What is the best cruise ship cafe? I spill the tea on the best cups of joe at sea
No cruise is complete without a few drinks, but that doesn’t have to mean alcohol. For lots of travelers, early morning shore excursions would be nearly impossible without some coffee beforehand, and a midday snack is often a welcome treat between meals.
That’s where cruise ship cafes come in.
Most vessels offer at least one place where passengers can grab free pastries for breakfast and finger sandwiches later in the day, as well as coffee and tea for an added fee.
Below are my picks for the best cruise cafes for coffee.
Venchi Coffee Bar and Jean Philippe Cafe, MSC Cruises
Where to find it: MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore and MSC Seascape (Venchi); MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa (Jean Philippe).
Cost: From $3.50 for an espresso; flavored syrups, whipped cream and non-dairy milk alternatives (almond, soy or rice) cost extra. Spiked coffees are $14 each. Note that purchases from these venues are not included in any of MSC's beverage packages.
TPG take: Although every bar on MSC Cruises ships serves coffee that's fancy by American standards, the most notable — for both atmosphere and beverage quality — are the specialty coffee bars on the line's newest vessels.
The brand names might be different — Venchi on the line's Seaside Class and Jean Philippe on those in the Meraviglia and World Classes — but the offerings are similar. Menu options include macchiato, Americano, cappuccino and mocha for an extra fee. Add whipped cream, flavoring, ice or alcohol for a special treat, and grab a nearby table for some people-watching. My drink of choice: an iced mocha with almond milk and a tiny dollop of whipped cream.
Grounds Club, Virgin Voyages
Where to find it: All Virgin Voyages ships.
Cost: From $3 for an espresso or macchiato to $13 for an espresso martini. You can add a shot of alcohol to any drink for an additional $6. Cookies, pastries and other snacks are free.
TPG take: The Grounds Club coffee shop on Virgin Voyages’ vessels offers coffee beverages made with Intelligentsia brand coffees, including cruiser favorite Black Cat. Although the menu isn’t fancy — you won’t find whipped cream, for example — the drinks are tasty and include the basics: espressos, macchiatos, flat whites, cappuccinos, lattes and mochas. Grounds Club also offers hot chocolate, matcha lattes and other beverages.
The flavor of Intelligentsia coffee is rich, so you can't go wrong with a simple drink. Yet, the line has managed to include a couple of interesting concoctions, too. My favorite for a cold, refreshing shot of caffeine is the Black Cat Fizz — a combination of Black Cat espresso, tonic and orange served over ice.
I also give the Grounds Club high marks for its central location and high-top counter with plenty of outlets for passengers wishing to spend time on their electronic devices while savoring their joe.
Cafe Promenade, Royal Caribbean
Where to find it: Royal Caribbean’s Cafe Promenade has outposts on all Voyager, Freedom, Oasis and Quantum Class ships (except Spectrum of the Seas).
Cost: Food, drip coffee and basic tea are free at Cafe Promenade. Specialty coffee drinks cost extra (from about $3 to $6, depending on what you order) but are covered by the basic beverage package.
TPG take: Cafe Promenade is a fantastic place to grab tea, coffee and light bites (mini-sandwiches, pastries, cookies and more) throughout the day, and the best part is that a lot of it is free. The atmosphere is lively and loud, considering its location along the Royal Promenade. Lines can also be long in the morning, when many passengers drop by for their early doses of caffeine.
Tip: The baristas at Cafe Promenade can make you just about any coffee drink you could order from Starbucks. On ships with Starbucks locations, you’ll pay extra there, even with a basic beverage package, but drinks — including specialty ones — at Cafe Promenade are always included with the basic package.
International Cafe, Princess Cruises
Where to find it: Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Discovery Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchanted Princess, Grand Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess and Sky Princess.
Cost: Coffee beverages range from $2 for a 12-ounce regular or decaf brewed coffee to $4.50 for specialty iced beverages like a coconut frozen latte or Black Forest freeze. Add on anywhere from 50 cents to $1 extra for shots of espresso or flavored syrup, as well as non-dairy milks like almond, coconut and soy. Tea and hot chocolate are also available and range in price from $2.50 to $4.
An attached snack counter offers a rotating list of complimentary small bites — muffins, pastries, breakfast burritos, mini-sandwiches, fruit, cookies and more — throughout the day. Specialty coffee beverages are free with a Princess beverage package.
TPG take: The International Cafe’s central location in the atriums of Princess’ ships makes it an ideal spot to grab a caffeinated beverage or snack at any time. Hours vary, but the cafe generally opens early in the morning and closes well after dinner. Most of the drinks I had at the cafe were fantastic, but if you deviate from the specific offerings listed on the menu, what you get might not be exactly what you had in mind. (I ordered a coconut latte every day for four days, and it tasted vastly different each time.)
Grand Dutch Cafe, Holland America Line
Where to find it: Holland America’s Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam ships.
Cost: All food at the Grand Dutch Cafe is complimentary. Drinks will set you back anywhere from $2.25 for Dutch drip coffee or $2.50 for a shot of espresso to $3 for tea and $3.50 for a cafe latte. Beer ranges from about $7 to $8, and liquor runs from $6.50 to $8.50. Drinks are free with a Holland America drink package.
TPG take: The Grand Dutch Cafe, found only on Holland America’s newest ships, is one of the line’s biggest winners, featuring some of the best free food I’ve ever had at sea. You won’t want to miss the split pea soup, the grilled cheese sandwiches or the apple bacon pancakes with powdered sugar. It also sells Tazo tea and specialty coffee drinks, but what sets it apart from other at-sea cafes is its Dutch candies and alcohol like Jenever and Advocaat.
Cafe al Bacio, Celebrity Cruises
Where to find it: All Celebrity Cruises’ ships (excluding expedition vessels).
Cost: Prices range from $4 for a single shot of espresso and $5 for most gourmet teas and specialty coffee drinks to $12 for coffee cocktails. These drinks are free with most of Celebrity’s drink packages. Snacks at Cafe al Bacio are free.
TPG take: Cafe al Bacio is the staple cafe on Celebrity ships. It offers tea and coffee drinks, as well as light bites — doughnuts and pastries for breakfast, and finger sandwiches and cookies from lunchtime onward — that rotate throughout the day. Comfy chairs and sofas create a welcoming atmosphere, and the cafe’s central location makes it an ideal place to grab a hot beverage with a side of people-watching.
JavaBlue Cafe, Carnival Cruise Line
Where to find it: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Elation, Carnival Firenze, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Venezia, Carnival Vista, Mardi Gras.
Cost: Prices start at $2.75 for a small drip coffee. They increase for things like espresso ($3), specialty teas ($3), specialty coffee drinks ($3.50 to $4), cold brew ($4.25) and hot chocolate ($4.50). You can add flavored syrups for 50 cents each, or opt for a blended frappe for $6.75 or a spiked coffee for $8.75. All drinks are covered by one of Carnival’s alcohol packages.
JavaBlue offers free food throughout the day, including breakfast items like breakfast pastries, bowls and English muffin sandwiches, as well as all-day options like salads, sandwiches, wraps, empanadas and calzones. Bakery items come with a fee and include cookies ($2.50 each), doughnuts and cupcakes ($4 each), and cheesecake ($6).
TPG take: JavaBlue receives high marks from me because, even though Carnival charges for some food options when other lines’ cafes don’t, it offers more food and drink options than many others do. From frappes to sandwiches, the on-the-go options are perfect for an easy breakfast or a quick nibble when you’re feeling peckish between larger meals.
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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.
- $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.
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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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$325Recommended Credit
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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.