menu, either for their taste or over-the-top unusual presentation. (Think giant decanters, apple-shaped glasses and miniature treasure chests with cocktails inside.) Virtually none of them are sweet, but the Shaman impressed me anyway. It's made of rum, sherry, apricot liqueur, dry vermouth, lemon juice and rosemary and served in an earthy-looking glass.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.