6 Best Ice Cream Shops at Sea
When you're on a cruise visiting warm climates, you can’t help but crave a favorite cold, creamy, sweet treat: ice cream. When the hankering hits you, we suggest walking right past that soft-serve machine and heading to one of these venues instead — a variety of homemade flavors, a plethora of toppings, and even handmade cones could be awaiting your arrival:
1. Venchi Gelateria
Photo by Cruiseline.com
About: Swoon-worthy Italian chocolate company Venchi is a gelato shop where you’ll find classic and seasonal choices — all made with 100-percent natural ingredients — rotating in daily flavors, including coconut, stracciatella (similar to chocolate chip), lemon, and of course, amazingly rich chocolate.
Cost: Varies.
Bonus: All gelato is made in an onboard kitchen specifically designed for Venchi, so staffers can create new flavors for passengers to try each day of their sailing.
2. Swirls Ice Cream
Photo by Carnival Cruise Line
About: Swirls is the ice cream shop available on all Carnival Cruise Line Ships. Located on the Lido deck and open until midnight, Swirls is the spot to cool down with a tasty treat throughout the day. Choose from chocolate, vanilla or strawberry, or mix all to create your own delicious creation!
Cost: Complimentary
3. Sugar Beach
Photo by Royal Caribbean
Sugar Beach is an ice cream and candy store found on a number of Royal Caribbean ships. Serves traditional cream cones and a number of fun confectionary treats. One of our favorites is the Cookie Crunch Split, made with Cookies & Cream ice cream, a waffle cone, Oreo crumbles, whipped cream, butterscotch, and a marble chocolate stick. Another highlight is the Sea You Later sundae, with Sea Salt Caramel ice cream, shaved coconut, white chocolate drops, and whipped cream.
Cost: Extra Cost
4. Gelato
Photo by Princess Cruises
Princess has the largest gelato menus at sea. Each selection is made onboard by a pastry chef. Each shop serves eight varieties — including butter pecan, dulce de leche, and Nutella — homemade waffle cones, five decadent sauces, and interesting toppings such as peanut butter, meringue, and marshmallow.
Cost: Any three scoops for $2.75.
Bonus: Gelato serves more than its name implies: You can also get boozy sundaes with Frangelico or Irish cream, as well as fruit-filled crepes.
5. Café al Bacio & Gelateria
Photo by Celebrity Cruises
Café al Bacio & Gelateria serves up authentic, artisan gelato prepared with natural ingredients. Enjoy a tasty scoop served on a freshly-made waffle cone. Available on 13 Celebrity Cruises ships. Want to try a unique menu item? Check out the Cookie Gelato Sandwich. Choose from a selection of six cookie and gelato flavor combinations for the perfect sweet treat.
Cost: Extra Cost
6. Lick Me Till ... Ice Cream
Photo by Virgin Voyages
This whimsical ice cream shop on all Virgin ships offers homemade scoops throughout the day featuring six artisanal flavors. Lick Me Till Ice Cream is open daily from 11:30 am to 10 pm.
Cost: Complimentary
Bonus: To further satisfy your sweet tooth, visit The Sweet Side of The Galley for more desserts.
Read Related
Six Best Sushi Spots on Cruise Ships
Best Cruise Ship Family-Friendly Restaurants
Join the discussion
What’s your favorite ice cream at sea?
4 Comments
Posted by ChefJohnnyP95
We were on both the Royal Princess and the Regal Princess last year. We love the "Gelato Bar", but I agree with Mary34655, it's not Gelato. But it is fantastic ice cream
Posted by Mary34655
I was so excited to hear that the Royal Princess had gelato & I was so disappointed when I tasted it. It was very good ice cream but it was not gelato.
Posted by glomarrone
I love the creamy ice cream on HAL. Best of all it is complimentary and available right in the Buffet Restaurant. There are several choices and they change daily. There is even a sugar free option and a sherbet. Get a waffle cone or a cake cone or just in a cup. Pick your toppings and it is served with a smile.
Posted by bbbowen
Alaskan cruise was fabulous-my first cruise. Service was fantastic!But only one sugar free desert.disappointed with that.