6 Unique Cruise Ship Cocktail Bars

As cruise lines have created ships to be more inventive than ever, it's no surprise that many have reinvented the cocktail bar experience. So you can grab a delicious drink, but you can also enjoy a complete entertainment experience. 

We rounded up our picks for the top six most unique cruise ship cocktail bars. All of these spots receive high marks for tasty cocktails and bonus points for inventive themes. Bottoms up! 

1. MSC Starship Club - MSC Cruises  

At the MSC Starship Club, not only are the cocktails excellent, but the bartender is ‘out-of-this-world.’ The futuristic bar is home to Rob, the first-ever humanoid robotic bartender at sea. Enjoy the ambiance of 3-D holograms and space-inspired artwork as Rob mixes up some signature drinks and non-alcoholic beverages, just like a human bartender. Rob can dance, crack jokes (in 8 different languages), and mix up a mean drink.  

Can’t Miss Cocktail: Any of the cosmic-inspired beverages served in a themed glass make for a great souvenir! 

MSC Starship Club is Only Available on MSC Virtuosa

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2. Skyy Vodka Ice Bar - Norwegian Cruise Line

Hot outside on the pool deck? Head in and cool off at the Skyy Vodka Ice Bar. At this unique watering hole, you will dawn a fur coat and head into a 17° arctic chamber where the bars, walls, and seats are all made from ice. Of course, a selection of vodka cocktails is served chilled in ice glasses. 

Can’t Miss Cocktail: Northern Lights featuring Vodka, Cointreau, and Blue Curacao Liqueur

Check it out on Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Epic 

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3. Alchemy Bar - Carnival Cruise Line 

Sometimes, a cocktail is just what the doctor ordered at the end of a long day! Alchemy, a pharmacy-themed bar on several Carnival ships, serves inventive drinks by skilled ‘mix-masters’ aka bartenders. Beverage selections on the menu are divided by mood-enhancing titles like ‘Passion Potions,’ ‘Energizing Elixirs,’ and the ‘Medicine Cabinet.’  

Can’t Miss Cocktail: ‘Forty is the New Twenty’ from the ‘Fountain of Youth’ menu section. Rewind a few years with Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, Grey Goose vodka, cranberry juice, and citrus.

Check it out on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Dream, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Magic, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Pride, Carnival Radiance, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Valor, Carnival Vista, and Mardi Gras

Check Out Carnival Cruise Line Deals

4. Rising Tide Bar - Royal Caribbean

Rising Tide not only doubles as a bar but as an ‘elevator’ in the Royal Promenade of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships. The unique aspect of this bar is how it moves from floor to floor, suspended over a fountain. Sip a cocktail, wine, or beer as you travel from the main promenade up several decks. 

Can’t Miss Cocktail: Try a Peach Bellini - champagne and peach juice 

Check it out on Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas

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5. Martinis with a Show - Celebrity Cruises

The Martini Bar on many Celebrity Cruises’ ships is a good place to (pardon the pun) mix up some fun. Bartenders put on a show as they serve craft cocktails to guests on an iced-topped bar. Mingle with fellow passengers as you sample some of the finest libations at sea. 

Can’t Miss Cocktail: Fresca Martini, which combines vodka with fresh watermelon, lime juice, mint, and simple syrup 

Check it out on Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, and Celebrity Summit

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6. The Red Bar - Virgin Voyages

This small, red-lit lounge is tucked in the back of the Razzle Dazzle restaurant. At Red Bar, you will find many super unique cocktail offerings that are tasty and make for Instagram-worthy pics. Some of the favorite drinks include the Popcorn Old Fashioned, combining a traditional old-fashion, served inside a popcorn box complete with popcorn. Also, the Goldfish, mixing Johnny Walker with passion fruit, coconut cream, and coffee liquor, served in a fish-shaped glass. 

Can’t Miss Cocktail: Agave Colada, which mixes reposado tequila and mezcal with coconut, grapefruit, and pineapple juice

Check it out on Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady

See All Virgin Voyages Cruises

Read More: 

The 10 Best Cruise Ship Bars

Top 6 Cruise Ship Frozen Drinks 

9 Clever Ways to Drink for Free on Your Next Cruise